Destination Arkansas: 10 Must See Attractions and Sites in Arkansas!

Arkansas was one of the slave states, number 13th and the 25th state. The slave states were apart of the United States that legalized slavery, which was one of the causes of the American Civil War. Like most of the earlier states, Arkansas has a history all in its own right, beginning with its name, which was named after the Quapaw Indians.

Land of the downriver people, as the Quapaw Indians were called, were a remarkable part of Arkansas history. However, learning about the Quapaw Indians should not be the only reason you visit Arkansas.

1) Museum of Automobiles. Nestled on the top of Petit Jean Mountain, the Museum of Automobiles is the only place you can see the 1923 Climber. The museum also has 50 other historical automobiles on display, including a 1904 Oldsmobile French Front and a 1976 Porsche 911S.

At the Museum of Automobiles you can expect to find many vehicles created prior to 1950, making this museum a great attraction for all car lovers.

2) Blanchard Springs Caverns. Considered the jewel of the Ozark National Forest, the Blanchard Springs Caverns was dubbed by Life Magazine as "one of the most extraordinary finds of the century". The caverns are open to explore, with a guided tour, and leads through water-carved passages. It also has an underground river and houses the largest flowstone in the world.

The river flows out of the mountain and into Mirror Lake, making it a great place to enjoy a bout of fishing, or walking the trails just off from the lake.

3) Saunders Memorial Museum. Colonel C. Saunders had a reputation as a marksmen, and had a love of traveling. During his travels, Saunders collecting unique artifacts, mostly firearms.

Upon his death he donated all of his guns to the city of Berryville and the Saunders Memorial Museum began.

The museum is a great place to visit because of its history and one any gun lover would enjoy!

4) Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Parkway. Almost 200 miles long, Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Parkway is a great way to pass the time. Along the stretch of scenic road, travelers can view orchards, farmlands, hardwood forest, and much more, including historical homes.

One of those historical homes once belong to the great Ernest Hemingway. Other attractions along this stretch of road include museums and parks.

5) Reynolds Science Center Planetarium. The Reynolds Science Center Planetarium is located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. The planetarium will bring stars to your eyes as you and your family explore exhibits on outer-space.

6) Riverfront Park. The Riverfront Park is a fun place to go with your kids, that offer many different attractions. Besides the movie theater, the park also has the Spokane Falls Sky-Ride, Lo-off Carousel & Gift Shop, Pavilion Amusement Rides, a tour train, enchanted Forest Mini Golf and, in the winter time, the ice palace.

Other attraction at the Riverfront Park that are free of cost include Spokane Falls, The Riverfront Rotary Fountain, Red Wagon, Clock-tower, Garbage Goat, Sculpture Walk, and the Centennial Trail.

The Riverfront Park is also rich on history, at one time was the fishing and gathering spot of Native Americans.

7) Arkansas Arts Center. The Largest cultural institution in the state, the Arkansas Arts Center offers exhibits, art classes and a live theater.

The theater is recognized by the Drama League as, possibly, the best in America. Since 1979, the theater has been enthralling families with exceptions stories.

While the theater keeps you and your family entertained, the center also has education programs that will keep your children excited for more!

8) Hot Springs National Park. The Hot Springs National Park was the first area in our nation's history to become federally protected. Visitors to the park will get a chance to explore beautiful architecture, 143 degrees water, and learn about the rich history of the area.

Visitors can enjoy a leisure stroll on the Hot Springs National Park hiking trails or even tour the Fordyce Bathhouse.

9) Lake Catherine. Lake Catherine is one of the five diamond lakes in the state of Arkansas, and sits in the natural beauty of Ouachita Mountains. The lake is 1,940 acres, surrounded by 20 cabins.

All the cabins have fully-equipped kitchens, as well as, wood burning fireplaces.

As far as Lake Catherine goes, if you are not the camping type of person, you should at least pay the Lake a visit and bask in the beauty that surrounds it.

10) Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge began with to lions by the name of Bum and Sheila. The two large cats drew quite a bit of attention, resulting in many people wanting to have large cats of their own. However, it was to be an outlaw by the name of Katherine Gordon Twiss who would eventually cause the opening of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

On the run, Twiss, needed a home for 38 big cats. Having heard about the Jackson Family and there two large cats she asked the family to take them in. A friend of the family gave the cats temporary refuge until the family purchased 500 acres of land, which would later become the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Over the years, the Jackson family began to take in more large cats that needed homes and, soon, the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge would become known across the lands.

The goal of the refuge is to teach visitors about the plight of big cats, ensuring everyone has a better understanding. The family does this by using visual displays, touch and feel centers, medical displays, and displays of cougar canine and tiger claw.

The refuge also has feeding time, which gives visitors a chance to see how the animals eat. A true test to incredible power and strength. Visitors can also listen to keepers talk about the animals, and enjoy a tour of the habitat.