Arkansas Welcome Center at Van Buren/Fort Smith

09/05/2024

Pull out your planners, because September is gonna be a fun month in . Here are a few of the highlights. Check out the link for more! arkansas.com/events

08/21/2024

Country music fans know Justin Moore for his hit songs like “Small Town USA.” But did you know he calls a small town in Arkansas home? Learn more about Poyen’s new tribute to their local legend at the link. bit.ly/JustinMooreSign

08/02/2024

Cheers — it's International Beer Day! 🍻 There are craft breweries all over the where you can raise a glass to celebrate. Before you go, make sure to sign up for your Craft Beverage Passport at the link for discounts and rewards. Tag a beer-loving friend and make some plans! bit.ly/ARBeer

08/01/2024

What's going on in Arkansas this month? A lot, actually. Start making plans now so you don't miss out! bit.ly/EventsInAR

07/31/2024

If you’d like some fun family-friendly plans that also involve seriously satisfying soul food, you’re in luck! 🛩️🥘

Head to Pine Bluff’s Griderfield Restaurant Official to watch airplanes take off and land while you eat Southern favorites like catfish, fried cabbage and homemade desserts.

📸: Colin & Marla S. bit.ly/GriderFieldAR

07/29/2024

Don't let the summer heat keep you away from climbing — keep it up at an indoor climbing gym! 🧗‍♀️

Climb in Bentonville is a great northwest Arkansas option, with 16,000 square feet of boulder, lead, top rope and kids climbing areas. And even if you're an expert, you'll never get bored — the walls get a weekly reset!

📸: Grace A. & Riley S.

07/27/2024

Johnny Cash is not only an American icon; he is also an Arkansas icon. Come visit his birthplace in the town of Kingsland!

07/24/2024

The White River is a perfect habitat for brown trout — which is great news for anyone who wants to catch a big one. Plan a fishing trip soon, and you may just catch your personal best.

📸: Ben W. bit.ly/WhiteRiverBrownTrout

07/23/2024

If you think you're not really a "camping" person, meet glamping. ✨ Book a getaway with Ouachita Wilde Luxury Tents and enjoy the outdoors in style.

07/22/2024

Written on their wall is the phrase "BRISKET IS KING," and you'll definitely agree after one bite of KnightFireBBQ in Searcy. Starting as a food truck then growing into its own space due to popular demand, they take their barbecue seriously and it shows. Come try for yourself!

07/20/2024

More than 31 miles of some of the best mountain biking in — all five minutes away from downtown Hot Springs. Check out the Northwoods Trails - Hot Springs for your next ride!

📸: Daniel Palma & Jaimeelee Palma bit.ly/NorthwoodsTrail

07/19/2024

Live music at George's Majestic Lounge Friday Happy Hour is a Fayetteville tradition. 🎸 Check out the schedule and get your tickets online or at the door!

Pro tip — If you don't want to stand in the crowd, you can reserve a table by calling 479-527-6618. bit.ly/GeorgesHappy

07/18/2024

If you need some plans for this weekend, take the family out to the ball game! ⚾️ The Arkansas Travelers are taking on the San Antonio Missions in a three-day series with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Fri. July 19 — Post-Game Fireworks
Sat. July 20 & Sun. July 21 — Kids Run the Bases

milb.com/arkansas/tickets

07/17/2024

Introducing the Benton Bike Park, the latest addition to great places to ride in ! You’ll find trails for every skill level, from a perimeter trail to downhill runs, jump lines and even a dual slalom course. And the best part? It's free! Go check it out.

📍 Benton Bike Park
1100 South Market St.
Benton, AR

📸: Paul & Sarah H.

07/16/2024

You might be a little sleep deprived after camping under the stars in Arkansas — you won't want to stop looking up to go to bed. 🌌 Totally worth it, in our opinion.

Where's your favorite spot to stargaze in ?

📸: Brennen N. bit.ly/CampInAR

07/15/2024

Think you know ? Let's find out. Check out this list from Livability of "14 Cool Things You Didn't Know about Arkansas" and get inspired for your next adventure. bit.ly/14CoolThings

From hunting for diamonds and crystals to cave dining and mountain biking, you are sure to love all of Arkansas' unique and quirky amenities.

07/13/2024

Come boat, swim, fish and camp to your heart's content on Lake Ouachita this summer! 🚤 With 40,000 acres of sparkling water to play in, you'll never run out of fun. bit.ly/ARLakeOuachita

07/12/2024

Imagine walking out your front door and dropping in on world-class mountain biking trails — in Bentonville, it's not a dream. 🚵‍♀️ Check out this Ride Story from Freehub Magazine to learn more from a local. bit.ly/BikeInAR

Collin rides his bike through the mountains of NW, Arkansas. Our time with Collin breathed new joy into our own cycling experience. His style is fast, free, ...

07/12/2024

If you're hungry for a true farm-to-table experience, it doesn't get better than brunch at Rabbit Ridge Farms near Bee Branch. 🍳 Plan to visit on a Friday or Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Want a free farm tour before you eat? Come on Friday at 9:30 a.m.!

