Photo by Oliver Graham on Unsplash
Father’s Day is quickly approaching. Does your Dad have a special getaway planned for the weekend? If he loves weekend getaways, then a simple Father’s Day trip to one of Arkansas’s beautiful state parks or cities will make his day!
Check out our guide to the best quick trips around the Natural State!
Find the Perfect Weekend Getaway Vehicle at Crain Ford in Little Rock
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs is the only official National Park in Arkansas, making it a unique weekend destination for Dads who love our nation’s National Park system.
Established as a National Park by Congress on Aug. 25, 1916, Hot Springs gets its name from the natural thermal springs that flow from Hot Springs Mountain. The hot waters of the springs have long been believed to have healing properties, so if Dad’s been feeling stressed lately, take him to one of the historic bath houses for a day of healing and relaxation.
But if relaxing isn’t his thing, Hot Springs has plenty to see in the historic downtown area, with many delicious restaurants, breweries, and sweets shops. You can also take a hike and explore the beautiful surroundings on trails like the North Mountain, West Mountain, and Sunset Trails.
Lake Ouachita State Park
Does Dad love getting out on the lake? Then Lake Ouachita State Park is the perfect weekend trip. Lake Ouachita is Arkansas’s largest lake, with 40,000 acres of clear, clean water. It’s surrounded by striking views of the Ouachita National Forest and the Ouachita Mountains.
Lake Ouachita has many fun activities for a day out on the lake. Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are all activities available at the park. There’s no shortage of places to explore, as Lake Ouachita is also known for the hundreds of islands that dot the water, many of which contain fun swimming holes or campsites.
The lake is also stocked with fish, like bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass for fishing.
Buffalo National River
Has Dad ever floated the Buffalo National River? This pristine and natural river is not only Arkansas’s first national river but also America’s first with that distinction.
Established in 1972, the Buffalo National River is a free-flowing river, meaning it’s undammed, and river levels depend entirely on rainfall. But during the late spring and early summer months, the 135-mile river offers lazy floats and striking cliff bluff views all along its length. Because the river flows leisurely, it’s perfect for half-day or all-day float trips with plenty of opportunities to cool off in a swimming hole.
Eureka Springs
Located in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is an Arkansas city unlike any other. Just take a look at some of its nicknames: The Magic City, Little Switzerland of the Ozarks, and Stairstep Town. These names come not only from Eureka Springs’ unique accommodations and entertainment but also from its interesting landscape. The city’s historic downtown is situated within a hilly section of the Ozarks, with many winding city streets and steep roadways. It’s not only a fun little city to explore on foot but in your car as well!
For an even more unique drive to Eureka, be sure to take the Pig Trail Scenic Byway on Arkansas State Highway 23. Starting off I-40 in Clarksville, this unique roadway winds its way through the Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains for a fun and scenic drive with breathtaking views of the countryside.
Petit Jean State Park
One of the most well-known and visited state parks in Arkansas is Petit Jean State Park. This was Arkansas’s first state park, and for many years, it has greeted thousands of visitors who come to view its unique geology and natural beauty.
The park features plenty of hiking trails for every experience level, from the quick and easy Bear Cave Trail to the spectacular Cedar Creek Falls Trail, which ends in a captivating view of Arkansas’s most well-known waterfall.
Petit Jean also features plenty of lodging options to accommodate a weekend trip. There are 33 cabins, 125 campsites for both tent and camper visitors, four Yurts, and the beautiful Mather Lodge, a 24-room lodge with a restaurant overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon.
Take A Road Trip With A New Car from Crain Ford in Little Rock
Whatever trip you’re taking with Dad this Father’s Day, if he’s looking for a new vehicle, make sure you take him to Crain Ford in Little Rock, Arkansas.
We have a great selection of new and used cars, trucks, and SUVs to make any Father’s Day road trip comfortable, safe, and memorable.
Contact us today to hear about our current inventory, or visit us in person at 4601 Colonel Gleen Plaza Drive in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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