Although Hots Springs National Park is the most popular place to visit Arkansashere are nine lesser-known and underrated vacation spots that you shouldn’t miss if your next destination is Arkansas:
Old Mill
Although it looks just like an old working grist mill, the Old Mill in North Little Rock is actually a commissioned piece of art that can be seen during the credits of the famous movie “Gone with the Wind”. The Old Mill is said to be the only surviving ‘standing’ structure left from the film. It is also one of the most photographed attractions in Arkansas, surrounded by beautiful flower gardens and a public park. The Old Mill is located in TR Memorial Park on Lakeshore Drive in Little Rock and is open to the public from 8 a.m. to dusk.
Wattle Hollow retreat
North Arkansas is home to Wattle Hollow Retreat, a 40-acre property near Devil’s Den State Park. Developed by Joy and Merlin Fox, Wattle Hollow Retreat was originally designed as a back-to-nature retreat for the couple. Today, Joy Fox has transformed the Wattle Hollow Retreat into a haven for those seeking to discover the holistic benefits of meditation, yoga, and similar self-healing activities through year-round retreats.
Turn Rock
Millions of years ago, the raging seas that blanket the US carved out remarkable rock formations that are still there today. One such formation not to be missed is Pivot Rock in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Discovered in the late 1980s, Pivot Rock is such an amazing curiosity that it has been featured in Ripley’s Believe or Not books more than five times. You’ll find Pivot Rock about halfway down a short nature trail in Pivot Rock Park. The trail leads to a paved sidewalk and walkable limestone staircase that provides a full view of Pivot Rock.
Buffalo River
Located in the southern region of the Ozark Mountains, the Buffalo River meanders for 130 miles through the most forested area in the Ozarks, which is protected by the National Parks Service. Visitors can hike along the Buffalo River year-round, take a fun ride on water rafts or mountain bikes, or see Arkansas moose, eagles, and deer roaming in their natural habitat. There is also a ghost town and caves to explore for the more adventurous vacationer visiting the Buffalo River area.
Lakes of the cosmic cave
According to cave divers, the Lakes of the cosmic cave may be bottomless, as no cave diver has yet reached the bottom of the lakes. Nearly 100 years ago, people who ran the Lakes of Cosmic Cavern supplied the southern lake with a variety of trout. However, the trout that now populate the lake are blind and grayish white in color, the result of their evolution in a dark, cavernous environment. The Lakes of Cosmic Cavern are located in northwestern Arkansas near Berryville. Cave walking tours of just over an hour are possible regardless of the season.
Longbow resort
Reservations are required to stay at Longbow Resort in the Ozarks. Nestled in the mountains as a group of luxury cabins, Longbow Resort offers beautiful scenery, waterfalls that can be viewed from select cabins, biking, ATV tours, and hiking on a variety of trails. There is also a large pond where you can fish or watch Canada geese and blue herons soar over the pristine waters. It is recommended that reservations be made at least six months in advance of a planned vacation at Longbow Resort.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens, the botanical garden owned and operated by the University of Arkansas, is tucked away in the Ouachita Mountains in Hot Springs, Ar. The mission of the Garvan Woodland Gardens is to provide visitors with a place rich in flora and fauna. where they can learn more about nature and the unique Ouachita environment. Several acres of pine canopy shelter the plants and animals that live in the gardens, and a running stream defines the wooded shoreline.
Locomotive ropes
Kids will especially love a visit to Loco Ropes near Mountain View, AR, where you can zipline above the treetops on three different courses. Keep in mind the minimum height and weight requirements for ziplining. For example, to take the Treetop Adventure Zipline, you must be at least 110 cm tall. Everyone riding the Tower Adventures Zipline must weigh a minimum of 30 pounds. Be sure to pre-book to participate in training sessions before ziplining.
Glory Hole Waterfall
Glory Hole Falls in Newton County, Arkansas is a spectacular waterfall that emerges from a large stream that flows up and through the ceiling of a cave. After heavy rainfall, the waterfall is even more breathtaking as it plunges down from the cave’s overhanging ceiling. The trail to Glory Hole Falls begins at Highway 16, about four miles east of Fallsville, AR. Signs will help you locate the trailhead and trail leading to the waterfall area.
