Adventure
The Big Dam Bridge Walk, bike, jog, or shuffle your way across this impressive pedestrian bridge, just about one mile in length; use the bridge to access the 15 miles of trails on either side of the Arkansas River. 7600 Rebsamen Park Rd., Little Rock, AR and 4000 Cooks Landing Rd., North Little Rock, AR. 501 340 6800.
Blanchard Springs Caverns Scrutinize soda straw stalagmites; crawl into the Cathedral Room; wiggle your way down the cavern on a wild cave tour; see skeletal remains of Native Americans who explored the cave more than 1,000 years ago. Hwy 14 W, 16 miles northwest of Mountain View, AR; 888 757 2246. Fee.
Buffalo National River Kayak or canoe the lower river on a self-guided geo-float trip; raft exciting white water on the upper river; trek to an Indian bluff shelter; reel in bass and catfish as you drift along. Harrison, AR; +1 870 741 5443.
Bull Shoals-White River State Park Rent a boat from the dock to fish for trout in the fresh water of the White River; paddle past picnickers on the playground. 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR; +1 870 445 3629. Fee for boat rentals.
Devil’s Den State Park Hike miles of trails amongst the oak-hickory forests and hollows of the Ozark National Forest; cool down at the eight-acre lake; gallop on horseback along the many trails; overnight at a rustic cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. 11333 West Arkansas Highway 74, West Fork, AR. +1 479 761 3325. Fee.
Hot Springs Fill your day with boating, horseback riding, and fishing; watch hot water squirt up from the ground, relax in the healing thermal waters at Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park. 134 Convention Blvd., Hot Springs, AR; +1 501 321 2277. Fee for baths.
Village Creek State Park Gallop on horseback along the scenic trails; canter past Crowley Ridge; splash around in Lake Austell; bike to Lake Dunn; catch a catfish. 201 CR 754, Wynne, AR; +1 870 238 9406. Fee for horseback riding and camping.
War Eagle Cavern Spelunk into the cavern; pan for gemstones; get spooked by bats; wander through a wooden stockade maze. 21494 Cavern Drive, Rogers, AR; +1 479 789 2909. Fee.
Animals
Brinkley, Arkansas Bring your binoculars and spot over 200 species of birds; investigate the Bayou de View for the recently spotted ivory-billed woodpecker, thought to be extinct for 60 years. Brinkley, AR; +1 870 734 1500.
Little Rock Zoo Slither into the Reptile House; gaze at gazelles; see a show at the Civitan Amphitheater; visit Lemur Island; go for a spin on the undulating, fully restored "Over the Jumps" carousel. 1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, AR; +1 501 666 2406. Fee.
Norfork National Fish Hatchery Walk through the facilities to glimpse three species of trout; angle in Dry Run Creek (15 years old and under). 1414 Hwy 177 South, Mountain Home, AR; +1 870 499 5255.
Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary "Adopt" an elephant; tour through rescued elephants' homes; schedule an elephant exercise weekend, where you learn to feed, bathe, and care for the animals. Open first Saturday of each month. Hwy 25 off Hwy 65, Greenbrier, AR; +1 501 589-3291. Fee.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Visit more than 100 animals rescued by the refuge; marvel at the monkey and leopard in their habitat; photograph the lions, tigers, and bears. 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR; +1 479 253 5841. Fee.
Culture
Arkansas Arts Center Admire collections from European and American artists; catch a show at the children's theater; scope out the contemporary crafts collection. 501 E. 9th St., Little Rock, AR; +1 501 372 4000. Fee for theater.
Arkansas Museum of Discovery Bug-out in the Bug Zoo; explore a castle guarded by a dragon; play in a pirates' cove; learn about Arkansas Indians. 500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR; +1 501 396 7050. Fee.
Arkansas State Capitol Take a guided tour; watch a video presentation; see how the building's architecture resembles the U.S. Capital Building. Woodlane & Capital Ave. Little Rock, AR; +1 501 682 5080.
Clinton Birthplace Explore President Bill Clinton's boyhood home; enjoy the garden that honors his mother; visit the nearby Hope Visitor Center and Museum. Birthplace: 117 S. Hervey St., Hope, AR; +1 870 777 4455. Fee. Museum: 100 East Division Street, Hope, AR; + 1 870 722 2580.
Historic Eureka Springs Explore the historic downtown area by foot and trolley; browse bronze work at a gallery; sing along at a country jamboree; soothe your muscles at a spa. Eureka Springs, AR; +1 479 253 7333. Fee.
