Trip Ideas & Itineraries

There are places you visit, and then there are places you experience. Helena, Arkansas falls firmly into the second category. Set where Crowley’s Ridge meets the Mississippi River, this Delta town invites you to slow down and look closer Music drifts through the streets, history sits just beneath your feet and the landscape shifts from riverbanks to forested ridges in minutes. This is a place for exploring, not rushing, where the best moments aren’t always planned.

Hope, Arkansas grows watermelons like nowhere else, big enough for the Guinness Book of World Records, notable enough for a U.S. President's table and worthy of an annual celebration. Now in its 50th year, The Hope Watermelon Festival is a three-day party for the whole family with watermelon-themed contests and games, food vendors, a 5k race and live entertainment.

Arkansas State Parks provide a range of outdoor experiences and connections to Arkansas heritage. Enjoying daytime park activities and the nightlife of nearby local towns is another experience one can have during their state park visit.

From food truck gatherings and live music to riverfront rides and late nights at Southland Casino Hotel, West Memphis is a place where the energy builds naturally from day to night.

North Little Rock is an exciting outdoor destination with rock climbing, mountain biking trails, riverside hikes and year-round access.

A walkable district in North Little Rock, Argenta is known for its steady rhythm of dining, events and live entertainment.

On the trails and waterways around Pine Bluff, the first thing you notice—especially if you're from the city—is the peace and quiet. There's so much room to move around here, without all the waiting in line or competing for fishing spots or trail space.

If you’re looking to escape the Dallas rush for a few days, look no further than central Arkansas. From the unique charm of Hot Springs to the vibrant energy of Little Rock, this three-day road trip delivers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure you can only find in The Natural State.

Hot Springs literally sprang to life in a Ouachita Mountains valley containing a remarkable array of 47 thermal springs. The town has long been and remains Arkansas' top tourist destination, and for good reason.

Little Rock is a city where our past continues to guide our future. Through struggles and triumphs, the fight for civil rights for all Americans played out across Little Rock, and the memory of their courage will inspire us forever. These 11 sites tell the stories of pioneering Arkansans who shaped Little Rock throughout its history.

If you ‘re looking for an opportunity to get away for a few nights or the weekend, a great suggestion is Wilson. Located in Arkansas’ Upper Delta, the town was named after its founder, R.E.L Wilson, and would become one of the largest farming empires in the South.

Eureka Springs offers up a little bit of everything — from outdoor adventure to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to experience.

Arkansas is a paddler’s paradise. Whether you're seeking calm waters for a leisurely paddle or a thrilling ride down whitewater rapids, The Natural State delivers. These seven rivers offer some of the best floating experiences in Arkansas, each with its own unique blend of scenery, adventure and serenity.

Some of the best things in life are free and they’re in Arkansas. The Natural State has unique locations that can be enjoyed for nothing but the time it takes to get there.

Whether you’ve lived here all your life or you’re just starting to explore, there are some Arkansas experiences everyone should try at least once. Consider this an Arkansas bucket list, or at least a good place to start.