Arkansas is full of hidden gems. There are so many that it can be hard to keep track of them all, or, worse, overlook a few. Don’t worry, though, that’s where we come in. We took the liberty of mapping out a route to some of the best little-known places and hidden gems in Arkansas. From breathtaking natural wonders to one-of-a-kind attractions, this hidden gem road trip leads to some of Arkansas’ best-kept secrets!
The 591-mile route we’ve mapped out will take about 11.5 hours to complete.
google.com If you don’t have 11.5 hours to devote to a road trip, don’t fret. Simply alter the route to suit your needs. To make changes to the map, click here.
- Board Camp Crystal Mine (Mena)
mariecordray2000/TripAdvisor Diamonds aren’t all you can dig for in Arkansas! Crystal mines are not that uncommon here in Arkansas, but at Board Camp Crystal Mine, you can dig for real crystals – and you get to keep any that you find. Digging for crystals is one of the most fun things to do in Arkansas, after all, that’s one of the reasons we’re known as The Natural State! For more info, visit their website. Board Camp Crystal Mine, 110 Polk Rd 62, Mena, AR 71953, USA
- South Arkansas Arboretum (El Dorado)
Arkansas Tourism/Google The South Arkansas Arboretum is owned by the local school system but ran as a state park for many years. Though just 12 acres, the site is brimming with beautiful flowers and greenery, including plants native to Arkansas as well as exotic species, such as flowering camellias and azaleas. Marked, paved walking trails wind through the arboretum, making it easy to navigate. For more info, visit their website.
The town of El Dorado is a great town to spend some time exploring. Here are some of our favorite things to do in El Dorado. South Arkansas Arboretum, 1506 Mt Holly Rd, El Dorado, AR 71730, USA
- Esse Purse Museum and Store (Little Rock)
Esse Purse Museum and Store/Google One of only two purse museums in the world, Esse Purse Museum and Store is one of the most unique hidden gems in Arkansas. Through its immense collection of handbags, the museum tells the story of the evolution of 20th-century American women. It also includes a shop, which sells high-quality handbags as well as handmade jewelry and accessories. For more info, visit their website. Esse Purse Museum & Store, 1510 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
- Pam’s Grotto Waterfall (Hagarville)
Vernon Hatley/Google This little hidden gem in Arkansas is nestled in the middle of the Ozarks. Luckily, though, it couldn’t be easier to reach. A 0.8-mile out-and-back trail leads straight to the idyllic cascade. Check out our previous article for more information about Pam’s Grotto Waterfall. Pam’s Grotto Trail, Arkansas 72839, USA
- Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery (Springdale)
Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery/Facebook Situated in a peaceful valley in Northwest Arkansas, Sassafras Springs Winery and Vineyard is renowned for its award-winning wines and storybook setting. Stop by for a full-on wine tasting or a casual bite in a picturesque setting. For more info, visit their website. Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery, 6461 E Guy Terry Rd, Springdale, AR 72764, USA
- Pivot Rock Park (Eureka Springs)
Jenni/TripAdvisor Nature lovers, you’re going to want to move this to the top of your Arkansas bucket list. Set among the beautiful mountain scenery of the Ozarks, Pivot Rock Park is filled with unique rock formations, including a natural bridge. The bizarre rocks aren’t the park’s only claim to fame, though. According to legend, the Jesse James Gang used the park as a hideout. For more info, click here. Pivot Rock, Arkansas 72632, USA
- Old Spanish Treasure Cave (Sulphur Springs)
Casey Crocker/Google Old Spanish Treasure Cave might be one of the state’s lesser-known caves, but that doesn’t make it any less fascinating. As the name implies, it’s allegedly home to a hidden treasure, buried long ago by Spanish Conquistadors. Today, you can take a guided tour and learn all about the cave’s history and legends. For more info, click here. Old Spanish Treasure Cave, 14290 State Hwy 59, Sulphur Springs, AR 72768, USA
So, did you know about these hidden gems in Arkansas? Have you ever visited any of them? Did we miss your favorite secret spot? Let us know in the comments below!
google.com
If you don’t have 11.5 hours to devote to a road trip, don’t fret. Simply alter the route to suit your needs. To make changes to the map, click here.
mariecordray2000/TripAdvisor
Diamonds aren’t all you can dig for in Arkansas! Crystal mines are not that uncommon here in Arkansas, but at Board Camp Crystal Mine, you can dig for real crystals – and you get to keep any that you find. Digging for crystals is one of the most fun things to do in Arkansas, after all, that’s one of the reasons we’re known as The Natural State! For more info, visit their website.
Board Camp Crystal Mine, 110 Polk Rd 62, Mena, AR 71953, USA
Arkansas Tourism/Google
The South Arkansas Arboretum is owned by the local school system but ran as a state park for many years. Though just 12 acres, the site is brimming with beautiful flowers and greenery, including plants native to Arkansas as well as exotic species, such as flowering camellias and azaleas. Marked, paved walking trails wind through the arboretum, making it easy to navigate. For more info, visit their website.
The town of El Dorado is a great town to spend some time exploring. Here are some of our favorite things to do in El Dorado.