Ozark Folk Center State Park Embark on a scavenger hunt; try on a coonskin cap; listen to mountain music; stroll through herb gardens. 1032 Park, Mountain View, AR; +1 870 269 3851. Fee.
Stone County Ironworks Admire hand-forged ironworks; enjoy an ice cream cone at the nearby parlor; browse blacksmith-made furniture and crafts. 408 Ironworks Drive, Mountain View, AR; +1 870 269 8108.
Tiny Town See a unique use of recycled goods; follow the tracks of the tiny train town; marvel at miniature models of the United States' most famous landmarks. 374 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs, AR; +1 501 624 4742. Fee. Open March through October.
Entertainment
Arkansas and Missouri Railroad Race through northwest Arkansas; listen as conductors provide historical commentary; observe the beauty of the Boston Mountains. 306 East Emma, Springdale, AR; +1 479 751 8600. Fee.
Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame Find out which well-known entertainers call Arkansas home; take in the tunes of an animatronic crooning Johnny Cash; examine memorabilia from soul singer Al Green, country songwriter Tracy Lawrence, best-selling author John Grisham, and Oscar-winner Billy Bob Thorton. One Convention Center Plaza, Pine Bluff, AR. +1 870 536 7600.
The Arkansas Queen Cruise the Arkansas River on the Queen; float past the Clinton Library and the "Little Rock"; take in the Little Rock metropolitan skyline; enjoy a lunch or dinner and dancing cruise. North Shore Maritime Center, next to the USS Razorback, Little Rock, AR. +1 501 372 5777. Fee.
Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and Museum Delve into four decades of Arkansas sports history and memorabilia; learn about the careers of Pat Summerall, Steve Atwater, Cliff Harris, Brooks Robinson, and many more Arkansans; record your own play by play at the broadcast booth. 3 Alltell Arena Way, North Little Rock, AR. +1 501 663 4328. Fee.
Belle of the Ozarks Behold the breath-taking beauty of Beaver Lake; be haunted by ancient Indian burial grounds; photograph deer swimming in the lake off their island home. 354 CR 146 and Starkey Park, Eureka Springs, AR; +1 479 253 6200. Closed November through April and Thursdays. Fee.
Burns Park Play all day on the 1,600 acres that comprise Burns Park; catch a game at the baseball stadium; watch a BMX race; play a round of mini golf; volley and serve at one of the park's many tennis courts. Exit 150 off of Interstate 40. North Little Rock, AR. +1 501 758 1424.
History
Arkansas Air Museum Wander through a hangar showcasing planes from different eras of aviation; examine rare engines; watch as old aircraft are restored. 4290 South School St. Fayetteville, AR; +1 479 521 4947. Fee.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum Climb aboard the USS Razorback, a submarine that won battle ribbons in World War II and Vietnam; experience the wails of its torpedo alarm system; explore its hatches and ladders like a real crew member; check out the harbor tugs and other vessels including memorials to those lost in battle. 120 Riverfront Dr., North Little Rock, AR. +1 501 371 8320. Fee.
Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources Learn about Arkansas's 1920s oil boom and the prosperity that came from it; tour a 1920s boom town; go back 200 million years to discover the origins of oil; check out the full-sized derricks and equipment used to extract oil and brine from the region. 3853 Smackover Highway, Smackover, AR. +1 870 725 2877. Fee.
Central High School National Historic Site Witness how the Civil Rights movement impacted Arkansas; stroll through the commemorative garden; stop by the expanded visitor center. 2120 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr., Little Rock, AR; +1 501 374 1957.
Fort Smith Museum of History Follow a timeline of Fort Smith's growth; take a trolley ride around the city; sit down for a root beer float at the old-fashioned soda fountain. 320 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith, AR; +1 479 783 7841. Fee.
Fort Smith National Historic Site Pause along the Trail of Tears; visit the 1817 Fort Smith and the Federal Court; learn all about the fort's military history; check out the reconstructed 1886 gallows; enjoy the park's trails along the Arkansas River. 301 Park Ave., Fort Smith, AR. +1 479 783 3961. Fee.
The Gangster Museum of America Learn about the gangsters of the 1920s through the 1940s who visited Hot Springs to relax, take in the hot springs, and engage in illegal activities, including Lucky Luciano and Al Capone; check out the town's history of illegal gambling and bootlegging through the museum's photographic displays and audiovisual presentations. 113 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR. +1 501 318 1717. Fee.
