Arkansas has some pretty incredible places to explore. In the Natural State, you’ll find some truly wonderful outdoor places to explore, all of which make for some picture-perfect day trip opportunities. Below you’ll find 12 of the best day trips you can only take in Arkansas, and every single one is unique and totally worth visiting. Let’s go on a little day trip adventure in Arkansas, shall we?
- Murfreesboro
Flickr/J Michael Raby In Murfreesboro, you can dig for diamonds, which is something you really can’t do anywhere else in the world. You’re going to find a number of attractions in Murfreesboro, including an Old West hotel with some rather interesting amenities and Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village, which has artifacts, a lovely trail you can explore, and a gift shop.
You can find directions and more information here, too. Murfreesboro, AR 71958, USA
- Jonesboro
Wikimedia Commons/Brandonrush Jonesboro is a criminally underrated city in Arkansas, and it’s one you can definitely spend an afternoon exploring. From the absolutely charming downtown to the delicious food to the important history of this town, Jonesboro is a fantastic place for a day long getaway.
Directions and more information can be found in this recent article. Jonesboro, AR, USA
- Paris
Flickr/Tonya Stinson Paris is a town with a ton of natural beauty, a sense of humor about its name, and a downtown that’s definitely worth checking out. Aside from its awesome name and the Eiffel Tower they’ve built in their square, the town’s charm has a whole lot to do with its proximity to Mount Magazine. That staggeringly gorgeous mountain’s shadow is where Paris calls home, and there isn’t a single bit of it that’s unappealing. It’s the perfect place to while away the hours, in any season.
Have you visited this beautiful small town in Arkansas before? Paris, AR 72855, USA
- Eureka Springs
Wikimedia Commons/Clinton Steeds Eureka Springs is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Natural State, and for good reason. It’s a charming little Victorian village whose entire city limits are on the National Register of Historic Places. The little town is chock full of attractions, and it might be the quirkiest little town in the Natural State, too.
Read all about Eureka Springs here! Eureka Springs, AR, USA
- Blue Spring
Mitchel23/Wikipedia Blue Spring Heritage Center is a 33-acre botanical garden and educational center that centers around a gorgeous deep blue lagoon. You could definitely spend the day exploring the surreal beauty of the spring and lagoon, and you’ll love every minute of it, too.
We wax poetic on Blue Spring in this article. Blue Spring, Arkansas 72631, USA
- Louisiana Purchase State Park
Wikipedia/FredlyFish4 Louisiana Purchase State Park is a Delta treasure where you can explore a swamp from the comfort of a huge boardwalk and learn some interesting history in the process. The swamp is home to the stone marking the expedition that surveyed the territory once called the Louisiana Purchase.
More information on this stunning state park is available here. Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park, AR-362, Holly Grove, AR 72069, USA
- Cotter
Flickr/Allison Reavis Fishing, anyone? Cotter’s position on the White River puts it in a unique position for some of the best fishing in the Natural State. The tiny town of Cotter had a long tradition of fishing, and today you can find outfitters with all the knowledge and supplies you need to land a big one.
Get all the information about Cotter in our recent article, here. Cotter, AR, USA
- Hot Springs
Flickr/sandwich Hot Springs is probably the most visited town in Arkansas, and that’s because there’s a whole lot to do there. From the relaxation and history you’ll find on Bathhouse Row to the gaming and horse racing available at Oaklawn Park to the good eats and myriad of quirky museums, there really isn’t anywhere in the Natural State quite like Hot Springs.
You can find more things to do while you’re in town and directions here. Hot Springs, AR, USA
- Walnut Ridge
Flickr/Sara Walnut Ridge is an adorable little town with a restaurant that has a dining room on a retired jet. It’s also home to some interesting history. That history has led to the annual Beatles at the Ridge festival, which really is an extravaganza unlike any other in Arkansas.
We just adore this Arkansas town - and here’s why! Walnut Ridge, AR, USA
- Rush (Ghost Town)
Flickr/Dave Thomas Hiding out in the woods you’ll find an exceptional ghost town that owes its incredible history to the zinc mining industry. Once the zinc dried up, folks simply picked up and moved, leading to a scenic ghost town you’ll have a ball exploring.
You can find directions to this Arkansas ghost town here. Rush, AR 72687, USA
- Devil’s Den State Park
Flickr/friggy_30 Devil’s Den State Park is one of the oldest and most scenic state parks in the Natural State. The CCC-built structures accent the gorgeous views, incredible waterways, and dense forests that will make you feel like you’re in a waking dream.
Learn all about this Arkansas gem in this article. Visitor Center, 120812 W Devils Den Rd, Winslow, AR 72959, USA
- Arkansas Peddlers
Facebook/Arkansas Peddlers This might be an off-beat choice for a day trip, but if you’re into junking, picking, or just looking at really cool stuff, you can’t miss Arkansas Peddlers. This enormous antique mall is certainly a place where you can spend a day hunting for incredible treasures. It’s actually quite an adventure, as you never quite know what you’ll find there.
