The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art celebrates the American spirit in a setting that unites art and nature. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, Crystal Bridges consists of galleries, meeting rooms, and a glass-enclosed gathering hall grouped around two ponds. The 120 acres upon which the museum sits offer visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate the local Ozarks landscape, with over 3.5 miles of trails.

The design for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art grows out of a consideration for its extraordinarily beautiful, pastoral site, situating a collection of delicate pavilions nestled into the sloping terrain of a forested site. The pavilions span a ravine to create two ponds, forming a backdrop to the community and educational spaces. The complex positions art and nature side by side, and includes a network of gardens, courtyards, and hiking trails.

Both a museum and a cultural center, the complex holds exhibit spaces and a curatorial complex of the highest standard in addition to a library, and multiple communal and educational spaces. Two suspended-cable-and-timber “bridges” span the ravine, creating two ponds. The primary materials – concrete, timber, and fieldstone – are sourced from the region.

Visitors enter the museum at the crest of a hill and descend through a stair and elevator to the pond level. Visitors then circulate from one pavilion to the next, circling and crisscrossing the ponds. The surrounding crown of trees is visible above the roofline of the museum in all directions. Two bridge buildings at the north pond contain galleries, as well as reception, dining, and hospitality facilities. The Great Hall, a multipurpose public space, is surrounded on three sides by the south pond. Additional structures nestled into the sloping terrain contain galleries, function rooms, classrooms, a library, curatorial spaces, and administrative offices.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 5.0/5
• Website: https://crystalbridges.org/
• Opening Hours: Mon & Wed 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Thu - Fri 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Admission: General admission tickets are free
• Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712

Garvan Woodland Gardens, which serves as the botanical gardens for the University of Arkansas, allows visitors to experience the flora and fauna of the Ouachita Mountains in southwest Arkansas. The gardens' mission is to preserve and protect the natural environment of the mountains while providing natural resources that promote learning, research, and culture across 4.5 miles of wooded shoreline.

The Garvan Woodland Gardens offer a diverse range of natural and man-made attractions. Surprisingly, flowers are not the main attraction of the garden. With its latticework of wood and glass, the Anthony Chapel Complex in particular appeals to architecture enthusiasts. The Joy Manning Scott Bridge of the Full Moon, one of the gardens' most photographed features, is also admired for its homage to the ancient stone bridges of western China. Meanwhile, green thumbs appreciate the Garvan Woodland Gardens' natural areas, such as the bonsai garden and woodland walk, which cover only a portion of the attraction's diverse green spaces.

Reviewers suggested visiting the gardens during the winter for its stunning annual Christmas lights display. Recent travelers said the spring season, when the garden's array of flowers begin to bloom, provides an excellent alternative for you to visit during the holidays. Regardless of when you visit, be sure to stop by the spectacular Anthony Chapel, which serves as the garden's primary attraction according to visitors.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://www.garvangardens.org/
  
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Admission: Adults 13 and up: $20.00 · Children 4-12: $5.00 · Children 0-3: Free · Dog: $5 (short non-retractable leashes only) · Golf Cart Ride: $15.00
  
• Address: 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913

Home to the wonderful wilderness, the picturesque Petit Jean State Park can be found in the north of Arkansas, not far from Morrilton. Local legend has it that the park is named after a young 18th-century French woman who tragically died while exploring the region.

As the story goes, she disguised herself as a man so she could accompany her lover on the expedition, only revealing her true identity on her deathbed. Set amid some lovely scenery, her grave can still be seen atop of the magnificent mount lying at the heart of the park. From its summit, visitors can enjoy superb views over the Arkansas River Valley, with epic caves, canyons, and forests dotted about its lower slopes. While some great hiking can be had in the park, as well as fishing and boating on Lake Bailey, one of its most enchanting attractions is the sparkling Cedar Falls, which plunges 29 meters down a jagged cliff face.

Two swimming pools, picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, a boat launch ramp, tennis and basketball court, and an amphitheater are also on site. Hiking trails lead through forests and meadows, over canyons, and along streams and the mountainside. See where nature formed sheer bluffs, the spectacular 95-foot Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows, and such distinctive features as Bear Cave, the Grotto, Natural Bridge, and other formations like carpet rocks and turtle rocks. Interpreters lead programs and special events throughout the year showcasing the uniqueness of this park. It's rare to find a place that will entice you to return again and again. Petit Jean is that place. Come discover the beautiful, mystical qualities of Arkansas’s first state park.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/petit-jean-state-park
  
• Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Admission: Free
  
• Address: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110

Named by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Underappreciated Parks, the Buffalo National River is one of the few remaining unpolluted, free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states offering both swift-running and placid stretches. The Buffalo National River encompasses 135 miles of the 150-mile long river.

