What's New for 2025 in Southwest Arkansas
Trails at Mena Project
The Trails at Mena Project is a new bike trails collaboration between Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the City of Mena. More details can be found HERE.
Arkansas Graveler updates
2025 announcements (including format, route, and host cities) for the Arkansas Graveler can be found at arkansasgraveler.com. The Arkansas Graveler is an off-road multi-day cycling event. More details can be found at HERE.
Paul 'Bear' Bryant Historical Marker in Fordyce
A new historical marker honoring legendary football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant is located in his hometown of Fordyce, Arkansas. Bryant, one of the most revered figures in college football history, got his start in Fordyce. For more details visit the Arkansas Heritage website.
Action Trackchair at Logoly State Park
Through a partnership with Accessibility Across Arkansas, Logoly State Park has introduced an all-terrain wheelchair designed to help individuals with mobility challenges experience the natural beauty of Arkansas State Parks. The Action Trackchair is an all-terrain wheelchair designed specifically for trails and rugged surfaces that standard wheelchairs cannot navigate. For more details visit the Arkansas State parks website.
In the Trees Resort
In the Trees offers treehouses and cabins in nature in Hot Springs. For more details visit inthetrees.com.
Starlight Haven Resort
The location in Hot Springs includes treehouses and domes to stay in. For more details visit the Starlight Haven Resort website.
BFL All American Fishing Tournament on Lake Hamilton
Hot Springs hosts the Phoenix BFL All-American Championship bass fishing tournament on Lake Hamilton May 29 – 31. It is the seventh time the city has been the scene of the Championship. For more information contact Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027 or sarrison@hotsprings.org. For tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Hot Springs Baseball Weekend and Babe Ruth World Series
In August 2025, the eighth Hot Springs Baseball Weekend and the Babe Ruth World Series coincide in Hot Springs, known as The Birthplace of Major League Baseball Spring Training.
“Some of the greatest former players in the game and the best of the young players will be in Hot Springs at the same time,” Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said. “Fans will get to interact with legends like crowd favorite Johnny Bench and newcomers Ron Guidry, Bret Saberhagen and Steve Garvey and at the same time have the opportunity to watch the best 14-year-old players in the world compete at our great Majestic Park complex, where The Babe himself once played and practiced.”
The Babe Ruth World Series for 14-year-olds will take place August 7-16, while Hot Springs Baseball Weekend will bring legends of the game to town August 8-9.
U.S. Hickory Open
Hosted by the Hot Springs Country Club October 3- 5. Golfers compete using hickory-shafted clubs on a championship course. For more information visit the website HERE.