Not far from a place called Booger Hollow (population: 7, countin' 1 old coon dog) lies Dogpatch USA, an abandoned hillbilly theme park nestled in the hills of the Ozarks that once created memories for thousands of families across the U.S.
The park was the vision of O.J. Snow, who bought land in the Ozarks on Highway 7 between Jasper and Harrison, Arkansas. Snow realized the layout of the land closely resembled the area featured in the popular comic strip "Li'l Abner," so he decided to bring the fantasy world to life. Original 19th century mountain cabins were plucked from the hills board-by-board and log-by-log with the help of local farmers and carpenters. They now rest sadly within the silent park.
Dogpatch USA opened on March 17, 1968, welcoming over 8,000 visitors at the grand opening, back when hillbilly was cool. The family-friendly amusement park included horseback riding, paddle-boating, water slides, craft shops, and musical entertainment. Dogpatch was closed permanently on October 14,1993 due to financial struggles.
For years, I pined for a way to get inside the closed park to capture some history with my camera. I zoomed my lens from the side of the highway. I climbed the gates and pressed my forehead against the bars while my husband helped steady me. Then, one day, the park was opened to the public for a weekend in October 2015.
I stood with my husband in a quiet spot down by the the old grist mill and tried to imagine 8,000 people here all at once. If the rundown walls of Dogpatch USA could talk, oh the stories they could tell!
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My inner hillbilly could almost hear the laughter and smell the food, and if ya listened real quiet-like in the middle of the night, I'll be darned if ya couldn't hear the sweet sound of the banjos and fiddles bouncin' off them thar hills.
Most of us love everything about fall, am I right? From the cooler crisper weather to the vibrant fall foliage to the yummy pumpkin treats to all the fun things to do during the season, what’s not to enjoy? Now that fall is almost upon us, you might be thinking about the different places in Arkansas that you would like to visit. Luckily for you, we have done the legwork and compiled a list of our top picks of things to do in Arkansas this fall. Check them out!
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Before we get started, if you plan to hike to see fall foliage in Arkansas, we recommend that you download AllTrails, so that you’ll have easy navigation as you trek. Also, check out our ultimate road trip packing list for all the essentials you’ll need for any of your trips this fall.
Arkansas Fall Foliage: Where to go in Arkansas for Fall Foliage
The best way to kick off fall in Arkansas is by planning a hike to witness the fall foliage. Of course, you’ll want to plan your visit when the season is at its peak, which is typically from late October through mid-November. One thing I can say for sure is that Arkansas fall foliage will leave you breathless. Leaf peepers, you’ll want to snap pics, so grab your camera and get ready to see the best places to visit in Arkansas in the fall.
Wow Factor: One of the best places to rock climb in Arkansas.
Need To Know: The hike is quite challenging, and you'll need to do some scrambling to get to the scenic spot.
We love nothing more than an exhilarating hike in nature during autumn in Arkansas. And one of the best trails to see beautiful fall foliage is the 3-mile Sam’s Throne Trail near Mount Judea. The rolling hills of the Ozarks are ablaze with the most stunning hues. Plus, watching the sunset from this dreamy spot makes it even more awe-inspiring.
Wow Factor: One of the most spectacular displays of fall colors in Arkansas.
Need To Know: This is a cemetery, so it's important to be respectful.
Not many people would consider going to a cemetery to witness fall foliage. However, Maplewood Cemetery in Harrison is arguably one of the prettiest places to witness the best of autumn in Arkansas. When the season is at its peak, the trees are bursting with vibrant oranges, yellows and deep reds. It’s one of Arkansas’ best kept secrets and a wonderland for leaf peepers in the know.
Wow Factor: One of the newer natural areas in Arkansas that offers hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
As one of central Arkansas’ hidden gems, Rattlesnake Ridge is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With several trails lined with towering rock formations, you can hike, bike, as well as rock climb inside the natural area. During the fall, you can witness panoramic vistas of the Ouachita Mountains that come alive with vibrant fall colors as far as the eye can see. As one of the most picturesque trails in Arkansas, you don’t want to miss your chance to trek it this year.
4. Devil's Den State Park, West Fork
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Location: West Fork, Arkansas
Wow Factor: The entire park comes alive during the fall season.
Need To Know: There is an 8-acre lake inside the park that offers more recreational opportunities.
