Summertime comes with its own challenges, doesn’t it? It’s hot outside, the days seem endless, and you’re always looking for ways to entertain yourself and your kids during those extended daylight hours. Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of ten of the best day trips in Arkansas that you need to add to your bucket list this summer. You'll love all these options!
Below the information about these stunning day trips, you’ll find links to articles that will tell you all about these ten delightful Natural State destinations.
1. Kick back with some barbecue, gambling, and bathhouses in Hot Springs.
Does that kind of adventure sound pretty great to you? Hot Springs has been recognized as one of the best barbecue cities in the U.S., and they’ve got lots of incredible activities, too. From playing the ponies at Oaklawn to spending your day strolling the national park, you’ll find tons to do in Hot Springs, which makes it just about perfect for a day trip.
Take a look at this video by @travelooo:
2. Float along the gorgeous Ouachita River.
Arkansas’s natural lazy river is an ideal place to float your troubles away on a tube, canoe, or kayak. The scenery is just beautiful and you don’t have to work hard to enjoy it. The most popular float is from Oden to the Rocky Shoals Campground, and that 10-mile adventure is sure to float your boat. This is one of the best summer day trips in Arkansas.
3. Take in all the wonders of our capital in Little Rock.
There are so many things to do in Little Rock that you might just decide to extend your day trip into a weekend. Tons of attractions, some of the best food in the Natural State, and a gorgeously developed riverfront await you in Little Rock, as well as beautiful historic buildings and a whole bunch of hidden wonders. You might want to check out our list of hidden gems in Little Rock.
4. Explore the beauty and clarity of Lake Ouachita.
Lake Ouachita is one of the clearest lakes in North America and one of the largest lakes in Arkansas. If you need some other information that will make you want to go, you should also know that depending on the lake level, there are hundreds of islands in Lake Ouachita. If that doesn’t entice you to spend a day exploring the lake, I don’t know what will.
Take a look at this video by @ArkieTravels:
5. Take your time trying wine in Altus.
Altus is the heart of Arkansas’ wine country. Smooth whites and deep reds await you at the many wineries there, and those wineries are all nestled in an incredibly scenic valley. If you’re looking for a way to spend the day trying local wine, eating delicious food, and enjoying the gorgeous countryside, a trip to Altus along the Arkansas wine trail is absolutely perfect for you. It's one of the best day trips in Arkansas you can take.
6. Enjoy all the unique wonders up in Eureka Springs.
Eureka Springs is one of Arkansas’s finest tourist towns, boasting attractions like Thorncrown Chapel and hotels like the 1886 Crescent Hotel. More than just a quaint little Victorian village with lots of things to do, Eureka Springs is famed for its unique spirit and lively downtown.
Take a look at this video by @terrybarner1738:
7. Take a dip and a trip around Lake Greeson.
Lake Greeson is a vastly underrated lake located near Murfreesboro. The lake can tend to be a little busy on the weekends, especially during the summer, so you may want to plan this day trip in the middle of the week. In Lake Greeson you can swim, boat, kayak, or simply enjoy the view. The camping there is also excellent, if you decide to prolong your day trip.
8. Haul in some big fish in Cotter.
Located on the downright incredible White River, Cotter has been the home of great fishing for decades upon decades. There’s no reason you can’t spend your whole day casting out into the water in search of some truly epic trout, but there are about a million ways to enjoy the charming little town of Cotter and its portion of the White River.
9. Cool your feet and feast your eyes at Cove Lake.
Cove Lake sits in the shadow of Mount Magazine, Arkansas’s highest point, meaning there’s no reason you can’t spend the day swimming and then drive a few minutes to see the breathtaking views at the scenic overlooks just up the road. On top of its recreational appeal and proximity to stunning views, Cove Lake is a peaceful and beautiful lake to spend your time exploring and one of the best Arkansas day trips.
10. Check out the Fort Smith murals.
has invested a lot of time and energy in their Unexpected Project. The Unexpected is a festival of murals that has added a number of new faces and shapes to the buildings in Fort Smith’s historic downtown. While you’re in town you should also check out the good eats, great shopping, and intense history of Garrison Avenue.
Have you taken any of these day trips in Arkansas? Let us know! You might also be interested in adventures you can only have in Arkansas.
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