Activities
Fun Things to do in Arkansas
Cheap, free, inexpensive, budget friendly, low-cost, economical, bargain - no matter how you describe it, everyone is looking for a vacation destination that falls into those categories. Look no further than Arkansas, The Natural State, the perfect place for a thrifty family vacation with a variety of free and inexpensive things to do . Arkansas not only provides a great vacation for a little money, it also has many, many attractions that are free. Here are randomly chosen fun things taking place throughout the year to do while you're here.
Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame
Discover which famous entertainers have Arkansas ties by visiting the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame located in the Pine Bluff Convention Center. An animatronic statue of Johnny Cash "singing" several of his original songs greets visitors as they enter. The collections on display include everything from guitars to drumsticks owned by the likes of Levon Helm, Al Green, Jimmy Driftwood and Art Porter, Sr. to impressive stage and wardrobe costumes of such artists: Jim Ed Brown, Charlie Rich, K.T. Oslin, and Tracy Lawrence, among others. Movie and television fans can see memorabilia owned or associated with film stars such as Jerry Van Dyke, Harry Thomason, and Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton. These are just a few of the numerous artifacts on display from the various entertainers represented. One Convention Center Plaza. 1-800-536-7660.
There are ample opportunities for free fishing on both Greers Ferry Lake and nearby Little Red River. Swimming areas are found around the shore of the lake as well. The William Carl Garner Visitor Center in Heber Springs offers exhibits, an audio visual presentation and a children's touch table. One of the most rewarding hikes in the state is the one going up Sugar Loaf Mountain , located on an island in the lake. Self-guided tours are available at the Greers Ferry Lake National Fish Hatchery , which also have a visitor center with aquarium.
Enjoy a warm welcome , a hot cup of coffee and a relaxing place to learn more about The Natural State. Visit one of the new Arkansas Welcome Centers at Texarkana, Fort Smith/Van Buren, Corning or El Dorado. View exhibits of the local area, check e-mail, make online reservations through www.Arkansas.com, and plug-in for Internet access. Next to be built are structures at West Memphis, Lake Village and Blytheville.
In the Ozarks, the Buffalo National River with its towering limestone bluffs is America's first national river. Hiking trails traverse historic farmsteads, quiet stream valleys, waterfalls and wooded mountainsides, and offer bluff-top vistas. (870) 439-2502
Free folk musicals and dancing on the Stone County Courthouse Square in Mountain View have been a local tradition since 1963. Professionals and amateurs join together in impromptu band performances every Friday and Saturday night during warmer months. 1-888-679-2859
Scenic drives, walking paths and historic Bathhouse Row make up the unique Hot Springs National Park set in the city of Hot Springs amid the Ouachita National Forest. Bring your own containers and take home FREE mineral water. 1-800-SPA-CITY
An authentic reproduction of a water-powered grist mill, The Old Mill in North Little Rock appears in the opening scene of the classic movie, "Gone with the Wind." Tour guides available by appointment. (501) 758-1424
A variety of free programs and activities are available at the North Little Rock Laman Library . The Argenta branch is now a part of the 3rd Friday Argenta Artwalk. Family nights, special Children's Week, photography exhibits from nationally acclaimed institutions and storytellers are just a few of the items on the calendar.
Norfork National Fish Hatchery , located at the base of Norfork Dam east of Mountain Home, offers tours of facilities that produce millions of trout for Ozark streams. Children may try their luck at landing a trout from the waters of nearby Dry Run Creek. (870) 499-5255
Step into the magic of Terra Studios just outside of Fayetteville to find creatures from another world and to watch Bluebirds of Happiness being made. 1-800-255-8995
Waterfalls, lakes, mountainsides and meadows at Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton inspired the creation of the Arkansas State Parks system. (501) 727-5441
The last public ferryboat operating in the state, Peel Ferry transports vehicles and passengers across a section of Bull Shoals Lake. (870) 743-2100
Nature Centers at Pine Bluff, Jonesboro and Fort Smith, plus the newest edition at Little Rock, showcase the best of nature found in each region. These range from a 20,000-gallon ox-bow lake aquarium among other exhibits at Delta Rivers Nature Center in Pine Bluff; a surround-sound recreation of the evolution that caused Crowley's Ridge at the Crowley's Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro; and exhibits depicting the diversity of the Arkansas River Valley at the Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith, built on 170 acres of former Fort Chaffee land next to Wells Lake. The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in downtown Little Rock provides many watchable wildlife opportunities within an urban area, including basking water turtles, butterflies and migrating pelicans. A portion of the Arkansas River Trail crosses the grounds offering more options for exploration.
Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs was named among the top four buildings of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects. The chapel uses 425 large panels of glass to showcase the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Designed by world-renowned Arkansas architect, the late E. Fay Jones, the non-denominational chapel is open from March through December. (479) 253-7401
In Fayetteville, the National Cemetery was established in 1867 to lay to rest the remains of Union soldiers killed in the region. The Confederate Cemetery is located just a few blocks away. (479) 521-1710; www.fayettevillear.com
The "Lum 'N' Abner" radio program is remembered at the Lum & Abner Jot 'Em Down Store and Museum in Pine Ridge, where pieces of Lum 'N' Abner history preserve an important era in American life. The museum is open March through November. Call in advance for tours. (870) 326-4442
Stroll through Eureka Springs , an Ozark Mountain town known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, winding mountainside streets and block after block of one-of-a-kind shops, fine art galleries, and restaurants. (479) 253-8737
Hit the trail - the two-wheel kind - and explore the beauty of the Ozark National Forest on the 50-mile Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail , located in Mountain View. This new and newsworthy trail has been designated by the by the International Mountain Biking Association as an "Epic Ride," a status only 37 trails across the nation currently hold, These rides are on the top of many mountain bikers "to ride" lists.
