MAIN Travel USA Arkansas

Most famous for being the birthplace of former President Bill Clinton, it was Frenchman Henri de Tonti who founded the state's first European settlement, the Arkansas Post, in 1686.

A little more than a century later the territory was ceded to the U.S. as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and "king" cotton grew throughout the state leading up to the US Civil War.

Today, top vacation attractions include major national parks such as Hot Springs National Park, the country's only 'urban' national park situated in the heart of downtown Hot Springs.

Other major tourists spots include Buffalo National River in the Ozarks, the capital at Little Rock, along with historic museums including the recent addition of the Bill Clinton Birthplace in Hope.

Arkansas offers visitors scenic mountain vistas, forests, lakes and rivers. From left to right:
mountain view from Petit Jean State Park; Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
in Bella Vista, and sundown on Bull Shoals Lake.

2025 Arkansas travel special events and festivals

The Arkansas Folk Festival, where there's always lots of "pickin' and grinnin'.

Just up ahead, check out our 2025 Arkansas travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information. Happy travels!

April 18 - 18, 2025 - 63rd annual Arkansas Folk Festival, Mountain View AR - There's picking and fiddlin' all weekend long at the courthouse, Pickin Park, and other venues around "the town that music built."

June 20 - 21, 2025 - Rock the Country Music Festival, Little Rock AR - Get ready to rock with A-list performances by country and rock stars appearing at the Arkansas State Fair grounds.

October 10 - October 19, 2025- Arkansas State Fair Little Rock AR - What's not to like about live music concerts, corn dogs, and carnival rides? See ya'll there!

Kid-friendly Arkansas

If vacationing in and around the capital, Little Rock rocks with hands-on educational fun at the Museum of Discovery offering exhibits for kids 6 and under, as well as group participation in science experiments for the older ones.

In Hot Springs, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo offers kids of all ages a glimpse of over 200 alligators in residence as well as close encounters with pygmy goats and white tail deer.

More family-friendly fun awaits at the cheesy yet entertaining Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum, and for a full day of excitement and adventure head straight for Magic Springs Theme Park & Crystal Falls Water Park featuring kiddie amusements as well as giant roller coasters and other thrill rides for teens and adults.

More about Arkansas travel around the Web:

Arkansas.com - Check out 360 degree virtual tours plus practical guides to hotels and lodging, major and offbeat tourist attractions, kid-friendly activities, event calendar, vacation photo gallery.

Arkansas Travel: Northwest Arkansas' Ozark Mountain Region - The state's natural wonders told in maps and photos, guides to Arkansas state parks and lakes, sports activities, historic places, dining and shopping, event schedule and relocation info.

Hot Springs Arkansas - Travel guide to historic hot springs spas and facilities, plus major attractions including landmarks and buildings, restaurant suggestions, events and festivals, maps and directions.

Little Rock, Arkansas - The official travel site with news, feature articles, current & upcoming entertainment events, information on top attractions, day trips away from the city, nightlife, hotels & restaurants, maps, pictures & weather info.

Arkansas State Parks - Colorful guide to outdoor vacation fun with a guide to the state's campgrounds, mountain lodgings, hiking trails, Civil War sites and Native American heritage, plus related e-cards, screensavers.

Arkansas Heritage - The state's rich cultural heritage on display with information on native American Indian tribes, history and folklore, related cultural events.