Planning an epic Arkansas street journey itinerary to hit all the perfect spots? Our newest article from our current journey via the state will be sure to don’t miss a factor!
It’s at all times been a dream of ours to go on a street journey although the Southern United States, testing a number of the greatest cultural and scenic vistas alongside the way in which.
This 12 months we had been fortunate sufficient to lastly tick off that dream from our bucket record, and after exploring the perfect sights in Louisiana we crossed the border into the neighboring state of Arkansas.
Reality be advised we hadn’t actually heard rather a lot concerning the state, so we went in with a completely open thoughts and pleasure ranges buzzing to see what we are able to discover.
With no expectations we had been extremely stunned at simply how good the street journey was. They don’t name it the Pure State for nothing.
The Excellent Week-Lengthy Arkansas Highway Journey Itinerary
Scenic drives, historic locations, limestone cliffs, nice espresso retailers, a bustling music scene, tree homes and loads of climbing meant we actually made probably the most of our time right here.
Able to hit the street and comply with in our footsteps for every week in Arkansas? Let’s dive into our itinerary!
One of the best ways to get round is to lease a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the biggest vary of autos for the perfect worth in the marketplace.
Day 1: Little Rock
Until you’re like us and travelling from Louisiana or one of many different neighboring states, you’ll almost certainly fly into the capital of Arkansas, Little Rock.
Fortunate for you too, as a result of it is a excellent place to begin exploring.
Undoubtedly go away your self a day or two to discover this metropolis, as there actually is so many nice issues to do in Little Rock.
You possibly can study concerning the historical past, attempt some native beer, discover Invoice Clinton’s Presidential Library or take pleasure in all of the inexperienced house that Little Rock affords on a motorcycle.
Listed below are our ideas for what to do in your first day in Arkansas.
Go on a Bike Tour with Rock City River Outfitters
The best possible technique to discover a metropolis is by bicycle. In order that’s what we did in Little Rock, and it’s best to too.
We suggest spending the morning using round and studying concerning the metropolis Little Rock. The perfect folks to do that with is Rock City River Outfitters.
These guys present the bikes and the information with their superior guides, who completely love their metropolis.
Throughout our bike tour we learnt rather a lot about Little Rock and noticed a lot on two wheels in a brief time period.
Journey down streets with previous historic warehouses, large mansions and naturally the long-lasting State Buildings.
This one is to not miss for those who go to Little Rock and don’t have a number of time. A normal tour will take about 3 hours.
- Handle: 400 President Clinton Ave Suite A, Little Rock
- Opening Hours:
- Closed Monday and Tuesday
- Wednesday – Friday: 10am–6pm
- Saturday – 9am–6pm
- Sunday – 11am–6pm
- Worth: Ranging from $60 for a bicycle or $82 for an e-bike
Go to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
After slightly work out, why not study extra historical past on the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, also referred to as the Clinton Presidential Middle?
Being from Australia, it was fascinating to us that within the USA after the president finishes their time period a museum is made to deal with the whole archives of the lifetime of the presidency.
Invoice Clinton was born and raised in Arkansas, so having the museum in Little Rock was a no brainer.
There are over 100,000 objects to learn and see on this museum, from items he obtained, paintings and vogue items.
One of many actual highlights although is an actual reproduction of the Oval Workplace.
There are numerous photographs, movies and information saved right here, and you may spend a few hours wandering across the totally different displays.
The restaurant additionally serves surprisingly scrumptious meals. Price stopping by for lunch.
- Handle: 1200 President Clinton Ave
- Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday – Saturday, 1pm – 5pm Sundays
- Value: $12
Seize some Tacos and Beer at Camp Taco
Subsequent on our record in your time exploring Little Rock is a few native music, meals, craft beer and nice ambiance – all discovered at Camp Taco.
This small brewery is a hidden gem in Little Rock, with numerous distinctive craft beersand scrumptious Mexican-style meals.
