Explore Arkansas United States

Explore Arkansas United States

What is the best time to travel to Arkansas

The best time to travel to Arkansas largely depends on what activities you are planning to do and what kind of weather you prefer. Here is some information about the weather and activities in Arkansas during different seasons:

Spring (March-May): Spring is a popular time to visit Arkansas, as temperatures are mild and many outdoor activities are available. Spring is also when the state’s many wildflowers begin to bloom, creating stunning natural displays throughout the state.

Summer (June-August): Summer in Arkansas is hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). However, many people enjoy visiting during this season for the state’s water activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

Fall (September-November): Fall is a popular time to visit Arkansas for its beautiful foliage. The leaves on the trees begin to change colors, creating stunning displays of red, orange, and yellow throughout the state.

Winter (December-February): Winters in Arkansas can be cold and snowy, especially in the northern and western parts of the state. However, many winter activities are available, such as skiing and snowboarding at Mount Magazine or sledding in the Ozark Mountains.

Overall, the best time to travel to Arkansas depends on your personal preferences and what activities you are interested in. If you enjoy mild temperatures and outdoor activities, spring and fall may be the best times to visit. If you prefer warmer temperatures and water activities, summer may be the best choice. If you are interested in winter sports, you may want to visit during the winter months.

How to get to Arkansas

There are several ways to get to Arkansas, depending on where you are coming from and your preferred mode of transportation. Here are some options:

By air: The easiest way to get to Arkansas from a long distance is by flying into one of the state’s major airports, such as the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, or the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Bentonville. Many major airlines serve these airports, and there are also several smaller regional airports throughout the state.

By car: If you are traveling from nearby states, driving may be a convenient option. Arkansas is accessible from several major highways, including Interstate 40, Interstate 30, and Interstate 55. Depending on where you are coming from, you may also be able to take state highways or other local roads to reach Arkansas.

By bus: Several bus companies, such as Greyhound and Megabus, offer transportation to Arkansas from other states. Greyhound buses stop in several cities throughout Arkansas, while Megabus offers limited service to Little Rock and Fayetteville.

By train: Amtrak provides passenger train service to Arkansas via two routes: the Texas Eagle and the City of New Orleans. These routes stop in several Arkansas cities, including Little Rock, Walnut Ridge, and Texarkana.

By boat: If you are traveling to Arkansas from the south, you may be able to take a ferry across the Mississippi River. The Dorena-Hickman Ferry connects Missouri and Kentucky with western Tennessee, and can be a convenient way to cross the river and enter Arkansas.

How to get around Arkansas

Arkansas has several transportation options for getting around the state. Here are some ways to get around Arkansas:

Car: Driving is the most common way to get around Arkansas, as the state has an extensive network of highways and roads. Car rentals are available at the state’s major airports, and several national rental car companies have locations throughout the state.

Bus: Arkansas has several bus services that provide transportation within the state as well as to other destinations. Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Megabus, Ozark Regional Transit, and Central Arkansas Transit Authority are some of the major bus services available in Arkansas.

Taxi and ride-sharing services: Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in several Arkansas cities, including Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith.

Bicycle: Biking is a popular way to get around some of Arkansas’s cities and towns, especially in the northwest part of the state. Many cities have bike lanes and dedicated bike paths, and several bike rental companies are available throughout the state.

Train: Amtrak provides passenger train service to several Arkansas cities, including Little Rock, Walnut Ridge, and Texarkana, via two routes: the Texas Eagle and the City of New Orleans.

Air: Several regional airports are located throughout Arkansas, with flights to and from major cities in the United States. Major airlines that serve Arkansas airports include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines.

Overall, the best way to get around Arkansas depends on your personal preferences and the area you want to visit. Driving may be the most convenient way to get around, but other transportation options are available as well.

National Airports

There are several national airports in Arkansas. The major national airports in Arkansas are:

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) – located in Little Rock, Arkansas, this airport is the largest commercial airport in the state and serves over 2.2 million passengers annually.

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) – located in Bentonville, Arkansas, this airport serves the northwest Arkansas region, including the cities of Fayetteville, Springdale, and Rogers.

Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) – located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, this airport serves the western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma region.

Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK) – located in Texarkana, Arkansas, this airport serves the Texarkana metropolitan area, which straddles the border between Arkansas and Texas.

Mid Delta Regional Airport (GLH) – located in Greenville, Mississippi, but serving the eastern Arkansas region as well, this airport offers commercial air service to Memphis, Tennessee and Dallas, Texas.

Other national airports in Arkansas include Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR), Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport (HOT), and South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field (ELD).

Trains in Arkansas

Arkansas has several passenger train services, including:

Amtrak – Amtrak provides two passenger train routes that run through Arkansas: the Texas Eagle and the City of New Orleans. The Texas Eagle route runs from Chicago to San Antonio, with stops in Arkansas cities such as Little Rock and Walnut Ridge. The City of New Orleans route runs from Chicago to New Orleans, with stops in Arkansas cities such as Memphis and Arkadelphia.

Arkansas & Missouri Railroad – This is a regional railroad company that offers scenic tours of the Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas. The train travels from Springdale to Van Buren, passing through cities such as Rogers, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith.

Little Rock & Western Railroad – This is a short-line railroad that runs between Little Rock and Danville. It primarily transports goods, but also offers limited passenger services.

Union Pacific Railroad – Union Pacific is a major freight railroad that operates in Arkansas, providing transportation of goods and raw materials throughout the state.

Kansas City Southern Railway – This is another major freight railroad that operates in Arkansas, providing transportation of goods between the Gulf Coast and the Midwest.

Arkansas also has a rich railroad history, and there are several museums and historic sites that showcase the state’s railroad heritage, including the Arkansas Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff and the Iron Horse Station in Van Buren.

Buses in Arkansas

Arkansas has several bus services that provide transportation within the state as well as to other destinations. These include:

Greyhound – Greyhound operates a network of bus routes that connect Arkansas to other cities across the United States. Greyhound buses stop in several cities throughout Arkansas, including Little Rock, Fort Smith, Texarkana, and West Memphis.

Jefferson Lines – Jefferson Lines provides intercity bus service to several Arkansas cities, including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and Texarkana. Jefferson Lines connects these cities with destinations in neighboring states such as Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Megabus – Megabus offers limited bus service in Arkansas, with stops in Little Rock and Fayetteville. The company provides affordable bus service to several cities across the United States, including Dallas, Memphis, and St. Louis.

Ozark Regional Transit – Ozark Regional Transit operates a network of bus routes that connect several cities and towns in northwest Arkansas, including Fayetteville, Rogers, and Springdale. The company also offers paratransit services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Central Arkansas Transit Authority – The Central Arkansas Transit Authority operates bus service in the Little Rock-North Little Rock metropolitan area. The bus system, known as Rock Region Metro, provides transportation to several cities in Pulaski County.

In addition to these services, several private companies also offer charter bus services for groups and events in Arkansas.

Accommodations in Arkansas

Arkansas offers a variety of accommodations to suit different travel styles and budgets. Here are some popular options:

Hotels and resorts: Arkansas has many hotels and resorts, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious properties. Many hotels are located in or near popular tourist areas, such as Hot Springs, Eureka Springs, and Little Rock.

Bed and breakfasts: Arkansas is known for its charming bed and breakfasts, particularly in the historic town of Eureka Springs. These accommodations often offer a cozy and personalized experience, with home-cooked breakfasts and unique decor.

Cabins and cottages: Arkansas has many cabins and cottages available for rent in its scenic areas, such as the Ozark Mountains and Hot Springs National Park. These accommodations offer a rustic and private experience, often with outdoor amenities such as fire pits and hot tubs.

Camping and RV parks: Arkansas has many state parks and private campgrounds that offer camping and RV sites. These accommodations allow visitors to experience the state’s natural beauty firsthand, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Vacation rentals: Vacation rentals, such as apartments, condos, and houses, are available throughout Arkansas, particularly in popular tourist areas. These accommodations often offer more space and amenities than hotels, and can be a good option for families or larger groups.

Overall, Arkansas offers a range of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a rustic cabin in the woods, there is likely an option available in Arkansas.