Wouldn’t you want to spend the day antiquing here? Arkansas Peddlers Antique Mall, 617 US-65, Greenbrier, AR 72058, USA
For even more fun day trips in Arkansas, be sure to check out this list of 11 amazing hidden gems even lifelong Arkansans might not know about!
Flickr/J Michael Raby
In Murfreesboro, you can dig for diamonds, which is something you really can’t do anywhere else in the world. You’re going to find a number of attractions in Murfreesboro, including an Old West hotel with some rather interesting amenities and Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village, which has artifacts, a lovely trail you can explore, and a gift shop.
You can find directions and more information here, too.
Murfreesboro, AR 71958, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Brandonrush
Jonesboro is a criminally underrated city in Arkansas, and it’s one you can definitely spend an afternoon exploring. From the absolutely charming downtown to the delicious food to the important history of this town, Jonesboro is a fantastic place for a day long getaway.
Directions and more information can be found in this recent article.
Jonesboro, AR, USA
Flickr/Tonya Stinson
Paris is a town with a ton of natural beauty, a sense of humor about its name, and a downtown that’s definitely worth checking out. Aside from its awesome name and the Eiffel Tower they’ve built in their square, the town’s charm has a whole lot to do with its proximity to Mount Magazine. That staggeringly gorgeous mountain’s shadow is where Paris calls home, and there isn’t a single bit of it that’s unappealing. It’s the perfect place to while away the hours, in any season.
Have you visited this beautiful small town in Arkansas before?
Paris, AR 72855, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Clinton Steeds
Eureka Springs is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Natural State, and for good reason. It’s a charming little Victorian village whose entire city limits are on the National Register of Historic Places. The little town is chock full of attractions, and it might be the quirkiest little town in the Natural State, too.
Read all about Eureka Springs here!
Eureka Springs, AR, USA
Mitchel23/Wikipedia
Blue Spring Heritage Center is a 33-acre botanical garden and educational center that centers around a gorgeous deep blue lagoon. You could definitely spend the day exploring the surreal beauty of the spring and lagoon, and you’ll love every minute of it, too.
We wax poetic on Blue Spring in this article.
Blue Spring, Arkansas 72631, USA
Wikipedia/FredlyFish4
Louisiana Purchase State Park is a Delta treasure where you can explore a swamp from the comfort of a huge boardwalk and learn some interesting history in the process. The swamp is home to the stone marking the expedition that surveyed the territory once called the Louisiana Purchase.
More information on this stunning state park is available here.
Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park, AR-362, Holly Grove, AR 72069, USA
Flickr/Allison Reavis
Fishing, anyone? Cotter’s position on the White River puts it in a unique position for some of the best fishing in the Natural State. The tiny town of Cotter had a long tradition of fishing, and today you can find outfitters with all the knowledge and supplies you need to land a big one.
Get all the information about Cotter in our recent article, here.
Cotter, AR, USA
Flickr/sandwich
Hot Springs is probably the most visited town in Arkansas, and that’s because there’s a whole lot to do there. From the relaxation and history you’ll find on Bathhouse Row to the gaming and horse racing available at Oaklawn Park to the good eats and myriad of quirky museums, there really isn’t anywhere in the Natural State quite like Hot Springs.
You can find more things to do while you’re in town and directions here.
Hot Springs, AR, USA
Flickr/Sara
Walnut Ridge is an adorable little town with a restaurant that has a dining room on a retired jet. It’s also home to some interesting history. That history has led to the annual Beatles at the Ridge festival, which really is an extravaganza unlike any other in Arkansas.
We just adore this Arkansas town - and here’s why!
Walnut Ridge, AR, USA
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Hiding out in the woods you’ll find an exceptional ghost town that owes its incredible history to the zinc mining industry. Once the zinc dried up, folks simply picked up and moved, leading to a scenic ghost town you’ll have a ball exploring.
You can find directions to this Arkansas ghost town here.
Rush, AR 72687, USA
Flickr/friggy_30
Devil’s Den State Park is one of the oldest and most scenic state parks in the Natural State. The CCC-built structures accent the gorgeous views, incredible waterways, and dense forests that will make you feel like you’re in a waking dream.
Learn all about this Arkansas gem in this article.
Visitor Center, 120812 W Devils Den Rd, Winslow, AR 72959, USA
Facebook/Arkansas Peddlers
This might be an off-beat choice for a day trip, but if you’re into junking, picking, or just looking at really cool stuff, you can’t miss Arkansas Peddlers. This enormous antique mall is certainly a place where you can spend a day hunting for incredible treasures. It’s actually quite an adventure, as you never quite know what you’ll find there.
Wouldn’t you want to spend the day antiquing here?
