11 Amazing Arkansas Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
For anyone looking to explore and take on endless adventures to incredible destinations, Arkansas is the ideal state for day trips with friends and family. Starting from the Little Rock Zoo to the Hot Springs National Park and the Buffalo National River, Arkansas appeals to the adventurer in you while bringing you closer to a lot of scenic attractions that help create a long-lasting travel experience that cannot be forgotten in a hurry. You can easily access these day trip areas from the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport and Northwest Arkansas National Airport, given that they are both close to Little Rock and Fayetteville, respectively. Ease of movement coupled with stunning scenery are what makes these amazing day trips worth the drive.
Hot Springs National Park (50 minutes)
Just 50 minutes from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Hot Springs National Park is a combination of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Famous for its geothermal springs, which are the main attraction, the park is also home to the iconic Bathhouse Row. The Bathhouse Row is a collection of preserved bathhouses reflecting 19th-century architectural charm.
Visitors can indulge in therapeutic spring baths or explore scenic hiking trails such as the Hot Springs and North Mountain Trail and the Sunset Trail, which runs through remote areas of the park and the Ouachita Mountains. The park has an extensive biking system that you may use in the cool of the day. During hikes, you can take photos of the landscape, the birds that flock to the area, and panoramic views of the springs.
Petit Jean State Park (1 Hour 15 Minutes)
Petit Jean State Park, also known as Arkansas’s first state park, is a nature lover’s paradise just over an hour from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. It features the breathtaking Cedar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. The fall stands 95 feet high and is surrounded by lush forests and rugged rock formations.
Outdoor activities to indulge in include hiking along the park’s trail system, fishing, and picnicking in the park’s serene setting. The park is famous for its significance to the early Native American dwellers as it has one of the biggest bluff shelters in the state. The park has a few distinct features that make it a wonder to tourists, including the Grotto, Bear Cave, and its carpet rock formations. The swimming pool and sports facilities are also a nice touch that makes the park very entertaining to visit.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (25 Minutes)
Located in Bentonville, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a cultural gem just a short drive from the Northwest Arkansas National Airport. From the outer parts of the museum, adventurers are blown away by the architecture and forested landscape that surround the museum. Inside, visitors can admire a world-class collection of American art spanning from the colonial era to contemporary works.
The museum’s collections are cut across five centuries and feature the work of great artists, as well as temporary exhibits to complement the collection. The museum’s outdoor installations, museum store, and large library are additional points of interest.
Buffalo National River (90 Minutes)
Arkansas’s Buffalo National River is a natural wonder and a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Located approximately 90 minutes from Northwest Arkansas National Airport, this free-flowing river offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The surrounding bluffs and forests shelter diverse wildlife and give you access to breathtaking views of the area.
The hiking trails, such as the Overlook Trail and the Buffalo River Trail, also provide breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains. You can paddle across the length of the river and see different rock formations and historic homesteads that have stood the test of time. At night, you can join others to admire the view of the night sky.
Greers Ferry Lake (90 Minutes)
Set in the Ozark foothills, Greers Ferry Lake is a stunning, serene reservoir just 90 minutes from the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. With its crystal-clear waters and scenic cliffs, the lake is perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding. The efforts of the community and government to keep the area attractive and environmentally diverse make it very appealing to visit each year.
Apart from the activities you can do close to the lake, recreational areas such as the Narrows Park, Cherokee Recreation Area, and Campground are great places to spend the afternoons. The lake is also surrounded by well-maintained trails, providing opportunities for nature walks and wildlife spotting.
Blanchard Springs Caverns (2 Hours 20 Minutes)
A two-hour drive from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport leads to the mesmerizing Blanchard Springs Caverns. These limestone caves, located near Mountain View, are an awe-inspiring natural attraction. Guided tours take travelers through illuminated chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and sparkling underground springs. Above ground, the area has hiking trails, picnic spots, and opportunities to see Blanchard Springs itself, which is a crystal-clear spring that emerges from the caverns. This peculiar destination is filled with geological wonder and serene outdoor beauty, making it a great choice for families and tourists alike.
Arkansas Post National Memorial (1 Hour 45 Minutes)
As Arkansas’s first European settlement, the Arkansas Post National Memorial is rich in history and natural beauty. Located less than two hours southeast of Little Rock and the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, this peaceful site, which is located at a confluence, commemorates the region’s French colonial roots and its role in the Civil War. Walking trails weave through the area, leading to scenic overlooks of the Arkansas River and Bayou. Visitors can also learn about the site’s history at the center and see novel plants like the American Lotus that the area’s ecosystem supports. Adventurers can take guided tours around the area, and you will find that it is perfect for a leisurely and educational day trip.
Mount Magazine State Park (1hr 56 Minutes)
Home to Arkansas’s highest peak, Mount Magazine State Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream just under two hours from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. The park opens opportunities for a variety of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and hang gliding. Hikers can explore the Signal Trail Hill and Mossback Ridge Trail and get stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake. In addition to its adventurous activities, the park is a haven for wildlife photographers with frequent sightings of bears, deer, and migratory birds.
Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park (20 Minutes)
Just a quick 20-minute drive from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, tourists are greeted by the Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park, which offers a fascinating journey into Arkansas’s prehistoric past. Formerly known as Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, the park preserves the remains of a ceremonial site built by the Plum Bayou culture over 1,000 years ago. Trek the Plum Bayou Trail, which takes you across the lengths of the park while enjoying guided tours of the park's expanse and getting intricate information about the area’s significance. The visitor center also has exhibits and artifacts from the site.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park (20 Minutes)
Pinnacle Mountain State Park, located 20 minutes from the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, is the perfect spot for an outdoor escape close to the city. The park is lined with trails of varying difficulty, including a challenging hike to the summit of Pinnacle Mountain, which is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Arkansas River Valley. The river that runs through the park creates a picturesque backdrop for the trees that line the area. You can take pleasure in wildlife watching and getting in tune with nature. For a more relaxed visit, check out the picnic areas, paddleboat rentals, and the Arkansas Arboretum, which is close to the park. This park’s proximity to Little Rock makes it a convenient and rewarding destination.
Little Rock Zoo (12 minutes)
Located right in the heart of Little Rock, the Little Rock Zoo is a family-friendly attraction just 12 minutes from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. Home to over 500 animals representing species from around the world, the zoo showcases a variety of educational and interactive exhibits. Tourists can look at sections like the African Savannah, Big Cats habitat, and the Laura P. Nichols Penguin Point. Here, travelers and their families can relish wildlife watching, take cool pictures, and see the animals in their natural habitat. With lush grounds, a carousel, and a café, the zoo guarantees a fun and engaging experience for all ages.
From the natural wonders of Petit Jean State Park to the cultural richness of Crystal Bridges, Arkansas has an impressive variety of day trip destinations accessible from its international airports. These spots showcase the state’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history, and welcoming charm. They are must-visit places for every visitor or local looking to explore the beauty and culture of Arkansas in just a day’s drive. There is so much to discover and see when you go on a drive in this state.
