Arkansas’ natural beauty is a sight to behold.
With a mild climate, minimal industrialization, 1,159 miles of navigable rivers, and 15 million acres of forest, this state is the perfect place to seek seclusion in the great outdoors.
Its geographic diversity allows you to explore everything from mountains to caves to plains, admiring all variations of wildlife along the way. Don’t underestimate this stunning state. Get out there and explore. Arkansas is waiting for you!
Arrowhead Cabin and Canoe Rentals: The Total Package
Discover everything the Caddo River has to offer with Arrowhead Cabin and Canoe Rentals. Between their two riverside locations, this all-in-one recreational facility has a lot to offer. Services include shuttles, private boat launches, and customized float trips. Mosey down the river in a tube, or paddle with the current in a canoe or kayak. The river is suitable for beginner paddlers, but it’s still fast-paced enough to provide an exciting ride. No need to invest in gear—Arrowhead provides life jackets, paddles, and even a floating cooler to keep you refreshed. This property is also home to “The Best Swimming Hole in Arkansas” as appointed by the Arkansas Times.
You can stay for the day or design an ideal camp out in a cabin, tent, or RV site. Make it an extended family affair with the bunkhouse, which sleeps up to 56 people. The grilling area, kitchen, and party room make this the perfect place for the next get-together. The fun continues outside the water with basketball, tetherball, and horseshoes. Bring back all those sweet summer camp memories, plus air conditioning.
Eureka! You’ve Found It
The perfect summer vacation spot, that is. Picture yourself winding through a forested road in the heart of the Ozark Mountains to your next escape, Eureka Springs. Resting at the headwaters of Leatherwood Creek, Eureka Springs is a charming collection of Victorian buildings that pepper the surrounding valley’s ridge crests. The lush natural backdrop of pines and freshwater provides ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. Take a short cruise across Beaver Lake in the Belle of the Ozarks. You can eagle watch and learn the history of the area while soaking up southern sunshine. Or, hit the Leatherwood Lake Trailhead to get a wonderful trailside view of the water, free of admission.
Don’t be fooled by the city’s small population and serene quiet, the Eureka Springs folk are a lively bunch. Whether it’s the Multisport Festival “The Eurekan”, the Summer Music Series in Basin Park, or one of the many holiday parades, plan your visit around an event that fits your fancy with this town calendar. Tuckered out from all the fun? Stay awhile in the quaintest turn-of-the-century bed-and-breakfasts. It doesn’t matter if you choose a converted Victorian manor or a stone cottage, they’re the coziest B&B’s you’ll ever rest your head in. There’s something for everyone in Eureka Springs. This magical, historical hub of adventure is the perfect place for the whole family to retreat.
Dig for Diamonds (Seriously!)
Ever dreamt of finding a precious gemstone in the wild? Diamonds are within your reach at Crater of Diamonds State Park. In most states, finding a diamond means you’re legally bound to fork it over to the landowner or police. But at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, it’s finders keepers for all! This land is one of the very few places in the entire world where you can take home your treasure. In 2013, a teenager found a jellybean-sized diamond which she sold for $20,000!
More than 100,000 diamonds have been found within the ancient volcano crater, and park attendants regularly turn over the soil to bring more to the surface. So, whether you use a rake, bucket, or dry sifter, put on your prospector hat and test your luck! Wanting to up your odds? Stay overnight at the campground complete with RV hookups, tent pads, bathhouses, and hot showers.
Along with diamond digging, this state park features a myriad of other activities to enjoy. Access to the Little Missouri River allows for excellent trout fishing and a public boat launch. There are three easy, family-friendly trails with manageable hike times ranging from half an hour to 45 minutes. These paths are a wonderful way to explore the land. The Little Missouri Trail is a favorite. The accessible part-paved, part-gravel path leads from the campground to the Little Missouri River.