Historic Arkansas Museum Watch living history reenactments of Arkansas's frontier days through the Civil War; check out the knife gallery to learn the details of the Bowie Knife's 175-year history; visit the oldest home still standing in Little Rock. 200 East Third St., Little Rock, AR. +1 501 324 9351.
Historic Washington State Park Go back to the 19th century at this collection of carefully restored and presented homes, shops, and other treasures; learn about Arkansas's architectural traditions, history, and pioneer culture through the park's interpretive programs; grab a hearty bite at Williams' Tavern Restaurant. Nine miles northwest of Hope via U.S. 278. +1 870 983 2684.
Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village Marvel at mounds made by the Caddo Indian tribe more than a thousand years ago; hunt for arrowheads; browse the museum and gift shop. 281 Kadoha Rd., Murfreesboro, AR; +1 870 285 3736. Fee.
Lakeport Plantation Visit the last-remaining antebellum plantation along the Mississippi River, fully restored and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; trace the development of cotton agriculture from frontier times through slavery to the sharecropping and tenant systems up to today's more mechanized processes. 601 Highway 142, Lake Village, AR. Fee. +1 870 265 6031.
Lower White River Museum State Park Learn about the region's history and the river's role in its economic development since frontier times from four life-sized replicas of local historical figures; explore the replica log cabin right next door; catch a painting class or crafts show. 2009 Main St., Des Arc, AR. +1 870 256 3711. Fee.
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History Visit Little Rock's Old Arsenal (1840), a National Historic Landmark and birthplace of World War II General Douglas MacArthur; take in Arkansas's military history from its days as a territory to the present. 503 East Ninth St., Little Rock, AR. +1 501 376 4602.
The Old Mill at T. R. Pugh Memorial Park Marvel at this reproduction of a 1880s grist mill; take advantage of some great photo ops of the mill that appeared in Gone with the Wind; explore its gardens and fanciful sculptures of tree stumps, toadstools, and a tree branch-entwined bridge. Fairway Ave. and Lakeshore Dr., North Little Rock, AR. +1 501 758 1424.
Old State House Museum Roam the Greek Revival mansion where Clinton celebrated his 1992 and 1996 election-night victories; explore multimedia exhibits on women's and political history; check out the robust collection of Civil War battle flags and the inaugural gowns of governors' wives. 300 West Markham, Little Rock, AR. +1 501 324 9685.
Parkin Archeological State Park Explore ongoing excavations of Native American artifacts from the village believed to be Casqui (circa A.D. 1000); visit a restored schoolhouse from circa 1910. Hwy 64 and Hwy 184, Parkin, AR; +1 870 755 2500. Fee.
Pea Ridge National Military Park Honor those who fought in the battle of Pea Ridge (Elkhorn Tavern); walk a portion of the Trail of Tears; watch a film about how Union troops saved Missouri from the Confederacy in 1862. 15930 Hwy 62, Garfield, AR; +1 479 451 8122. Fee.
Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park Learn about cotton agriculture in Arkansas from statehood in 1836 through World War II; check out the restored 1920s cotton gin and the wagon with full-sized replicas of harnessed mules; discover what farming life was like during the Plantation Era. U.S. 165 & Ark. 161, Scott, AR. +1 501 961 1409. Fee.
Hampson Archeological Museum State Park Inspect excavations of the Nodena people, who lived from A.D. 1400 to 1650; picnic by the playgrounds. 2 Lake Drive, Wilson, AR; +1 870 655 8622. Fee.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park Wander the battlefield where 2,700 soldiers were killed or wounded; see artifacts from the battle; explore the Borden House and Rhea's Mill. 506 East Douglas, Prairie Grove, AR; +1 479 846 2990. Fee.
Saunders Memorial Museum Scope out the side arms of outlaws Jesse James, Annie Oakley, and Pancho Villa; view a 500-year-old Chinese pistol, admire an Arabian sheik's tent. 113-115 East Madison Ave., Berryville, AR; +1 870 423 2563. Fee.
Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park Visit Arkansas's tallest remaining prehistoric Indian mound; learn about the significance of these earthen embankments that were part of a ceremonial and governmental space from A.D. 600-1050; take in a short film about the site at the theater; stroll the site's trails. 490 Toltec Mounds Rd., Scott, AR. +1 501 961 9442. Fee.
