Little Rock Day Trips
Why not get out of town for a quick day trip if you're in Little Rock for a few days?
After visiting the Arkansas State Capitol building and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, you'll find some interesting areas and activities within a two-hour ride of the city. Plan your trip and get ready to discover more of what Little Rock, Arkansas has to offer.
Indulgent Bathing in Hot Springs National Park
Indulge in a comforting soak at the Buckstaff Bathhouse, a staple in the Hot Springs area since 1912. Located only about 55 miles west of Little Rock, you’ll be able to step into your own individual jetted tub at the bathhouse. The water is pulled from 47 hot springs found throughout Hot Springs National Park, cooled down from its 143-degree average to a more comfortable 100 F. Spend at least half a day at the park to fully enjoy the bathing experience. Better yet, come for a full day and hike 216-foot Mountain Tower for an eye-popping view of the Ouachita Mountains first before ending your day with a hot soak—just sit back and relax.
Rock Hunting in Crater of Diamonds State Park
Round out your Arkansas vacation by turning over a ho-hum rock and finding a diamond in the rough. You’ll be able to keep any diamonds you find when you visit Crater of Diamonds State Park, roughly 110 miles southwest of Little Rock. This 37½-acre plowed site sits atop an extinct volcanic crater. Check in at the Diamond Discovery Center first to learn how to search for diamonds, then it's your turn to mine for some gems! You might also find other rocks such as purple amethyst, blood-red garnets and multi-colored jasper, agate and quartz. Park staff will identify and certify anything you find. Roughly 700 diamonds are found at the park each year—including the 5.75-carat Arabian Knight found in 2009—so start diggin’ for a memorable souvenir!
Explore a Boom Town in Arkansas Oil Country
The Timberlands region was and still is a major supplier of paper and wood products. When you drive through Ashdown, Camden and Pine Bluff, you'll spot working paper mills. In the fall, you'll be greeted by hardwood trees decked out in bold red, orange and gold. Take a self-guided downtown walking tour through El Dorado, 121 miles south of Little Rock, to see vintage structures from the 1920s building boom. You can also explore Heritage Park, brimming with sculptures and artifacts that celebrate El Dorado as an oil boom town, as well as local art galleries and antique shops.
Discover History in the Arkansas Delta
Head east of Little Rock to the Delta region hugging the Mississippi River. You'll find vast fields of cotton, rice, wheat and soybeans in this heavily agricultural area, and music lovers at nearly every turn. Johnny Cash called the Upper Delta home and Ernest Hemingway spent time here plotting and planning his manuscripts. Visit the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, roughly 130 miles northeast of Little Rock, and learn more about this iconic author.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in Little Rock.
More to Explore
Things to Do in Little Rock
Check out these fun activities during your next trip to Little Rock.