7 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In Arkansas

One of the best-kept secrets of the American South, the state of Arkansas is criminally underrated in just about every way imaginable. Its residents' slow-paced lifestyle and hospitality provide a relaxing atmosphere that just about any visitor can become accustomed to within minutes of arriving at their destination. 

Arkansas is by no means the most conventional place to take a load off but what you find there will surprise you. If you are in search of a quiet and easygoing vacation that is away from all the noise of the big cities then Arkansas is the place for you. 

El Dorado

El Dorado is a town stuck in time. The town owes its origins to an oil boom that it had in the early 1920s. While oil is no longer what it used to be in El Dorado, the 1920s architecture and flare are something that has certainly stuck around. 

Much of El Dorado's downtown cores looks as though it came out of the pages of a history textbook. The centerpiece of this town's unique identity is the Rialto Theatre. Here you can catch all manner of live music and plays. The stunning interior of this building is worth the price of admission alone. 

The theatre is located in the middle of the Murphy Arts District. Here you can find everything else El Dorado has to offer. Even if you are not interested in visiting the many art museums and cafes in this area, taking a nighttime stroll along this part of town is an unforgettable experience of its own. Most of the establishments around here are reasonably priced and offer a bargain if you are traveling in groups. 

Little Rock

Both the capital and largest city of Arkansas, Little Rock is the closest thing you will get to "the big city" in the entire state. However, with only around 200,000 residents it is not really fair to compare Little Rock to other large metro areas in the United States. 

Touring the stunning grounds of the state capitol building in the center of Little Rock is a great way to spend a summer afternoon and you can do so without spending any money at all. Like many other capitol buildings across the nation, both the interior and exterior of this building are beyond stunning. 

The Roman and Late European art style the building takes inspiration from is simply marvelous. The highly detailed engravement and jaw-dropping murals on the inside are something to truly marvel at. The restaurants in the downtown area are some of the best too. You will be able to find a high-quality meal for nearly half the price of some other similar-sized cities on the coasts. 

Jasper

Jasper is a small town in the Arkansas countryside that is nestled right along the picturesque Buffalo River. The backdrop of Jasper is often described as "postcard quality" and for good reason. 

The surrounding area is filled with lush forests and towering hills that surround the town. Taking out a boat along the river and exploring the nearby wilderness is a great way to escape into some of the most beautiful woodlands in the country. 

If you are lucky you might run into some of the local wildlife that tend to stick close to the Buffalo River. Elk are commonly seen along the river bank in large herds. The famous mating call of the elk is certainly one of the most haunting and unforgettable sounds in the world. 

Van Buren

Not far from the Oklahoma border is the sleepy town of Van Buren. This town is the perfect window into what small-town life is like in Arkansas. The historic downtown core that makes up most of the town will be sure to charm and captivate just about anyone who visits. 

While taking a stroll down the main strip of Van Buren you are bound to run into the historic King Opera House. No matter if you are a fan of opera or not, getting tickers here is cheap and will provide you with an experience that you will most likely not get in other small towns in the area. 

Despite being so small, Van Buren can claim to host one of the most robust and booming art scenes in the entire state. A trip here for a weekend with friends and family is sure to create some interesting memories. 

Fayetteville

Best known for being a college town, Fayetteville is much more than just a support system for the University of Arkansas. Fayetteville has perhaps one of the best food scenes in the state with dozens of new and exciting restaurants popping up each year. 

Most of these restaurants can be found in the historic downtown. Here you will be greeted with charming brick buildings and all the bells and whistles that you would expect to see. Fayetteville is an incredibly clean and friendly town. The people here take pride in where they live and are more than happy to show newcomers around or point out some of the best places to eat. 

After you have enjoyed a fantastic meal make sure to head out to the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks. This family-oriented attraction is inexpensive to attend and a calming and relaxing way to end a night out on the town. 

Hot Springs

The small city of Hot Springs is only a short drive away from the capital city of Little Rock. As you might have guessed from the name of the city, Hot Springs is famous for its abundance of naturally occurring warm water springs in the surrounding area. 

Some of the springs can be found in Hot Springs National Park. This park is one of the smallest in the United States and can be explored easily within an afternoon. If you are wanting to decompress and take a dip into the springs yourself you can do so in the historic Bathhouse Row. 

Getting into one of the 8 bathhouses in the park is easy and affordable. Not to mention that all of the buildings share that timeless early 20th-century architecture and aesthetic making them really stand out. 

Blanchard Springs

Nestled in between the mighty Ozark Mountains lies one of the best-kept secrets that Arkansas has to offer. Known as the Blanchard Springs Recreational Area, this part of northern Arkansas is home to some of the most spectacular natural attractions out there. 

The most well-known attraction here is certainly the Blanchard Springs Caverns. The caverns are an extensive cave network that snakes throughout the Ozark mountains and can be explored either on your own or with the help of a guide. 

The geological wonders here are simply stunning. You will be able to come face to face to towering mineral formations and hundreds of spires that protruded out of the top of the caves. Pictures do not do this place justice. It is a great family-friendly adventure and it cost almost nothing to go. 

Summary

If you are wanting to have a great summer vacation on a budget, Arkansas is the place for you. Sometimes it feels as though this entire state was made for inexpensive outings with your loved ones. 

The people here are some of the most friendly and helpful in the world and the charm and atmosphere found here will rival any other place in the nation. Arkansas is severely underrated when it comes to cheap vacations and it looks as though people are finally starting to realize it.