Arkansas has earned its name as the Natural State many times over. From the incredible mountain peaks to river valleys, the beauty of our state is unmatched. So, it’s no surprise that it’s sprinkled with scenic byways making it the perfect state for road trips. One of the best road trips in Arkansas crosses the Bull Shoals Dam on Highway 178. This stunning Arkansas road trip will take you to a few of the state’s legendary attractions. So pack your bags and let’s take a look at some of the fun things to do in Arkansas.

This road trip is short in length, but it is packed with tons of Arkansas' most iconic places. With just over 85 miles long and 2 hours of drive time, this road trip is perfect to stop and fully enjoy what the Natural State has to offer.
Google Maps
Want to add more stops to this road trip? No worries. Click the interactive map to make the adjustments. Now, let’s get started on this fantastic journey!

1. Skipper's Restaurant (Mountain Home)

Skipper's Restaurant, 711 AR-5, Mountain Home, AR 72653, USA
Red Laustic/Google
Not only do you need to gas up the car for this road trip, but you must also add some fuel to your system. Stop in at Skipper’s in Mountain Home, Arkansas on Highway 15 and enjoy one of the hearty breakfast meals. The menu is extensive so everyone in your party will find something to love.

2. Highway 178 (Midway)

Midway, AR 72651, USA
Ltljltlj, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
After you leave Skippers, continue north on Highway 15 until you get to Midway where you will head west on scenic Highway 178 to get to Bull Shoals. A favorite for motorcyclists, Highway 178 provides a meandering drive through lots of dense Ozark forests.

3. Bull Shoals Dam (Bull Shoals)

Bull Shoals Dam Boulevard, Bull Shoals Dam Blvd, Bull Shoals, AR, USA
MarshallKe, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Once you clear the serene forest, you will be amazed as you cross the incredible Bull Shoals Dam. Built in 1951, this magnificent 256-foot dam is one of the largest concrete structures in the world. It’s quite Impressive!

3. James A Gaston Visitor Center and Bull Shoals-White River State Park (Bull Shoals)

James Creek Drive & Center Road, James Creek Dr & Center Rd, West Springfield, VA 22152, USA
Darryl D/TripAdvisor
Then, stop at the James A. Gaston Visitor Center where you will witness the breathtaking views of the dam, the White River, and Bull Shoals Lake. In addition, the center offers exhibit halls, learning experiences, and it even has a theater. You can spend a couple of hours immersed in the experience.

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Besides the visitor center, Bull Shoals State Park offers lots of recreational activities including fishing, camping, and swimming. But we recommend you take one of the scenic hikes along the shores of the vast 45,000-acre lake.

4. Buffalo River Float Service (Yellville)

Buffalo River Float Service, 11637 AR-14 N, Yellville, AR 72687, USA
Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Continue through the forest on the winding byway of AR 14 until you get to the town of Yellville. What makes Yellville iconic is that the Buffalo River, America's first national river, flows through the town.
Christian Capehart/Google Reviews
Stop in at Buffalo River Float Service and rent a canoe and drift along the legendary waterway.

5. Ozark Folk Center State Park (Mountain View)

Ozark Folk Center State Park, 1032 Park Ave, Mountain View, AR 72560, USA
Jason McAlister/Google Reviews
Now that you are relaxed from drifting on the river, continue along the scenic Highway 382 through the Ozark forest and head to the iconic town of Mountain View.
Ozark Folk Center State Park / Facebook
Mountain View is known for its rich musical heritage, and it is packed with plenty to do. But we recommend you visit the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where you will be transformed back in time. Walk through the craft village, and the herb garden, and witness live historical reenactments as well as live Southern Mountain music. This one-of-a-kind experience is unlike any other.

So, have you been to any of these iconic places? Share some stories that you have taken with us in the comments.

We all know the best part of taking a road trip is the snacks. Check out some of our favorite snacks to stock up on before you hit the road:

Best Road Trip Snacks: 50 On-The-Go Food Ideas

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More to Explore

Things To Do In Arkansas

William Suphan | April 01, 2023

What are some hidden gem attractions in Arkansas?

Hidden gem attractions in Arkansas include:

  • Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This is where to go for gorgeous vistas overlooking the verdant forests as far as the eye can see.
  • Daisy State Park. Located at the foothills of the Ouachita mountains, this is a wonderful camping area next to Lake Greeson.
  • Moro Bay State Park. Visitors come here for fishing and kayaking through the beautiful cypress groves.
  • Monster Mart. This odd place is a roadside stop in Fouke with a cryptozoological creature on exhibit called the Boggy Creek Monster.

Find out more about these and other hidden gem attractions in Arkansas.

What are the best roadside attractions in Arkansas?

The best roadside attractions in Arkansas include

  • Mr. Peanut. The mascot of its namesake snack company stands near Fort Smith.
  • Popeye’s Garden. See the statue of the famous spinach-eating cartoon character in the tiny town of Alma.
  • Humpty Dumpty. This model of the egg-shaped nursery rhyme character is located in Eureka Springs.
  • Old Flippin Jail Cell. Located in Flippin, this 12X9-foot jail cell that was built in 1928 was used to hold people arrested for fighting and public drunkenness.

Discover more about the best roadside attractions in Arkansas.

What are the best day trip destinations in Arkansas?

The best day trip destinations in Arkansas include

  • Rush. This is an old ghost town that remains from the zinc mining industry and the rotting buildings hold much history.
  • Walnut Ridge. This tiny town has a restaurant on an old plane and holds an annual Beatles festival at the Ridge festival.
  • Blue Spring Heritage Center. This 33-acre botanical garden in Blue Spring is a lovely site that is well worth seeing.
  • Cotter. Fishermen come to this area on the White River for some of the best fishing in Arkansas.

Learn more about these and more of the best day trip destinations in Arkansas.

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