7 Spots in Arkansas We’re Especially Thankful for This Year

The Natural State’s beauty is too immense to be celebrated only one day out of the year. From Hot Springs National Park to charming Eureka Springs, we’re always thankful for the best places to visit in Arkansas, so let’s all take a moment to appreciate these iconic destinations that make the state so special. 

1. Hot Springs National Park

Many people assume Yellowstone was the first national park in the country, but it was actually Hot Springs National Park. Nestled in the sprawling Ouachita Mountains, the 5,500-acre park was established in 1921, and it remains one of America’s most-visited national parks. With 26 miles of forested hiking trails, it’s hard to believe you’re in the city. Of course, touring Bathhouse Row and admiring the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings is such an exceptional experience. Two of the bathhouses are still operational, allowing visitors to soak in the 4,000-year-old thermal waters as people have done for ages. Others have been renovated into everything from a brewery to a hotel and even the park’s visitor center. 

2. Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs

I think it’s safe to say the Ozarks have a special place in the hearts of all Arkansas natives. The sprawling mountain range boasts incredible scenery, numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, and world-famous attractions, such as Thorncrown Chapel. Designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones, this man-made marvel draws visitors from all over the world for its stunning glass design and picturesque forest setting. The chapel is open to the public daily.

3. Buffalo National River

Also located in the Ozarks, the Buffalo National River is America's first national river, and it's a popular destination for water activities such as fishing, tubing, and canoeing. The pristine river is lined with rugged cliffs and lush greenery, making it one of the state's most scenic natural treasures. It also boasts some of the best stargazing opportunities in Arkansas, and in 2019, Buffalo National River became the state's first International Dark Sky Park.

4. Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro

Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only place on earth where visitors can search for diamonds in their original source. This unique location, situated in the small town of Murfreesboro, features a 37-acre volcanic field rich in a variety of rocks, minerals, and gemstones. What sets Crater of Diamonds apart from other, similar attractions is that anything you find is yours to keep. You can either bring your own equipment (provided it isn’t battery-operated or motorized) or rent tools from the park. If you need help identifying your findings, park staff are happy to help. 

5. Mount Magazine State Park, Paris

Mount Magazine State Park is home to Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas, which stands at a height of over 2,700 feet. Summit the peak to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, whose dense foliage extends for miles in all directions. The park is also popular among extreme sports enthusiasts, offering rock climbing, hang gliding launch areas, mountain biking, backpacking, and ATV riding.

6. Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is one of the most charming small towns in Arkansas, renowned for its artsy atmosphere, historic Victorian buildings, and winding hillside streets lined with quaint shops and restaurants. The city's location in the heart of the Ozarks makes it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to hiking and biking trails, caves, watersports, and more. Like Hot Springs, Eureka Springs is surrounded by dozens of natural springs that have drawn people to the town since the late 1800s. You can still enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich waters at The Palace Hotel and Bath House, the city's last-remaining original bathhouse.

7. Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton

Arkansas's first state park, Petit Jean, is renowned for its distinctive rock formations and breathtaking waterfalls. The tallest waterfall in the park, Cedar Falls, is 95 feet high and truly spectacular to see in person. There are also several scenic overlooks, historic CCC buildings, caves, grottos, rock arches, and so much more. The landscape is otherworldly, and standing next to the giant rocks is surreal.

What are some of the best places to visit in Arkansas that you’re thankful for this year? 

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