Arkansas in the South-Central part of US has an incredibly diverse landscape from eastern lowlands with Mississippi River and delta of Arkansas river, lush forest in the south and mountainous region of the Ozark in the northwest. All nature lovers will enjoy countless outdoor recreation opportunities, but there are also numerous cultural and historical landmarks across the northwest corner of the 29th largest US state.
Foreign visitors that want to explore the beauty of Ozark and Ouachita mountains need travel authorization. Thirty-nine countries in Visa Waiver Program can get a travel permit easy way. Only one South American country is currently in the program. If you’re coming from Chile, apply for esta chile and other countries need a traditional Visa for a visit. With an ESTA permit, you can visit the US for 90 days. Northwest Arkansas attractions
Northwest Arkansas attractions
Beaver Lake is among the top tourist destinations in this part of the state. More than 28,000 acres of freshwater attracts water sports enthusiasts, fishers, and beach lovers. It’s also an excellent area for bird watching. There are numerous amenities, campgrounds, resorts, and marinas. Ozark Highlands region is full of hiking trails, forests, tall bluffs, and nearby are cities of Eureka Springs, Springdale, and Fayetteville.
Ozark mountains hid Buffalo national River, protected since 1972. Public land along the stream has many attractions like springs, caves, waterfalls, and canyons. The river descends over 2000 feet, and there are high bluffs. You can find cabins, motels, campgrounds on 95,000 acres of public land around the river.
Devil’s Den State Park is situated in Ozark valley. You can find accommodation on more than 150 campsites. There are picnic areas and hundreds of miles of hiking trails through Ozark National Forest.
Nearby, Fayetteville is a college town with historic Downtown Square, various entertainment options on Dickson Street. You can visit Farmer’s Market, Public Library, or University of Arkansas campus. The town hosts numerous festivals, including blues and BBQ events.
Fayetteville is home to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Themed gardens and butterfly houses are highlights of the Garden, where each section has the connection between plants and local artists who made the art installation.
Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway is one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the US. The route runs through Ouachita and Ozark Mountains with numerous scenic overlooks. It has often been among the top 10 driving experiences in the country.
If you like the railroad more, take a ride on Arkansas & Missouri Railroad through the Boston Mountains. A vintage rail car ride through Springdale, Van Buren, Winslow, and Fort Smith, including passage through 1882 Winslow tunnel.
Water parks in Northwest Arkansas
Rogers Aquatic Center is a waterpark with a lazy river, four 35 feet tall slides, a leisure pool, and numerous amenities for a full day of family fun.
Not really in Arkansas, but just 11 miles to the north, you can find Grand Country Inn. The park has a lazy river, two tube slides, and indoors you can discover another lazy river ride, massaging jet spas, and a basketball play pool.
Northwestern Arkansas has many more natural playgrounds in the Ozark Mountains, the National Forest, and Table Rock Lake.
Golf stores in Northwest Arkansas
As a major tourist destination, northwest Arkansas has numerous excellent golf courses. If you want your own equipment, there are multiple golf stores. Golf Headquarters is a fantastic destination for golfing enthusiasts in Rogers. The store has fierce competition in CaddiesShack, another golfing equipment store in the town.
You can visit the Golf USA store in nearby Fayetteville with the best inventories and knowledgeable staff. You can find equipment for beginners and pros once you get your clubs, head down to Fayetteville country club, and try an 18-hole course.
Secret places in Arkansas
Arkansas has countless hidden places and cool attractions. Pivot Rock Park near Eureka Springs is located near the road and has numerous unusual rock formations. It is also an alleged hideout of Jesse James’ outlaw and his gang.
Quigley’s Castle is among the strangest houses in Ozark Mountains. A stone house/castle looks like Mrs. Quigley’s dream house, and a picturesque garden surrounds it.
Buffalo National River Park System hides Rush Ghost City, remains of mining town active between 1887 and 1924 when more than 5000 people lived here and mined for Zync.
Arkansas is often overlooked when thinking about America’s attractions, but it has many fabulous places. Before you finalize your itinerary, make your esta status check. Most applications are approved, but some might be rejected, and then you will need more time to get the ordinary Visa.
Bottom line
Whether you ride on Belle of the Ozarks boat on Beaver Lake or visit Bella Vista Lakes, numerous farmers markets, or countless trails in the mountains, northwest Arkansas has an enormous diversity of things to do and attractions to visit. You will be stunned by the natural beauty of the area.