South Arkansas Arboretum, 1506 Mt Holly Rd, El Dorado, AR 71730, USA
Esse Purse Museum and Store/Google
One of only two purse museums in the world, Esse Purse Museum and Store is one of the most unique hidden gems in Arkansas. Through its immense collection of handbags, the museum tells the story of the evolution of 20th-century American women. It also includes a shop, which sells high-quality handbags as well as handmade jewelry and accessories. For more info, visit their website.
Esse Purse Museum & Store, 1510 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
Vernon Hatley/Google
This little hidden gem in Arkansas is nestled in the middle of the Ozarks. Luckily, though, it couldn’t be easier to reach. A 0.8-mile out-and-back trail leads straight to the idyllic cascade. Check out our previous article for more information about Pam’s Grotto Waterfall.
Pam’s Grotto Trail, Arkansas 72839, USA
Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
Situated in a peaceful valley in Northwest Arkansas, Sassafras Springs Winery and Vineyard is renowned for its award-winning wines and storybook setting. Stop by for a full-on wine tasting or a casual bite in a picturesque setting. For more info, visit their website.
Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery, 6461 E Guy Terry Rd, Springdale, AR 72764, USA
Jenni/TripAdvisor
Nature lovers, you’re going to want to move this to the top of your Arkansas bucket list. Set among the beautiful mountain scenery of the Ozarks, Pivot Rock Park is filled with unique rock formations, including a natural bridge. The bizarre rocks aren’t the park’s only claim to fame, though. According to legend, the Jesse James Gang used the park as a hideout. For more info, click here.
Pivot Rock, Arkansas 72632, USA
Casey Crocker/Google
Old Spanish Treasure Cave might be one of the state’s lesser-known caves, but that doesn’t make it any less fascinating. As the name implies, it’s allegedly home to a hidden treasure, buried long ago by Spanish Conquistadors. Today, you can take a guided tour and learn all about the cave’s history and legends. For more info, click here.
Old Spanish Treasure Cave, 14290 State Hwy 59, Sulphur Springs, AR 72768, USA
This is just a portion of the hidden gems in Arkansas. Check out our previous article highlighting even more unique adventures in Arkansas.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in Arkansas November 17, 2022 Jackie Ann What are some of the most unique places to visit in Arkansas? From towns to roadside attractions, there are plenty of unique places in Arkansas that are worthy of a visit. Some of the most unique places in Arkansas include:
The 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville, Arkansas The Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas Eureka Springs, Arkansas St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Check out this article for even more unique places to visit in Arkansas. What are some things to do in Arkansas? There are plenty of attractions and things to do in Arkansas to keep you entertained. A few of the most popular things to do in Arkansas include:
A day trip to Jasper, Arkansas Petit Jean State Park Devil’s Den State Park Hike to the many waterfalls in Arkansas
Check out this article for more things to do in Arkansas. What should be on everyone’s Arkansas bucket list? The Natural State offers endless outdoor opportunities. Some attractions to add to everyone’s Arkansas bucket list include:
Hot Springs, Arkansas Buffalo National River Crater of Diamonds State Park Mount Magazine
Check out this article for even more adventures to add to every Arkansas bucket list.
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in Arkansas
November 17, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are some of the most unique places to visit in Arkansas? From towns to roadside attractions, there are plenty of unique places in Arkansas that are worthy of a visit. Some of the most unique places in Arkansas include:
The 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville, Arkansas The Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas Eureka Springs, Arkansas St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Check out this article for even more unique places to visit in Arkansas. What are some things to do in Arkansas? There are plenty of attractions and things to do in Arkansas to keep you entertained. A few of the most popular things to do in Arkansas include:
A day trip to Jasper, Arkansas Petit Jean State Park Devil’s Den State Park Hike to the many waterfalls in Arkansas
Check out this article for more things to do in Arkansas. What should be on everyone’s Arkansas bucket list? The Natural State offers endless outdoor opportunities. Some attractions to add to everyone’s Arkansas bucket list include:
Hot Springs, Arkansas Buffalo National River Crater of Diamonds State Park Mount Magazine
Check out this article for even more adventures to add to every Arkansas bucket list.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
From towns to roadside attractions, there are plenty of unique places in Arkansas that are worthy of a visit. Some of the most unique places in Arkansas include:
- The 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville, Arkansas
- The Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas
- Eureka Springs, Arkansas
- St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Check out this article for even more unique places to visit in Arkansas.
What are some things to do in Arkansas?
There are plenty of attractions and things to do in Arkansas to keep you entertained. A few of the most popular things to do in Arkansas include:
- A day trip to Jasper, Arkansas
- Petit Jean State Park
- Devil’s Den State Park
- Hike to the many waterfalls in Arkansas
Check out this article for more things to do in Arkansas.
What should be on everyone’s Arkansas bucket list?
The Natural State offers endless outdoor opportunities. Some attractions to add to everyone’s Arkansas bucket list include:
- Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Buffalo National River
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Mount Magazine
Check out this article for even more adventures to add to every Arkansas bucket list.
