Our state’s natural beauty, framed by stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, rolling national forests and rivers and diverse wildlife, often reminds us how blessed we are that Mother Nature favors Arkansas. 

These stunning features make The Natural State an excellent destination for Americans and people from all around the world who are interested in connecting with nature and enjoying the outdoors. From hiking and camping, mountain biking and fishing to duck hunting, Arkansas is truly the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.

Our home has earned national recognition for its offerings, such as its elite cycling trails that have earned Bentonville’s crown as the mountain biking capital of the world and Stuttgart’s pristine habitats that make it the “Duck Capital of the World.” The Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only site in the United States where visitors can mine for diamonds – and keep what they find – while Hot Springs National Park boasts one-of-a-kind historic bathhouses filled with thermal waters heated deep underground. 

While our state offers a wide variety of recreational outdoor activities year-round, it especially shines in summer.

Arkansans and their families enjoy fishing or kayaking down the country’s first national river, the Buffalo National River, and our plethora of national and state forests, such as the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest and the Ouachita National Forest, welcome unforgettable camping, bird watching, hunting and hiking. 

In addition to the variety of sporting activities, Natural State residents also look forward to fun, time-honored August traditions such as the Tontitown Grape Festival and the City of Hope Watermelon Festival. During these family-oriented, community-based gatherings, families, friends and communities look forward to good food, good music and good times together. 

The Grape Festival, started by Italian immigrants in Northwest Arkansas, celebrates generations of rich Italian-Arkansan history, blending unique old-world traditions such as homemade pasta dinners and the stomping of grapes in wooden barrels to make wine, with exciting events such as the coronation and scholarship presentation to “Queen Concordia” and the enjoyment of grape-flavored ice cream.

The City of Hope’s Watermelon Festival, founded in the 1920s, continues the tradition of serving ice-cold watermelon and treats to thousands of festivalgoers over the course of three days. It also holds a special place among the Arkansas political scene as current and hopeful officeholders face off in an eating contest for bragging rights that doubles as entertainment for their amused constituents.

Both annual summer events, among many others statewide, are highlights for anyone looking to enjoy our state’s strong spirit of community that extends to longtime neighbors and visitors alike. Enjoying time with one another is an important component of fostering connection and the feeling of belonging while supporting small businesses and bolstering our state’s local economies.

Our state is fortunate to share its wonderful landscapes and traditions with people across Arkansas and the country to enjoy. We can easily take pride in our commitment to connect people to each other and the outdoors, all while encouraging all Arkansans to cherish The Natural State’s treasures for generations to come.