We all love a great Arkansas road trip, right? And we love to take them without spending tons of money. Between the cost of gas, food, and attractions, those expenses can certainly add up. So, it’s great when we can hit the road and not worry about spending too much money. We can all agree that some of the best things in life are free. Luckily, Arkansas is filled with lots of free attractions. Let’s gas up the car and drive to these five stunning sites that will cost less than $100. This affordable road trip will be tons of fun for the family. Pack some sandwiches and some snacks and let’s go!

On this trip you’ll start in the Arkansas Delta and end in the Arkansas River Valley. You’ll cover approximately 215 miles in just under four hours.
Google Maps
Use this interactive map to make changes to your trip.
1. AGFC Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center - Jonesboro
AGFC Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, 600 E Lawson Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72404, USA
Arkansas Tourism/Google
Let’s begin this trip in Jonesboro with a visit to the Crowley's Ridge Nature Center. You can easily spend a day in this center exploring the different interactive exhibits and seeing the various animals. Additionally, there are hiking trails, a serene pond, as well as flower gardens that you can explore. Best of all, the nature center is FREE, so no money spent here.
2. Jacksonport State Park - Newport
Jacksonport State Park, Newport, AR 72112, USA
Austin Vance/AllTrails
The next stop is Jacksonport State Park in Newport Arkansas. This 165-acre park has tons of activities for the family. But what makes this park incredible is that there’s a 1.6-mile hiking trail that meanders alongside the banks of the serene White River. If you’re not up for hiking, you can enjoy swimming, picnicking, or explore the two museums inside the park. And guess what? These attractions are free of charge as well.

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3. Holland Bottom Farm LLC - Cabot
Holland Bottom Farm, LLC, 885 Mt Carmel Rd, Cabot, AR 72023, USA
Holland Bottom Farm LLC
Since we have not yet spent a dime, how about we stop at Holland Bottom Farm LLC for a sweet treat. The kids will love the strawberry shortcake sundaes. Additionally, it’s a great place to purchase some homemade jams or fresh fruits and veggies to take on this trip. You’ll spend a few bucks for each of the sundaes, but they are so worth it.
On the next leg of your trip, you’ll be driving through Little Rock. Though this is not an official stop on the journey, the Riverfront Park area has tons of free attractions to explore.
Riverfront Park Drive, Riverfront Park Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA
Sculpture at the River Market/Facebook
There are gardens, artwork, playgrounds, and more. Be sure to stop in to see all the fun stuff in the capital.
4. Arkansas Railroad Museum - Pine Bluff
Arkansas Railroad Museum, 1700 Port Rd, Pine Bluff, AR 71601, USA
Arkansas Railroad Museum
After you’ve spent some time in the city, let’s head over to Pine Bluff to see the Arkansas Railroad Museum. This train museum is located at 1700 Port Road, and the admission is totally free. However, you can opt to make a donation, but it’s not mandatory. The family will love seeing the old trains including the 819 model that was built in the 1940s. There’s so much to see and do at this museum, and be sure to have your camera to capture some incredible pictures.
5. Cane Creek State Park - Star City
Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Road, Star City, AR 71667, USA
The State Parks of Arkansas/Facebook
Of course, while on a road trip in Arkansas, we must enjoy some sweet time on the water. And if you don’t have a kayak or a boat, no worries, you can rent them at the visitor center at Cane Creek State Park. As of writing, the cost for a solo kayak was $10, $15 for a tandem model, and the boat is only $12. These rates are for half-day rentals. While at this park, you can also explore the hiking trails that lead to incredible bridges as well as drift on the longest bayou in the world. And the best part is you can camp at this park. There are class-B sites available for $23 per night, but be sure to verify rates before you go.

The great news is, if you’re traveling with a family of 4, this affordable road trip will cost under $100. So, are you ready to hit the road for this family-friendly road trip? Grab the family and let’s go. 

And if you’re looking for more fun-filled outings, you must spend the day at this amazing nature center. 

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More to Explore

Affordable day trips in Arkansas

Sarah M. | February 08, 2023

What are some other affordable day trips in Arkansas?

Looking to explore the best of the Natural State without breaking the bank? There are so many known natural wonders in Arkansas, including well-known places like Cedar Falls, Blanchard Springs Cavern, Buffalo National River, and Hawksbill Crag. Looking for some other spots to explore? Here are some of our favorite affordable day trips in Arkansas... some of these places are even free to visit!

  • The Little Grand Canyon of Arkansas. The Little Grand Canyon of Arkansas is in the Ouachita Mountains, just outside of White Oak Lake State Park. A true hidden gem, most are completely unaware of the Little Grand Canyon’s existence. (Don’t confuse it with the state’s other popular canyon, the Arkansas Grand Canyon, which is in the Ozark Mountains, which is also fun -- and free -- to visit!)
  • The Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center. Located in Jonesboro Arkansas, the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center is situated on Crowley Ridge - a natural elevation inside the Mississippi Delta. The center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides an interactive and unique experience that the kids will love. Inside you will find animal displays, various exhibits, a two-story diorama, learning materials, an observation room, and an aquarium. There are alligators, snapping turtles, and large snakes galore, oh my! Thankfully, they are inside their glass enclosures. The best part? Admission to this only-in-Arkansas museum is free!
  • Ozark National Forest. A beautiful expanse in Arkansas, we recently discovered a lookalike Egyptian Sphinx rock formation that's worth tracking down! The trail is only a half-mile long, but it's not well-marked and definitely requires a sure and steady foot. The trail is considered difficult, and it’s not recommended to trek it alone, so bring the dog along to witness this incredible formation. Once you arrive at the top, you’ll see why the rock formation is called the Arkansas Sphinx. Though it’s much smaller than the Egyptian version, you’ll be amazed by the towering structure as it’s the most unique natural wonder in the Ozarks of Arkansas.

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