Arkansas Attractions: Discover the Beauty of the Natural State

Arkansas attractions draw millions of visitors to the state each year. From scenic byways, wildlife preserves, and family theme parks to big city attractions like the Clinton Library and the Little Rock Zoo, Arkansas offers something for everyone. However, when it comes to planning vacations, Arkansas tends to fly under the radar because so many people don't have a clue about the wide variety of activities available there or the incredible affordability to do them.

The "Natural State" is probably best known for being blessed with abundant natural resources, including lakes, clear streams, forests, wildlife, rich farm lands and scenic vistas. With its' six national park sites, 50 state parks, 2.6 million acres of national forest lands, 13 major lakes, and two mountain ranges, Arkansas provides some of the best outdoor experiences in the country.

Arkansas attractions also include its friendly people that fill wonderful towns like scenic Mountain View and the village of Eureka Springs, which is the only city in the country whose entire downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places. Probably one of the most famous cities in the state is beautiful Hot Springs, which home to some of the some of the oldest and best natural spas in America.

Did you know that Arkansas is the only diamond producing state in the United States? The Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only place in the nation where you can dig for diamonds and keep what you find. Over 75,000 diamonds have been found by lucky visitors since it became a park, the largest being a 16.37-carat white diamond found by a visitor from Amarillo, Texas. That sounds like a great souvenir!

Arkansas is also home to dozens of upscale dining establishments with impressive food and wine pairings as well as thriving cultural communities that include museums, performing arts centers, historical sites and sports teams. Tours and scenic drives make for a fun day, as does a tour of the Clinton House Museum or the Arkansas Air Museum. If you want to take a walk on the wild side, you can visit the Little Rock Zoo, a nationally recognized 40-acre garden with approximately 170 species represented.

Arkansas theme parks are also great places to visit on your trip. One of the most popular attractions in Hot Springs is the 70-acre Magic Springs and Crystal Falls theme park. This combination amusement park and water park is the largest entertainment package in the state of Arkansas and includes thrill rides such as the "Gauntlet" inverted roller coaster and the classic wooden coaster, "Arkansas Twister".

Wild River Country, Arkansas' largest water park at 29 acres, features over 20 rides and attractions like a wave pool and a 600-foot winding tube ride. You and your family can have fun in the activity pools, ride the waves, speed down a water slide, or just drift along on the Lazy River, soaking up the carefree Arkansas atmosphere.

Arkansas is full of color during every season and the climate is humid and sub-tropical. There tend to be very hot and humid summers, which is great weather for Arkansas theme parks and water parks, followed by mild winters. You may want to visit during the Fall and enjoy the splashy color of autumn in Arkansas. The color change begins in early October in the Ozarks of northern Arkansas and moves slowly to the south until it reaches the peak of color in late October and early November.

No matter the time of year your vacation time falls in, consider discovering all the wonderful and diverse Arkansas attractions on your next family adventure. I promise you won't be disappointed!