Scenic Views in the Midwest: 8 Sights You Won’t Want to Miss During a Trip to Arkansas
Known as “The Natural State,” Arkansas offers some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes in the country. Along with its fantastic scenery, which includes 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,700 miles of streams and rivers, Arkansas has plenty of family-friendly things to do and see. If you’ve never visited the state before, here are eight sights you won’t want to miss.
Hot Spring National Park
The Hot Springs National Park, also known as “The American Spa,” sees thousands of tourists pass through the park every year. Visitors to the park can relax in a warm, traditional bath at the Buckstaff Bath House after hiking some of the park’s 26-miles of trails. Visitors can also drive through the scenic roads that run through the park and enjoy a picnic by the Gulpha Creek.
Little Rock Zoo
Located a short distance from the Courtyard Little Rock North, the Little Rock Zoo is the perfect destination if you have kids. The zoo is the perfect place for kids to explore, discover, and learn about animals with their fun and interactive, hands-on classroom. The zoo’s Zoofari Camp allows children to learn about animals through enjoyable games, crafts, and activities.
Blanchard Springs Caverns
Located in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, the Blanchard Springs Cavern is an extraordinary natural wonder. Visitors can take advantage of the guided tours to explore the chambers and rooms in the cavern and see spectacular formations of stalagmites and stalactites found throughout the caverns.
Crater of Diamonds
Visitors to the Crater of Diamonds, the only diamond mine in the United States, can dig for treasures and keep what they find. The site was once the face of a volcano and covers 37.5 acres of land. The eruption brought diamonds to the surface more than 100 million years ago.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
For visitors who are looking to gain access to excellent displays of artwork, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a unique place to visit. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while viewing some fantastic artwork. The museum is home to a permanent collection that contains artwork that goes back five centuries and features temporary exhibits throughout the year.
Thorncrown Chapel
The Thorncrown Chapel towers forty-eight feet high and whose unique design and beauty have resulted in a variety of architectural awards. Since opening in 1980, there have been millions of visitors to the chapel that is nestled away in the Arkansas woodlands. The building is both spectacular and inspirational.
Buffalo National River
The Buffalo River runs across the state of Arkansas for over 135 miles and was first designated a national river in 1972. There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore the immense and inspiring scenery through canoeing, hiking, and fishing expeditions. Take in the wondrous rock formations, bluffs, and caverns along the river.
Little Rock River Market
The River Market along the Arkansas River in Little Rock is a vibrant and dynamic area of the city. It started in the 1990s and has grown to a thriving neighborhood that features libraries, residential developments, and open-air markets.
With countless attractions and historic sites, Arkansas is a great place to visit. Whether you’re looking to view the gorgeous scenery or looking to tour the magnificent architecture, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.
