Arkansas
Go to Arkansas for Ozark trails, the thermal springs at Hot Springs and a slow road trip through mountains and river country.
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Arkansas is a state in the South Central United States, with Little Rock as its capital. It borders six states, from Missouri in the north to Louisiana in the south. Its land runs from the Mississippi River delta in the east to the Ozark and Ouachita mountains in the northwest and west. Travelers come for Hot Springs National Park, where thermal water has drawn bathers for generations, and for the Buffalo National River, one of the first rivers the country protected as a national river.
The state suits a road trip or an outdoor trip more than a city break. Little Rock has the Clinton Presidential Center and the River Market district along the Arkansas River. Bentonville is home to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which opened in 2011. Spring and fall bring the mildest weather for hiking and paddling, while summer is hot and humid. Plan at least three or four days to cover the mountains and one city without rushing the drives.
Arkansas in five
- Rent a car for the OzarksInterstate 40 runs through Little Rock and North Little Rock, but the Ozark parks and small towns have few buses. A car is the practical way to reach them.Getting around
- Apply for ESTA before you flyVisitors from visa-waiver countries need an approved ESTA before boarding a flight to the US. Apply only on the official CBP site, and check the visa rules if your country is not on the list.Visas and entry
- Give the Central High site a morningThe Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site covers the school and the 1957 integration crisis. Start at the visitor center, then walk the grounds.
- Book Fayetteville early on game daysHome football weekends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium fill Fayetteville's hotels. Reserve your room as soon as your dates are set.Fayetteville
- Check river levels on the BuffaloHigh or low water changes which sections of the Buffalo National River can be floated. Check the National Park Service's conditions before you plan a float trip.
Neighborhoods
North Little Rock
- Best for: Budget stays, river walks
- Price band: $
- Big Dam Bridge is a walk or bike ride over the river
- Arkansas River Trail runs along the water
- Downtown Little Rock is a short drive across
Skip if you want restaurants within walking distance every night.
Fayetteville
Go for the University of Arkansas game days, a historic downtown Square, live music on Dickson Street, and paved trails that run through town.
Things to do in Arkansas
See all attractions in Arkansas
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for visa-waiver countries; visa for most others Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- 15 to 20% at restaurants; tip drivers and bartenders
- Time
- UTC-6, Central Time; UTC-5 in daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, wet
- MarchEarly wildflowers
- AprilWildflowers, mild
- MayGreen, mild
- JuneHot, humid
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHottest
- SeptemberWarm, drier
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCool, quiet
- DecemberHoliday lights
Right now in Arkansas
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
21
- Feels like
- 22°
- Humidity
- 87%
- Wind
- 19 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 20%
Arkansas
05:23 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today22°17°20%Monday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Tue20°14°85%Tuesday: Rain. High 20°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 85%.
- Wed20°11°5%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Thu21°11°3%Thursday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Fri20°11°1%Friday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Sat17°8°3%Saturday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Sun18°6°4%Sunday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 4%.
Updated 03:26 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Hot Springsabout 1 hour by carBathhouse Row in the national park makes a relaxed half day.
- Fayettevilleabout 3 hours by carDickson Street and the university; better as a night away than a day.Read the guide
- Bentonvilleabout 3 hours by carCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art, with its gardens and trails.
Before you go to Arkansas
Rules for Arkansas, checked
- Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an approved ESTA before flying to the US. Check eligibility on the CBP ESTA site.Source
- Some Arkansas counties are dry, so beer, wine or spirits cannot be sold there. Check the county status before you plan a dinner or buy a bottle.
- Camping and campfire rules apply inside the Buffalo National River. Check the National Park Service site before you go.Source
- Declare food, plant and animal products on arrival. Undeclared items can be fined at US customs.
Plan around Arkansas
Car routes between Little Rock, Fayetteville and the parks.
Read the guideMoney and cardsCards, tipping and what to carry in cash for small shops.
Read the guideVisas and entryESTA, visas and what to bring to the border.
Read the guideWhere to stayLittle Rock, Fayetteville and the Ozark towns.
Read the guideNorth Little RockArkansas River Trail, Big Dam Bridge and an easy base.
Read the guidePhones and eSIMOffline maps and data for trips into the Ozarks.
Read the guideArkansas FAQ
Is Arkansas worth visiting?
Yes, for a few days. Little Rock's Central High National Historic Site covers the 1957 integration crisis, and the Ozarks and Hot Springs suit a slower pace.
How many days do you need in Arkansas?
Three to four days covers Little Rock, Hot Springs and one trip into the Ozarks. Add two or three days for a Buffalo River float or for Fayetteville and Bentonville.
Do I need a car in Arkansas?
Yes, for the parks and the Ozarks. Downtown Little Rock and the River Market can be walked.
Is Little Rock or Fayetteville a better base?
Little Rock for history and the Arkansas River, Fayetteville for the university and Dickson Street. Stay in both if you have four or more days.
Can you day-trip to Hot Springs from Little Rock?
Yes. The drive is about an hour, but an overnight stay lets you see Bathhouse Row at a slower pace.