is a great—if often overlooked—road trip destination, revered for both its history and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to visit the state’s famed Hot Springs or want to explore Civil War-era forts, Arkansas has it all.

From the awe-inspiring Buffalo National River to the historic Pea Ridge National Military Park, the Natural State certainly earns its nickname, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Ozarks and Ouachita mountain ranges, amongst miles and miles of temperate forests.

Here to guide you through five of Arkansas’ national parks is none other than licensed home and

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Hot Springs National Park

Location:

Hot Springs

, Arkansas

Hours of operation: Daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Admission price: $0.00

What makes Hot Springs National Park special

Established in 1832—the earliest of any area managed by the National Park Service—

Hot Springs National Park

encompasses 5,550 acres of Arkansas’ rugged Ouachita Mountains and contains 47 thermal vents, whose hydrological system is carefully conserved and protected.

Home to the nation’s only non-volcanic geothermal springs, Hot Springs National Park is the only national park that allows visitors to experience such a unique trifecta of water sources, geologic structures, and lithology.

What to do at Hot Springs National Park

As a place where nature and history come together, Hot Springs National Park offers visitors many opportunities for recreational and educational experiences:

Camping: While backcountry camping is not permitted, visitors to Hot Springs National Park can camp for $30 a night at the park’s Gulpha Gorge Campground, which has 40 sites and boasts electric, water, and sewage connections

Hiking: With over 26-miles of trails, hiking is a great way to experience the beautiful scenery of Hot Springs National Park

Soak in the Springs: It wouldn’t be a visit to Hot Springs National Park without experiencing the hot springs for yourself!

When to visit Hot Springs National Park

Given that the majority of activities in and around Hot Springs National Park revolve around water and the outdoors, the best time to visit is in late spring, late summer, and early autumn. April and May see temperatures start to reach the low 80s and September averages out around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while October and November drop back into the 60s and 70s.

President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home

Location:

Hope

, Arkansas

Hours of operation: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day)

Admission price: $0.00

What makes the President William J. Clinton Birthplace Home special

As the birthplace of the United States’ 42nd President, the

William J. Clinton Birthplace Home

serves as an important historical marker that preserves the early life and legacy of former President Bill Clinton, giving insight into his upbringing in rural Arkansas.

What to do at the President William J. Clinton Birthplace Home

Take a guided tour: 20-minute guided tours of the home starting at the Visitor Center are offered every half hour beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Walk the Virginia Clinton Kelley Memorial Garden: Located adjacent to the home, the Virginia Clinton Kelley Memorial Garden is dedicated to Virginia Kelley, the mother of William J. Clinton

Visit nearby historic sites: The President William J. Clinton Birthplace Home is in proximity to several other important sites in Hope, including the Rose Hill Cemetery, Hope Visitor Center and Museum, and Klipsch Museum of Audio History

When to visit the President William J. Clinton Birthplace Home

To avoid the worst of Arkansas’ heat and humidity, consider visiting the President William J. Clinton Birthplace Home in early spring or late fall when daytime temperatures range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

This will allow you to experience the historic site during more mild temperatures without the blistering heat or biting cold—though it’d be wise to bring an umbrella, as spring and fall are Arkansas’ rainiest seasons.

Pea Ridge National Military Park

Location: Garfield, Arkansas

Hours of operation: Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to sunset

Admission price: $0.00

What makes Pea Ridge National Military Park special

On March 7th and 8th, 1862, one of the most significant Civil War battles west of the Mississippi was fought at Pea Ridge. Fighting on a battlefield spanning almost 4,300 acres, Union soldiers managed to drive pro-Confederate troops away from the Missouri-Arkansas border, securing Missouri as a crucial border state.

On July 20th, 1956,

Pea Ridge National Military Park

was established to commemorate and preserve the site of this pivotal battle.

