Arkansas, nicknamed "The Natural State," offers countless opportunities for exciting outdoor activities. Arkansas is rich in scenery and outdoor activities, from natural rock formations and hiking trails to rivers, waterfalls, lakes, gardens, dams, and mountains.
Arkansas has various exciting activities, from ziplining and mountain biking to bridge walking, swimming, cavern exploring, scuba diving, and more. There are many options for those who wish to reconnect with nature while engaging in various outdoor pursuits. Arkansas has a wide variety of attractions and activities to offer its visitors.
Arkansas is home to many breathtaking natural wonders but has a rich cultural heritage and exciting nightlife. Arkansas is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, as well as world-famous museums, cultural events, intriguing amusement parks, and even some enigmatic phenomena.
Arkansas is one of the top vacation spots in the United States, and for a good reason. Here are the top 5 attractions in Arkansas.
5 The Best Places To Visit In Arkansas In 2023
The Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River provides a scenic route for adventurers across the Ozark Mountains. The Buffalo River is the first river in Arkansas to be given national park status. The river has been untouched since 1972 because of governmental protections. Because of this, the Buffalo River has remained undammed and relatively untainted, which is good news for environmentalists.
One of nature's most recognizable scenes may be seen along the Buffalo River's picturesque banks, surrounded by verdant trees and cascading waterfalls. In addition, there are several interesting historical sites in the neighborhood. About 300 caves, bluff shelters, and communities were inhabited by Aboriginal Americans.
Visitors may enjoy the area's natural beauty through activities like horseback riding and camping because of the region's abundance of vegetation. Canoeing along the riverbank offers some of the state's most stunning scenery.
Thorncrown Chapel
It's hard to think about Arkansas without thinking of Thorncrown Chapel. Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Thowncrown Chapel was the realization of a lifelong desire for Arkansas native Jim Reed. The chapel is a stunning piece of architecture that you won't find anywhere else.
Thorncrown is a glass chapel built to provide guests with a tranquil environment. The magnificent chapel features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, providing a 270-degree panorama of the lush Ozark Mountains. It would be an understatement to call the scenery beautiful.
Free and open-to-the-public tours of the chapel, including a short lecture on its history, are offered to those who express interest. In addition, this stunning location is open for people to use seven days a week for prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. Services on Sundays feature uplifting music and biblical preaching, and visitors are always invited to join in.
Christ of the Ozarks
Standing towering atop Magnetic Mountain near Eureka Springs is the Christ of the Ozarks, one of Arkansas' most visited landmarks. This 67-foot-tall monument has stood as a symbol of northern Arkansas for far over half a century. With a 65-foot reach, the monument is visible from just about anywhere in town.
Several parking spots and walkways above and below the statue give the complex air of a park. Nearby attractions include a preserved part of the Berlin Wall and other museums. Many Christ of the Ozarks visitors also stop by the Great Passion Play, another popular tourist destination.
From Good Friday in the spring through Halloween, the outdoor theater is a must-do for many. The Great Passion Play has over a hundred performers, together with spectacular lighting, real animals, and an outdoor amphitheater.
Mammoth Spring State Park
Mammoth Spring State Park is another popular destination for those seeking a spring in the United States. Nine million gallons per hour is how much water is thought to be gushing out of the Mammoth Spring. The rebuilt 1886 railroad depot, a Frisco Railroad caboose, and other interesting architecture have helped make the town of Mammoth Spring one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Arkansas.
Visitors at Mammoth Spring may enjoy a walk in addition to the hot springs. It passes via beautiful Arkansas scenery, dams, and a defunct hydropower plant. The picturesque village of Mammoth Spring has covered pavilions that may be reserved in advance for large groups.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens is the spot to go in Arkansas if you want to relax in nature. The beautiful and thriving botanical gardens are open daily and may be explored for a small charge. Enjoy your day at the gardens whether you prefer to stroll the grounds on foot or ride about in one of the property's golf carts.
The Garden has as one of its primary goals the protection of the Ouachita Mountains and their natural environment. Seeing all the gardens at this popular destination may take a whole day. A beautiful entrance to the Gardens awaits visitors at the establishment's welcome center.
Natural scenery, expertly crafted garden features, and quiet moments of meditation at the Gardens' many ponds are just some of the highlights of your trip. The best part is that you may bring your dog, as long as it's leashed, with you to the gardens. After your tour, visit the Garden Shop for souvenirs and The Chipmunk Cafe for a quick meal.
Conclusion:
There's no denying that Arkansas is a stunning state. This collection of unusual places to see and beautiful natural landmarks should help you plan a well-rounded trip. There are more natural wonders than we can count, including parks, trails, rivers, lakes, mountains, and waterfalls. Even if you're not outdoorsy, you may still have a good time with your loved ones.
There is something for everyone, from cultural institutions like museums and theaters to recreational venues like theme parks and spas. Arkansas is a state with an abundance of natural beauty, historical sites, cultural events, and fun things to do.
