The best things in life are free – including some Arkansas museums! That’s right; there are several spectacular museums in the Natural State that don’t charge a dime for admission. (Of course, donations are accepted and appreciated.) Arkansas is full of attractions like these that bring visitors from all over the nation. Read on for a few of the little-known best museums in Arkansas where admission is free.

1. Museum of Native American History (Bentonville)
Museum of Native American History, 202 SW O St, Bentonville, AR 72712, USA
Museum of Native American History/TripAdvisor
The Museum of Native American History (MONAH) was opened in 2006 by David Bogle, a registered member of the Cherokee Nation. A hit right from the start, it quickly outgrew its original space and moved to its current location in 2008. Today, it houses more than 10,000 of the "finest Native American artifacts."
2. Fordyce Bathhouse (Hot Springs)
Fordyce Bathhouse, 369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
DC43 TOKYO/TripAdvisor
The Fordyce isn’t just the largest bathhouse on Hot Springs’ iconic Bathhouse Row; it’s also an incredible museum. As if frozen in time, the museum is historically furnished, giving visitors a unique peek into the past.
3. Historic Arkansas Museum (Little Rock)
Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
Historic Arkansas Museum/Facebook
A must-visit for all residents, the Historic Arkansas Museum boasts an entire city block of state history! In addition to the oldest building in Little Rock and an 1850s farmstead, the museum includes galleries of Arkansas-made art as well as exhibits on history, ranging from indigenous Arkansans to contemporary artists. Admission to the galleries is free, while grounds tours are $2.50 for adults, $1 for those under 18, and $1.50 for those 65 and up.

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4. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History (Little Rock)
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 503 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History/Facebook
Located in the historic Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History houses a wealth of info on the state’s military heritage, from its territorial period to the present day. Bringing Arkansas' military history to life, the exhibits feature photos, weapons, documents, uniforms, and other military items.
5. AGFC Hillary Jones Wildlife Museum (Jasper)
AGFC Hillary Jones Wildlife Museum, 601 Court St, Jasper, AR 72641, USA
Shane Procter/Google
A wildly good time awaits at the AGFC Hilary Jones Wildlife Museum! Through exhibits and video presentations, visitors learn all about elk and other wildlife in northwest Arkansas. Make sure to check out the gift shop, which features everything from wooden toys to wildlife prints.
6. Mark Martin Museum (Batesville)
1601 Batesville Blvd, Batesville, AR 72501, USA
Mark Martin Museum & Gift Shop/Facebook
If you like to live life in the fast lane, you’ll love this museum, which is dedicated to racing legend and Batesville native, Mark Martin. Visitors will learn all about Martin and his career via interactive videos, exhibits, and displays, which include eight of Martin’s race cars, actual race notebooks, newspaper clippings, trophies, and more. Die-hard race fans will want to make it a point to visit the gift shop, which carries genuine autographed merchandise.
7. Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources (Smackover)
Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, 4087 Smackover Hwy, Smackover, AR 71762, USA
Samantha Wilson/Google
The next best thing to going back in time is a visit to the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, which aims to tell the story of the 1920s oil boom. Inside the museum, there’s a reproduction of a boomtown – complete with an old jail and café. Outside, visitors can see working oil field equipment as well as a replica of a 112-foot derrick and a central power station. Learn more here.

So, did you know about these free museums in Arkansas? Ever visited any of them? Did we miss your favorite free museum? Whatever it is, tell us!

These aren’t the only must-visit museums in Arkansas. Click here to read about a quirky Arkansas museum that many residents don’t know about.

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More to Explore

The Best Attractions in Arkansas

William Suphan | December 08, 2022

What are some hidden gem attractions in Arkansas?

Hidden gem attractions in Arkansas include:

  • Moro Bay State Park. Locals come here for fishing and kayaking through the multiple cypress groves.
  • Monster Mart. This strange place is a roadside stop in Fouke with a cryptozoological creature on display known as the Boggy Creek Monster.
  • Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This is the place to go for scenic vistas overlooking the lush greenery as far as the eye can see.
  • Daisy State Park. Located at the base of the Ouachita mountains this is a great camping spot right next to Lake Greeson.

Find out more about these and other hidden gem attractions in Arkansas.

What are the best roadside attractions in Arkansas?

The best roadside attractions in Arkansas include

  • Humpty Dumpty. This effigy of the egg-shaped nursery rhyme character can be found in Eureka Springs.
  • Old Flippin Jail Cell. Locate in Flippin, this 12X9-foot cell built in 1928 was often used to hold people arrested for fighting and public drunkenness. 
  • Mr. Peanut. The mascot of the snack company by the same name stands near Fort Smith.
  • Popeye’s Garden. See the statue of the famous and beloved, spinach-loving cartoon character in the small town of Alma.

Discover more about the best roadside attractions in Arkansas. 

What are the best day trip destinations in Arkansas?

The best day trip destinations in Arkansas include

  • Blue Spring Heritage Center. This 33-acre botanical garden in Blue Spring is a gorgeous place that is well worth a visit.
  • Cotter. Fishing enthusiasts flock to this place on the White River for some of the best fishing in Arkansas. 
  • Rush. This is an old ghost town leftover from the zinc mining industry and the decaying buildings have a lot of history.
  • Walnut Ridge. This little town has a restaurant on a retired plane and holds an annual Beatles at the Ridge festival.

Learn more about these and more of the best day trip destinations in Arkansas. 

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