It begins as a trickle in the Boston Mountains 15 miles above the park boundary. Following what is likely an ancient riverbed, the Buffalo National River cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Ozarks and into the White River. The Buffalo National River has three designated wilderness areas within its boundaries.

Along its scenic banks, you can find everything from lush forests and sparkling waterfalls to massive limestone bluffs and jaw-dropping rock formations. There are even more than three hundred caves in the area. Besides its outstanding beauty and the countless ecosystems that it encompasses, Buffalo National River offers a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Hiking and horseback riding along its banks are a treat, while kayaking or canoeing down the river is the best way to see all the stunning sights up close. On top of this, the area is home to some interesting historic sites, such as ancient bluff shelters and terrace village sites once used by Archaic Indians, and old cabins which housed early settlers.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 5.0/5
• Website: https://buffaloriver.org/
  
• Opening Hours: Daily
• Admission: Free
  
• Location: Arkansas

The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, which one million acres, is actually made up of two separate forests: the Ozark National Forest and the St. Francis National Forest. The two forests have different topographical features and ecosystems, but both are Arkansas attractions in their own right.

The Ozark National Forest is by far the larger of the two, stretching across 1.2 million acres in northwest Arkansas. The Ozark National Forest is notable for its beauty throughout the seasons, with an abundance of wildflowers in the spring and fiery foliage in the fall. The forest has five designated wilderness areas and hundreds of campsites. Ozark National Forest is a fantastic place to hike or mountain bike because of its untouched and unspoiled nature. Swimming, fishing, and boating can be enjoyed on its beautiful waterways. Many people camp in the forest so they can wake up to the magnificent trees and natural beauty.

The St. Francis National Forest is situated in east-central Arkansas, close to the state border. The forest covers 22,600 acres and is incredibly biologically diverse relative to its size. This diversity has created habitats for a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, waterfowl, squirrels, and wild turkeys. The St. Francis and Mississippi rivers and multiple lakes have made the forest a popular spot with anglers thanks to the presence of largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, bream, and more.

Together, they have more than 630 kilometers of hiking trails for visitors to explore, as well as nine swimming areas, 23 campsites, and countless scenic drives and picnic sites. Very mountainous and hilly, they are home to lovely old-growth forests, with 600 kilometers of bubbling streams and rivers coursing through the dense undergrowth.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf
  
• Opening Hours: Daily
• Admission: Free
  
• Address: 605 W Main St, Russellville, AR 72801

Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is one of the best day trips from Arkansas for some rest and relaxation. The resort city is named after the area's natural heated springs, which have been enjoyed by residents and visitors for centuries. Whether you choose a rejuvenating spa treatment or a meditative walk in the woods, you'll leave Hot Springs feeling renewed in both body and mind.

Bathhouse Row, which was designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1987, provides insight into Hot Springs' history as a resort destination. The National Park Service manages the site, which includes eight bathhouse buildings built between 1892 and 1923. The majority of the structures have been repurposed, but the Buckstaff Bathhouse has been open since 1912 and continues to provide thermal treatments today. The modern spas in Hot Springs offer a wide range of treatments, from thermal baths to Swedish massage to Reiki healing.

If you prefer to unwind through exercise, head to Hot Springs National Park. The park has 26 miles of trails in total, and the forested surroundings will make you forget you're only a short distance from the city. Visitors can spend the night in nature at the park's Gulpha Gorge Campground, which also has areas for swimming and picnicking.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://hotsprings.org/
  
• Opening Hours: Daily
• Admission: Free
• Location: Arkansas

Lake Hamilton, one of the state's most popular lakes, is an excellent choice for an Arkansas day trip, especially if you are in or around Hot Springs. The 7,200-acre lake is approximately 18 miles long, providing plenty of shoreline for resorts, condominiums, motels, and restaurants.

The artificial lake was created in 1932 when the Carpenter Dam impounded the Ouachita River. The dam was built to generate hydroelectricity, but the resulting reservoir proved to be a valuable tourist attraction that continues to benefit Hot Springs’ economy. All the usual water sports are available here, including swimming, waterskiing, parasailing, boating, and fishing. The Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat offers sightseeing cruises on the lake.