Consuming right here was really the perfect meal we had in the whole state. Ensure you get the Mexican ramen, it was divine!
- Handle: 822 E sixth St, Little Rock
- Hours: 11am – 9pm Sunday – Thursday, 11pm – 10pm Friday – Saturday
Have extra time in Little Rock? Take a look at our article on extra issues to do in Little Rock.
Day 2: Little Rock to Scorching Springs Nationwide Park – 55 miles, 1 hr
For the following two nights you’re going to remain in Scorching Springs, one of many nicest locations within the Southern USA.
From Little Rock, it takes about one hour to drive to Scorching Springs Nationwide Park. We’d suggest leaving early so you will get probably the most of every day, as there’s rather a lot to see and do right here.
The city of Scorching Springs is among the greatest locations to go to in Arkansas, and whereas most individuals like to come back to take a look at the historic bathhouses, there’s really a number of nice pure magnificence round.
Scorching Springs Nationwide Park has some gorgeous, lush forests, beautiful waterfalls, many lakes and a few nice actions like mountain biking and climbing shut by.
READ MORE: Take a look at our complete information to all of the greatest issues to do in Scorching Springs!
Seize some Breakfast at The Pancake Store
Begin your day proper at this superb household enterprise, well-known for making the perfect pancakes in Arkansas (and a number of the greatest we have now ever tasted).
We had an important breakfast right here after we had been in Scorching Springs and it’s not to be missed. We extremely suggest the blueberry pancakes, and you must attempt the freshly-squeezed orange juice.
Fordyce Bathhouse Customer Middle
After your brunch in Scorching Springs, cease off on the Fordyce Bathhouse Guests Middle.
This isn’t only a guests centre that can assist you discover out details about the world, it is usually a museum concerning the historical past of the bathhouses that had been as soon as an integral a part of the city.
Earlier than Scorching Springs grew to become a nationwide park, 8 extravagant bathhouses had been constructed that tapped into the pure scorching water coming from the bottom, offering a luxurious bathing service for gangsters, politicians and enterprise folks from across the nation.
Give your self about one hour to stroll the three ranges (and basement) of the Fordyce Bathhouse constructing and learn the way the bathhouses as soon as had been and what they regarded like.
On the higher stage. you may study how the mineral water is extracted into the buildings and the place it comes from.
Don’t miss the basement the place you may see this course of and the equipment they as soon as used.
After your self-guided tour, go see the rangers within the centre that can assist you organise the remainder of your keep right here in Scorching Springs. They’re very knowledgable and may give you recommendation on any hikes, mountain bike trails and pictures spots within the nationwide park.
Subsequent it’s time to stroll down Bathhouse Row and take a look at the 8 bathhouses. Make sure that to examine each with the knowledge boards in entrance of all of them.
- Handle – 369 Central Ave
- Opening Hours – 7 days every week – 9am – 5pm
- Worth – Museum is Free to enter
E-book in for a Thermal Tub at Quapaw Baths and Spa
Since you’ve learnt all concerning the Thermal Bathhouses, why not attempt one for your self?
We suggest the Quapaw Baths and Spa. We popped on in and paid for the general public baths.
They had been so enjoyable and our pores and skin felt superb afterwards. The thermal water has well being advantages and plenty of locals go to the bathhouse often.
The service they provide for the general public baths are first-come, first-serve. You don’t want a reservation, simply are available and pay. They do get busy and so they might begin a ready record so get there early or later within the day.
- Handle – 413 Central Ave
- Opening Hours – Wednesday to Monday – 10am – 6pm (closed on Tuesday)
- Worth – $25 plus tax per particular person (public baths)
Scorching Springs Mountain Tower
It is a excellent place to see the entire space, the place you may look down over the city.
After you have reached the mountain tower park your automobile and head inside. There’s a price to go up the highest for the view in order for you the next elevation.
The tower elevator will take you 66 meters (216 ft) as much as the highest the place the remark decks are.
