Let’s face it—sometimes outdoorsy stuff is hard. Even thinking about climbing mountains and paddling down a river can make you tired. The good news is that there are tons of outdoorsy things here in Arkansas that are easy. And I do mean easy. Here are 11 of those things:
1. Visit Turpentine Creek.
This is a wildlife rescue that specializes in big cats, but also has all kinds of other predators as well. The walk is not strenuous and there is a trolley tour of the more far-reaching habitats.
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2. Drive the Pig Trail.
You can do this one sitting down.
3. Go see Louisiana Purchase State Park.
The boardwalk makes it an easy trip.
4. Do the Prairie Grove Battlefield driving tour.
You can get an audio CD for the self-guided tour at the visitor center.
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5. Take the Knapp Trail Tram Tour at Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park.
This tram tour of the park is led by a park interpreter, so you can learn as you ride.
6. Walk the Beech Ridge trail at White Oak Lake.
This trail is great for a casual walk—it’s only 1.4 miles and it’s good for all skill levels.
7. Go fishing at Lake Chicot.
Bring a chair. Find a dock.
8. Check out the views from the Cameron Bluff Overlook on Mount Magazine.
The overlook is only about 50 feet from the parking lot.
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9. Rent a cabin at a state park.
This one is at Lake Catherine, but you can also find one at Devil’s Den, Lake Fort Smith, Mount Magazine, White Rock...well, you get it.
10. Go see Mammoth Spring State Park.
Mammoth Spring is a beautiful, relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
11. Artist Point/Highway 71
You can drive beautiful Highway 71 to Artist Point and take a gander from those beautiful overlooks, then keep driving the rest of the Boston Mountains Scenic Loop and enjoy the gorgeous mountains.
Are you running out of fun adventures for you and your family? Well, have no fear, we’ve found the perfect outing for you. Head to Modern Mission in Fayetteville, where you can play outdoor or indoor laser tag, tactical airsoft, ax throwing, and more. This massive outdoor adventure park in Arkansas promises fun for all ages and an experience unlike any other.
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As soon as you step foot on Modern Mission’s battlefield you have accepted the mission for adrenaline pumping fun! It's guaranteed that you'll have a blast at this unique outdoor and indoor battlefield in Fayetteville Arkansas.
With 8-acres of outdoor space as well as a massive 3-story indoor facility, you'll find endless fun waiting for you.
Bring the entire family to enjoy a day of indoor or outdoor laser tag as well as tactical airsoft adventure, axe throwing, virtual reality, and more.
Equipment and protective gear for all the activities are provided. However, you can bring your own gear for the airsoft battlefield. The cost will be cheaper, which is a win-win!
For the outdoor laser tag, come prepared to tackle the massive tactical course. It's recommended to wear protective clothing and colors that will blend in with the outdoor space.
You can't go wrong with camo, or for the serious players, a ghillie suit will be the ultimate outfit to wear.
One of the best parts about this adventure park is that it's open all year long, and it's great for kids 7 years and up. Also, it's perfect for birthday parties as well as team building outings.
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Parents, you'll be happy to know that Modern Mission also offers summer camp, where the kids can learn archery, play sports, and improve tactical maneuvers.
Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, you'll have a blast at Modern Mission. There is so much to do and see at this massive adventure park in Arkansas.
Of course, we highly recommend that you add it to your list this year.
So you’ve taken selfies at Hawksbill Crag, savored steak at Doe’s Eat Place, called the hogs at a Razorback game, and done all of the best things to do in Arkansas, so what else could there be left to do? So much, my friend! Just when you think you’ve seen all the state has to offer, we have some unique places in Arkansas to keep your exploration going. Whether metropolitan or natural, Arkansas has plenty of hidden gems to relish. In fact, 13 are listed below... take a look at these unique things to do in Arkansas.
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1. Book a cabin getaway
There’s no better way to enjoy Arkansas’ beauty than to spend a night (or two) at the Lake Shore Cabins. It’s the perfect place to recharge after a day of fishing in Beaver Lake or hiking the nearby trails. Besides enjoying the splendor of the cabins, you can further indulge by booking a massage or hiring an in-house chef.