William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum View replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room; follow a timeline of his life in the White House; discover artifacts from presidential history. 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR; +1 501 374 4242. Fee.
Nature
Bull Shoals Caverns Find the Carrot Patch and Liberty Bell formations; gaze at the Garden of the Gods; search the underground river for fish; view Civil War artifacts. 1011 C. S. Woods Blvd, Bull Shoals, AR. +1 870 445 7177. Fee.
Cosmic Cavern Follow a guide into an onyx mine, glimpse cave-dwelling salamanders, pan for gemstones, see stalactites, stalagmites, and bottomless underground lakes. 6386 Hwy 21 North, Berryville, AR; +1 870 749 2298. Fee.
Crater of Diamonds State Park Strike it rich in the only diamond mine open to the public in North America; slip and slide at the Diamond Springs Water Park; view deer nibble grass from the Wildlife Observation Blind; watch a diamond-mining demonstration. 209 State Park Rd., Murfreesboro, AR; +1 870 285 3113.
Garvan Woodland Gardens Eat a picnic in Singing Springs Gorge; explore the children's adventure garden; play in a tree house; explore a cave. 550 Arkridge Rd. Hot Springs, AR; 800 366 4664. Fee.
Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center Hike 130 acres of woodland trails; visit Black Dog Bayou and Lake Langhofer; check out the 20,000-gallon aquarium of native fish and turtles as the visitor center; learn about the region's natural history. 1400 Black Dog Road, Pine Bluff, AR. +1 870 534 0011.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower Ride to the top of Hot Springs National Park; be amazed by the panoramic view. 401 Hot Springs Mountain Dr. Hot Springs, AR; +1 501 623 6035. Fee.
Jacksonport State Park Visit this historic river port, once occupied by both the Confederate and Union troops; tour the refurbished sternwheeler the Mary Woods No. 2; enjoy a picnic lunch and take a dip in the White River; camp overnight; meander the park's nature trails. 205 Avenue St., Newport, AR. +1 870 523 2143. Fee.
Mystic Caverns Explore the two caves to see crystal dome caverns and a 28-foot-tall pipe organ-shaped formation; follow pathways down into the darkest parts of the cavern. Hwy 7 South and Dogpatch, Harrison, AR; +1 870 743 1739. Fee.
Petit Jean State Park Learn the legend of Petit Jean; hike trails to find waterfalls and bear caves; explore the Seven Hollows and Rock House "cave," a rock bluff shelter. 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd., Morrilton, AR; +1 501 727 5441.
Pivot Rock and Natural Bridge Hideout under the bridge where Jesse James supposedly sought shelter from the law; be amazed by the balance of Pivot Rock, with a top copiously wider than its bottom. 1708 Pivot Rock Rd., Eureka Springs, AR; +1 479 253 8860. Fee.
South Arkansas Arboretum Note the flora and fauna flourishing in the park; take a nature walk; picnic in the shade; nap in a quiet garden corner; jog past azaleas and dogwood trees. Mount Holly Rd. & Timberlane, El Dorado, AR; +1 870 862 8131.
Top O' the Ozarks Tower Travel to the top of Bull Mountain; take in more than a million acres of land surrounding the White River and Bull Shoals Lake; peer through the glass-enclosed lookout or from the balconies. Tower Road off Ark. 178 & Rivercliff Drive, Bull Shoals, AR; +1 870 445 4302. Fee.
War Memorial Park Exercise at the fitness center; stretch your legs on the playground; picnic in the park; try your luck at the fishing pond. 300 S. Monroe, AR; +1 501 371 4770.
Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center Escape the city while still in the city; roam nature trails; visit with the turtles, butterflies, and migrating pelicans; explore the aquarium; learn how the state managers and conserves its fish and wildlife. 500 Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR; +1 501 907 0636.
Science
Aerospace Education Center and IMAX Theater Gaze at galaxies in the planetarium; be amazed at the IMAX theater; see historical aircraft; go on a virtual tour of the universe, into the eye of the storm, or inside the human body at the EpiSphere Digital Dome Theatre. 3301 E. Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR; +1 501-376-4629. Fee.
Mid-America Science Museum Generate hair-raising static; capture your shadow; escape to the "Underground Arkansas" exhibit where kids can climb up rope ladders and slide their way past waterfalls. 500 Mid-America Blvd., Hot Springs, AR; +1 501 767 3461. Fee.