You’ll take pleasure in superb panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains, Scorching Springs Mountain, and Diamond Lakes space.
- Handle – 401 Scorching Springs Mountain Dr.
- Opening Hours – Hours depend upon the month. Examine their web site.
- Worth – $8 for adults (12 & over) and $4.50 for kids (5 to 11). Free underneath 5 years previous.
Go on a Hike
After testing the good view from the highest of Mountain Tower, discover the brief climbing trails close by.
Get out and see the scenic Ouachita Mountains. These hikes are nice for all ages and ranges. You get extra nice views of the world and
If in case you have further time and wish to do some extra climbing, take a look at the trailheads which are positioned very near downtown, such because the Sundown Path, West Mountain Path and Gulpha Gorge Path that are all nice hikes.
Cease by the Scorching Springs Nationwide Park Customer Middle to get extra info on the climbing trails.
Take pleasure in Some Meals and Beers from Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Welcome to our favorite place in all of Arkansas!
When the city was designated as a nationwide park, all however 2 of the bathhouses closed down. These stunning buildings although had been losing away, till one younger entrepreneur got here up with an concept – why not flip one of many bathhouses right into a brewery?
Meet Rose, the founding father of Superior Bathhouse Brewery. She got here up with this unbelievable concept and after years of planning, permit-acquiring and historic safety agreements, she opened up the primary ever brewery inside a US nationwide park.
It’s completely booming now, and through the summer time she has line-ups down the road for folks wanting to come back in and seize a style.
Rose loves good beer (studying her craft in her basement), but additionally likes to get experimental together with her brews. Apart from scrumptious IPAs, stouts, lagers and ales, she throws random components in to see how they’ll end up. For instance we tried a jalapeño ale, infused with peppers giving it a spicy style. And boy was it good.
Don’t miss stopping in right here in your Arkansas street journey.
Keep at Scorching Springs Treehouse
If you wish to keep in one of many nicest and most original lodging in Scorching Springs, be sure to guide in for 2 nights right here.
The Scorching Springs Treehouses are simply quarter-hour outdoors the city of Scorching Springs, however really feel like they’re in an entire totally different world.
We stayed within the Firefly Ridge Treehouse, an enormous log cabin with a fire, huge sitting space, large mattress and the spotlight, a scorching tub on the deck surrounded by stunning forest!
We spent two nights right here and cherished chilling by the hearth, sitting within the jacuzzi and listening to the sounds of birds and bugs. Such a peaceable place.
Day 3: Scorching Springs Nationwide Park
In your second day in Scorching Springs, head out for extra nice adventures round city.
Seize a Nice Breakfast at Kollective Espresso & Tea
Kollective was such an important place to fill your physique up with power earlier than a busy day of adventures.
They’ve an important number of meals and drinks to select from. Their espresso was scrumptious and we suggest eating in too.
They make implausible breakfast bagels, and even us as self-proclaimed espresso snobs (we’re Australians in any case) gave two thumbs as much as their brew.
Right here’s their web site for extra information.
Go Mountain Biking on the Northwoods Trails
The mountains round Scorching Springs are full of miles of trails, so why not choose up a mountain bike and hit them?
These versatile trails are proper within the yard of downtown Scorching Springs, so no have to drive anyplace – simply pedal from city.
If you’re round for just a few extra days and wish to do extra mountain biking, take a look at the locations under.
- Womble Path – Positioned within the Ouachita Mountain
- Cedar Glades Trails – Positioned within the Ouachita Mountains
- Iron Mountain Path – Positioned on the south shore of Lake DeGray
- Ouachita Nationwide Leisure Path – Positioned within the Ouachita Mountains
- Lake Ouachita Vista Path – Positioned on the south shore of Lake Ouachita
You possibly can lease a motorcycle although numerous corporations on the town.
- Scorching Springs Bicycle Touring Firm
- Spa Metropolis Biking
- Path Metropolis E-Bikes
- Parkside Cycle
READ MORE: Travelling elsewhere within the Southern USA? Don’t miss our information to the highest issues to do in Lafayette, Louisiana!
