One-Tank Summer Road Trips in Arkansas
With summer in full swing, it's time to think about squeezing in a couple of road trips. But for those of us who don't have full weeks to spare, we've compiled a list of five, one-tank trips that won't require time off or break the bank. Get those overnight bags packed!
1. Mark Martin Museum, Batesville
The state-of-the-art museum features several of race car driver Mark Martin's past cars, including the No. 6 Viagra Coca-Cola 600 win car, the '90 Folgers Thunderbird, the No. 60 Winn Dixie Busch car and more. Each car is a part of a display that includes high-tech mantrons that tell the story of each piece of history.
The museum also has on display a variety of other memorabilia, including several of Martin's past race helmets and historic fire suits. There are also several personal photo books on display that chronicle Martin's early success, as well as thousands of pictures and newspaper articles that show Martin’s climb from local dirt track sensation to NASCAR legend. For more info, check out the museum's website.
2. Hot Springs Area
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Lake Ouachita State Park: Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita is a water sports mecca for swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, and fishing. Located just a short drive from the spa city of Hot Springs on the lake's eastern shore, Lake Ouachita State Park is your gateway to this popular water sports lake.
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Mid America Science Museum: Mid-America Science Museum features over 100 hands-on exhibits that explore the wonders of energy, matter, life and perception. Experience Arkansas Underfoot, the Bob Wheeler Science Skywalk, the workshop area and our state-of-the-art Oaklawn Foundation Digital Dome where you can explore the stars and more.
- Magic Springs: Spend the day riding rollercoasters at Magic Springs then cool off at the Crystal Springs waterpark.
3. Delta Cultural Center, Helena
The Delta Cultural Center was established in 1989 as an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage. It exists to celebrate the rich heritage of the Arkansas Delta. From its humble beginnings in the restored train depot, the Delta Cultural Center has expanded to include multiple properties, each telling a different part of Arkansas' story.
The Delta Cultural Center Visitors Center and Depot are open to the public with guided or self-guided tours. Freedom Park, Fort Curtis, and Battery C Park are all outdoor self-guided experiences. Other Delta Cultural Center properties, although not open daily, are open for special events and programs. For more info, check out The Delta Cultural Center's website.
4. Heifer Ranch, Perryville
An educational farm in rural Perryville is home to the 1,200-acre Heifer Ranch filled with gardens and livestock, including goats, pigs, llamas and more. The kids can meet the animals and take part in Heifer's hands-on, interactive programs and activities promoting sustainable solutions to global hunger, poverty and environmental degradation. For more info, check out Heifer's website.
5. Northwest Arkansas
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Fayetteville Farmers Market: Make a day of it and start out at the Fayetteville Farmers Market, which is the place to be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fayetteville on Saturdays. You can find some fresh produce and flowers to start your day off right.
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Walmart Museum: Stop in for an ice cream and some Arkansas history in the second Walmart store in the state located in the Bentonville square.
- Crystal Bridges: If you're in need of some culture (and air conditioning) in your summertime agenda, take a day trip to Bentonville and visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art featuring a permanent display as well as rotating exhibits, which includes the American Made exhibit featuring pieces from the American Folk Art Museum.