There’s no denying it; Arkansas in the winter is awesome. No matter how cold or unseasonably warm it gets, there’s always something to do or to see. The parks around the Natural State are worth a visit, and there are a number of opportunities to learn about history or try out a new skill. Don’t just sit around the house this winter; get out and explore the best places to visit in Arkansas in winter. Not sure where to start? Keep reading for a few of the top places to visit during the winter in Arkansas.
14. Star City
A great place to visit in Arkansas in the winter, Cane Creek State Park is brimming with opportunities for outdoor fun. The park is located where the Coastal Plain meets the Mississippi Delta, which means it boasts a unique topography that’s ideal for a winter adventure. In addition to hiking, park-goers can enjoy biking, kayaking, fishing, and birding. Check out the
Cane Creek State Park website for more information.
13. Washington
Please note, Historic Washington State Park is no longer hosting Shakespeare in the Park. For information on upcoming park events, visit the Historic Washington State Park website.
"Shakespeare in the Park" will be held at Historic Washington on February 26-27. The tragedy of Julius Caesar will be performed on Friday, February 26 and Henry V will be performing the night after. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 6-12). Performances will start at 7 p.m. Throughout the day on Saturday, January 27, workshops will be provided on Shakespeare performances.
12. Bentonville
Bentonville's Lawrence Plaza changes from a summertime splash zone to one of the best places to visit in Arkansas in winter, and it is all thanks to a fun-filled ice skating rink every holiday season. The ice rink will be available for families to spin, twirl, and fall throughout the winter season. For more information, check out the Lawrence Plaza website.
11. Kirby
Please note, Daisy State Park is no longer hosting the Annual Outdoor Skills Weekend. For information on upcoming park events, visit the Daisy State Park website.
Daisy State Park in Kirby will give you a chance to play outdoors this winter and test your mettle! The Annual Outdoor Skills Weekend will be held February 19-21. A variety of family-friendly workshops will be offered throughout the weekend to educate you in learning new things and sharpening your mind when it comes to what you know. Call 870-398-4487 to get details about the weekend's events.
10. Bluff City
Please note, White Oak Lake State Park is no longer hosting the Winter Wildlife Tour. For information on upcoming park events, visit the White Oak Lake State Park website.
White Oak Lake State Park in Bluff City offers Arkansans an adventure on February 13 with the Winter Wildlife Tour. Admission for this wild ride is $9 for adults and $5 for children. Take a guided wildlife-watching tour where you'll see wintering bald eagles, ducks, herons, osprey, and much more. Call 870-685-2748 for more information. Bring binoculars, dress warm, and have fun!
9. Parkin
Please note, Parkin Archeological State Park is no longer hosting the sandal weaving workshop. For information on upcoming park events, visit the Parkin Archeological State Park website.
Parkin Archeological State Park will hold a sandal weaving workshop on February 13. Sandal weaving was a likely necessary task for prehistoric Arkansans to get around more comfortably. The sandals weaved in the workshop are similar to sandals found at a number of American Indian sites in Arkansas. Workshop admission is $15; all participants must be age 12 or older.
8. Fort Smith
Each year, the Arkansas Men’s and Women’s State Chili Cook-Off is held in Fort Smith at the Elks Lodge. The charity cook-off includes raffle items and chili-tasting kits. The best part of all is that admission is free! For more information, visit the Fort Smith Elks Lodge 341 Facebook page.
7. Rogers
Winter is the perfect time to explore Hobbs State Park and Conservation Area, the largest of all Arkansas state parks. With over 12,000 acres, it’s brimming with opportunities for adventure. A few of the park’s perks include a 54-mile trail system with hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding trails, primitive campsites, and regulated hunting. Rogers is also home to the Arkansas Public Theater. Another great reason to brave the cold, the theater puts on a variety of performances.
6. Maumelle
The Maumelle Performing Arts Center is a great place to spend a cold winter day in Arkansas. The center puts on a variety of shows, so there is something for everyone. For a complete schedule of upcoming performances, check out the Maumelle Performing Arts Center website.
5. Springdale
Escape the cold with an impromptu history lesson at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. In addition to permanent exhibits, the museum hosts a variety of programs and special events. Also in Springdale is the Springdale Public Library, which hosts its own fair share of interesting exhibits as well as lectures and film screenings.
4. Newport
Jacksonport State Park hosts a number of workshops that will keep you from falling into the winter boredom routine. In the past, park workshops have included: The Winter Bird Feeding and Spring Butterfly Gardening Workshop and the Healing Herbal Teas Workshop. Admission varies per workshop. For more information, give Jacksonport State Park a call at (870) 523-2143. You can also visit the Jacksonport State Park website.
3. Little Rock
There's a lot going on in the capital city during winter in Arkansas. Pinnacle Mountain will be hosting a number of events. Popular events from the past include: Wild Women Wednesdays (a free event that's of the Women's Hiking Winter Series) where ladies hike on one of the state park's gorgeous trails every Wednesday until spring, the Eagle Lake Cruise, and the Winter Discovery Lake Cruise, which is a great way to get a look at the bird life that animates Lake Maumelle. For more information on park events, check out the Pinnacle Mountain State park website. Little Rock is also home to another winter must-visit - Wildwood Park for the Arts. The park is a great visit year-round but gets even better when in winter when the park hosts its annual Lanterns event. The multi-cultural festival is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Arkansas in winter. Learn more by checking out the Wildwood Park for the Arts website.
2. Heber Springs
Heber Springs has something very special that arrives during the holidays and stays until the middle of winter. Beautiful trumpeter swans flock annually to Magness Lake and remain from December until February.
1. Russellville
Each winter season, Lake Dardanelle State Park offers winter lake cruises throughout January and February. The tours are an opportune chance for all to see America's national symbol, the Bald Eagle, as well as a number of other beautifully inspiring birds such as snow geese, ducks, and American White Pelicans. Call the Lake Dardanelle Visitor Center (479)-697-5516 for more information or to reserve a seat. You can also visit the Lake Dardanelle State Park website.
In addition to these cool things, there are a lot more fun places to visit in Arkansas in winter. If you’re the outdoors type, it’s not difficult to find an adventure in Arkansas in the winter. If you simply can’t stand the cold, there are lots of places to get inside, warm yourself up, and turn yourself on to learning something new. What do you like to do when the cold weather sets in? How do you prevent yourself from cabin fever? What’s your favorite place for an Arkansas winter vacation? Share your thoughts with us!
There’s more to Arkansas in the winter than heaps of snow and blistering temperatures. Winter also brings with it plenty of opportunities for Christmas-related fun. Festive celebrations are held throughout the state, but when it comes to the best places to visit in Arkansas in December, these Christmas towns in Arkansas can’t be beat.
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