Free Things to Do in Arkansas
June 2002

By Jill M. Rohrbach, travel writer 
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Some of the best things in life are free and they're in Arkansas. The Natural State has unique events and locations that can be enjoyed for nothing but the time it takes to get there.

Here are a few ideas -- 12 in fact -- that don't cost a dime. For example, the blues are free, as are fish, wine tastings, flowers, dazzling lights, unique architecture and history lessons. All of these ideas titillate the senses. Some make for leisurely drives, and others for nice walking tours where window shopping doesn't require breaking into the kitty. Some provide educational opportunities for children, or a good place to let them rid themselves of excess energy. All of these ideas cure a bout of boredom or fulfill the desire to experience something different from a usual day without touching your purse strings or money clips.

1. In the Ozarks, the Buffalo National River with its towering limestone bluffs is America's first national river. Hiking trails traverse historic farmsteads, quiet stream valleys, waterfalls and wooded mountainsides, and offer bluff-top vistas. (870) 439-2502; www.nps.gov/buff/
   
2. Free folk musicals and dancing on the Stone County Courthouse Square in Mountain View have been a local tradition since 1963. Professionals and amateurs join together in impromptu band performances every Friday and Saturday night during warmer months. 1-888-679-2859; www.mountainviewcc.org
   
3. Norfork National Fish Hatchery, located at the base of Norfork Dam east of Mountain Home, offers tours of facilities that produce millions of trout for Ozark streams. Children may try their luck at landing a trout from the waters of nearby Dry Run Creek. (870) 499-5255; norfork.fws.gov/index.html
   
4. The last public ferryboat operating in the state, Peel Ferry transports vehicles and passengers across a section of Bull Shoals Lake. (870) 743-2100.
   
5. Eaxh year for a few days residents and nonresidents of Arkansas may fish free without fishing licenses or trout permits. A complete guide to Arkansas fishing can be obtained by calling 866-566-5727. www.agfc.com
   
6. The entire downtown of Calico Rock Historic District is on the National Historic register and has served as a movie set. See several antique shops and restaurants. (870) 297-4129; www.arkansas.com
   
7. Pick a lane for a spring drive on a scenic wildflower route: in north Arkansas U.S. Highways 62, 412 and 63 from Eureka Springs east through Powhatan; in western Arkansas on U.S. 71 from Interstate 40 north to Fayetteville, along Scenic Byway 7 from Hot Springs to Harrison.
   
8. In the Ozark Mountains, the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail has been rated one of the most scenic trails in the U.S. It's great for day hiking, weekend adventures or extended backpacking. (479) 968-2354; www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark
   
9. A herd of about 450 elk range in the northwest portion of the state along the Buffalo National River. Catch a view of the magnificent beasts and other watchable wildlife in the pastoral setting of Boxley Valley on Ark. 21.
   
10. Find flamboyant fall foliage north from Clarksville to the Buffalo River; and on Ark. 5 and 14 from Calico Rock and Allison to Blanchard Springs Caverns.
    
11. The Wolf House Museum is believed to be the oldest standing structure in Arkansas. Overlooking the White River in Norfork on Ark. 5, the Jacob Wolf home was built in the early 1800s.
    
12. Visit Rapps Barren Settlement, a historic building in a village setting that illustrates Mountain Home's early days. 800-822-3536