The Natural State
Arkansas was not on our radar until I found my dream job in North Little Rock five years ago. We had seen commercials about the beauty of The Natural State and had friends who were die-hard Razorbacks fans and loved to call the hogs! But until we experienced it ourselves we had no idea! We visited the place, fell in love, packed up our lives, and the rest is history! In this article, I will share 10 amazing weekend getaways from Little Rock, Arkansas.
I am one of those people who likes to see the good in everything and make the best out of every situation. When the pandemic hit and my workload dropped significantly, I took the opportunity to start learning a new language, Vietnamese. We walked the dogs twice a day and took them on longer walks, slept an hour longer and worked out an hour later, and I scrapped (scrapbooked for those of you not “in the know”).
As you all know, there was little travel to be done during the early part of the pandemic, and no international travel at all. Travel is my passion, so I was pretty bummed. But again, make the best of a less-than-ideal situation, right?
So, we took the opportunity to explore our own state and boy, are we glad we did! Some weekends we stayed around Maumelle and biked the Arkansas River Trail to brunch in Argenta or Downtown Little Rock, hiked nearby Pinnacle Mountain, or kayaked the Little Maumelle River. We made it a point to have a weekend getaway at least once a month, and I will share some of those experiences with you!
Arkansas is a central southern state and was the 25th state to join the union; before that, it was part of french Louisiana. The names originated from the French pronunciation of the Algonquian term for the Quapaw. This is the reason that Arkansas and Kansas have such different pronunciations. Since Arkansas is of French origin, the last “s” is silent. Kansas is of English origin, named after the Kansas River which was named for the Kansa tribe. We pronounce that last “s” in English.
According to some sources, it is illegal to pronounce Arkansas incorrectly. Get it right! Arkan-saw!
Arkansas is the only state with naturally occurring diamonds. Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro one of the few places in the world where the public can search for diamonds. This would be a great weekend getaway, although we have not been ourselves. The largest diamond ever found in the US was found here, at 40 carats!
Arkansas is a geographically diverse state, with mountains, forest, plains, caves, and delta. We have the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, and several major tributaries of the Mississippi River, including the Arkansas River, the White River (and one of its most fun tributaries, the Buffalo River), and the Red River. Arkansas boasts a whopping 52 state parks, which have lakes, rivers, and hiking trails. https://www.arkansasstateparks.com
This is by no means an exhaustive list, as there is so much to do in this lovely state and each of the towns mentioned has tons of activities. This is meant to get you started and give you ideas! Message me if you have questions or suggestions and I will help as much as I can!
One thing to keep in mind- it is not ALL about the destination, especially here in Arkansas. There are many scenic drives in this state, so get off the interstate and take the long way! Keep reading to learn about 10 amazing weekend getaways from Little Rock, Arkansas!
Click the terms highlighted in purple to follow their links. Check out my photo gallery from our trips in and around Arkansas here https://jenniferspath.org/travel-photo-gallery/
1. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Possibly our favorite weekend getaway from Little Rock, Arkansas is Eureka Springs. Located in picturesque Northwest Arkansas, this is a unique place in the world.
This quirky Bohemian town is located in the Ozark Mountains and is named for the cool springs that bubble up at random locations in and around town. The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the history is rich. From Native Americans then Europeans who flocked here for the healing waters, to Carrie Nation who liked to vandalize bars in an effort to stop people from drinking alcohol, and Norman Baker, who claimed to cure cancer with the town’s spring water, Eureka Springs evolved into a countercultural haven. It now has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and welcomes people from all walks of life.
You can learn about the town’s rich history on a walking tour of its historic downtown area or on a trolley tour. which will take you further afield. Some tours are ghost-themed and pepper the historical lessons with stories of macabre happenings in this town. The steep, cobbly streets are lined by unique shops, cafes, and hotels.
Halloween is no joke in this place nicknamed “The Halloween City.” You can stay at the world’s most haunted hotel, The Crescent Hotel, and hear tales of the charlatan (Norman Baker) who billed himself as a physician who could cure all types of ailments including cancer with spring water, but instead tortured and killed many patients. Have gourmet pizza at SkyBar, or schedule a spa day at New Moon Spa. Downtown has trick-or-treating and, BACK FOR 2022, the Zombie Crawl! Y’all, this looks like a blast. We have booked a room at the 5 Ojos Bed and Breakfast and are going to go all out with costumes. Want to join us?? Send me a message.
