The 12 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Arkansas
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J.B. VanDyke
Author
In the Natural State, you’ll find some truly wonderful outdoor places to explore, all of which make for some picture-perfect day trips in Arkansas. Below, you’ll find 12 of the best day trips you can only take in Arkansas, as every single one is unique and totally worth visiting. Let’s go on a little Arkansas day trip adventure, shall we?
Murfreesboro, AR 71958, USA
One of the best day trips near me in Arkansas is definitely Murfreesboro. Here, you can dig for diamonds, which is something you really can’t do anywhere else in the world. You'll also find a number of attractions here, 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.
Learn more about what is in store in a visit to Murfreesboro.
Learn more about what is in store in a visit to Murfreesboro.
Jonesboro, AR, USA
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 an Arkansas day trip or even a longer getaway.
Discover more about visiting Jonesboro.
Discover more about visiting Jonesboro.
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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 and a top pick for day trips in Arkansas.
Learn more about the lovely small town of Paris.
Learn more about the lovely small town of Paris.
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Eureka Springs, AR, USA
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 just might be the quirkiest little town in the Natural State, too. Schedule an Arkansas day trip here and see for yourself!
Find out more about Eureka Springs!
Find out more about Eureka Springs!
Blue Spring, Arkansas 72631, USA
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 a day trip in Arkansas exploring the surreal beauty of the spring and lagoon, and you’ll love every minute of it, too.
Learn more about why Blue Spring is a must-visit.
Learn more about why Blue Spring is a must-visit.
Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park, AR-362, Holly Grove, AR 72069, USA
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 that the expedition that surveyed the territory once called the Louisiana Purchase. It is a lovely little day trip near me in Louisiana.
Discover more about Louisiana Purchase State Park.
Discover more about Louisiana Purchase State Park.
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Cotter, AR, USA
A day trip near me in Arkansas for 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 has 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 yourself more familiar with Cotter.
Get yourself more familiar with Cotter.
Hot Springs, AR, USA
Hot Springs is probably the most visited town in Arkansas, and that’s because there’s a whole lot to do here. From the relaxation and history you’ll find on Bathhouse Row to the gaming and horseracing 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. Put it on your list of day trips in Arkansas ASAP!
Find out what is in store for you in a visit to Hot Springs.
Find out what is in store for you in a visit to Hot Springs.
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Walnut Ridge, AR, USA
Another great idea for an Arkansas day trip, 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.
Get more reasons why Walnut Ridge is so special.
Get more reasons why Walnut Ridge is so special.
Rush, AR 72687, USA
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 the scenic ghost town you’ll have a ball exploring.
Get more information on Rush ghost town.
Get more information on Rush ghost town.
Visitor Center, 120812 W Devils Den Rd, Winslow, AR 72959, USA
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. It's an excellent day trip near me in Arkansas that will make you feel like you’re in a waking dream.
Get more details on visiting Devil's Den State Park.
Get more details on visiting Devil's Den State Park.
Arkansas Peddlers Antique Mall, 617 US-65, Greenbrier, AR 72058, USA
This might be an off-beat choice for a day trip in Arkansas, 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.
Find out more about Arkansas Peddlers.
Find out more about Arkansas Peddlers.
So, if you’ve ever searched for “day trips near me” in Arkansas, now you have a list of fun ideas perfect for the entire family. Do you have more fun day trip ideas? Tell us in the comments!
For even more cool day trips in Arkansas, be sure to check out these 11 amazing Arkansas hidden gems.
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More to Explore
day trips near me in Arkansas
What are some fun places to visit in Arkansas?
The above list of day trips in Arkansas is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun places to visit in Arkansas.
- How about eagle watching at Lake DeGray in the winter?
- Check out some Arkansas waterfalls in the spring.
- Float down the mighty Buffalo River in the summer!
- Or enjoy one of the state's many harvest festivals in the fall.
Are there any other fun things to do in Arkansas?
There sure are more fun things to do in Arkansas! The Natural State is criminally underrated; it's home to immense natural beauty, world-class attractions, and some of the friendliest towns and people you'll find in the country.
- Explore the historic Oark General Store.
- Wander the small towns of Jasper and Brinkley.
- Check out the Van Buren to Winslow train.
- Head to the Little Golden Gate Bridge!
What are some day trips in Arkansas that I might not know about?
Take a look at some other day trips in Arkansas.
- 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.