What’s worth seeing in Arkansas and what time of the year?

Caney Creek WMA & Wilderness Area is a haven for Louisianans and Texans. That area is one of my favorites in the State and is really a hidden gem. With the flood of years ago it did adversely affect the Albert Pike Campground but the area is still really beautiful along the Little Missouri River.

And eat BBQ at McClards and probably Stubbys too if you go to Hot Springs as discussed below.

As to Hot Springs I’ve spent lots of time there too. I’d go during the Oaklawn meet probably in early April. Stay at the Embassy Suites and in addition to the races enjoy the Mountain Tower, Mid America Park & Museum, Garvin Woodland Gardens, North and West Mountains, Gulpha Gorge, and Lake Ouachita to the West.

Tons of outdoor recreation opps as Arkansas is a beautiful state.
But if you are in the Hot Springs area, check out the Mid America Science Museum. It is worth a couple of hours of your time.

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Albert Pike Campground but the area is still really beautiful along the Little Missouri River.

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One of my favorite childhood memories is swimming under the Little Missouri falls. That was such a terrible tragedy for those families after that flood. Understandably the park was closed after that. As I understand it, visitors are now allowed, but there's no overnight camping, no facilities, and the grounds aren't maintained. Hopefully in the future Albert Pike can be what it once was.

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To the OP - I don't disagree with any of the other recommendations already mentioned, here are some of mine.


Winter: Live Thoroughbred racing at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs Jan 12 - April 14

Spring: Trout fishing on the White River below Bull Shoals dam. Stetsons or Gastons are both nice resorts, even if you don't plan to do any fishing.

Summer: Greer's Ferry Lake in Heber Springs. Also, hiking to the top of Sugarloaf. (There are about a dozen places called 'Sugar Loaf' in Arkansas. What I am referring to is in Heber Springs, off Highway 110)

Fall: Quite possibly the most beautiful time of the year, both visually and weather-wise. Take a drive in Northwest or North Central Arkansas on Hwy 412 or Hwy 65 and see the landscape and turning colors of the leaves. Even I-49 from Alma to Fayetteville has scenic views. Although you can golf most of the year in Arkansas, I like Fall the best. Check out the courses on the Natural State Golf trail.