Stay in a Hobbit Cave, treehouse, or Princess Castle at Eureka Springs Treehouses! We stayed in a hobbit cave and it was stocked, nicely decorated, and cozy. Customer service here was unparalleled.
Or, stay in a safari tent at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. I have stayed in many actual safari tents in Africa, and these are very authentic, right down to the animal noises at night. Now, many of the noises are tigers caroling, and there are no tigers in Africa… but still! The overall effect is the same. If you have kids and/or pets, they can be accommodated, but not in the safari tents. In addition to the safari tents, there are glamping tents, a family treehouse, and “safari suites,” some of which have views of the animals’ habitats. The refuge is excellent. It is a nonprofit organization that rescues abused, neglected, or exploited big cats from the likes of Joe Exotic, and nurses them back to help. They provide experiences and education to the public.
We have seen many shows in Eureka Springs, and highly recommend Sean-Paul the illusionist’s show at the Intrigue Theater. We liked it so much, we have seen it twice.
Want to see and be a part of the Greatest Story Ever Told? Eureka Springs is home to America’s most attended outdoor drama, The Great Passion Play. They have set up replicas of some major historic sites, including the Holy Land, in the shadow of a mini-Christ the Redeemer known as “Christ of the Ozarks.” They have daily “Holy Land” tours, plays 2-3 times a week, church services on Sundays, and special events for Christmas and Easter. We rented scooters one weekend and drove up to take a look, but we have not explored this area extensively… YET!
Are you into caverns? Visit one of Arkansas’s “show caves.” Cosmic Cavern, Onyx Cave, and War Eagle Cavern are close to Eureka Springs and provide a cool respite from the summer heat. At War Eagle, you can go beyond the traditional tourist experience of walking roped paths and boardwalks through a giant cave, and spelunk for hours, getting muddy and crawling through tight spaces with a headlamp. You can also visit its kitschy tourist attractions. This could be featured in the NW Arkansas section, as it is close to Rogers, but it is about 35 miles from Eureka.
Our favorite restaurants so far include Rogue’s Manor at Sweet Spring, Thai House, Le Stick Nouveau, and the Grotto. https://www.eurekasprings.org/dining/
Thorncrown chapel, escape rooms, drag shows, ghost tours, axe throwing, dinner trains, gourmet cuisine, and did I mention- springs! The town takes its name from cool springs that flow down from the mountain and are thought to have healing powers. Some of the most interesting are Blue Spring, Grotto Spring, and Magnetic Spring.
2. Hot Springs, Arkansas
At only an hour’s drive from Little Rock, Hot Springs is a very popular weekend getaway in these parts!
Hot Springs is known as America’s Spa City. As opposed to Eureka Springs, it is in the Ouachita mountains and is named for its geothermal springs. These hot springs are also thought to possess healing powers. See for yourself and visit one of the many bathhouses on bathhouse row. This spa town has been home to such (in)famous people as Al Capone and Bill Clinton.
You can stay at the Arlington Hotel, one of Capone’s favorite hangouts, but I would not recommend it. It is musty and dated. But you can learn about him and gangster history at the Gangster Museum of America here in Hot Springs. Hot Springs was a hotbed for organized crime for decades, and you can still visit speakeasies and old haunts when strolling along Central Ave.
In the late 1800s/early 1900s, baseball spring training was held here. If that is your thing, you can check out the www.hotspringsbaseballtrail.com and learn about the legends who visited and trained here.
In nearby Hope, Arkansas, you can visit the childhood home of President Bill Clinton.
One of the most popular things to do here is to visit Oaklawn Horse Racing, Casino, and Resort.
You could spend your entire weekend here if you wanted… Stay in their hotel, spend some time at the spa, dine in some of their bars, cafes, and restaurants. If you have some money you need to part with, press your luck in their casino or bet on horse races!
One event we highly recommend is the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We went this year, along with about 30,000 of our closest friends, and the parade starter was none other than DANNY TREJO (Machete!!) and the Grand Marshal Cheech Marin. The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders made an appearance, there was a whole troop of Elvises (Elvi?) and we saw the world’s largest… POTATO! We had beers at the world’s largest inflatable Irish Pub. This is something you must experience to understand! There are vendors, food trucks, concerts, and events. I will just say that Hot Springs knows how to do St. Patrick’s Day! Book your room early.
