10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Alaska

Rich in culture and natural resources, Arkansas offers a blend of historical and outdoor attractions. The history of Hot Springs National Park is as warm as the water in its bathhouses, and visitors to the Crystal Bridges Museum cannot help but notice the cool Ozark landscapes surrounding five decades of American art.

From the wild waters of the Buffalo River to the hallways of Little Rock Central High School and the portraits in the Oval Office at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, you will find fascinating places and things to do all across Arkansas.

On This Page:

• 1. Hot Springs National Park
• 2. Thorncrown Chapel
• 3. Christ of the Ozarks
• 4. Crater of Diamonds State Park
• 5. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
• 6. Mammoth Spring State Park
• 7. Arkansas Air Museum
• 8. William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
• 9. Mount Magazine State Park
• 10. Buffalo National River

1. Hot Springs National Park

Located in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is a spiritual resort city known for its healing waters, which have attracted people to the city for centuries. Founded in 1832, it grew into a popular spa town during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its hot springs rising beautifully over bathhouses. Gangsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano frequented, and possibly worked, here.

Today, Hot Springs is known for its architectural charm, featuring fine art deco, neoclassical, and mission-revival style buildings and showcasing bathhouse displays. Visitors shelter in the warm and welcoming waters on Bathhouse Row, preserved as part of Hot Springs National Park. It offers fully guided tours with restored spas and their various museums and exhibitions for its history and relics. Visitors can also find several scenic mountain views and natural beauties.

2. Thorncrown Chapel

Thorncrown Chapel  |Photo by Ryan Jones on Unsplash

One of the top attractions in Eureka Springs, Thorncrown Chapel is a uniquely designed glass and wood structure that blends beautifully with its natural surroundings. Its towering glass walls showcase the environment, creating a feeling of being immersed in nature. It is a popular venue for weddings in Arkansas.

The chapel stands 48 feet tall and covers over 6,000 square feet, featuring 425 windows of various types of glass. Services are held on Sundays in the summer at 9 AM and 11 AM, and in the winter at 11 AM.

3. Christ of the Ozarks

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The “Christ of the Ozarks” is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Arkansas, standing majestically on Magnetic Mountain near Eureka Springs.

This 67-foot tall statue has been a landmark in northern Arkansas for nearly 50 years. You can see this iconic figure from nearly every corner of the town, towering with its 65-foot arm span.

Located in a park-like environment, the site offers adequate parking and pathways around and beneath the statue, including a helipad. Other notable attractions nearby include a segment of the Berlin Wall on display.

Nearby, another attraction is the Great Passion Play of the Ozarks. This outdoor theater offers a popular experience, with good preparation during the spring. The outdoor amphitheater hosts a grand Passion Play performance, featuring colorful lights, live animals, and over 100 actors.

4. Crater of Diamonds State Park

The Crater of Diamonds State Park in southwest Arkansas, located a short drive from Murfreesboro, is the only place in the United States where diamonds are naturally found as a public attraction. Since 1906, over 75,000 diamonds have been unearthed here, including the famous Strawn-Wagner Diamond.

You can still find diamonds here today, ranging in colors from white to shades of yellow. What you find at the Crater of Diamonds is yours to keep. Established as an Arkansas state park in 1972, the site includes a visitor center, a water park, and a tree-shaded campground with 52 sites, among which 47 are fully equipped with water/electric/sewer hookups.

5. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

This historic school was where desegregation began. In 1957, the Army escorted nine Black youths to their first day at school here without incident. This event was marked as a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

Adjacent to a historic site, Little Rock Central High School remains a vibrant educational institution with 2,500 enrolled students. The only way to tour Little Rock Central High School is through a ranger-led tour, which must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance.

6. Mammoth Spring State Park

Located within Mammoth Spring State Park, it is home to one of the largest springs in the United States. It flows at nearly nine million gallons per hour.

The park features a restored 1886 train depot and a Frisco Railroad caboose.

The park is a prime spot for leaf peeping, with peak fall foliage typically ready from late September to late October. Trails winding through the park offer real-world learning experiences between built pathways and farewell paths.

7. Arkansas Air Museum

The Arkansas Air Museum, located in Fayetteville, showcases information related to aviation and civilian aircraft history from the 1920s and 1930s, including racing planes, biplanes, and military aviation. The museum’s building is a 1940s-era aircraft hangar.

Many vintage aircraft displayed in the museum are in flying condition. Since they are mostly large aircraft that are difficult to display, there is a significant permanent exhibition with a large collection of vintage warplanes and aircraft racing-related artifacts.

You can also find a memorial to Louise McPhetridge Thaden, the second-largest American woman pilot, who was born near the city of Bentonville.

8. William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum

William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum |Photo by Carol Kennedy on Unsplash

The Clinton Presidential Center is located on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock, encompassing a 28-acre public park. It serves as a presidential library and museum, as well as a venue for local events.

The center features permanent and rotating exhibitions that highlight the life and work of President Clinton and his family, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and full-scale replicas of inner-office spaces. Behind the building was the concept of being a bridge, spanning over the Arkansas River. Metaphorically, it stands as a bridge between the past and the future.

9. Mount Magazine State Park

Mount Magazine, located on the highest peak in northwest Arkansas, offers a variety of outdoor activities and facilities. Travelers can explore camping, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas amidst a breathtaking natural environment.

The Mount Magazine Visitor Center and Lodge feature an exhibit gallery, a gift shop, and the Skycrest Restaurant, which offers panoramic views through its large bay windows. Mount Magazine’s innovative programs provide insights into the area’s environmental and cultural history.

For extreme sports enthusiasts, Mount Magazine facilitates opportunities for rock climbing, hang-gliding, mountain biking, and horseback riding, offering unique experiences for those seeking adventure in the area.

10. Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River is an unknown, free-flowing river located within the Ozark Mountains, flowing through a designated wildlife area. The area is home to deer, bobcats, and various other wildlife species.

Popular activities around the lake include hiking, camping, and horseback riding, all amidst rich natural beauty. Visitors can also experience activities like kayaking, canoeing, and tubing in the deep-flowing waters. Information about the area can be obtained from the Tyler Bend Visitor Center.