Make 2020 your year to explore the endless gems of Arkansas. These 12 trips will tour you around the state for a different adventure each month. Let’s hike, paddle, swim, explore, and more this year by taking these exciting family-friendly daytime adventures:
January - Eagle Watching
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism These magnificent creatures are soaring over Arkansas during the wintertime; so, we’ll begin our state adventures with an eagle watching cruise. Multiple state parks offer the guided tours but we do love the splendor of Lake DeGray. The resort state park is quite the summer destination but don’t dismiss it for a January day trip. Learn more about eagle spotting by reading this article.
Lengthen your trip by adding on a few trails around the island or by staying at the resort’s lodge.
February - Festivals Galore
Facebook/Eureka Springs Mardi Gras It’s no secret that everyone should make an annual trip to Eureka Springs but it’s hard to decide on the timing. We love an excursion in February since the quirky city hosts a tantalizing chocolate festival as well as a multi-event Mardi Gras celebration. See their calendar right here.
Easily turn this trip into a romantic getaway by booking a treehouse cabin and eating dinner at this wine cave.
March - Bayou Paddling
Google/Arkansas Tourism Let’s march over to the Delta for a cool paddle around Lake Chicot. The state park routinely hosts bayou barge tours if you’re wanting an effortless journey through the cypress trees, too. It may still be chilly but we do love the lack of mosquito swarms during this cooler month.
Add on to your trip by grabbing a tamale and pie at Rhoda’s Hot Tamales and set up camp at the state park.
April - Tune into Mountain View
Facebook/Mountain View Music Embrace the folksy culture during an April trip to Mountain View. During the third full weekend of April Mountain View hosts the nearly 60-year old Arkansas Folk Festival on the square. However, any weekend is a good time since you can always visit the Ozark Folk Center or buy your own banjo at Mountain View Music.
You could stay a few days at the Folk Center’s cabins or choose from one of the many B&Bs.
May - Waterfall Chasing
Facebook/Keep Arkansas Beautiful Every waterfall hike is worthwhile in Arkansas, there’s no doubt about that. However, anytime there’s a chance to see multiple falls in one trip, we’re more than ready to hit the road and explore. Hagarville’s Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area features the main falls as well as Pack Rat Falls and Pam’s Grotto.
Just stay for a quick wade or stretch this trip into the weekend by setting up camp.
June - Enjoying the Arkansas River
Google/Tiffney Taylor We’re halfway through the year so let’s regroup at Arkansas’ capitol. The city and surrounding area are brimming with a year’s worth of activities but we’ll focus on the river for this excursion. Pick a spot to fish or plan a kayak tour at Rock Town River Outfitters. You can rent a SUP or kayak through them or even schedule a sunset kayak tour!
It’s no secret that you can extend your trip in this area. Here are a few more ideas.
July - Cool down at Charlton
Google/Mrs. Adams It will undoubtedly be hot by the time July is here so let’s cool off with a trip to the Charlton Recreation Area. The spring-fed creek stays chilly even in the muggiest of summers! Bring fixin’s for a grilled picnic or pack up the whole tent for a weekend of summer fun.
You can learn about the activities around the natural pool right here.
August - Floating the Buffalo
Google/Cord Powell The dog days of summer seem to stretch on forever so a fitting adventure would be the state’s longest float trip. The Buffalo National River is nearly 150-miles long with mapped out trips lasting a few hours to over a whole week. Take breaks by cooling off in the natural pools along the way or lounge in the shade. For an overview of the river and its splendors, head right here.
In addition to taking a longer float trip you could also stay the night at the state’s first dark sky park.
September - Take a Drive
Facebook/Arkansas Motorcycling Although the water activities are just about endless in the state, we’ll head to shore for a relaxing drive. Let’s travel north to the Push Mountain Scenic Drive for a three-hour tour near Bull Shoals. Motorcyclists will especially love the twists and turns of this path but everyone (even on four wheels) can enjoy this gorgeous journey. See a map of the drive right here.
Add on to your trip by staying at the Bull Shoals-White River State Park and visiting these underground caverns the next day.
October - Frolic in the Fields
Facebook/Peebles Farm and Corn Maze We’re creeping into fall which means it’s time to head to a local farm or two. Peebles Farm in Augusta features a huge corn maze as well as a stunning sunflower field. Your family can also pick the perfect pumpkin to take home, too. Follow the farm’s Facebook for up-to-date hours when fall approaches.
Take a trip to the delicious Tamale Factory for a food refuel before heading home.
November - Elk Spotting
Facebook/Arkansas Nature Lovers/Beverly Foster As fall weather continues to roll into the Natural State that also means it’s time to plan a visit to Boxley Valley. November begins the prime time for viewing the wild elk herd outside of Ponca. This area has plenty of elk to spot during their mating season but that’s not the only reason to fall in love with Boxley Valley. Find the underground waterfall at Lost Valley Trail or explore the creek to Balanced Rock Falls.
Pick a cabin, cottage, or treehouse yurt for your overnight stay. All three are offered at Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging.
December - Be Wowed at the White River Wonderland
Facebook/White River Wonderland Our last trip of the year will be downright enchanting at the White River Wonderland in Batesville. The drive-thru light show has hundreds of displays and even an ice skating rink! This stop along the Holiday Trail of Lights is one of the most dazzling parks in the state. This little bit of magic is the perfect way to wrap up a year’s worth of trips around Arkansas.
Don’t forget, Batesville is also home to the state’s largest fabric warehouse.
Are you excited to get out and see more of the Natural State this year? This list certainly isn’t a strict itinerary so what would you add to this map? Share your AR day trip goals with us in the comments below!