Maxwell Blade puts on a funny, entertaining magic show at the Maxwell Blade Theater in downtown Hot Springs. He channels Elton John as he confuses and wows the crowd. We highly recommend seeing this at least once!
Our favorite restaurant in Hot Springs is Deluca’s Pizza! If you would like to experience this Arkansas Brick Oven Pizza, call ahead to reserve your dough! They don’t deliver and they are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Other favorites include Alexa’s Creperie for breakfast, and 501 Prime, Steinhaus Keller, and Diablo’s Tacos and Mezcal for lunch or dinner.
We typically reserve an AirBNB, preferably within walking distance of the downtown area. Within a short driving distance, we enjoy hiking at Hot Springs National Park and Lake Ouachita State Park. Lake Ouachita is one of, if not THE, cleanest lakes in Arkansas and is popular for water sports, swimming, and fishing.
Got kids? Go to Magic Springs Theme and Water Park. The have rides and attractions for all ages and you can rent cabanas to escape the heat. Lots of awesome concerts come to Magic Springs, especially if you like 80s/90s rock or country, and they are free with the cost of admission to the park. You can pay $10 for a VIP seat. Definitely worth it!
Garvin Gardens is the botanical garden for the University of Arkansas and it is vast and impressive. Miles of walking trails, architecturally interesting buildings, koi ponds, overlooks, and peaceful places for contemplation. It is easy to spend a half a day wandering and admiring the manicured and wild flora in this gorgeous park.
3. Memphis, Tennessee
A short drive away from Little Rock is Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is a great weekend getaway!
Driving into Memphis from Arkansas, the first thing you see is a giant pyramid. This is the BASS PRO SHOP. Now, I am not into hunting or fishing myself, but I still recommend stopping here. Heck, you can stay here if you want, in a really cool wilderness-themed room with a screened in porch overlooking the vast retail areas. It is actually really nice!
You could spend a whole weekend here and not even leave the 535,000 square foot facility. This is nuts! They have an underwater-themed bowling alley, a shooting range, an archery range, and alligators. They have aquariums and fish ponds inside the store, and two restaurants including The Lookout at the Pyramid and Wahlburgers Wild. You could spend a ton of money here on outdoor gear, rustic home goods, snacks, boats, ATVS, guns, all the things! There is even a museum dedicated to waterfowling, water conservation, and the wildlife of the Mississippi River, the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center.
In the downtown area, you absolutely must visit the National Civil Rights Museum. I would have listed this first, but the pyramid is the first thing you see… this is way more important.
The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. This museum tells the story of the American Civil Rights Movement and about the ongoing battle for equal rights.
Memphis has a rich musical history and a thriving music scene. Spend the evening strolling the Beale Street Entertainment District and visiting its many shops, bars, and restaurants. Attend a comedy show or concert at the Orpheum Theater, or take a ride in a horse drawn carriage.
Speaking of music history- Memphis is home to Graceland, and it is definitely worth a visit. I was not particularly an Elvis fan, but I really enjoyed learning about him. You can tour his home, actually climb aboard his airplane, and spend hours in the series of museums chronicling his life and career. We visited around Christmas time and got to see Elvis in concert! Well, sort of. Some original band members were there, and they had a screen with concert footage in the foreground. It was very well done and we enjoyed the experience.
There is a surprising number of great restaurants in Memphis, and we have only sampled a few. Soul food and BBQ are staples here, but there is also a hip, upscale side. The Cooper-Young district of midtown Memphis has a cute little area with lots of great shopping and restaurants. We chose The Beauty Shop, located in a salon Priscilla Presley used to visit. This restaurant has a beauty shop theme, with hooded hair dryers and waitresses with beehives. The menu is eclectic and creative, and this restaurant has received many accolades. Tsunami, Sweet Grass, and Alchemy are a few other top-rated, hip spots in this neighborhood, which also boasts night clubs, shopping, and art and music festivals. Want something more casual? Try one of Memphis’s BBQ joints or Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. It really is THAT good!
