Arkansas is known as ‘The Natural State’, and thanks to that, there are many actively developing lovely places that can be visited with a very low budget, but at the same time give a great combination of outdoor activities, historical facilities, and cultural facilities. From hiking and wandering in natural parks, walking around picturesque towns, and visiting historical sites, one can have a great time in Arkansas while spending minimum money. Below is the list of 15-weekend getaways in Arkansas that are as inexpensive as they are memorable.
Top Weekend Getaways in Arkansas
1. Hot Springs
It is equally a classic place to visit with various natural thermal springs that one can bath at a fairly cheaper price. Bathhouse Row is the Place where bathhouses that offer wishful or healthy immolating water baths are found. Hot Springs National Park has natural hot springs which can be viewed for free and also take a hike through a range of rock types, most spectacular airy viewpoints, and picnic areas.
Affordable Activity: To experience the waters of Georgian reputation for a relatively low sum one can visit one of the old spas which used to exist even at the period of royalties.
2. Eureka Springs
Located in the Ozark Mountain, the city of Eureka Springs boasts several historical landmarks, especially its Victorian-style buildings as well as shops and eateries, arts and crafts. The whole downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a walking museum, thus, free. There is much to do for visitors in terms of shopping, eating, and leisure and the structure of the town’s streets alone is quite engaging.
Affordable Activity: Walk along the beautiful streets of the city and visit typical art galleries or stores in Eureka Springs.
3. Petit Jean State Park
Located in central Arkansas, Petit Jean stands as the first state park in the natural treasure trove of the state. Lodging in the park includes economical cabins and campgrounds and a trail system that leads to scenic areas and the natural features of Cedar Falls. Because of its history and geography, the park offers several free attractions and nearly all the trails are affordable to traverse.
Affordable Activity: Make a reservation for a camper or a cabin within the park.
4. Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is perhaps one of the very few rivers in the United States that does not have a single dam constructed across it and therefore carries crystal clear water and beautiful gorges. No matter if you want to rent a canoe to sail the river or hike through the woods this place is ideal for budget tourists with a passion for nature.
Affordable Activity: Take a canoe or kayak and go for a boat ride through the river.
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5. Fayetteville
Fayetteville is a fully developed city, home to several Universities, and is rich in culture, history, and recreation. On the University of Arkansas campus, there are many nice places to wander around and enjoy the view and nearby there is one of the beautiful places called the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks where people can relax. The downtown area of the town and packed with several cheap restaurants music joints and dining facilities.
Affordable Activity: Try your local farmer’s market or for coffee shops go to Fayetteville Farmers Market.
read also: Romantic Getaways Hot Springs Arkansas
6. Mountain View
Often referred to as the Folk Music Capital of the World, Mountain View should be on the list of every remote site explorer as well as every lover of history, traditions, and art. One of the local attractions associated with the town is a tradition of spontaneous listening to music performed by amateurs which used to occur in the courthouse square. One of the most reasonable scale facilities is the Ozark Folk Center which will help you to get acquainted with the region’s musical traditions and feel the atmosphere of the live concert.
Affordable Activity: See a performance at Ozark Folk Center or look through local crafts shops.
7. Lake Ouachita State Park
It is the largest lake in the state of Arkansas and is bordered by the Ouachita National Forest. There are cheap activities to be undertaken in the park including Kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. In particular, the sparkling waters of Lake Ouachita and the gorgeous views are ideal to find a couple of days of leisure activities.
Affordable Activity: Take a paddleboard or a kayak to move across the lake.
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8. Blanchard Springs Caverns
Located in the Ozark St. Blanchard Springs Caverns ranks among the best cave systems in Francis National Forest and features stunning decorations. The guided tours, offered at a fairly reasonable rate, provide visitors with an amazing view of the underground dwellings. Close to the surface, one can find an area for hiking, fishing, or picnicking, and all of those activities are free of charge.
Affordable Activity: Self-guided or guided tours of the caves show visitors various outstanding cave features and formations.
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9. Crater of Diamonds State Park
Less than ten thousand people visit Crater of Diamonds State Park yearly hence making it an affordable park with the fun and excitement of digging for diamonds. For $1 you can search for diamonds and other gems in a 37-acre field, and whatever you digging up, is yours. There are also various other amenities contained in the park that are cheap to undertake; these include walking trails, picnic areas, and a water park.
Affordable Activity: Challenge yourself and search for diamonds on the site of the park in the middle of the vast field.
10. Greers Ferry Lake
11. Mammoth Spring State Park
A very large spring that is among the largest springs in the USA is found in this state park. The park features an 1800s railroad depot and a museum aside from the natural pool of water of the spring and the area that surrounds it. Being a park, it is very quiet, and most of the activities that the park offers do not require one to spend a lot of money.
Affordable Activity: As a visitor of the park, make sure to also join a tour of the park’s museum as well as some of the historic buildings.
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12. Ozark National Forest
Ozark National Forest covers one million acres of area and has a lot of points for recreation purposes. The forest contains some of the most spectacular sites in Arkansas such as the Mulberry River and Mount Magazine. Being able to find a plethora of campgrounds, hiking trails, and scenic drives, the region offers an attractive destination for frugal lovers of nature.
Affordable Activity: Conquer the woods as a camper or rent a cabin deep within the forest.
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13. Fort Smith
It lies on the bank of the Arkansas River and has many historical sites starting with the military fort established here in the 19th century and ending with the Wild West. The Fort Smith National Historic Site provides a look into such a past through the multiple displays and relics on display of the frontier times. The downtown area of the city buzzes with activity, offers a walkable environment with historic architecture and murals, and provides views of several affordable eating establishments.
Affordable Activity: The Fort Smith National Historic Site is one of those places that should not be missed by any tourist or traveler.
read more: Eureka Springs Romantic Getaways
14. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Peculiarly situated near the town of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a paradise for people loving outdoor activities. The park contains trails of various difficulty with the steepest being the one that leads to the summit for the view of the Arkansas River valley. Irrespective of the type of activity, hiking, picnicking, or paddling, Pinnacle Mountain does not include a lot of costs that can be a drain on the pocket.
Affordable Activity: Take a canoe or kayak for a day on this river or you can take a guide and fish from the river bank.
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15. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
DeGray Lake Resort State Park is a good mix of vigorous outdoor recreation and a touch of the luxury of a resort in the backdrop of a fair price. This park has a golf course, a marina, a lodge, beaches as well as trail hiking. For camping on the shores or renting boats to cruise the lake, DeGray Lake is among the most affordable choices to be found.
Affordable Activity: Have a game of golf or go boating in the marina.
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Conclusion
If you are travelling to Arkansas and you are on a tight budget you will not lack things to do. Among the heavenly landscapes of state parks and rivers and the lush historical appearances of towns and cities, there is no shortage of budget-friendly experiences. Consequently, if you want to get yourself in touch with nature, explore history, or just have a peaceful weekend, Arkansas has the right destination for you, the weekend getaway. Check out all the tips and tricks you need to travel and sightsee around Arkansas this summer for cheap or free!
