Posted in Arkansas February 24, 2021 by

The 11 Places You Absolutely Must Visit In Arkansas This Spring

Spring is the perfect time to get out and see all the wonders the Natural State has to offer. Below, you’ll find 11 things to do in Arkansas in spring. So go forth! Enjoy the mild weather and the flowers that are popping their little heads out of the ground! After all, there’s no time like springtime in Arkansas.

We’ve shared about all of these places in previous articles, so if you would like to learn more about them, simply click their names.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. Garvan Woodland Gardens
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
Flickr/Kimberly Vardeman
Garvan Woodland Gardens is lovely any time of the year, but it becomes even more stunning when spring rolls around and the flowers begin to bloom. In fact, it’s 210 acres of intensely beautiful botanical gardens with trails, bridges, and manmade waterfalls. You can find Garvan Woodland Gardens at 550 Arkridge Road in Hot Springs.
2. Mirror Lake
Flickr/Mike Norton
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
Spring is the season of waterfalls, and you’re not going to find one more stunning than the two-tiered waterfall created by the CCC-built dam at Mirror Lake. It’s a totally gorgeous byproduct of the damming of Blanchard Spring, and you’ll find it in the Ozark National Forest near the community of Fifty-Six.
3. Richland Creek Wilderness Area
Flickr/DWPittard
Flickr/DWPittard
The Richland Creek Wilderness Area is well known for being a waterfall paradise. When I say well known, I mean that people from outside the Natural State go there to explore the glorious 11,674 acres that has waterfalls hiding all around it. This place is remote and rugged, so be sure to come prepared. With the spring rains and the spring green, the spectacular falls of the Richland Creek Wilderness become even more stunning. You’ll find the Richland Creek Wilderness Area in the Ozark National Forest near the community of Sand Gap.
4. Mammoth Spring
Flickr/Gewel Maker
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Mammoth Spring is the largest spring with its source in Arkansas, and it’s one of the best things to do in Arkansas in spring. You’re going to love the state park devoted to this spring, with its train depot visitor center, and the option to rent a paddleboat. It really is a natural spring you won’t want to miss.
5. The Arkansas Grand Canyon
Flickr/Noel Pennington
Flickr/Gene Wilburn
You do know Arkansas has its own Grand Canyon, right? There’s no better time to visit that natural wonder than when the valley below is green and full of life. You’ll find it on Highway 7 near the town of Jasper.
6. Triple Falls
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
After those spring rains begin to fall in earnest, you need to head up to Camp Orr Road in Jasper. Because after it rains, the stunning Triple Falls will be roaring in Camp Orr, and you don’t want to miss all that beauty.
7. Quigley’s Castle
Yelp/Scott W.
Facebook/Quigley’s Castle
There’s a reason spring is the best time to visit Arkansas’s most unique castle. The reason is that you’ll find over 400 varieties of flowers blooming in Mrs. Quigley’s garden. Quigley’s Castle is located at 274 Quigley Castle Road in Eureka Springs.
8. Cedar Creek
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Flickr/Jonathan Moreau
Cedar Creek is a lovely little creek in Petit Jean State Park, and yes, it is the creek where you’ll find Cedar Falls, Arkansas’s most photographed waterfall. During springtime in Arkansas, when the rains come, the creek will be swollen, the trees will be green, and you’ll love your hike on Cedar Creek Trail. You’ll find Petit Jean State Park at 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road in Morrilton.
9. Longbow Resort
Facebook/Longbow Resort
Facebook/Longbow Resort
Longbow Resort is one of the most spectacular places to stay in the Natural State. Part of its appeal is the waterfalls you’ll see next to many of the cabins, but especially Longbow Cabin, which looks like a fantastic dream brought to life. Longbow Resort is located at 4349 Prim Road in Edgemont.
10. Mount Magazine
Flickr/Brent
Flickr/Brent
If you’re looking for endless green, I’ve got the solution. Simply drive to one of the most scenic places in Arkansas, the top of Mount Magazine, which is located at 577 Lodge Drive in Paris, and look from the top of the highest point in Arkansas at all the hills and valleys around it.
11. Loco Ropes
Facebook/Loco Ropes
If you’re up for a little adventure, you should try to see the green from the canopy of the Ozark National Forest. You can do just that at Loco Ropes, which is located at Ozark Folk Center State Park at 1025A Park Avenue in Mountain View. It’s an adventure park, and there’s no adventure quite like it.

So, what do you love most about springtime in Arkansas? What are your favorite things to do in Arkansas in spring?

These aren’t your only options for soaking up the beauty of The Natural State. There are lots of scenic places in Arkansas worth exploring.

Address: 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913, USA
Address: Mirror Lake, Optimus Township, AR 72560, USA
Address: Sand Gap, AR 72856, USA
Address: Mammoth Spring, AR 72554, USA
Address: AR-7, Jasper, AR 72641, USA
Address: Camp Orr Rd, Arkansas, USA
Address: Quigley Castle Rd, Packard Springs Township, AR 72632, USA
Address: Cedar Creek Township, AR, USA
Address: 4349 Prim Rd, Edgemont, AR 72044, USA
Address: Magazine Mountain, Mountain Township, AR 72842, USA
Address: 1025A Park Ave, Mountain View, AR 72560, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Things To Do In Arkansas In Spring

March 01, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo

What are the best things to do outside in Arkansas?

When you’re ready to embrace the outdoors, Arkansas doesn’t disappoint. From parks and gardens to natural wonders, the options for outdoor fun are plentiful. Lake Catherine State Park is a great place for those seeking outdoor fun. The namesake lake is among the park’s best perks, and there are plenty of ways for visitors to enjoy it. In addition to a full-service marina, the park offers year-round boat rentals. The fun extends beyond the lake, though. The park also boasts picnic sites, playgrounds, a variety of campsites, including a yurt, a waterfall, native stone and wood buildings, and more. What’s more, park interpreters offer hikes, lake tours, and programs year-round as well as guided horseback rides seasonally.

What are the most scenic places in Arkansas?

Arkansas didn’t get the nickname “The Natural State” for nothing! The state is brimming with beautiful sights, and DeGray Lake Resort State Park is a great place to take it all in. As the name implies, it’s situated on the shores of the lovely DeGray Lake. In addition to typical park features, such as beaches and hiking trails, the park is most known for its interpretive programs, which highlight the area’s incredible natural beauty and most striking sights. Sunset cruises, guided hikes, snorkeling trips, and birding tours are just a few of the programs offered. There are also outdoor workshops and special events, such as Eagle Watch Tours, held throughout the year.

Where are the best places to view springtime blooms?

Colorful blooms are plentiful at The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, which draws more than 80,000 visitors a year! A breathtaking and aromatic site, The Garden is actually a collection of 12 themed gardens and includes the region’s only native butterfly house. There’s more to the garden than beautiful blooms, though. Education programs, such as workshops, classes, and lectures on horticulture, conservation, and other related subjects are offered throughout the year.

Address: 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913, USA
Address: Mirror Lake, Optimus Township, AR 72560, USA
Address: Sand Gap, AR 72856, USA
Address: Mammoth Spring, AR 72554, USA
Address: AR-7, Jasper, AR 72641, USA
Address: Camp Orr Rd, Arkansas, USA
Address: Quigley Castle Rd, Packard Springs Township, AR 72632, USA
Address: Cedar Creek Township, AR, USA
Address: 4349 Prim Rd, Edgemont, AR 72044, USA
Address: Magazine Mountain, Mountain Township, AR 72842, USA
Address: 1025A Park Ave, Mountain View, AR 72560, USA