Trip Ideas & Itineraries

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.

Trade the city skyline for trail views and Southern charm on a three-day escape from Kansas City to Northwest Arkansas.

In the southern Ozarks, Mountain Home, Arkansas sits near two of the region’s largest lakes, nationally known trout streams and miles of hiking and biking trails. The outdoor lifestyle draws people from across the country. The downtown Baker District...

A short trolley ride from Eureka Springs historic downtown resides the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks. This Inn is the place to stay in the “Little Switzerland of America.” For centuries, people from all walks of life have visited the area we now...

Arkansas connects riders to nature and community with its trail-to-taproom towns. Here are seven bike-friendly destinations where you can ride all day, then grab great grub and craft beer in the evening. These towns have an outdoor lifestyle vibe, lively downtowns and bike-friendly lodging.

Bull Shoals Lake is a favorite family, fishing, and group vacation destination in Arkansas. Created by damming the White River, this magnificent body of clear, blue water is surrounded by 1,000 miles of scenic mountain shoreline. Glass-smooth surfaces make Bull Shoals Lake perfect for clear water skiing and wakeboarding.

The darkest skies in The Natural State can be found at one of Arkansas’s greatest natural treasures. The Buffalo National River is now an International Dark Sky Park, a designation made by the non-profit International Dark-Sky Association.

Northwest Arkansas is a charming, one-of-a-kind region where art, culture and history are celebrated every day – and all 10 destinations promise a memorable experience through the heart of the state's cultural tapestry. From art galleries to historic landmarks and local dining, Northwest Arkansas is ready to wow you at every turn.

Petit Jean State Park has long been a place where nature, history and a love for the outdoors have converged. As the first state park, it’s a landscape shaped by generations who explored its hollows, studied its geology, protected its cultural resources and found inspiration in its natural beauty. Now, that legacy is taking an exciting and intentional step forward just like those before us.

Located in Southwest Arkansas, this town is known for watermelons, the home of Bill Clinton and the origin of Klipsch Speakers.

The Ozark Gateway region is a playground for anyone who loves the rush of fresh air, the crunch of gravel underfoot and the endless possibility of a new trail ahead. With rolling hills, clear rivers and a mix of wide-open spaces and deep woods, it’s a place where fun comes naturally.

Forrest City, Arkansas, is a gateway to some of the state’s most breathtaking natural escapes, and it’s also home to local restaurants that keep adventurers and travelers well-fed. Whether you're fueling up before a day of hiking at Village Creek State Park or winding down after exploring the Delta Heritage Trail, the town’s local spots serve up comfort, tradition and a true taste of the Arkansas Delta.

Before diving into your itinerary, you’ll need a great place to stay. Thankfully, Fort Smith offers a wide range of accommodations, from charming boutique hotels to well-known chains to cozy bed-and-breakfasts.