10 Most Loved Tourist Attractions In Arkansas
Arkansas is rich in natural resources and scenic beauty, hence its nickname as the Natural State. When visiting Arkansas, you can see hundreds of animals at a zoological park, hike for panoramic views of the Ozark Mountains, and enjoy bathhouses at Hot Springs National Park. The state is also renowned for its lengthy history, given its significant contribution to the Civil Rights Movement and the fact that Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, was born and raised there. Whether you are searching for enjoyable activities or natural, cultural, or historical experiences, here is our list of Arkansas's most loved tourist attractions.
Little Rock Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo in Little Rock is one of Arkansas's most loved tourist attractions. There is much to explore, including a heritage breed farm with everything from black-bellied sheep to miniature horses and donkeys. Watching reptiles, amphibians, and vibrant tropical birds peacefully roam around their lush habitats is also a sight to see. Little Rock Zoo also has a particular area for the endangered African penguin species. Visitors can not only view the penguins but also feed them. The zoo's complete offerings include a train, a historic carousel, a themed restaurant, and a gift shop.
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum in Little Rock features exhibits and displays highlighting the life of Arkansas native Bill Clinton. Stroll through the museum to look at Clinton's early life and career as the state's governor and attorney general before becoming the 42nd president of the United States. In addition to viewing replicas of the Cabinet Room, the famous Oval Office, and other White House features, historic photos, videos, and other artifacts are also displayed. The museum also features Clinton's post-presidential work. Free admission is offered on Presidents Day, the Saturday before Clinton's birthday in August, and on Veteran's Day for all active and former military members and their families.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Art enthusiasts and nature lovers will find the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville fascinating. The museum's collection offers a superb overview of American art from the colonial era to the present. Additionally, sculptures embellish its indoor galleries and outdoor pathways. The museum also features a restaurant, coffee shop, museum store, library, and changing exhibits, ensuring a unique experience each time. Its 120-acre grounds include more than five miles of trails for exploring the breathtaking Ozark terrain.
Museum of Discovery
The Museum of Discovery is one of the top attractions in Little Rock for science and technology. This museum has galleries full of interactive exhibits and experiences, perfect for all ages. Explore various energy forms, including light, sound, and electricity, in the science lab. The Earth exhibit details how the planet changes through three zones. Additionally, a Guinness World Records musical bipolar Tesla coil is on display and plays various tunes while generating 200,000 volts of electricity. Those who wish to enhance their museum experience can take a tour, sign up for a camp, or visit the gift store for unique and educational items.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is one of the oldest parks in the National Park System, it draws visitors with its rich cultural past and abundance of nature. Besides the historic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row and thermal springs, the park offers endless activities. Feel adventurous and trek along 26 miles of trails surrounded by forest scenery, or retreat to the campgrounds for traditional camping. Hot Springs National Park also has an observation tower, where the upper and lower decks each provide unique views.
Delta Rivers Nature Center
The Delta Rivers Nature Center in Pine Bluff invites visitors to dive into the natural beauty of Arkansas's river delta region. With interactive exhibits and hands-on displays, this center provides a glimpse into the local ecosystem, complete with native fish tanks, live wildlife exhibits, and a touch-and-see tank. Venture along scenic trails that wind through wetlands, forests, and along the Arkansas River, where you can spot local birds and wildlife up close. For a breathtaking view, climb the observation tower and take in panoramic sights of the river and surrounding delta. Nature programs, guided tours, and a cozy gift shop with local souvenirs ensure that each visit offers something memorable.
Mammoth Spring State Park
Mammoth Spring State Park, one of the biggest springs in the world, is another popular attraction in the state. This Mammoth Spring landmark features over nine million gallons of water flowing hourly. After forming a 10-acre lake, the water flows southward into the Spring River. Mammoth Spring's mill and hydropower station remnants have been preserved and are feated in the park. While visiting, explore the museum, step inside a fully restored Frisco train depot, retreat to the picnic area, or shop at the gift store.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, located in the North Little Rock Riverfront Park, covers the history of World War II. The museum features two naval vessels that played crucial roles in the war: Hoga, the tugboat that bravely served during the Pearl Harbor attack, and the USS Razorback, the submarine in Tokyo Bay during Japan's formal surrender. The park also houses memorials and a peace garden, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere that pays homage to the sacrifices made during the war.
Little Rock Central High School
The legacy of the Little Rock Nine lives on at this National Historic Site, commemorating a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors to Little Rock can sign up for a guided tour, which includes stops outside Little Rock Central High School, the historic Magnolia/Mobil Service Station, the Commemorative Garden, and the Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench. Although the school's main entrance is closed to the public, the tour provides meaningful context to the events of 1957. Tours have limited availability and must be booked in advance.
The Walmart Museum
Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, opened Walton's 5&10 in Bentonville in 1951. Since then, the store has been expanded to make room for the well-known Walmart Museum, highlighting Walmart's past. Visitors can tour the Walmart Museum Heritage Lab and other sections while the museum is undergoing renovations. The exhibits and displays include a LEGO representation of Walton's 5&10, an interactive globe, a design-your-own trucker badge station, and a hologram version of Walton.
Experience Arkansas’s Most Loved Attractions
From nature and history to art and culture, Arkansas offers endless attractions for tourists to enjoy. For a calm, peaceful excursion in the Natural State, hike through the Ozarks or relax in a thermal spring, among other alternatives. Aside from nature, travel and explore Little Rock's civil rights history and Bill Clinton's life, Pine Bluff's astonishing art scene, and Bentonville's ties to Walmart, one of the nation's largest retailers.
