When people think of Arkansas, typically the first thing that comes up is…Walmart. However, Arkansas is an overlooked and underrated American destination. There are hidden gems all over the Natural State. Not only are there stunning mountain views, gushing waterfalls, and scenic bluffs, but also cosmopolitan cities, unique architecture, and historically significant sites. You’ll fall in love with the natural beauty and the character of Arkansas. Find out the 5 cities in Arkansas you need to visit!

1. Little Rock

As the capital of Arkansas, you’ll find lots of history and heritage in Little Rock. Check out the Clinton Presidential Center which features a replica of the Oval Office, and learn all about Bill Clinton’s rise to the presidency. Visit the Old Mill (which was featured in the openings scenes of Gone With the Wind) and find yourself transported back in history. Tour the Old State House Museum which houses exhibits marking important events of Arkansas’ history. Speaking of history, head to Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site to visit the landmark site of desegregation of schools in America. Walk the Big Dam Bridge which is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the world.

Additionally, be sure to check out the thriving food scene and dine at local restaurants while in Little Rock. The River Market is a foodie heaven with delicious options from Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, to fusion cuisine and local brews.

Lastly, if you’re looking to escape to nature, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is just around the corner. The state park has over 15 miles of trails and offers a great outdoors adventure. Little Rock has a little bit of everything!

2. Hot Springs

Nested in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is known for naturally heated springs which makes it a great Arkansas getaway. Visit Hot Springs National Park which has over 26 miles of hiking trails and where you’ll find great views and beautiful forest scenery. Stroll through Bathhouse Row and find yourself fixated on the unique architecture of the 8 bathhouses dated from the 19th and 20th centuries. Downtown Hot Springs also offers a great shopping and dining experience with unique shops and local restaurants. Pay a visit to Garvan Woodland Gardens for 210 acres of beautiful flora. You also don’t want to miss the architectural wonder that is the Anthony Chapel!

3. Jasper

Jasper is a charming town and the gateway to the Ozark National Forest! Be sure to stop by Ozark Cafe for delicious diner classics such as burgers and shakes. Nearby Jasper, you’ll find the Buffalo National River as well as Triple Falls and other gems of the Ozark National Forest. A visit to Arkansas is incomplete without visiting the Ozark National Forest.

4. Eureka Springs

Located near the border of Missouri and Arkansas, Eureka Springs is such a great place to visit! The top sights to see in Eureka Springs include the Blue Spring Heritage Center, the award-winning Thorncrown Chapel, and Downtown Eureka Springs. The Blue Spring Heritage Center is a botanical garden that features stunning blue waters, and Thorncrown Chapel is less than 5 minutes away. As you make your way from the blue springs to the chapel, be sure to stop at a scenic spot known as “Inspiration Point” for a panoramic view of the valley below.

On top of that, Downtown Eureka Springs is such a unique area! Streets are lined with Victorian homes and this area is actually on the National Register of Historic Places. You will find that it is full of quirky shops, cafes, and restaurants. It so much fun exploring the winding streets and seeing what one-of-a-kind shop you stumble upon.

5. Fayetteville & Northwest Arkansas

Fayetteville is the perfect destination to experience all that Northwest Arkansas has to offer! It is home to the University of Arkansas so you might run into some fanatic Razorbacks fans during your visit. Additionally, you’ll find countless delicious local restaurants in Fayetteville (my favorite being Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese). Check out the famed Dickson Street for a variety of bars, live-music venues, and entertainment!

Fayetteville is also the starting point for the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway which is a 36-mile paved trail. It connects much of Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville through shared-use trails for bikers and pedestrians and winds through creeks, green areas, parks, historic sites, restaurants, and town squares.

Other points of interest near Fayetteville include St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable which is a beautiful chapel open for visitors on Sundays. For outdoors enthusiasts, Devil’s Den State Park is a short 30-minute drive, and Natural Falls State Park is 45 minutes away.

While you’re in the area, be sure to visit nearby Northwest Arkansas cities such as Bentonville, Rogers, and Bella Vista. Highlights in this area include:

• Downtown Bentonville: Historic square that is also home to the Walmart museum!
• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: World-Class museum Collection of American Art nestled in 120-Acres of Ozark Woods
• War Eagle Mill: Fully operational mill selling flour, cornmeal, pancake and biscuit mixes, preserves, and more!
• Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel: Charming chapel tucked away in the woods of Northwest Arkansas
• Tanyard Creek Nature Trail: Very popular 2 mile scenic walk that features a beautiful waterfall and a suspension bridge

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