Heatwaves have struck pretty much every part of the U.S. this year. If you want to escape the heat but stay within the Natural State, here are some amazing summer getaways in Arkansas.
Eureka Springs
Up in the Ozarks, Eureka Springs is a wonderful little city with a great historic downtown. Enjoy amazing nightlife including a whisky bar, cocktail lounge, and the amazing Top of the Crest rooftop bar on the 1886 Crescent Hotel. The town is known for its spas, and was, in fact, a Victorian resort town where people would soak in the natural cold springs. You can still do that at the Palace Bath House.
Between two rivers and a lake, Eureka Springs is also a great place for paddling, floating, and fishing.
Parrot Island Waterpark
Located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Parrot Island Waterpark has the area’s only two-lane FlowRider and wave pool. With a fantastic aquatic play area, it’s a great place to take the kids. While Tiny Turtle Island is great for the smallest ones. There’s also an activity pool for activities like water polo and water basketball. Once you’re done with the park, head into Fort Smith where you can check out the United States Marshals Museum or dine at many great restaurants.
Siloam Springs
Only 30 miles from Fayetteville, Siloam Springs is a wonderful resort town. Sager Creek flows right through downtown alongside beautiful parks with fountains, historic buildings, and a variety of shops. Enjoy time on the water in Siloam Springs Kayak Park, which has an engineered river with sections for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Or venture into the cool underworld at Cosmic Cavern in Berryville. The temperature there hovers about 62 degrees all year round!
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is popular with swimmers, snorkelers, and divers. If you don’t want to get into the water, there’s fishing, boating, water sports, as well as beautiful hiking trails along the shore. Several modern campsites with good amenities and picnic sites are available in the parks around the lake. It’s the largest reservoir in northwest Arkansas and a truly beautiful place to visit.
Mountain Home
It’s what the name suggests – a cozy little town surrounded by lakes and hills. Come to Mountain Home for canoeing and fishing… this was one of Arkansas’ first water resort regions so there are lots and lots of activities for you to enjoy. You can also see stalactites and stalagmites in Bull Shoals Caverns, and visit the local quilting shop while staying in one of many cute cabins or luxury lodges.
Buffalo National River
America’s oldest national river is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48. You can paddle the river or explore trails at all difficulty levels. Buffalo National River has both quiet stretches for floating and challenging white water. Camping in the park gives you the chance to see the night sky as it should be, as BNR is an International Dark Sky Park.
Hot Springs
While you might not want to actually jump into hot springs on a very warm day, Hot Springs offer plenty of other things to do. One great summer cool-off is the Magic Springs Theme and Water Park which has intense thrill rides and family rides and, of course, a water park with a wave pool, splash zone, and a huge body and tube slide tower. On top of that, there is live music all year round. And you can even rent a cabana!
Lake Ouachita
Arkansas’s largest lake is just a beautiful place to go swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, or water skiing. There are lots of swimming areas. Lake Ouachita is also a great place to go for a scenic boat tour or take a swim cruise with a park ranger, who will take you to perfectly hidden gems. If you wanna stay overnight, there are wonderful full-service cabins.
These are just a few suggestions for amazing places to head to when temperatures go high. You could find many more, as Arkansas is a state with some amazing lakes and rivers you can cool off while also enjoying hiking and nature.