Want to stay in a classic Memphis hotel and see a quintessential Memphis attraction? Stay at the Peabody and watch the March of the Ducks (you do not have to stay there to watch the spectacle). The hotel is in a great location, but we have not stayed here or visited. It is “a thing” and I feel like I should mention it. What started out as some guys doing guy stuff- drinking at the bar and thinking of what stupid things they could do- became a popular tradition at this landmark hotel. I suppose watching trained ducks could be entertaining- Oprah and Johnny Carson thought so. Don’t expect to have duck for dinner here, though, as duck is nowhere on the menu!
4. Branson, Missouri
About a 3 hour drive from Little Rock and about an hour from Eureka Springs, is Branson, Missouri. It is gaudy, over the top, loud, and bright. Kinda like a family-oriented Vegas without the gambling or clubs. There are hundreds of shows to choose from, and they are very high quality productions. For the kids, there is so much to do you could probably spend a week or two, but it is a great spot for a weekend getaway from Little Rock!
There are roller coasters set into the side of the mountain. There are zipline tours and courses, and you can even tube down a hill covered in fake snow. Wolfe Muntain Snowplex Park will keep the kids (young and old) entertained for hours!
Speed around a “high rise” go kart track, ram your kids in a bumper boat, play laser tag, and ride rides at one of the three “The Track” Family Fun Parks.
Too hot to be outside? Experience “Technotainment” at Beyond the Lens, where you can experience immersive 4D movies, participate in augmented reality scavenger hunts, and play virtual reality games. Do an indoor ropes course at Fritz’s Adventure Park or bounce around at Big Air Trampoline Park. My husband and I are almost 50 and we did the latter… we had an absolute blast! We may have acquired a few bruises, but no broken bones. I consider that a success.
Learn a thing or two while having fun at WonderWorks. Just look for the upside-down building on the main drag next to Gettin’ Basted BBQ! You can spin in an astronaut training gyroscope, lie on a bed of nails, and play laser tag just to scratch the surface of the cool interactive stuff you can do here.
Across the street from WonderWorks there is a giant octopus which welcomes you to the Aquarium at the Boardwalk. This may be the best aquarium I have ever visited! Not only can you check out hundreds of sea creatures, but you (Ahem, I mean your child) can climb a 24 foot kelp forest! At the time, the Boardwalk is not fully open, but it looks like it is going to be great.
The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure is magical. There is a beautiful butterfly aviary which houses over 1000 butterflies, and you receive a little plastic nectar-filled flower to tempt them to spend time with you. There is also a mirror maze and an educational rainforest science center.
Is all this too much for your adult self? Go to the Titanic Museum, where you can see replicas of the staterooms and get a feel for what it may have been like those last couple of hours on the ship. Staff are in character and give you the identity of a passenger at the beginning of your tour, and you can follow them and see if or when they died. There is a wax museum if you need a selfie with Michael Jackson, and the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum if you want to learn about the history of the area.
And then there are the shows. This is what Branson is most famous for! There are over 100 shows including dinner shows, magic shows, musicals, religious shows, impressionists, comedy shows… something for everyone! Shows we have seen and recommend are Reza, #1 Hits of the 60s, Legends, and Anthems of Rock. You really have to check out the list for yourself, it is kinda ridiculous! Reza is a young, hip, edgy magician who wows at every turn, and Legends has a rotating cast of celebrity impersonators. We have seen the Blues Brothers, Elvis, Madonna, and Michael Jackson to name a few. We visited one of those discount ticket places that you see everywhere and chose our shows there.
Silver Dollar City is a full-on amusement park close to Branson. There are water parks, golf courses (mini and full-sized), escape rooms, water sports, fishing, and a scenic railway.
When we visit, we stay at the Worldmark Branson, as we are timeshare owners. It is in a great location and is very nice- the pool is huge and well-kept, and the rooms are spacious and have full kitchens. If I did not have timeshare, I would stay at the Big Cedar Lodge. You can stay in the lodge, or rent your own log cabin. There are restaurants and tons of stuff to do right at the Lodge.
Next to historic downtown Branson is Branson Landing, where you can find bars, restaurants, a hip bowling alley, an arcade, and shopping. This would be another great place to stay- the Branson Hilton is right across the street from Branson Landing and has a wonderful restaurant called Level 2 Steakhouse. If you want to be in the center of the action, this is a great option.
5. The White River
Want a more relaxing, outdoorsy weekend getaway? The White River is one of the top spots for trout fishing in the country.
