The Complete Arkansas Bucket List: 6 Best Things To Do

Planning a trip to The Natural State? Read this bucket list of things to do in Arkansas from Cruise America and head on your way! Reserve an RV rental.
best things to do in arkansas

Arkansas is known for many things, from its place as a central flashpoint in the Civil Rights movement to its status today as a Southeastern mecca for outdoors enthusiasts. History occupies every corner of Arkansas, and all of that history is surrounded by the sort of stunning natural beauty that has earned the 25th state its nickname of "The Natural State."

With its forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys, and hot springs, Arkansas is a must-see destination for RV travelers. But, what are the things to see in Arkansas? You need a list of the best things to do in Arkansas in order to truly appreciate it all.

Your Bucket List of Things To Do in Arkansas

Since there are so many locations worth visiting in Arkansas, it's hard to choose what to recommend. Still, here's a list of the best things to do in Arkansas that deserve their spot at the top of your Arkansas bucket list.

Crater of Diamonds State Park

If you've ever dreamed of hunting for diamonds, then Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is where you need to go. In fact, it is one of the only places in the world where diamond hunting is open to the public! So far, more than 33,000 diamonds have been found by Crater of Diamonds State Park visitors. Set out to explore their 37-acre field near Murfreesboro, and see what you can find! And guess what? Anything you dig up (doesn't matter if it's quartz, or a diamond) is yours to keep!

Hot Springs National Park

There are 47 different hot springs in Hot Springs National Park, and while you can't soak yourself in any of them outside, you can dip into the waters –– which can get up to 143 degrees Fahrenheit –– in either of the park's two bathhouses: Buckstaff Bathhouse (built in 1912) or Quapaw Bathhouse (built in 1922). Before your soak or afterwards, venture out onto Hot Springs National Park's 26 miles of trails, explore the history of the area on a guided tour, or fish at Rick's Pond (you'll need an Arkansas fishing license).

Devil's Den State Park

The 2,500-acre Devil's Den State Park, in northwestern Arkansas, is home to the 60 crevice caves that gave it its name. These caves once served as hideouts for outlaws robbing stagecoaches, Southern soldiers used them to attack Union soldiers during the Civil War, and arsonists hid out in them in the early 1900s. 

Today, Devil's Den State Park is one of the treasured Arkansas nature attractions, and there are miles of trails to trek upon, including some that take you by gorgeous waterfalls. After hiking, rent a canoe to spend some tranquil time on Lake Devil, formed after the Civilian Conservation Corps. dammed Lee Creek in the 1930s.

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

After the Supreme Court struck a major blow against segregation in education with Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, nine African-American students enrolled at Little Rock Central High School in 1957. They were met with protests, threats of violence, and political obstacles.

Eventually, President Dwight D. Eisenhower had to call in the National Guard to escort the Little Rock Nine into the school. To get a better understanding of the Civil Rights Movement and how it impacts America still today, go see for yourself where the Little Rock Nine helped make history at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.

The Walmart Museum

Today, Walmart has 10,593 stores and clubs located in 24 countries (some operating under 48 different names) around the world. But it all began with founder Sam Walton and his small Walton's 5&10 (Five and Dime) store in Bentonville, Arkansas. Today, the 5&10 is an exhibition gallery, and the Walmart Museum is right next door. Visit the Museum for free, and delve into the history of a retail empire, tracing it from its humble beginnings to its current status as the world's largest company by revenue. End your visit with a stop in the Spark Café for ice cream!

Eureka Springs

Just over 2,000 people call Eureka Springs, Arkansas home –– and what homes they have! The entire city of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the town was also selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's Distinctive Destinations owing to all of the Victorian-era buildings still standing there. Walk along Spring Street with a camera or smartphone at the ready, and take snap after snap of beautiful, historic houses dating back to the late 19th century.

Experience the Best Things To Do in Arkansas With Cruise America

There are so many cool things to do in Arkansas, with so much history to explore, that you may not be able to take it all in with one visit. However many times you choose to visit "The Natural State," you'll always find more to discover, but how to get there? 

Truly, the best way to discover all that Arkansas has to offer is in a Cruise America RV rental. With a wide selection of modern RVs packed with modern amenities, Cruise America can help you explore The Land of Opportunity in style and comfort. Contact Cruise America today to rent an RV and get on the road to Arkansas!

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Our compact unit is a fully self-contained RV. The floorplan features a unique rear kitchen design with all the amenities of a larger unit. The compact RV is the ideal unit for two adults of any age and a dinette folding to an extra bed allows for a child. With 6.5 foot/2 meter ceilings and walk through convenience even tall campers can enjoy the compact RV.

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