Arkansas Peddlers Antique Mall, 617 US-65, Greenbrier, AR 72058, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
day trips near me in Arkansas September 04, 2021 Sarah What are some of the best day trips in Arkansas? The above list of day trips is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun places to visit in Arkansas. If you’re looking to fill your calendar with a year of fun in the Natural State, hop over to this list of 12 unforgettable day trips! Designed to be taken monthly over the course of a year, the list features seasonal hotspots such as eagle watching at Lake DeGray in the winter, waterfall chasing in the spring, floating down the mighty Buffalo River in the summer, and enjoying one of the state’s many harvest festivals in the fall. Are there many fun things to do in Arkansas? Yes – absolutely! Arkansas is a criminally underrated state; it’s home to immense natural beauty, world-class attractions, and some of the friendliest towns and people you’ll find in the country. We recommend bookmarking this article: The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Arkansas’ Best Attractions - Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More! Here you’ll find lots of fun things to do in Arkansas, from exploring the historic Oark General Store, wandering the small towns of Jasper and Brinkley, hopping aboard the Belle of Hot Springs boat or Van Buren to Winslow train, and checking out the state’s very own “Little Golden Gate” bridge! What are some day trips in Arkansas that I might not know about? The Natural State is a place of rugged, unfiltered natural beauty, and no place epitomizes this more than the Ozarks. And located in the northernmost part of the state, in the wilds of the Arkansas Ozarks, you’ll find a place that is truly, wonderfully wild. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a United States Department of Agriculture licensed, non-profit certified facility that is dedicated to the rescue and care of unwanted, neglected, and abused exotic and native wildlife, with a focus on big cats and bears. It’s an amazing place to visit, with big cats, bears, lions, and tigers all roaming free and wild. If you’re looking for a unique and inspiring day trip in Arkansas, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
day trips near me in Arkansas
September 04, 2021
Sarah
What are some of the best day trips in Arkansas? The above list of day trips is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun places to visit in Arkansas. If you’re looking to fill your calendar with a year of fun in the Natural State, hop over to this list of 12 unforgettable day trips! Designed to be taken monthly over the course of a year, the list features seasonal hotspots such as eagle watching at Lake DeGray in the winter, waterfall chasing in the spring, floating down the mighty Buffalo River in the summer, and enjoying one of the state’s many harvest festivals in the fall. Are there many fun things to do in Arkansas? Yes – absolutely! Arkansas is a criminally underrated state; it’s home to immense natural beauty, world-class attractions, and some of the friendliest towns and people you’ll find in the country. We recommend bookmarking this article: The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Arkansas’ Best Attractions - Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More! Here you’ll find lots of fun things to do in Arkansas, from exploring the historic Oark General Store, wandering the small towns of Jasper and Brinkley, hopping aboard the Belle of Hot Springs boat or Van Buren to Winslow train, and checking out the state’s very own “Little Golden Gate” bridge! What are some day trips in Arkansas that I might not know about? The Natural State is a place of rugged, unfiltered natural beauty, and no place epitomizes this more than the Ozarks. And located in the northernmost part of the state, in the wilds of the Arkansas Ozarks, you’ll find a place that is truly, wonderfully wild. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a United States Department of Agriculture licensed, non-profit certified facility that is dedicated to the rescue and care of unwanted, neglected, and abused exotic and native wildlife, with a focus on big cats and bears. It’s an amazing place to visit, with big cats, bears, lions, and tigers all roaming free and wild. If you’re looking for a unique and inspiring day trip in Arkansas, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The above list of day trips is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun places to visit in Arkansas. If you’re looking to fill your calendar with a year of fun in the Natural State, hop over to this list of 12 unforgettable day trips! Designed to be taken monthly over the course of a year, the list features seasonal hotspots such as eagle watching at Lake DeGray in the winter, waterfall chasing in the spring, floating down the mighty Buffalo River in the summer, and enjoying one of the state’s many harvest festivals in the fall.
Are there many fun things to do in Arkansas?
Yes – absolutely! Arkansas is a criminally underrated state; it’s home to immense natural beauty, world-class attractions, and some of the friendliest towns and people you’ll find in the country. We recommend bookmarking this article: The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Arkansas’ Best Attractions - Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More! Here you’ll find lots of fun things to do in Arkansas, from exploring the historic Oark General Store, wandering the small towns of Jasper and Brinkley, hopping aboard the Belle of Hot Springs boat or Van Buren to Winslow train, and checking out the state’s very own “Little Golden Gate” bridge!
What are some day trips in Arkansas that I might not know about?
The Natural State is a place of rugged, unfiltered natural beauty, and no place epitomizes this more than the Ozarks. And located in the northernmost part of the state, in the wilds of the Arkansas Ozarks, you’ll find a place that is truly, wonderfully wild. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a United States Department of Agriculture licensed, non-profit certified facility that is dedicated to the rescue and care of unwanted, neglected, and abused exotic and native wildlife, with a focus on big cats and bears. It’s an amazing place to visit, with big cats, bears, lions, and tigers all roaming free and wild. If you’re looking for a unique and inspiring day trip in Arkansas, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is it.