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism
These magnificent creatures are soaring over Arkansas during the wintertime; so, we’ll begin our state adventures with an eagle watching cruise. Multiple state parks offer the guided tours but we do love the splendor of Lake DeGray. The resort state park is quite the summer destination but don’t dismiss it for a January day trip. Learn more about eagle spotting by reading this article.
Lengthen your trip by adding on a few trails around the island or by staying at the resort’s lodge.
Facebook/Eureka Springs Mardi Gras
It’s no secret that everyone should make an annual trip to Eureka Springs but it’s hard to decide on the timing. We love an excursion in February since the quirky city hosts a tantalizing chocolate festival as well as a multi-event Mardi Gras celebration. See their calendar right here.
Easily turn this trip into a romantic getaway by booking a treehouse cabin and eating dinner at this wine cave.
Google/Arkansas Tourism
Let’s march over to the Delta for a cool paddle around Lake Chicot. The state park routinely hosts bayou barge tours if you’re wanting an effortless journey through the cypress trees, too. It may still be chilly but we do love the lack of mosquito swarms during this cooler month.
Add on to your trip by grabbing a tamale and pie at Rhoda’s Hot Tamales and set up camp at the state park.
Facebook/Mountain View Music
Embrace the folksy culture during an April trip to Mountain View. During the third full weekend of April Mountain View hosts the nearly 60-year old Arkansas Folk Festival on the square. However, any weekend is a good time since you can always visit the Ozark Folk Center or buy your own banjo at Mountain View Music.
You could stay a few days at the Folk Center’s cabins or choose from one of the many B&Bs.
Facebook/Keep Arkansas Beautiful
Every waterfall hike is worthwhile in Arkansas, there’s no doubt about that. However, anytime there’s a chance to see multiple falls in one trip, we’re more than ready to hit the road and explore. Hagarville’s Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area features the main falls as well as Pack Rat Falls and Pam’s Grotto.
Just stay for a quick wade or stretch this trip into the weekend by setting up camp.
Google/Tiffney Taylor
We’re halfway through the year so let’s regroup at Arkansas’ capitol. The city and surrounding area are brimming with a year’s worth of activities but we’ll focus on the river for this excursion. Pick a spot to fish or plan a kayak tour at Rock Town River Outfitters. You can rent a SUP or kayak through them or even schedule a sunset kayak tour!
It’s no secret that you can extend your trip in this area. Here are a few more ideas.
Google/Mrs. Adams
It will undoubtedly be hot by the time July is here so let’s cool off with a trip to the Charlton Recreation Area. The spring-fed creek stays chilly even in the muggiest of summers! Bring fixin’s for a grilled picnic or pack up the whole tent for a weekend of summer fun.
You can learn about the activities around the natural pool right here.
Google/Cord Powell
The dog days of summer seem to stretch on forever so a fitting adventure would be the state’s longest float trip. The Buffalo National River is nearly 150-miles long with mapped out trips lasting a few hours to over a whole week. Take breaks by cooling off in the natural pools along the way or lounge in the shade. For an overview of the river and its splendors, head right here.
In addition to taking a longer float trip you could also stay the night at the state’s first dark sky park.
Facebook/Arkansas Motorcycling
Although the water activities are just about endless in the state, we’ll head to shore for a relaxing drive. Let’s travel north to the Push Mountain Scenic Drive for a three-hour tour near Bull Shoals. Motorcyclists will especially love the twists and turns of this path but everyone (even on four wheels) can enjoy this gorgeous journey. See a map of the drive right here.
Add on to your trip by staying at the Bull Shoals-White River State Park and visiting these underground caverns the next day.
Facebook/Peebles Farm and Corn Maze
We’re creeping into fall which means it’s time to head to a local farm or two. Peebles Farm in Augusta features a huge corn maze as well as a stunning sunflower field. Your family can also pick the perfect pumpkin to take home, too. Follow the farm’s Facebook for up-to-date hours when fall approaches.
Take a trip to the delicious Tamale Factory for a food refuel before heading home.
Facebook/Arkansas Nature Lovers/Beverly Foster
As fall weather continues to roll into the Natural State that also means it’s time to plan a visit to Boxley Valley. November begins the prime time for viewing the wild elk herd outside of Ponca. This area has plenty of elk to spot during their mating season but that’s not the only reason to fall in love with Boxley Valley. Find the underground waterfall at Lost Valley Trail or explore the creek to Balanced Rock Falls.
Pick a cabin, cottage, or treehouse yurt for your overnight stay. All three are offered at Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging.
Facebook/White River Wonderland
Our last trip of the year will be downright enchanting at the White River Wonderland in Batesville. The drive-thru light show has hundreds of displays and even an ice skating rink! This stop along the Holiday Trail of Lights is one of the most dazzling parks in the state. This little bit of magic is the perfect way to wrap up a year’s worth of trips around Arkansas.
Don’t forget, Batesville is also home to the state’s largest fabric warehouse.
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Address: Eureka Springs, AR, USAAddress: Lake Village, AR 71653, USAAddress: Mountain View, AR 72560, USAAddress: Hagarville, AR, USAAddress: Little Rock, AR, USAAddress: Royal, AR 71968, USAAddress: Buffalo National River, Arkansas, USAAddress: Bull Shoals, AR 72619, USAAddress: Augusta, AR 72006, USAAddress: Boxley Valley Historic District, 4699 AR-43, Ponca, AR 72670, USAAddress: Batesville, AR 72501, USAAddress: Bismarck, AR 71929, USA
