4 Arkansas Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

The must-see attractions in Arkansas earned their popularity for a reason. Sometimes, it’s a beautiful view, sometimes it’s a historic site, or sometimes it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Arkansas are worth the hype, and if it's crowds you’re worried about, you can visit these spots during the off-season or arrive early in the morning. 

Hot Springs National Park

Many of the must-see attractions in Arkansas are nature-driven. What else would you expect from a state with a nickname like The Natural State? Hot Springs National Park is the most popular attraction in Arkansas, and for good reason! There are 26 miles of hiking trails within the 5,550-acre park, and each one will lead you to a beautiful view. History is abundant here, including nine historic bathhouses that have drawn people to the area for centuries.  

Eureka Springs

Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs might be my favorite city in the state. Known for its perfectly preserved Victorian buildings and thriving downtown scene, you’ll never run out of things to do in Eureka Springs. I thoroughly enjoy the town’s spa culture, and you can dive deep into the mineral springs and bathhouses in Eureka Springs. Nature lovers will enjoy the many outdoor recreational opportunities within the city, including the Blue Spring Heritage Center.

Crater of Diamonds State Park

I mentioned earlier that The Natural State is one of Arkansas’ nicknames, but did you know that the other nickname is The Land of Opportunity? Test your luck at Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds. Anything you find is yours to keep! Even if you don’t come away with a diamond that you can retire on, you might find some amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, or quartz to take home. More than 35,000 diamonds have been found at the park since it opened in 1972, including the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam diamond, the largest diamond ever unearthed in the United States. 

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Crystal Bridges is often ranked as one of the most popular attractions in Arkansas. Located in Bentonville, Crystal Bridges is more than an art museum; it’s also an architectural wonder. Inside, art lovers can spend endless hours marveling at the impressive collections, which range from world-renowned to local artists. Outdoors, visitors to this free museum can stroll the 120-acre property’s five miles of trails, which include a whimsical sculpture garden.

How many of these popular Arkansas destinations have you visited? Did you think they were worth the hype? Share this article with your favorite fellow traveler and start making plans to explore Arkansas soon!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to one of these must-see attractions in Arkansas using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.