What to do at Pea Ridge National Military Park

Take a guided tour: Guided caravan tours of Pea Ridge National Military Park are offered throughout the summer

Drive the tour road: Drive the 10-stop tour road that winds through the park to learn about the Trail of Tears, Civil War, and Telegraph Road—several battlefields, overlooks, and short foot trails are accessible from this road

Check out the visitor center: Home to educational exhibits and a 28-minute orientation film, Thunder in the Ozarks, the Pea Ridge Visitor Center gives insight into the park’s history and important figures

Hiking: The Williams Hollow Loop hiking trail at Pea Ridge is one of the best ways to understand the size of the park while also experiencing the tranquil beauty of northwestern Arkansas

When to visit Pea Ridge National Military Park

Cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers mean the best time to visit Pea Ridge National Military Park is during mid-spring and mid-fall, with the best months being April and October. Expect daytime temperatures of around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Location:

Fort Smith

, Arkansas

Hours of operation: Open daily from 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset

Admission price: Walk-in fee is $10.00 per person

What makes the Fort Smith National Historic Site special

First established as a military frontier post in 1817, the

Fort Smith National Historic Site

has a long history, bearing witness to the Civil War, Trail of Tears, and countless lawmen and outlaws who lived and died in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

In 1838, the second Fort Smith was built and garrisoned until 1871, serving as a training ground for soldiers during the War with Mexico before being occupied at separate points by Union and Confederate troops during the American Civil War. After the war, Fort Smith became known as the Federal Court for Arkansas’ western district, presided over by Judge Isaac C. Parker.

What to do at the Fort Smith National Historic Site

Walking trails: Explore the site on foot by walking the Parade Ground or the River Loop Trail, both of which can be walked in under an hour

Birdwatching: Fort Smith’s numerous trails make bird-watching an easy pastime no matter the season—and with over 100 species of birds who call the grounds home, there’s no shortage of variety!

Walk the Officer’s Garden: Curated and maintained by master gardeners, the Officer’s Garden is a careful recreation of the 1860s garden that would have been tended by the wives and children of Fort Smith’s military officers

Check out the Visitor’s Center: Located in the building which used to serve as barracks, courthouse, and jail, the Fort Smith Visitor Center offers an up-close look at history and houses exhibits on the Trail of Tears, Indigenous nations, military history, lawmen, and outlaws

When to visit the Fort Smith National Historic Site

Given that the majority of the Fort Smith National Historic Site consists of walking trails, outdoor sites, and battlefields, you’ll want to avoid the worst of the summer heat by visiting in late spring or mid-autumn. Expect temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit from April to May and 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit from October to November.

Buffalo National River

Location: St. Joe, Arkansas

Hours of operation: Open 24/7

Admission price: $0.00

What makes the Buffalo National River special

Designated as the first National River by Congress in 1972, the

Buffalo National River

is one of the longest undammed rivers found west of the Mississippi, stretching a total of 153 miles, with the lower 135 being those managed by the NPS.

Lined by soaring bluffs, the Buffalo National River is home to over 300 species of aquatic flora and fauna, serving as an integral riverine ecosystem and free-flowing waterway located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains.

What to do at the Buffalo National River

Hiking and backpacking: With an ever-growing network of

trails

, hiking is a favorite pastime at the Buffalo National River, and all three districts—the Upper, Middle, and Lower—have miles and miles of hiking opportunities

Camping: Site camping is available at the Steel Creek, Buffalo Point, and Tyler Bend campgrounds, whereas

backcountry camping

is allowed along the Buffalo River Trail and a few other park trails

Horseback riding: If you’d rather experience the area on horseback, check out the horse trails found around Tyler Bend in the Middle District

Paddling the river: Whether by canoe, kayak, or tube, paddling the Buffalo National River is a great way to take in the sights and experience the area’s natural beauty

Visit historic districts: The park also encompasses two significant historic districts—the Rush and Boxley Valley regions—which are home to several historic sites, including the Boxley Grist Mill, Parker-Hickman Farmstead, and the Ghost Town of Rush

When to visit the Buffalo National River

If you plan on visiting the Buffalo National River, you’ll want to visit during the spring and autumn months to avoid the worst crowds as river use peaks during June and July, the hottest months of the year.

How to prepare to visit Arkansas’ national parks

Before visiting Arkansas’ national parks, make sure you and your vehicle are adequately prepared for the trip—check out the tips below to ensure everything goes off without a hitch:

If you plan on visiting multiple national parks or want to visit them more than once, consider purchasing an

America the Beautiful

annual pass

Check that your vehicle meets park clearance requirements

Make sure your car’s maintenance is up to date

Update your car insurance policy

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