5 of the Most Exciting Places To Visit in Arkansas Next Year

Every new year is an opportunity to visit places you’ve never been, have unique experiences, and make lasting memories. If you need some fresh travel inspiration, add these exciting places to visit next year in Arkansas to your bucket list. From up-and-coming towns that even Arkansas natives overlook to vibrant cities that tourists are flocking to, these destinations are all worth exploring. Even if you’ve been before, there’s always something new to discover. 

1. Bentonville

Bentonville isn’t just home to Walmart’s headquarters (although you can visit the Walmart Museum to learn more about the history of the world’s largest retailer). This small city is quickly building a reputation as a can’t-miss travel destination for nature lovers and art and culture enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the walkable downtown area, which features cozy coffee shops, breweries, diverse restaurants, and seasonal markets. Hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails offer epic adventures, and green spaces are perfect for relaxing or picnicking with local food truck eats. For art buffs, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a must-visit, with an extensive American art collection, outdoor sculptures, and a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

2. Jasper

Surrounded by Ozark beauty, Jasper is the perfect destination for a quiet, relaxing getaway. Canoe or kayak on the Buffalo National River, hike to Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls, observe the elk herd in Boxley Valley, or take a scenic drive to the Arkansas Grand Canyon on Scenic Byway 7. Jasper’s downtown is old-fashioned Americana at its finest, and a meal at the Ozark Cafe is a must.

3. El Dorado

A former oil boomtown, El Dorado offers a rich history balanced by a beautifully revitalized arts district and family-friendly attractions. Classical music and performing arts venues bring big-city energy to this quaint small town, and the Union County Courthouse is the centerpiece of downtown with its stately columns and Art Deco touches. Families enjoy the South Arkansas Arboretum and local events held throughout the year.

4. Siloam Springs

Like Hot Springs and Eureka Springs, Siloam Springs was once a wellness resort destination because of its mineral springs, which were thought to have healing properties. Today, it’s a charming small town of roughly 18,000 with a walkable downtown and abundant natural beauty; Sager Creek flows through town, with picturesque fountains and pedestrian bridges over the water. If you’re looking for a thrill, Siloam Springs Kayak Park offers Class I and II rapids on the Illinois River. The town also offers easy access to other Northwest Arkansas destinations, like the Buffalo National River and Beaver Lake.

5. Eureka Springs

While the appeal of Eureka Springs is no secret to Arkansans, the rest of the country is starting to see it, too. The eclectic small town is known for its narrow, winding streets lined with historic, Victorian-era buildings that are now home to shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The Ozark landscape offers postcard-worthy views and numerous opportunities to enjoy nature. Eureka Springs is also home to two of Arkansas’s most iconic landmarks: Thorncrown Chapel and Christ of the Ozarks. You can even stay in the town’s last original bathhouse, The Palace Hotel & Bath House, to experience the traditional mineral water treatments that drew people here over 100 years ago.

Which one of these exciting places to visit next year in Arkansas is your favorite? What other destinations would you add to the list? If you’re feeling inspired, try planning your own Arkansas trips using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.