📸: Jessica G. bit.ly/RabbitRidge

07/11/2024

It's hot outside — but that just means your ice cream from the dairy bar at Hawkins Variety Store in Murfreesboro will be even more refreshing! 🍨

Find delicious sweet treats, local products, homemade baked goods and vintage vibes at this historic shop, which has been in operation since 1943. bit.ly/HawkinsVariety

07/02/2024

If live music is your jam, July is going to be a good month in Arkansas. 🎶 Here are some of the shows you can look forward to around ! bit.ly/MusicInAR

The Momentary in Bentonville
Portugal. The Man | July 6
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band | July 14
Lake Street Dive | July 17

Walmart AMP in Rogers
Sarah McLachlan | July 2
The Doobie Brothers | July 6
Cage The Elephant | July 15
Niall Horan | July 17
Kidz Bop Live | July 19
Hawthorne Heights: 20 Years of Tears | July 28
Lindsey Stirling | July 29
Third Eye Blind | July 31

The Hall in Little Rock
Dirty Honey: Can't Find the Brakes Tour | July 23

Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives | July 27

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park in Hot Springs
P.O.D. | July 13
Zach Williams | July 20
Nate Smith | July 27

Murphy Arts District in El Dorado
The Beach Boys | July 19
Le'Andria Johnson & Friends | July 27
Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd & The Monsters | July 30

06/30/2024

The Scenic 7 Byway is 300 miles of road trip heaven through . Check out this itinerary from Atlas Obscura for all the essential stops along the way.

📸: Chris M. https://bit.ly/ARScenic7

06/29/2024

So you've canoed and rafted the Buffalo National River, and you're ready to try something new. How about floating it on a paddleboard? Create a custom adventure to explore this beautiful place in a whole new way. https://bit.ly/BNRFloat

📸: Jeff R.

06/28/2024

When you hear a place described as "James Beard Award-winning," what comes to mind? Is it a humble barbecue spot in Marianna? Probably not. But one taste of Jones Bar-B-Que Diner, and you'll see why this historic restaurant won the coveted award. And pro tip: show up early! https://bit.ly/JonesBBQAR

06/26/2024

Arkansas is already a mountain biking mecca, but a downhill trail development project currently in the works is going to take it to the next level. 🚵‍♀️ Learn about the Trails at Mena project in this article from Singletracks!

The one gap in Arkansas MTB trail offerings is lift-served downhill trails. That's all about to change thanks to the Trails at Mena project.

06/25/2024

Words like "breathtaking" and "majestic" barely do justice to the view from the Lodge at Mount Magazine. Book a room and watch this sunrise from your balcony. https://bit.ly/MountMagazinePark

📸: Josh R.

06/24/2024

Visitors to Mountain View (aka the Folk Music Capital of the World) can expect to watch and hear some of the region's best pickers and players all summer long in its city square. So, pull up a seat and enjoy the show! https://bit.ly/BigSoundsSmallTowns

06/22/2024

If you're indecisive at restaurants, head to Flyway Brewing in North Little Rock, where every choice is a good choice. From the Buffalo Chicken Cheese Fries, to the Cajun Crawfish Nachos, to the Pickle Plate, you can't go wrong. https://bit.ly/FlywayAR

📸: Kaila H.

06/20/2024

Floating is better with friends, especially on the free-flowing Caddo River in southwest Arkansas. All year long, these picturesque waters are host to good views, good nature and good times. Plan your trip (and don't forget the sunscreen)! https://bit.ly/CaddoRiverFloat

📸: Jenny W.

06/17/2024

Did you know that the Man in Black, Johnny Cash, grew up in the Arkansas Delta? 🖤 Walk the line at the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home. https://bit.ly/DyessColony

📸: Colin & Marla S.

11/30/2023

This page will be deactivating soon, and all updates will move to the Arkansas State Tourism page. 🚨 Thank you to everyone who has followed — make sure to follow Arkansas State Tourism so you don't miss anything in the future.

10/05/2023

Anyone want to guess where these three cool cars are headed?

10/03/2023

It’s a great day for a ride in the Natural State!

09/27/2023

Today our welcome center had the honor of meeting Earl and Josie Goodman; Josie tells us she is a direct descendant of Stagecoach Mary! Thank you for stopping in and sharing your stories with us, Safe Travels to you both!

08/24/2023

Today our center had the pleasure of meeting, Dalton Mack, a Missouri native that started in Oceanside, California on April 23 making his way on foot to Jacksonville, NC from the Pacific to the Altantic Ocean to promote Men’s Mental Health! Safe travels, Dalton!

07/29/2023

The mom of these adorable visitors said she has them answer a couple of questions about each state they visit, we are glad to expand their knowledge about our beautiful state!

07/04/2023

Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th of July, safe travels to you all!

07/01/2023

Today is indeed the day, visit the U.S. Marshals Museum!

Today is the day!

United States Marshals Museum Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 8:50AM and OPENING at 9AM.

06/18/2023

Today we had a visit from Boy Scout Troop No. 228 from Yoakum, Texas heading to Camp Orr in beautiful Newton County, safe travels to you!

06/17/2023