There are tons of free museums, state parks, family-friendly festivals, as well as many other attractions in Arkansas. But did you know that there’s a FREE ferry that transports people and vehicles across Bull Shoals Lake into Missouri? Peel Ferry is an historic Arkansas ferry that is a popular route for bikers, but it can also be an incredible adventure for the entire family. Hop on board and let’s take a ride on the last public ferry boat in the Natural State..

Tucked along the banks of Bull Shoals Lake, off Highway 125 is the access ramp for the Peel Ferry.
Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook
This historic barge began its operation in 1968 after the damming of Bull Shoals Lake, and it’s the last of its kind in Arkansas. It transports people, motorcycles, cars, small trucks, and more.
The 2-mile trip takes about 20 minutes to complete one way, so you can easily ride it both ways for a fun filled adventure.
Father Basil/Google
Since it’s a 40-minute round trip ride between each stop, do plan your trip based on the schedule.
The good news is, the barge runs every day from sunup to sundown, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to catch the ride.
William Aldridge/Google

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The ferry is a popular tourist attraction for motorcycle enthusiasts and it’s part of a popular route through northern Arkansas.
Adam Horn/Google
But you don’t need to be a biker to enjoy the incredible ride on the ferry. It can be a fun adventure for the entire family.
The kids will love the scenic ride across the turquoise lake. Also, they might glimpse some of the wildlife along the way.
Dustin Dalton Films/Google
And since the barge runs every 20 minutes, you can ride it as many times as you wish. Or you can drive into Missouri, have a picnic, and spend the day there.
And the best part about all this is, it’s completely FREE. Not only is it free, but it’s also a unique way to witness our beautiful state.
William Aldridge/Google
So, grab the family and hop on board this historic ferry for a scenic ride across the magnificent Bull Shoals Lake. And if you’re there for an evening ride, hang around and watch the sun go down.
Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook

Enjoy this short video by YouTuber Craig B Smith showing the ride on the ferry across the Bull Shoals Lake.

Have you ridden this historic Arkansas ferry? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience. And if you plan to take the ride, don’t forget to check the Peel Ferry schedule. 

Also, if you’re looking to spend the day in the area, here’s another adventure in Arkansas that the family will love.

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FREE ATTRACTIONS IN ARKANSAS & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | March 10, 2023

Besides Peel Ferry, are there other free ferry rides in Arkansas?

Unfortunately, Peel Ferry is the only free ferry ride in Arkansas. But if you’re searching for some free family-friendly activities, here are a few free attractions in Arkansas that you will love: 

  • Arkansas Railroad Museum, Pine Bluff
  • AGFC Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, Jonesboro
  • Compton Gardens and Arboretum, Bentonville
  • Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, Little Rock
  • Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, Fort Smith
  • South Arkansas Arboretum, El Dorado
  • Arkansas River at Riverfront Park, Little Rock
  • Museum of Native American History, Bentonville

Here’s a previous article with more about the Arkansas Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff, a free family-friendly museum in Arkansas.

What are the most fun underrated attractions in Arkansas?

As the Natural State, there are no shortages of attractions in Arkansas. But here are some of the underrated attractions in Arkansas that belong on your bucket list: 

  • Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
  • Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Springs
  • Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival, Perry
  • Natural Bridge of Arkansas, Clinton
  • Quigley's Castle, Eureka Springs
  • Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines, Mt Ida
  • Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, Scott
  • Christ of the Ozarks, Eureka Springs
  • Bayou Bartholomew, Pine Bluff
  • Monster Mart, Fouke

Here’s a previous article with more information about some more underrated attractions in Arkansas.

What are some hidden gem attractions in Arkansas?

There are lots of hidden gem attractions in Arkansas and they include: 

  • The Galaxy Connection, Hot Springs
  • Louisiana Purchase State Park, Brinkley
  • Parkin Archeological State Park, Parkin
  • Fort Smith Trolley Museum, Fort Smith
  • Terra Studios, Fayetteville
  • Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum, Hot Springs
  • Pea Ridge National Military Park, Pea Ridge
  • Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, Little Rock
  • War Eagle Mill, Rogers
  • Dinosaur Park, Mountainburg

Here’s a previous article with more hidden gem attractions in Arkansas.

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Peel Ferry, 12686 AR-125, Peel, AR 72668, USA