The Ultimate Arkansas Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State

The Natural State is filled with so many treasures but some may have missed your radar! This hidden gem road trip will take you to some of the more underrated spots in Northern Arkansas. Take a day to explore these historical, natural, and one-of-a-kind features that help add to Arkansas’ charm. Let’s begin in Eureka Springs and head east:

Google Maps

Today's journey includes dining, history, nature, and attractions you may have just missed in your Arkansas excursions. These are by no means the only hidden gems in the state but this little northern route has plenty of stops to create a day-long adventure. For an interactive map of the route head here.

Google / Jeff Eager

Did you know Arkansas has its own Little Golden Gate? The Beaver Bridge, also known as the LGG, is a gorgeous wooden suspension bridge over the White River at Table Rock Lake. The bridge has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1990 and has even made an appearance in the movie Elizabethtown. You can learn more here.

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Google/Blue Springs Heritage Center

Eureka Springs has an endless, eclectic collection of places to see but one on the outskirts of town is the Blue Spring Heritage Center. Since it's not on the main drag you may have missed this one! The dreamy lagoon is surrounded by 33 acres of botanical gardens and holds significant Native American history. Learn more about the gorgeous garden and spring right here.

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Google/Jay Gordon

We'll continue to head east but let's take a snack break at Ozark Cafe! Note that this is the original Ozark Cafe and not the one in Jasper (though we can't pick a favorite). The comfort food and southern flair is the perfect way to refuel for our hidden gem road trip, after all it's a hidden gem too! See their menu and hours by following their Facebook Page.

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Google/Jason McMinn

Did you know Arkansas still has a ferry? The Peel Ferry can carry 6-8 vehicles between different shores of Bull Shoals Lake. The round trip is about 45 minutes long but the memories will last a lifetime! For more historical tidbits on the ferry read our full article here.

TripAdvisor/ronm34482

We'll stick around Bull Shoals and head to a gem that's literally underground - Bull Shoals Caverns! This 350 million year old wonder is more tunnel like than Arkansas' other caves. This means you can get an up-close look at the features! Take a photo tour by heading to this article.

Google/Josh Cozort

Heading south we'll reach Rush Historic District, a surprisingly well preserved ghost town near the Buffalo National River. Rush used to be a thriving zinc-mining town around World War I but declined leading into WWII. Today you can tour the town (and see much of the original mining equipment) along the Rush Mountain Mining Loop Trail. Learn more in this article.

AllTrails/Linda Bokros

We realize you're probably familiar with the treasure that is the Buffalo National River. However! The trail system has numerous spurs to discover, some of which you may have overlooked. The Overlook Trail at Buffalo Point is an easy loop with incredibly rewarding views of the river below. The trail begins on the opposite side of the road from the more popular Indian Rockhouse Trail. See the map and learn more right here.

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AllTrails/Roy Stovall

We'll end our hidden gem tour with one more natural attraction - Devil's Knob-Devil's Backbone Natural Area. Don't be fooled by the name, the area has downright heavenly views! The entire area encompasses 822 acres of old growth forest and mountains with a trail, too. The loop is 1.25-miles long and takes you to numerous vista views of the valley below. See more of the trail by reading our full article here.

By no means are these the only hidden gems in Arkansas! We’d love to hear about the underrated spots you’d add to your hidden gem tour in the comments below!