2. Feel larger than life at Tiny Town.
Arkansas doesn’t fall short on eccentricities. If you’re tired of the conventional tourist trap, head to Hot Springs' Tiny Town. This immense forty year art project turned attraction is made up of hundreds of moving parts and 95% handmade. Guests can admire the dedication to detail and take part in the interactive railroad model. Get an in-depth look at Tiny Town in Arkansas:
3. Explore America’s first national park.
The Hot Springs National Park is technically America’s first national park, a near forty years older than Yellowstone. Technicalities aside, enjoy strolling around one of the many trails and see how many of the 47 hot springs you come across.
4. Relax at Arkansas’ only Himalayan pink salt cave.
Find a new way to relax in a reinvigorating salt cave. This one is Lowell in Arkansas’ only authentic pink Himalayan salt room. The cave contains five tons of chiseled salt as well as over five hundred salt bricks to envelop guests in restorative salty relaxation.
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For more salty details, read the
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5. Sip wine at one of the oldest wineries in the U.S.
Touring Arkansas wine country is a must for any bucket list. Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is one of the oldest in the country, they’re U.S. Bonded Winery #8. Find a new favorite at their tastings, learn about pairings, and enjoy a meal with European influence at the Weinkeller Restaurant. Take a virtual tour of this magnificent wine cellar and restaurant:
6. Go spelunking.
Truly one of Arkansas’ more unique natural attractions, the Blanchard Springs Caverns provides a fantastic peek into the state’s subterranean. Four different types of tours are offered, from a straightforward paved walk to a headlamp-guided exploration in the dark. Don’t forget to check out the nearby trails just outside the cavern for Mirror Lake.
7. Enjoy the view at the highest point in the state.
You certainly can’t say you’ve done it all in Arkansas until you’ve reached the top of Mount Magazine. Whether you’ve booked a weekend at the Lodge or packed your pup for a hike on Signal Hill Trail, this trip is a must for anyone in the state.
To learn how to get on top of the world, read the full article.
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8. See how cheese is made.
You’ll love taking a trip to the Kent Walker Artisan Cheese Factory. Learn how cheese is made since all of their artisan cheese is handmade on site. This Little Rock cheese factory serves local craft beers, cheese-paring sandwiches, and of course, an unbelievable selection of cheese.(Editor's Note: Unfortunately, the Kent Walker Artisan Cheese Factory has closed its doors for good.)
9. Go on a treasure hunt worth $40 million.
The Old Spanish Treasure Cave in Sulphur Springs has a history dating back a whopping 350 years. According to legend, it houses gold from the Seven Cities of Cibola, hidden by Conquistador Coronado’s men. The chances of finding the lost treasure may be low but you’re a guaranteed winner at discovering Arkansas’ natural beauty. Learn about the history of the Old Spanish Treasure Cave:
10. Or, for some better odds, try digging for diamonds instead.
So maybe the Cibola gold is lost for good, but no need to fret since Arkansas also has a park to dig for diamonds. Crater of Diamonds State Park is the world’s only "keep what you find" diamond site. Discoveries are plentiful, with over 75,000 unearthed diamonds since 1906.
11. Have a bite at one of the best museum cafes in the world.
You may have spent the day perusing through endless art both inside and around the grounds but did you know Crystal Bridges also has an award-winning restaurant? Eleven has been ranked as one of the best museum cafés in the world by TripSavvy. Enjoy modernized Southern comfort foods as you take in the exquisite architecture.
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12. Take a day trip to one of Arkansas’ coolest cities.
If there’s one place in Arkansas where you can discover something new in every visit, it’s Eureka Springs. This quirky town is known as the "Little Switzerland" of the Ozarks because of the buildings’ stair-step layout. It’s so easy to stumble upon new little cafes or intriguing storefronts just on Main Street alone.
13. Arkansas is home to countless waterfalls but have you tried this hike?
Arkansas has an endless selection of trails to hike but Haw Creek Falls Trail is something special. Besides being a gorgeous stretch of Ozark National Forest, this trail features two waterfalls. The Haw Creek Falls stands at 8 feet and the 24-foot Pack Rat Falls resides nearby.
Did this list of unique things to do in Arkansas spark some ideas for your next road trip? What are your favorite hidden gems in Arkansas? Let us know all about them in the comments!