We stayed at “His Place” resort and they arranged a private guide to take us trout fishing on the White River. The resort is basic, but has everything you need and is located right on the shores of the river. We stayed in a studio cabin with a small kitchen and a view of the lake, right next to a picnic area with a fire pit. The people are so friendly and helpful, we highly recommend checking it out.
Another weekend, we stayed in a quaint little (tiny) cabin near Lake Norfork at a resort called Whispering Woods. We were fishing for striped bass (didn’t actually “catch” any, but hey- it’s called “fishing,” not “catching” and a day on the water is still bliss). The restaurant at this resort is surprisingly good! Try their Walleye! The next day, we hired a guide and fished for trout on the White River. This was a wild success. We got an early start. One of my most vivid memories of this area was that morning- we set off in a flat bottomed motor boat into the mist, the river water smooth like glass and a chill in the air. Peaceful and enchanting. And then those pesky fish started biting and did not stop for the entire morning!
Another lodging option is Norfork River Resort. Here, you can stay in the lodge or in a cabin, they have a pool, and they can help you book fishing guides. If you prefer to camp, head over to Bull Shoals State Park. You can bring your own tent or RV, or even rent an RV!
Just down the street from the Norfork River Resort is HEIDI’S UGLY CAKES. You must stop here. Their cakes are delicious (I didn’t think they were that ugly!) and they have awesome sandwiches. Heidi is fun and interesting, and set us up with her husband’s friend for a guided trout fishing expedition.
6. Float the Buffalo River
Arkansas is full of places where you can kayak, canoe, or even float in a raft or tube. You can make a weekend getaway of this activity, either camping on the shore or finding an airBNB close to a put-in or take-out point. Paddling on a lake is wonderful, and there is an abundance of lakes throughout the state to choose from. In addition, lake paddling does not depend on water levels and you can put in and take out at the same spot.
Floating entails getting in a personal, non motorized watercraft of some sort in a river, so that the flow of the river carries you. Ideally, this minimizes paddling and allows you to sit back as the gorgeous scenery goes by. When water levels are high, you go faster and there could be hazards. When water levels are lower, you may have to paddle more and even drag your kayak, and there is another set of hazards to look out for. I strongly recommend, as a beginner, either paddle a lake to get some practice, or go with an outfitter. Going with an outfitter is great, because when you float, you begin at one point and float to another. You will need a vehicle there to get you back to the start. The outfitters provide shuttles and will also provide boats.
The Buffalo National River boasts some of the most dramatic scenery in the country and is often lined by cliffs, bluffs, or hardwood forests. It can feel very remote or, depending on when you go and where you are, can have more of a party vibe. Floating season on the Buffalo goes from March to October, but most people say May-June is the best time to go. It really depends on rainfall and water levels, and it is important to know what the water levels are and what they mean before you go. Another reason why, especially as a beginner, it is best to go with an outfitter. Some of the most popular are: https://www.buffaloriveroutfitters.com/, https://www.wildbillsoutfitter.com, and https://buffaloriverfloatservice.com/
In general, the upper Buffalo River tends to be faster while the middle and lower are slower and more manageable. I am no expert and cannot advise what the levels mean and which ones are optimal for your level of experience, but I definitely advise going with someone who knows the river like the back of their hand. Just in the 5 years we have lived here, we have heard multiple stories of drownings due to people getting stuck in trees or debris and/or getting into water they were not prepared for.
With that said, find a group of friends, a trusted outfitter, and pack your life jackets, backpack, cooler, and dogs and hit the road!
The Buffalo National River trail is around 30 miles in total, and you can hike the whole thing, camping along the way, or just choose a segment. Be aware that not all trails allow pets.
7. Northwest Arkansas
There are several options for weekend getaways from Little Rock in Northwest Arkansas. I do recommend incorporating the “Pig Trail Scenic Byway” into your journey to NWA (Northwest Arkansas, not the 80s gangsta rap group) at least once, particularly if traveling in the fall. This is highway 23 off of I-40.
The Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area includes Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, and Rogers. Eureka Springs is in this part of the state as well. This is one of the most rapidly growing regions in the entire country and has TONS of stuff to do. There are world class mountain biking trails and paved trails for road biking.
