[title subtitle=”WORDS Dwain Hebda
IMAGES courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism”][/title]
With the school year winding down and summer break right around the corner, many families’ thoughts are turning to getting away from it all. And can you blame them? After a 2020 of everyone being in lockdown and a school year that was still dominated more by what kids couldn’t do than what they could, families from Texarkana to Pocahontas are chomping at the bit for some R and R.
That’s music to the ears of the Arkansas Tourism industry, which suffered mightily under covid-19 related restrictions. As vaccines continue to gain momentum and the number of new cases continues to shrink, businesses from one end of the state to the other are open and ready to welcome guests. Here are a few family-friendly destinations that are sure to provide plenty to see and do during your Arkansas family getaway.
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests/Blanchard Springs
exploretheozarksonline.com
If your idea of a good time is out in nature, look no farther than the Northeast Arkansas stretch of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Here, you can take your vacation as lazy or as active as you like with a number of natural and manmade amenities to satisfy every member of the family.
If you’re woodsy, set up a base camp at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. (If you’re not, there’s plenty of lodging in nearby Mountain View.) Fill your days with brisk hikes through the woods, pausing to take a dip in one of the area’s two designated swimming holes. Here, you’ll also find Blanchard Springs Caverns, a walk-in cave system that has to be seen to be believed. (Be sure to call ahead for availability, as the caves have recently been closed.)
Still more adventure awaits on the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, a series of interconnecting loops encompassing fifty miles of mountain bike trail, much of it single-track. There are stretches for every rider here but assess your skills honestly before tackling the gnarlier parts; as an IMBA Epic Ride, Syllamo will expose a poser in a most uncomfortable fashion.
For a slightly tamer thrill, pack up for a side trip to the Mountain View and the Loco Ropes treetop park featuring rope courses and ziplines that the kids will love.
Hot Springs National Park
hotsprings.org
Another spot in The Natural State offering the best amenities of the city and countryside, Hot Springs National Park has been a favorite in-state vacation spot for decades.
Indulge your love of local history with a visit to the Gangster Museum of America to learn about the city’s sordid past, followed by lunch at The Ohio Club where many a made man whet his whistle. Or follow the Historic Baseball Trail and see where the giants of the game came to play, both on and off the field. Treat the kids to a day at Magic Springs amusement park, Mid America Science Museum, or a treetop ride at AdventureWorks zip line.
For the nature lover, there’s plenty to get out and explore, including hiking trails and great mountain biking, some of it accessible right off downtown. Two of Arkansas’s favorite lakes are also here, Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton (Lake Catherine is just over yonder, too); local outfitters will rent you everything from a kayak to a party barge for an enjoyable day on the water.
At night, the city comes alive from the historic downtown to the local gems hidden in various neighborhoods. Don’t miss the chance to eat at the legendary McClard’s Bar-B-Q, a favorite of professional athletes, entertainers, and the occasional U.S. president since 1928. Or treat yourself to authentic German fare at Steinhaus Keller then make the short walk to Maxwell Blade’s Theatre of Magic for a night of family-friendly entertainment.
Fort Smith
fortsmith.org
Arkansas’s second-largest city provides plenty of entertainment and attractions for families of all ages. No matter what you’re into, chances are Fort Smith has got something that meets your fancy.
For the history buff, check out the Fort Smith National Historic site, preserving eighty years of history from the city’s frontier and wild West days. Wander among the somber headstones in the National Cemetery or visit the Fort Smith Museum of History, all of which are in the city’s historic downtown district. Or tour Fort Chaffee and see where the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley was mustered into the U.S. Army.
But unlike other former frontier towns, Fort Smith isn’t just about the past, but maintains thriving attractions appealing to today’s experience-oriented traveler. The city’s arts scene is all around, from soaring murals to public sculpture to numerous music and cultural festivals. Concerts by national touring musicians and comedians, a resident symphony orchestra and a brand-new International Film Festival are just a few of the attractions the city offers.
And for something really special, get your cowboy on as you check out the return of the Old Fort Days Rodeo May 31 to June 5 in historic Kay Rodgers Park.
Bentonville
visitbentonville.com
In reality, you can go just about anywhere in Northwest Arkansas and find something to do. This emerald corner of the state is one of the fastest growing in the nation, with amenities to match. But for sheer family fun, it’s hard to beat tidy Bentonville.
One stroll around the picture postcard-perfect town square tells you everything you need to know about how special this place is. A slice of Americana reformatted for the modern age, Bentonville’s downtown features a farmers’ market, unique shops, great food and even an old-time soda fountain.
Bentonville is home to not one but two amazing attractions that appeal to families. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art offers plenty of greenspace and interesting permanent and traveling exhibits for all ages. Scott Family Amazeum features 50,000 square feet of hands-on exhibit and interactive learning spaces that will captivate even the youngest visitor. Another good option is the Museum of Native American History featuring artifacts from the area’s native peoples.
In addition, Bentonville is one of the most bicycle-centric communities you’ll ever find and that’s saying something considering the entire region is known for its two-wheeled adventures. Pick up the Razorback Regional Greenway and enjoy riding for miles. Need a break? Hop off at any one of the funky food or drink spots situated right along the route for a cold brew or a tasty pizza or sandwich.
Little Rock/North Little Rock
littlerock.com
northlittlerock.org
No list of family destinations would be complete without mentioning Little Rock and North Little Rock, right here in the heart of Arkansas. The two cities provide the perfect setting for any family getaway with surprises around every corner.
Families will want to check out the Little Rock Zoo, home to more than seven hundred animals. The zoo is situated in War Memorial Park, just one of the many greenspaces to be found in the Capital City, and a stone’s throw from the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center offering special events and programs all year long.
Visit the River Market District for dining and shopping, especially the Saturday farmers’ market during the summertime. The Clinton Presidential Center sits on one end of this neighborhood, offering a fascinating look at the Clinton presidency. Nearby, pick up the Arkansas River Trail which runs the length of the city or pick it up at the Big Dam Bridge which connects Little Rock to North Little Rock via Burns Park.
Speaking of Burns Park, it’s the largest municipal greenspace in The Natural State. Spread out over 1,700 acres, the attraction offers two golf courses, a dog park, a BMX track, playgrounds, amusement park, paved walking trails and centers for baseball, softball, soccer, and archery, just to name a few amenities. Face it, if you can’t find it here, you don’t need to do it.
While in North Little Rock, aka “Dogtown” don’t miss the Argenta neighborhood, home to the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, a maker space catering to young inventors. Nearby on the riverbank, tour the USS Razorback decommissioned submarine. Also, in Argenta, ride the trolley to an early dinner at one of the neighborhood’s unique restaurants or brewpubs, then catch an Arkansas Traveler’s baseball game at Dickey Stephens Park.
No matter how your family likes to spend its time on vacation, Arkansas is open and ready for business. This year, why not spend 2021 making memories in The Natural State where there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For details and even more getaway ideas, see arkansas.com.