Go to the Garvan Woodland Gardens
There’s something so calming and enjoyable about strolling round a backyard, and this spot right here is a type of magical locations!
After I learn there was an incredible backyard simply outdoors of Scorching Springs, I needed to test it out.
The Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical backyard with numerous strolling paths to take pleasure in.
To advertise effectively being, the botanical backyard has strolling circuits so you may both train in nature or sit and benefit from the stillness.
We spent hours on the Backyard exploring every part. The structure with a number of the designs within the backyard are so distinctive. I took numerous inspiration for our personal backyard sooner or later.
The gardens are positioned close to Lake Hamilton. Lake Hamilton is a household enjoyable artificial lake the place water sports activities happen on weekends.
- Handle – Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd
- Opening Hours – 7 days every week: 10am – 6pm
- Worth – $20 for Adults (13 and up), $5 for Youngsters (4-12) and free for underneath 3 years previous
Do Not Miss the Anthony Chapel Complicated
It’s important to go to the Anthony Chapel Complicated if you find yourself on the Garvan Woodland Gardens. Don’t miss it. It’s unbelievable.
Are you able to imagine there’s a church like this hidden within the forest in Arkansas?? How cool is that this place!
That is Anthony Chapel, standing 57 ft tall and product of native wooden & glass. It was inbuilt 2006 and designed by architects Maurice Jennings and David McKee.
It regarded so distinctive rising from the bushes, and the within was simply as cool. It’s typically used for weddings – what an exquisite spot to get married!
Seize Some Pizza at Delucas
Now if you wish to attempt a standard Pizza, Italian fashion, take a look at Delucas. That is the place to eat in Little Rock.
The pizza was the largest pizza we have now ever seen. It was large.
Day 4: Scorching Springs to Crater of Diamonds State Park – 60 miles, 1 hr 15 min
A number of hours south of Scorching Springs is among the most original locations in all of Arkansas – Crater of Diamonds State Park.
This park could also be scorching and dusty, however you’re not coming right here for the landscapes. As a substitute that is the one place on the earth the place the general public can mine for diamonds!
Diamonds naturally happen within the space, and whereas there’s not sufficient to warrant a full-scale diamond mine being developed, there’s sufficient round for the typical Joe to dig, sift and finally discover a shiny rock.
And better of all, for those who discover one, you retain it! The most important ever discovered was 40 carats. Are you able to think about?
We tried our greatest however didn’t discover any of our personal diamonds sadly. However we did meet some individuals who come yearly and do certainly discover the dear stones.
It’s highly regarded out within the area, so be sure to convey numerous water with you. You possibly can lease all of the sifting tools you’d want from the guests centre.
The city itself is kind of nice as effectively, so seize a pleasant BnB or motel and benefit from the ambiance after you’ve (hopefully) struck it wealthy.
- Handle – 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro
- Opening Hours – 7 days every week – 8am – 4pm
- Worth – $10 per particular person for entry, tools rental on high of that. Should you arrive late within the day, you need to use your ticket for the next day.
Day 5: Crater of Diamonds to Mount Journal State Park – 118 Miles, 2 hr 30 min
From Crater of Diamonds it’s time to drive to Mount Journal State Park in Northwest Arkansas. This route will take you about 2 hours and half-hour, so hit the street early.
On the way in which, you’ll drive alongside the Mount Journal Scenic Byway which is a beautiful scenic drive, so maintain the digital camera helpful.
Drive the Mount Journal Scenic Byway
The Mount Journal Scenic Byway enjoys a sluggish ascent on a windy street via beautiful forest.
Mount Journal is Arkansas highest peak at 2,753 ft (Round 840 metres). It’s a pretty drive with a number of viewpoint stops alongside the way in which.
Don’t miss them as it is a nice alternative for a pleasant view and to stretch your legs.
