11 Incredible Hidden Gems In Arkansas You’ll Want To Discover This Year

Whether it’s an off the beaten path adventure or a hidden waterfall or a serene garden, there are a plethora of hidden treasures in Arkansas waiting to be discovered. And while they’re our best kept secrets that we prefer to keep to ourselves, we do enjoy sharing them with y’all. Therefore, we’ve searched far and wide for some of the best hidden gems in Arkansas, and these are the 11 that belong on your list this year. Best of all, they’re perfect for the entire family…so, you don’t wanna skip them!

SUP Outfitters | Standup Paddle Boarding (SUP), 234 Timber Ridge Rd, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA

SUP Outfitters/Facebook

Are you up for an incredible adventure? If so, let’s kick off our hidden gems list by heading to Eureka Springs to witness Hogscald Hollow, one of the coolest places in Arkansas. SUP Outfitters offers an experience unlike any other, where you can paddle on the stunning Beaver Lake to a picturesque waterfall flowing over a massive bluff. You're getting a 3 for one adventure when you visit Hogscald Hollow. It’s by far one of our best kept secrets and the true definition of a hidden gem.

Talimena Scenic Drive, Talimena Scenic Dr, Mena, AR 71953, USA

Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook

If you love scenic drives, then you must cruise the Talimena National Scenic Byway. At 54-miles long, this scenic byway meanders through the winding mountain roads between Oklahoma and Arkansas. Along the way, you can enjoy the natural landscapes of lush forestry, majestic mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and more. Fall is one of the best times to cruise the byway as you'll bask in the gorgeous hues during the peak of the season.

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Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park, HC 65 Box 232, Kingston, AR 72742, USA

Smiley Adventures/Google

The Ozarks is an enchanting place filled with many surprises. Take for instance, the Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park. It's a 3,000-acre ranch, where you can ride off-road vehicles to witness some pretty waterfalls as well as see buffalo roam in their natural habitat. Talk about an adventure of a lifetime! It's one of Arkansas' coolest excursions and it's also a unique place to visit.

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Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, 5531 US-82, Crossett, AR 71635, USA

Drew LooknFishy/Google

Occasionally, we need to travel off the beaten path to find some peace and quiet. And one of the best places to escape is the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. As the most remote place in Arkansas, the 76,000-acre wetland features streams, creeks, and lakes as well as hiking trails surrounded by hardwood forest. Enjoy fishing, hunting, birdwatching, camping, and more. This haven is a nature lovers dream come true and a hidden treasure waiting to be explored.

Cockrills Country Critters, 2703 Ed Haymes Rd, Austin, AR 72007, USA

Lorena Barrera-Shankle/Google

As one of the most family-friendly hidden gems in Arkansas, Cockrill’s Country Critters is a must-visit. Kangaroos, miniature ponies, llamas, alpacas, slithering reptiles, camels, lemurs...OH MY!!! They're all waiting for you at this farm and party venue. It's one of the less touristy attractions in Arkansas, where locals can enjoy making friends with the exotic and the barnyard pals. Of course, the kids especially love that they can get up close and personal with their new furry friends.

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H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden, 101 E Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA

Mark Chang/Google

Little Rock might be the last place you'd expect to find H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden. In fact, most folks have no idea that this secret garden in Arkansas exists. Located at the Statehouse Convention Center, this serene garden is a symbol of the friendship between Arkansas and South Korea. Featuring stunning architecture, paired with water installations as well as lovely blooms, this pretty little garden in Arkansas is worth a visit.

Jamestown Crag, 1650 Jamestown Loop, Batesville, AR 72501, USA

Jamestown Crag/Facebook

We all know that there are endless hiking trails in Arkansas. But some folks who are dare devils prefer something a bit more challenging. Well, a challenge awaits at Jamestown Crag in northwest Arkansas. As the most unique climbing spot in the entire state, rock climbers and adventurers can explore multiple courses. Not only is it the best sport climbing recreation area in the state, but the vistas are equally noteworthy. Fun for the entire family, Jamestown Crag is also one of the coolest places to visit in Arkansas.

Kenda Drive-In, US-65, Marshall, AR 72650, USA

Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook

In some places, drive-ins might be a thing of the past, but here in Arkansas, we still enjoy that wholesome, old-fashioned fun of watching a movie underneath the twinkling stars. Located in Marshall, Kendra Drive-In has been around since 1966 and not much has changed since then. On throwback nights, enjoy a classic movie and check out the vintage cars on the lot. Folk of all ages love this tiny bit of Arkansas' past that has survived the test of time.

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Memory Lane Museum, 645 US-62, Berryville, AR 72616, USA

David Jones/Google

And speaking of time...step back in the past and explore the quirky Memory Lane Museum in NWA. As one of the most unique places to visit in Arkansas, this time capsule is a treasure trove of vintage memorabilia. Relive nostalgic memories as you check out the general store, the post office, and the barber shop, where you'll see items that you haven't seen in years. Not only is this museum one of our best kept secrets, but it's also one of our most fun places to visit.

Village Creek State Park, 201 County Road 754, Wynne, AR 72396, USA

Jennifer Warnick/Google

We have so many incredible state parks in Arkansas, but Village Creek doesn't get the credit it deserves. Boasting a wide range of amenities, this underrated state park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. They include a golf course, multiple lakes, hiking and horseback riding trails, an equestrian campground, tennis courts, a museum, a visitor center, and so much more. I could go on and on about this haven, but it’s better if you check it out for yourself.

Ozone Burger Barn, 14433 14499 AR-21, Ozone, AR 72854, USA

Howard W/Google

No hidden gem list of Arkansas is complete without including a restaurant that is loved by locals and visitors alike. Ozone Burger Barn is an off the beaten path burger joint that's literally hidden inside the Ozarks. Since 1982, this whimsical little barn has been slinging some of the best burgers in Arkansas, and it's best known for its 3 napkin cheeseburgers. Take our word, you'll want to stop at this charming little gem in the heart of the Ozark National Forest.

These lesser explored hidden gems are some of the best kept secrets in Arkansas. And now that you know about them, it’s time for you to add these treasures to your bucket list this year. 

Also, can you think of any places that we left off our list? If so, share them in the comment section. Or tell us about your favorite hidden gems in Arkansas that you plan on visiting soon.

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