Bentonville is the world headquarters of Wal-mart and is a beautiful combination of a southern town and a “global business hub.” It boasts the world class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art which was founded with grants from the Walton Family Foundation. It hosts world renowned pieces, has seasonal exhibits, and general admission is free. Just the architecture makes this museum worth a visit, and the grounds are beautiful. There are many hiking and biking trails in and around town, and this area is a mountain biking destination.
Fayetteville is home of the University of Arkansas and is a culturally diverse city with tons of great food and nightlife, with great hiking and biking close by. A culturally progressive city, its art and music scenes are thriving. More of a sports nut? Check out a Razorbacks football, basketball, or baseball game. History buff? The area was originally inhabited by the Osage and later by the Cherokee. There are a few Civil War sites here, most notably the Battle of Fayetteville. Most of the battle occurred in what is now the downtown area, at the corner of Dickson Street and College Avenue, which is known as the “Bloody Corner.” Check out the museum at the Headquarters House and learn all about Civil War history in the area.
Fayetteville’s downtown area has numerous shops, bars, and an eclectic array of dining establishments. Shop the downtown square. Stroll Dickson street after sunset and pop into one of the bars or nightclubs to relive your college years. Don’t be alarmed if a Razorbacks game is on and you hear the beginnings of a woooo pig sooie! It begins as a low and kinda quiet wwww, crescendoing into a loud ooooo, ending into a quick pig sooie (pronounced suey). This happens three times. Just go with it. This hog call is also a greeting used when fellows Arkansans see each other in any situation outside of Arkansas. Razorbacks fans are VERY enthusiastic.
Rogers is a rapidly growing city that feels brand spanking new, and it is there I sit in an Embassy Suites awaiting my husband’s bodybuilding competition. Rogers has a Top Golf and is close to all the wonders of Northwest Arkansas. The downtown area has great shopping and dining, as well as museums and art galleries. Visit the Promenade or Village on the Creeks. Nearby Beaver Lake is great for fishing and water sports, and War Eagle Cavern is on its shores.
8. Do go chasing waterfalls.
Many of Arkansas’s 52 state parks have glorious waterfalls. For the ones which do not, there is still abundant natural beauty and hiking to be done! Any of these parks could be the center of a weekend getaway from Little Rock. We use the Alltrails app to map out trails and keep us on track. Be sure to download your maps before departing, as there is no WiFi in the wilderness. Many of the parks offer camping and some even have cabins or lodges. https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/
Here are the state parks we have visited so far.
Devil’s Den State Park is near Fayetteville in Northwest Arkansas and has many well-maintained and gorgeous trails, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers to explore. You can rent a rustic cabin, bring your RV, or camp in a tent near your car or remotely. There is a visitor’s center, store, and pool.
Petit Jean State Park may be one of the best in the state. With a lodge and restaurant, cabins, and campsites, endless sporting activities, and miles of hiking and biking trails, this should be near the top of your list. 95-foot Cedar Falls is stunning, and the park is a “Trail of Tears Historic Site.” Our favorite hike here is Seven Hollows, which takes you around and through several interesting geologic formations.
Mount Nebo State Park– combine a visit to this park with a tour of Arkansas wine country, if you like the sweet stuff! We have visited BoBrook Farms for two murder mystery dinners and had a blast. They also host a night time adult Easter egg hunt which is on our to-do list. Near Russellville, Mt. Nebo State Park has 14 miles of trails for hiking and biking, cabins, camping, tennis courts, and a pool. Mount Nebo has sweeping views of the Arkansas River Valley.
Degray Lake Resort State Park- like the name says, the park actually has a full-service resort on the shores of Degray Lake where you can sleep in comfort. They welcome pets and have a decent restaurant. We hired a local fishing guide, Cornelius, who took us out on the lake for crappie. Give him a call! CJ’s Crappie Guide (haha) at 870-210-6661. We took our kayaks out on the lake with the dogs, spent time on the beach and swam in the lake, and took a few short hikes. There are mountain bike trails, and even an escape room.
Lake Catherine State Park has a campground and cute little “tiny houses” that you can rent. There is a clubhouse, a pool, lots of nice trails, and a full-service marina.