You can’t go wrong if you plan a trip to Devil’s Den State Park during the autumn season. To be honest, you’ll witness a show just driving to the park. The streets are ablaze with the most vibrant trees, which is a welcoming sign for what to expect once you arrive. With multiple trails that feature caves, waterfalls, overlooks, and more, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the park to experience all that the fall season has to offer. You’re going to need more than a day here, so pack your camping gear and plan to spend the night.
Best Pumpkin Patches in Arkansas
A favorite family tradition is to visit a local farm for all the Arkansas fall activities. They include pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn maze, pony rides, and petting zoo, just to name a few. Most of us look forward to picking our own pumpkins and there are quite a few farms in Arkansas that offer this fun family-friendly activity. Check out our picks for the best pumpkin patches in Arkansas.
Wow Factor: Home to the most terrifying haunted atraction in Arkansas.
Need To Know: The new season begins on September 21, and general admission is $14. An additional fee is charged for the haunted attractions.
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Pumpkin Hollow is more than just a farm with an amazing pumpkin patch, it’s also a place where family and friends can enjoy some of the best fall activities in Arkansas. There are hayrides, pony rides, a corn maze, zip line, a petting zoo, putt-putt, and not to mention Horror in the Hollow, the most terrifying haunted attraction in Arkansas. So, after you’ve picked out your pumpkin, there will be tons of fall activities for you and your family to enjoy.
Need To Know: The 2024 season begins on September 28. General admission is $12 and kids 2 and under are free.
If you’ve searched for fall activities near me in Arkansas, then add McGarrah Farms in Pea Ridge to your list. As one of the largest pumpkin patches in Arkansas, this charming farm has been a tradition for families since 1824. Not only can you pick your own pumpkin here, but you can also enjoy all the fun fall activities. You can find everything from train rides to ziplines to hayrides to corn mazes here, so we suggest that you plan a day trip to experience it all.
Wow Factor: This is also a wedding and event venue, so there will be lots of places to snap pics.
Need To Know: The season kicks off on September 28, and admission is $9 for everyone over the age of 2. Pumpkins are sold separately.
Don’t overlook the countryside of central Arkansas this fall because just 20 miles east of Hot Springs Village, you’ll find the most charming farm and event venue. Roseberry Farms Pumpkin Patch is a great place to spend an autumn day. The kids will have a blast here picking out massive pumpkins, riding the slides and swings, meeting the barnyard animals, and taking lots of photos. You can easily spend the entire day here enjoying all the fall activities.
Best Fall Festivals in Arkansas
When it comes to the best fall festivals in Arkansas, it’s tricky to narrow them down to just a few. But we did our best to select festivals that have something for everyone in the family. Whether you love spooky or dramatic or international or traditional harvest festivals, we found something for you. Here are 4 fall festivals that belong on your list this year.
Wow Factor: One of the largest zombie invasions in the world.
Need To Know: The crawl will begin at 1 p.m. on October 26. The event is free, but if you would like to participate in the crawl, you're asked to donate 2 canned goods.
This October, zombies will invade Eureka Springs, and you don’t want to miss it. The annual Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl is a unique festival that you won’t see anywhere else in Arkansas. This spooktacular event is great fun for the entire family - including your well-behaved furry pals. Aside from the invasion, there will be make-up artists, music, street performers, live entertainment, and more. This apocalyptic event promises to be loads of terrifying fun this fall.
Wow Factor: There will be 20 live entertainment acts from around the country performing at the faire.
Need To Know: The event takes place on November 2 and 3. Ticket prices vary and you are encouraged to purchase online.
Step back in time and witness dragons, wizards, and knights take over Hot Springs Arkansas. The Hot Springs Renaissance Faire is one of the best fall festivals in the state. The highlight of the festival is the jousting match, but there will also be merriment at every turn including music, camel rides, medieval fighting acts, art displays, and so much more. Costumes are not required but they are highly encouraged, so let your imagination go wild and come dressed as a wizard, pirate, knight, peasant, mermaid, or an elf.
Wow Factor: One of the most authentic Scottish festivals in America.
Need To Know: The event will be held on October 18 to 20, and ticket prices vary by event.
It’s not every day that you get to see men in kilts playing bagpipes in Arkansas, but it’s something that you should experience at least once. The Arkansas Scottish Festival aka Scotfest has been celebrating the rich Celtic heritage since 1979. The campus of Lyon College in Batesville will come alive with music, parades, Highland Games, races, a sheepdog demo, dance classes, and more. There will also be traditional Scottish food like meat pies and haggis, so be sure to grab a bite to eat. As one of the most popular fall festivals in Arkansas, you don’t want to miss your chance to celebrate everything about Scottish culture.