For a little break from the water, consider an outing to Garvan Woodland Gardens, located on a 210-acre peninsula that juts into the lake and is accessible by boat. The botanical gardens, which belong to the University of Arkansas’ Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, are fantastic for fans of photography. A bonsai garden, beautiful bridges, a koi pond, and a children’s adventure garden are just a few of the attractions here. If you want to see the ground blanketed with tulips and wildflowers, make sure to stop by in spring.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://www.arkansas.com/hot-springs/tours-experiences/lake-hamilton
  
• Opening Hours:
• Admission: $10 per adult (12 and over) and $5 for kids
  
• Location: Arkansas

Widely considered a state icon, Devil’s Den State Park is a must-see for your day trips in Arkansas. Situated just west of the Ozark National Forest near the state border, the park was built in the 1930s by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a work relief program that provided employment for young men from 1933 to 1942. Devil’s Den is notable for being one of the best-preserved Civilian Conservation Corps projects in the US.

Surrounded by the native oak of the Ozark National Forest, and dissected by the pristine Lee Creek, Devil’s Den captures the magic of the Arkansas landscape. You’ll find Lake Devil, created by a native stone dam, deep inside the heart of the park, and whether you’re a “water baby” or not, its peaceful water is a sight that should be on anybody’s bucket list! The eight-acre lake attracts anglers as well as boaters, who can rent canoes and pedal boats on site.

The young men of the CCC used native wood and stone to build the park’s structures, which include pavilions, 17 cabins, and the rock dam on Lee Creek that formed Lake Devil. In recognition of its unique, rustic architecture, Devil’s Den State Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The CCC were also responsible for creating the park’s trails, which extend to the adjacent Ozark National Forest. Nearly a dozen trails take visitors past waterfalls, caverns, and interesting rock formations. The trails are popular with hikers, mountain bikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/devils-den-state-park
• Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Admission: No charge unless you are camping
• Location: Winslow, AR 72959

Digging for diamonds is a dangerous and time-consuming process, but the rewards make it worth every minute. Since John Huddlestone first found two glimmering crystals in 1906, people have been coming from across America to try their luck at Crater of Diamonds State Park - the only place where you can get your hands on some rare earth minerals too!

Named a state park in 1972, this land just outside of Murfreesboro in southwest Arkansas consists of peridotite soil that has yielded diamonds and other gems and minerals to searchers since the early 20th century. More than 33,000 diamonds have been found in the park since its opening.

The main attraction is the park’s 37-acre field, where visitors are invited to search for gems, rocks, and minerals. Furthermore, their discoveries are theirs to keep. The park rents mining tools, or you can bring your own as long as it isn't battery-powered or motorized. In addition to mining demonstrations and various interpretive programs, park staff will identify your discoveries for free.

The park has several campsites for visitors who want to maximize their luck by spending several days searching for gems. If digging for diamonds isn't your thing, don't worry, there are plenty of other things to do here. The Little Missouri River runs through the park, and anglers can catch largemouth bass, catfish, bream, and trout. Other outdoor facilities include picnic sites and walking trails.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
• Website: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park
  
• Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Admission: Adults $10, Children under 6 years old free
  
• Location: 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958

If you are planning to be traveling anywhere near the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest in northern Arkansas, you should not miss the chance to explore the Blanchard Spring Caverns. It is known for being one of the most carefully developed cave systems in the country and deserves its own spot on this list. The caverns opened for tours in the 1970s and remain the only caves owned by the US government outside of the National Park System.

Blanchard Springs Caverns are often referred to as the Living Cave because their contents are continuously changing. Dripping water regularly deposits calcite onto the rock formations, which continue to grow as a result. Three different tours of the caverns are offered by knowledgeable Forest Service guides. The Dripstone Trail is an easy walk that lets visitors see almost every type of rock formation that exists in the cave system. The Discovery Trail winds through the lower level of the caverns and includes a view of the underground stream. The Wild Cave Tour is a strenuous adventure that explores undeveloped portions of the cave system.

Above ground, Blanchard Springs has even more attractions. Among these are a waterfall and some spectacular springs, which include areas for swimming and fishing. Campsites and hiking and biking trails are also available. Daredevils can try their hand at real spelunking on the guided Wild Cave Tour.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 5.0/5
• Website: https://www.blanchardsprings.org/
  
• Opening Hours: Wed - Sun 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• Admission: between $0 and $12 for regular tours and $85 for the Wild Cave Tour
  
• Location: 704 Blanchard Springs Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533