Lake Ouachita State Park is a short drive away from Hot Springs. It boasts Arkansas’s largest lake, and it is incredibly clean. All sorts of water sports are available, from swimming and kayaking to fishing, skiing, and even scuba diving. There are boat rentals, campsites, and cabins for rent. Beautifully maintained trails encircle the lake, one of our favorites is Caddo Bend Trail.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is another Trail of Tears Historic site and is within 30 minutes of Little Rock. No lodging is available at the park, but it is easy to stay in Little Rock and come out here for half a day. There are 22 miles of hiking trails and 14 miles of mountain biking trails, and you can access the Little Maumelle River for kayaking from here.
Mount Magazine State Park centers on Arkansas’s highest peak at 2753 feet. In addition to the aforementioned activities, this park has opportunities for rock climbing and hang gliding. There is a nice Visitor’s Center, a Lodge with a restaurant and conference center, and cabins and camping galore.
As far as waterfall-focused hikes- Hemmed in Hollow is quite long and difficult, so be prepared with training and bring lots of water and snacks We stayed overnight in Jasper, Arkansas and accessed the trail from the Compton Trailhead. It is a beautiful hike, but there was not a lot of water in the falls when we visited, although it was actively raining at the time. The first half of the hike is deceptively easy, as you hike down into the hollow. Just remember that what goes down must come up! The hike out is a bear.
Bridal Veil Falls is located near Heber Springs, Arkansas. This town, on Greer’s Ferry Lake, is a weekend destination in itself, and you can rent an AirBNB or stay at the Big Apple Inn. The Lake is one giant party during the summer, so make friends or rent a boat and get out there. Bridal Veil falls is a short hike off of Highway 25 and is definitely worth it.
Falls that offer huge rewards for minimal effort include: Falling Water Waterfall between Jasper and Russellville, Six Finger Falls, Glory Hole Falls, and Haw Creek Falls. Check out this list for more information on some of the best waterfalls in Arkansas. https://vacationidea.com/arkansas-vacations/best-arkansas-waterfalls.html
9. Conway
A short 30 minute drive from Little Rock and considered one of its suburbs by some, this college town has grown tremendously in the last few years and has a plethora of things to do. AirBNBs are abundant, and the town is small and easily navigable. Its three colleges provide this town with an educated population and results in an abundance of artistic and cultural experiences to be had. The state’s only professional Shakespeare theater, The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, is located here. Conway has a symphony orchestra, and the University Central Arkansas has Reynold’s Performance Hall. Here, we have seen shows including Tao, which is a Japanese drumming Troop, and . For the 2022-2023 year, events include Spamilton, the Wizard of Oz, and Blue Man Group.
Conway has several escape rooms and high caliber cuisine. Escape rooms are a fun activity for families, groups of friends, and for date night, if you really want to test your compatibility! https://escapemysteryrooms.com. https://escaperoom.com/venue/ozark-escape-conway-ar-usa
Stroll the downtown area and take selfies in front of one of several murals in the area. Visit one of the coffee shops or cafes, shop local boutiques, and catch a live band at King’s Live Music. Try Umami Sushi for an original take on Japanese cuisine, or Mike’s Place for Cajun fine dining.
Outdoor activities abound in and around Conway. There are several amazing golf courses, and there are numerous hiking trails and fishing lakes in the vicinity. The Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir is the largest man-made lake in the United States. Here, you can catch bass, catfish, bream, and crappie. Head to Lake Bennett at Woolly Hollow State Park where you can fish, kayak, canoe, or rent a pedal boat. This is a great spot for beginning kayakers to get some experience, and there are occasional guided kayak tours, sometimes at sunset. There is a swimming beach, and you can camp in your RV or tent. There are trails for hiking and mountain biking (Enders Fault). A 3.5 mile hike down Huckleberry Trail takes you to the hidden waterfall and a stunning view of the lake.
10. Little Rock
You don’t even need to get away from a great, manageable city like Little Rock! There is so much to see and do right here in
our lovely city! Hugging the Arkansas River, the city itself is scenic and walkable.
Riverfront Park stretches 11 blocks from the Clinton Presidential Library and its 13 acres of wetlands traversed by a boardwalk, to a nice sculpture garden and mural at the other end.
You will find an amphitheater which hosts lots of concerts, a splash pad, and a playground. You can even see the actual “Little Rock” from which the city got its name, next to the Junction Bridge. Look for the rock with a plaque mounted on it.