Wow Factor: There will be a butterfly release event as well as hot air balloon rides.
Need To Know: Cashless farm. The new season kicks off on September 21. General admission is $22.95, and kids and military members are free.
If you want a more traditional fall celebration, then head to Jackson Farm in Black Rock for their annual fall festival. A trip to this farm will make your autumn complete as it offers all the fall activities that we love. From a massive corn maze to a pumpkin patch to a petting zoo to hayrides to games to pageants and more. Plus, there are hot air balloon rides, magic shows, and you can frolic and takes lots of pics in the gorgeous sunflower and zinnia fields here too. We guarantee that your entire family will love all the fun fall activities on this farm.
Free & Cheap Arkansas Fall Activities
We all love free and cheap activities in Arkansas. Who wants to break the bank just to have some fun? If you want to save money, but not miss out on an adventure, here are some free activities and attractions in Arkansas that are perfect for a fall outing.
Wow Factor: One of the best small towns in Arkansas to visit.
Need To Know: There are lots of free activities in the historic downtown area.
It is no secret that Eureka Springs is one of our favorite small towns in Arkansas. You can find something to do no matter when you visit. However, the town comes alive during the fall season when the countryside lights up with the changing leaves. There are lots of free things to do in the historical town including hiking, sightseeing, or visiting the train depot. Prairie Grove, Mountain Home, and Hardy are a few more Arkansas small towns that are great during the fall.
Wow Factor: Officially designated as a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Need To Know: At 54 miles long, you can plan a day trip to cruise the highway, while making stops at some cool landmarks along the way.
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You don’t need to leave your car or break the bank to witness one of the most jaw-dropping displays of fall colors in the state. Just gas up the car and head to the town of Mena to cruise the 54-mile long Talimena National Scenic Byway. As far as the eye can see, the highway comes alive with brilliant autumn hues in the most magical way. This is certainly a bucket-list worthy Arkansas fall activity that you shouldn’t miss. And did I mention that it’s free?
Wow Factor: The first and one of the most visited state parks in Arkansas with a 95-foot waterfall.
Need To Know: Entry to the park is free, and you'll have access to all the amenities including the seasonal swimming pool.
All the state parks in Arkansas are FREE, and most of them offer spectacular views of the fall season. If you want to chase waterfalls, then head to Petit Jean State Park where you’ll find Cedar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Arkansas. The fall colors are always brilliant inside the park, too. If I am honest, you can’t go wrong with visiting any of the Arkansas state parks that offer outdoor recreation during the fall.
Wow Factor: Host to the largest arts and crafts fair in America.
Need To Know: The event is free and takes place on October 17 to 20.
If you have never been to War Eagle Mill during fall, then you are missing out on one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in America. The 4-day event typically happens in mid-October and features over 250 vendors selling some really cool handmade merch. The festival is free to attend but there is a small fee for parking. Be sure to check out the general store as well as the mill while you’re there.
What do you think about our top picks for things to do in Arkansas in fall? Did some of your favorites make our list? If not, tell us what fall traditions you enjoy with your family.
It’s safe to say that most of us have been to a water park, a splash pad, or a swimming pool, right? When the weather is warm, it’s one of the best ways to cool off, especially if you have little ones. But have you been to a water park that has a virtual reality snorkeling adventure? Yes, folks, you heard that right! Big Dam Waterpark in Texarkana Arkansas has just changed the game with its new state-of-the-art virtual reality snorkeling experience. Come with us to this aquatic playground to check out this new summer attraction in Arkansas that promises tons of fun for the whole family.
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Formerly known as Holiday Springs Waterpark, Big Dam Waterpark is under new management and it’s the hotspot in Texarkana for the summer.
You can easily spend the day enjoying all that this water park has to offer. But the fun doesn’t stop there!
Big Dam has a virtual reality snorkeling (DIVR) attraction that will literally blow your mind. It turns the swimming pool into an unbelievable immersive playground.
With the DIVR snorkeling glasses, you will be transported into another world. Just take a look at this cool experience.
For a separate fee, you can explore the coral reef while swimming with the exotic fish underneath the sea. This new immersive attraction is unlike anything you’ve seen at a water park in Arkansas.
No matter which one you choose, you’re in for a treat. This is one of the coolest family-friendly things to do this summer, so you don’t want to miss it.
What do you think about this new summer attraction in Arkansas? Wouldn't you love to explore the ocean in this unique way? If so, visit the Big Dam Waterpark website to learn more about the virtual reality snorkeling adventure and to start planning your trip.
