Arkansas Vacations Idea #1:
Prospect for diamonds at
Crater of Diamonds State Park, near Murfreesboro. You get to keep whatever you find. Go on a hunt through the 37 acres of plowed volcanic soil that contains real diamonds.
The largest diamond ever unearthed in the United States, the 40 carat "Uncle Sam", was dug up here as well as other many other notable diamond finds. Thousands have done it. Who knows what you might find.
Arkansas Vacations Idea #2:
Take a trip deep into the
Ozark Mountains to community of Mountain View where folk music reigns. There are plenty of music and comedy shows like
Cash's White River Hoedown or
John Taylor's Laid Back Pickin'. In between the entertainment stretch your legs on the numerous hiking and walking trails. Do a little mountain biking, canoeing, swimming, or some world class fly fishing. In town you will find shops with antiques and arts & crafts.
Vacation Spots in Arkansas #3:
Located in the heart of the Ozarks are two of Arkansas' best cave experiences.
Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome Caverns are waiting for you to explore their depths. The Crystal Dome got it's name from the 8 story high ceiling of it's main room. See the 28 foot "pipe organ" and hear the story of the "spider monkey".
Vacation Spots in Arkansas #4:
Get a taste of the old west in Arkansas with a stay at a
"Dude Ranch". Dinner Bell Ranch, in Eureka Springs, is just one of several places that offer a
guest ranch vacation. They have top-notch saddle horses and take great care in matching rider and horse for rides on the scenic Ozark trails. Take a group hay ride or do a little canoeing, fishing or swimming.
Arkansas Vacations Idea #5:
With a
Houseboat Vacation you are guaranteed a waterfront view. Fish or swim right outside your front door. What better way to relax and enjoy the wildlife of a river setting. Lacey's Narrows Marina on Greers Ferry Lake is just one of many places to rent your "floating hotel".
Vacation Spots in Arkansas #6:
Arkansas has some of the best quality quartz in the world and
Hot Springs is the place to go prospecting. There are many "dig-your-own"
crystal mines in the area and also in
Mount Ida. Usually you have to do a little digging with a small garden tool but sometimes the crystals are simply lying on the ground. No experience is needed to find yourself a little treasure.
Vacation Spots in Arkansas #7:
DeGray Lake Resort State Park has something for everyone. Located on an island in the middle of DeGray Lake, the location is spectacular in it's beauty and the activities are endless. Anything from golf to fishing to camping to horseback riding and much more. It's perfect for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.
Arkansas Vacations Idea #8:
The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a 216-foot high observatory that sits atop Hot Springs Mountain. Take the elevator up for a fantastic panoramic view of Hot Springs and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains and Diamond Lakes area. While you are there be sure to enjoy the thermal waters of the hot springs that gave the town it's name.
Arkansas Vacations Idea #9:
For mountain activities the place to go is
Mount Magazine State Park. It has the highest peak in Arkansas. Go there just for the incredible view or try your hand at rock climbing, rappelling, hang gliding or hiking. Because of its elevation the park stays cool so it's a great place to get away from the summer heat.
Arkansas Vacations Idea #10:
Pumpkin Hollow, at Dalton Farms near Piggott, is the pumpkin capital of Arkansas. There are lots of fun family activities such as hayrides, petting zoo, goat walk, hay play area, hay maze, kid's spookhouse, a large antique farm equipment display, and more. Plus plenty of pick-your-own pumpkins and gourds.
Arkansas Vacations Idea #11
Arkansas Outdoor Adventures has an interesting Eagles and Elks tour. You drive into the Ozarks in the early morning to watch the eagles rise.
Then on to Ponca Valley for a look at the Arkansas elk as they go about their winter grazing.
Last, a walk in Lost Valley takes you to Indian cave dwellings and one of Arkansas' most spectacular waterfalls.
Arkansas Vacations Idea #12
If you are looking for something unusual to do on your next vacation, how about attending the
World Championship Rotary Tiller Race. Every year the town of Emerson, in southwestern Arkansas, holds the
PurpleHull Pea Festival at the end of June. The dirt flies at the main event where contestants race to see who has the fastest rototiller. The "world record" is a blazing 24 miles per hour. It's a little wacky but a lot of fun. While you are there you can also enjoy the pea-shelling contest, fireworks, the PurpleHull Pageant and the Million Tiller Parade.
Arkansas Vacations Idea #13
Arkansas has three large wildlife refuges where you can enjoy excellent fishing, hunting, boating as well as a variety of wildlife viewing. The
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is 65,000 acres of wetlands near Crossett, Arkansas. In the southwest section of the state is the
Pond Creek Refuge. This is an area favored by migratory and wading birds so it's popular with bird watchers. The largest is the 160,000 acre
White River National Wildlife Refuge which runs for 90 miles along the White River. they all have primitive campsites available for those of you who enjoy roughing it a little when you go camping. These areas are home to a number of animals such as black bear, whitetail deer and bald eagles so be sure to bring your camera.