Near Riverfront Park is the River Market District. Loaded with shops, restaurants, and bars, this entertainment district is bustling! On Monday-Saturday from 10-2, you can visit the Market Hall, where international food stalls are set up, and you can enjoy Thai, Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern food, and more. You can rent kayaks or bikes right there at Rock Town River Outfitters. Grab a bike and head over to Riverfront Park to pick up the Arkansas River Trail.
This 17 mile trail runs along both sides of the Arkansas River, and you can cross any of its bridges and visit Argenta, a hip, vibrant new neighborhood, on the North Little Rock side of the river. If you are lucky, you may run into our own friendly neighborhood superhero, ShadowVision. You can tour a WWII submarine, the USS Razorback. Take a detour to Two Rivers Park, where you can spot deer and all sorts of birds. You can even put in your kayak here. In the summertime, you can even find a sunrise stand up paddle board yoga class leaving from the park. Ride across the “Big Dam Bridge.” You will find maintenance stations and water fountains at various locations along the trail, and see lots of beautiful views.
Burns Park on the North Little Rock side of the river has many hiking trails, a golf course, a disc golf course, and more.
Next to the Marriott (which is a great, centrally located place to stay), stop by the H.U Lee International Gate and Garden. Surprising bit of trivia about Little Rock- It is the headquarters for the American Taekwondo Association. H.U Lee was one of its founders and its first Grand Master. His wife dedicated this Korean garden to him, and it is a lovely, tranquil space in which to take a breather.
The Clinton Library has a great museum which chronicles the terms and humanitarian missions of Bill Clinton. You can learn about life in the White House and see replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, but don’t expect to see any significant dresses…
Close to the Clinton Library is Heifer International. The name makes me giggle, but this is a wonderful nonprofit organization that distributes animals to families around the world and provides training and education in agriculture and animal husbandry, with goals of alleviating hunger and poverty. Unfortunately, the center is closed to the public right now (Stupid COVID), but they occasionally have events such as the Brewski’s, Bourbon, and Burgers festival. It is a really amazing organization if you are looking for an opportunity for charitable donation.
In 1954 the Supreme Court ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. In 1957, all eyes were on Little Rock as 9 black students, hand-selected by the NAACP for their strength and ability to handle the adversity they would certainly face, enrolled at segregated Central High School. Then governor Orval Faubus called in the National Guard to prevent these students, who became known as the Little Rock Nine, from entering the school.
They did so on the first day of school, September 4, but then President Eisenhower ordered the Guard removed, and the Little Rock Police Department escorted the nine into the school on September 23, 1957. The students suffered from harassment and terrible violence. One graduated in 1958, and his graduation was attended by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The remaining eight had to complete their studies via correspondence courses thanks to the ignorance and hate of they day, but most went on to achieve great success and went down in history as courageous heroes for the cause. You can tour Central High and hear the story in detail. https://www.nps.gov/chsc/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
Planning a date night? Little Rock has lots of great restaurants in its many neighborhoods. Some of our favorites are Brave New Restaurant, Table 28, Petit and Keet, Cypress Social, and Allsop and Chapple. After dinner, go to our piano bar, Willy D’s, or go see a show.
Check out a theatrical production at The Rep, see plays, comedians, or the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at the Robinson Center , see a comedian at the intimate Loony Bin Comedy Club, or support local theater at Argenta Community Theater
Is it a boring day with nothing to do? Head to the Little Rock Zoo! Check their calendar, as they have many special events. Check out their beer fest, Zoo Brew, or their Wild Wines fundraising event. Around Christmastime, the zoo is illuminated with Christmas lights and displays. You can’t really see the live animals, but you can see a giant octopus made of Christmas lights, have a picture taken with lit butterfly wings, or ride the carousel. 2022 is the Year of the Tiger, and Little Rock Zoo will welcome a new tiger cub this year!
WELL, That Oughta Get You Started!
That got a little out of hand! I guess I ended up sharing way more than 10 ideas for weekend getaways from Little Rock, in and around Arkansas. Our state is pregnant with possibilities and full of natural and cultural beauty. Get out there and explore our little slice of heaven!!
Here are some books I used to prepare for our trips and to research this article.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/833313.A_Canoeing_and_Kayaking_Guide_to_the_Ozarks.
What did you think of my post about weekend getaways in and around Little Rock? Have you done any of the recommended activities or have others to recommend? Comment below or send me a message!
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