Western Arkansas

We are making a last minute trip down the western side of Arkansas and wonder what are the not to be missed stops. We enjoy scenery, history, and short hikes.

What are the must-sees near Little Rock, this will be our stop before heading to MO?

Also, what highways would give us the more colorful drives?

We would also like to know favorite restaurants and motels or hotels along this route.

Thank you for the help.

Western Arkansas

In Little Rock:

Clinton Library and Museum

River Market

Old State House

They%26#39;re all together on the River.

Most folks miss Central High School. It is an incredible building with national history. The National Park Service has restored a Texaco gas station back to the 1957 era that serves as the vistior center. Things are being added and spruced up for the 50th anniversary of the desegregation crisis.

I always enjoy Scenic Hwy 5 from Mountain View, to Calico Rock, to Mountain Home. You pass over rivers and lakes, plus the Blanchard Springs caverns which are a must. However, this is in north Central Arkansas, not western, but still not that far.

Tim Ernst through his journal/blog at www.cloudland.net gives good updates on fall foliage color.

Western Arkansas

THANK YOU zebras 23 for your rapid reply. All of the information will be helpful.

check out Queen Wilhelmina State Park if you get a chance.

I don%26#39;t know if you%26#39;ve already gone on your trip, but we just got back yesterday and the best foliage was on Hwy 65 and 123 and Hwy 74. The foliage south of that has not really turned (lack of rain?), and the foliage north of that has passed (in the windy areas).

The foliage on Hwy 65 up from Little Rock towards Hasty was the prettiest we%26#39;ve seen and beat Scenic Route 7 all to pieces.

Hope this helps.