When you attain close to the highest of Mount Journal State Park you’ll come throughout the Lodge, the highest lodging within the space.
That is the place we stayed and it truly is a stunning place. The lodge has nice views on a transparent day however it is usually superb when the clouds are available low and you may take pleasure in a scorching drink by the hearth.
There are various trails leaving from the lodge or are positioned a brief drive, so seize your strolling footwear and hit the monitor.
READ MORE: Make a visit to Lake Charles in Louisiana and hit up all of the unbelievable issues to do there too!
Go Mountain climbing
Travelling alongside the Mount Journal Scenic Bypass you will note a number of climbing trails.
If you arrive to Mount Journal State Park your first cease needs to be the Vacationer Middle. Do drop in right here and they’re going to present all the knowledge you’ll need for climbing within the space.
There are hikes from the Mount Journal State Park Vacationer Centre or you may hike from the Mount Journal Lodge.
Benefield Picnic Space
- Benefield East Loop Path
- Benefield West Loop Path
- Mossback Ridge Path
- Inspiration Level
- Dawn Rock
- Bear Hole Path
- Mossback Ridge Path
Mount Journal State Park Vacationer Centre
- Turkey Springs
- Greenfield Path
- North Rim Path
- Will Apple’s Highway Path
Mount Journal Lodge
- Sign Hill Path
- Mossback Ridge Path
- North Rim Path
When you’ve completed climbing head again to the lodge for a giant meal and chilly beer.
Day 6: Mount Journal to Petit Jean State Park – 53 Miles, 1 hr 15 min
Get on the street early and head down the Mount Journal Scenic Bypass in the direction of Petit Jean State Park.
That is one other stunning state park the place you may actually embrace nature.
When arriving to Petit Jean State Park there’s a tenting space or cabins to remain in.
Examine into the lodge and they’re going to be capable of offer you some recommendation on the hikes within the space.
A lot of the strolling trails are a brief distance from Mather Lodge. Spend the afternoon exploring the world by foot or chill out within the lodge.
Cedar Falls Path and Overlook
The Cedar Falls Overlook is a straightforward hike at only a quarter mile. It’s a effectively maintained boardwalk that can overlook the waterfalls.
If you’re eager, there’s the Cedar Falls Path hike that’s 2 miles out and again. It’s a reasonable/strenuous hike that leads all the way down to the waterfall. There are a selection of stairs that descend and the trail is effectively maintained.
Hike the Cedar Creek Path
The Cedar Creek Path is a loop path that’s about 1.2 mile (2km) lengthy.
The effectively marked path begins on the Previous Pioneer Cabin the place you’ll comply with the trail on a reasonably simple however reasonable path.
The path’s surroundings is gorgeous and effectively value it.
After the stroll head again to your cabin or campsite, make a hearth and benefit from the stars.
Day 7: Petit Jean State Park to Little Rock – 70 Miles, 1 hr 15 min
Earlier than leaving Petit Jean State Park, rise up early and take a look at the Petit Jean Gravesite Overlook.
This drive will take about an 1 hour and 20 minutes. The lookout has stunning views over the Arkansas River Valley.
It has nice boardwalk for everybody to take pleasure in with the allowance to exit to the sting.
Getting there for dawn is the way in which to go however for those who miss it, this place continues to be value a cease.
Afterwards it’s time to make the drive again to Little Rock to complete you Arkansas street journey.
READ MORE: Do you know there’s so many superior actions in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia? Don’t miss them!
Stroll Alongside the Riverfront Park
Drive into city, examine in at your resort (or park the automobile downtown) and go for a stroll on the Riverfront Park.
Riverfront Park stretches 11 blocks on the south aspect of the Arkansas River. The beautiful city parkland has 33 acres for nature lovers.
The Riverfront Park is nice for out of doors actions and you may even study concerning the state’s historical past. Get out and go for a stroll.
You possibly can go to many points of interest alongside your stroll via Riverfront Park. Among the sights you might cross embrace:
- Little Rock Civil Warfare Marker
- Clinton Presidential Bridge
- Riverfront Park Historical past Pavilion
- Junction Bridge
- La Petit Roche Plaza
- Medical Mile
- Peabody Splash Park
- First Safety Amphitheater
- Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Backyard
- William E. “Invoice” Clark Presidential Park Wetlands
- Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Middle
Day 8: Take pleasure in Your Final Day in Little Rock
It’s the final day of your Arkansas street journey itinerary, and by now you’ve seen a number of the state’s high points of interest.
If in case you have a flight out as we speak be sure to take pleasure in a scrumptious breakfast, have a espresso and make your technique to the airport.
On the town for the entire day? Superior! There’s nonetheless heaps to do.
Go to a Brewery and Hearken to Some Stay Music
Why not take a look at a neighborhood brewery and chill out for the afternoon? A lot of the breweries have dwell music on the weekends.
There are just a few native breweries to select from in Little Rock. You possibly can take a look at a few of these in Little Rock;
- Misplaced Forty Brewing
- Vino’s Brewpub
- Flyway Brewing Firm
- Stone’s Throw Brewing – Quapaw Quarter
- Diamond Bear Brewing Co.
Extending Your Journey in Arkansas?
If in case you have longer in your Arkansas Highway Journey, listed below are just a few extra locations to take a look at
Satan’s Den State Park
Close to the border of Oklahoma and on the way in which to Fayetteville, you possibly can cease off at Satan’s Den State Park for some climbing on the variety of climbing trails.
Positioned within the Ozark Nationwide Forest, Satan’s Den State Park is a peaceable place that’s value a go to.
Eureka Springs
One other metropolis positioned within the Ozark Mountains is Eureka Springs.
Eureka Springs is thought for its fantastically preserved Victorian buildings in its Historic District.
Immediately in Eureka Springs, you may keep in a single for those who select such because the Basin Park Resort and Crescent Resort. The historic buildings had been constructed prior to now across the metropolis’s pure springs.
Within the close by hills round Eureka Springs, you may go to the Thorncrown Chapel which is a shocking wooden and glass church. Similar to the Anthony Chapel Complicated within the Garvan Woodland Gardens in Scorching Springs.
If you’re within the north of Arkansas, don’t miss stopping off at Eureka Springs.
Blanchard Springs Caverns
After Eureka Springs, you may head north to Blanchard Springs Caverns. Blanchard Springs Caverns is 2.5 hours of Little Rock.
It’s value a go to to drive the Sylamore Scenic Byway, one of many high street journeys in Arkansas.
Ouachita Nationwide Forest
Benefit from Arkansas’ gorgeous mountain surroundings by hitting the paths within the Ouachita Nationwide Forest and alongside the Ouachita River outdoors of Scorching Springs.
Arkansas Wine Nation
What?? Arkansas has vineyards? It positive does!
Within the Arkansas River Valley you will discover an entire number of nice vineyards serving up scrumptious drops.
Whereas Arkansas wine nation may not match Napa Valley, it’s nonetheless value a go to when you’ve got time and like an excellent drink.
Buffalo Nationwide River
The small city close to Buffalo Nationwide River is a good place for canoeing, tenting, boat leases and getting the household into the good open air on the Buffalo River.
Fayetteville
Lastly for our record of different locations to take a look at while you head west on these Arkansas street journeys is the hip city of Fayetteville.
This beautiful area is dwelling to wonderful mountaineering, cool cafes in small cities and an important launching level for the Ozark Nationwide Forest, Mulberry River and different wonderful locations to go to.
Renting a Automobile in Arkansas
There are a number of automobile rental corporations on the Invoice and Hillary Clinton Nationwide Airport, and in Little Rock. Your only option is to guide forward so you don’t miss out on a automobile while you arrive.
One of the best ways to get round is to lease a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the biggest vary of autos for the perfect worth in the marketplace.
