Here's a baker's dozen of attractions, activities and amenities unique to The Natural State.

Peruse works of art in the woods.

Located on 120 acres of Ozark woodlands in Bentonville, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is one of the nation’s premier art institutions dedicated solely to American art and artists, including notable works by Norman Rockwell, John Koch, Wayne Thiebaud, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. The museum’s architecture is inspired by its picturesque surroundings and aimed at enhancing and protecting the natural beauty of the site. More than 3 miles of sculpture and walking trails link the museum’s forested park and gardens to downtown Bentonville.

Region: Ozarks
More info: CrystalBridges.org

Play all 12 courses on the Natural State Golf Trail.

The Natural State Golf Trail was created to showcase the scenic courses that dot the state and allow you to play through rolling hills, hardwood forests, towering pines, grand prairies and fertile deltas. Whether you seek to challenge your skills at a championship golf course or just play for fun, world-class golf awaits you on the trail. After you’ve checked all 12 off your list, there are still more than 200 Arkansas courses left to play.

Regions: All
More info: NaturalStateGolfTrail.com

Fish the Little Red River.

Flowing from beneath the massive dam at Greers Ferry Lake is a nationally recognized trout stream, the Little Red River. Cast your line in 29 miles of optimal trout habitat from Heber Springs, where you’ll find rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout.

Many flock to the river in search of the next big fish. In fact, the river held the world-record for a 40-pound, 4-ounce brown trout that the late Howard “Rip” Collins of Heber Springs landed in 1992...a mark that lasted until 2009.

The Little Red River runs clear and cold, skirted by scenic hardwood hillsides alive with wildlife – otters, raccoons, deer, ducks, songbirds and eagles.

Region: Ozarks
More info: GreersFerryLake.org, AGFC.com

Take a Glimpse into the History of Handbags.

The country’s only purse museum and one of only three in the world, the Esse Purse Museum showcases not just the fashionable history of handbags, but the evolution of the 20th century American woman in the permanent exhibit “What’s Inside: A Century of Women and Their Handbags (1900-1999).”

This museum grew from a traveling exhibit selected from owner Anita Davis’ extensive collection. From 2006-2011, “The Purse & the Person: A Century of Women’s Purses” traveled the country from Massachusetts, Oklahoma and California to Texas and Louisiana.    

Specialty exhibits are also on display, featuring travel bags and evening purses.

Regions: Central
More info: EssePurseMuseum.com

Feel the groove at the King Biscuit Blues Festival.

Held annually in October, the King Biscuit Blues Festival takes place in historic downtown Helena-West Helena on the banks of the Mississippi River. Each year, tens of thousands of people flood in to hear the soulful tunes of notable blues musicians like B. B. King, Taj Mahal and Dr. John and the Lower 911. Since its inception in 1986, King Biscuit has grown to include three stages and additional activities. Check the website for the current lineup.

Region: Delta
More info: KingBiscuitFestival.com

Cruise the Great River Road.

If you need a good excuse to rent a convertible, here it is. Named a “Southern Travel Treasure” by AAA’s Southern Traveler magazine, the 360+ mile Arkansas Great River Road is a National Scenic Byway that runs parallel to the Mississippi River in eastern Arkansas. The road begins in Blytheville and winds down through Osceola, West Memphis, Helena-West Helena, DeWitt, Dumas, Lake Village and Eudora before ending at the Louisiana state line in the very southeast corner of the state. Gaze at expansive rice, cotton, wheat and soybean fields, as well as swamps, bayous and the oxbow lakes created by the Mississippi River as it changed its course. Along the way, stop to visit museums, monuments and any of six state parks that highlight Delta heritage and history.

Region: Delta
More info: DeltaByways.com

Step Back Into Legendary Johnny Cash’s Childhood.

We all know the “Man in Black” from his hits like “Ring of Fire” and “A Boy Named Sue,” but there’s a lot to learn about his fascinating childhood at his boyhood home in Dyess.

Arkansas State University has worked to preserve the heritage of the Dyess Colony by restoring significant buildings that remain from its time as an agricultural community. One of these buildings is the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, which has been restored to its appearance when the Cash family lived there from 1935 to 1954. The home has been furnished based on recollections from family members and highlights the lifestyle of the family as typical colonists. Additionally, the Administration Building in the colony center and the former theater are being restored.

Region: Delta
More info: DyessCash.AState.edu

Spend the Night at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Awake to the sound of roaring in an animal haven. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a USDA-licensed refuge for big cats located 7 miles from downtown Eureka Springs in the Ozarks, is a hidden gem that’s open year-round for habitat tours, keeper chats, overnight stays and other educational experiences. Park your RV, pitch a tent onsite or even rent a room at the Safari Lodge and explore the fascinating habitats of these tigers, lions and more in Arkansas.

Region: Ozarks
More info: TurpentineCreek.org

Dig for diamonds.

And keep what you find! One of the gems in Arkansas’s crown is Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. The largest diamond ever found in North America – at 40.23 carats – was discovered here. For a small rental fee, the park provides all the tools necessary to prospect in its 38-acre diamond search area. The park’s “finders, keepers” policy ensures that anything you unearth is yours to keep, regardless of value.

Region: Ouachitas
More info: CraterOfDiamondsStatePark.com

Dare to take on the Cossatot River.

The National Park Service describes the Cossatot River as “probably the most challenging” whitewater float in the state, something the early Native Americans knew when they named it Cossatot — “skull crusher.” Much of the river’s whitewater is not recommended for the inexperienced canoeist, and experienced river-runners should always check water levels in advance.

Looking for tamer waters? The Buffalo National River – the most popular rafting river in the state – as well as the Spring River are fine choices for a more forgiving float.

Region: Ozarks
More info: Arkansas.com/Outdoors/Canoeing-Rafting-Kayaking

Get a Snapshot While Standing in Two States.

Texarkana may be the most well-known “split” community in Arkansas, sharing a border with Texas. Have your photo made while straddling the two states at Photographer’s Island, situated in front of the State Line U.S. Post Office—the only post office in the country sitting in two states.

Region: Timberlands
More info: Texarkana.org

Tour Arkansas Wine Country.

About a half-dozen wineries near where the Arkansas River meanders between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains offer tastings, tours and events. Paris, Ozark, Wiederkehr Village and Altus are located in Arkansas Wine Country, just off Interstate 40 northwest of Little Rock and east of Fort Smith. Winemaking actually began there in the 1880s, making Arkansas the South’s oldest wine-producing state. Two European families started it all after noting the region’s similarities in climate and soil with that of Switzerland and Germany’s winemaking regions. Make a day trip or enjoy more wine and stay the night at a nearby bed and breakfast.

Region: River Valley
More info: Arkansas.com/Dining/Wineries-Breweries

Explore the life of President Bill Clinton.

Look back on President Bill Clinton’s childhood, newlywed days and political career in various outposts across three regions of the state. In the Timberlands, explore Clinton’s childhood home in Hope. In Fayetteville, tour the first home of Bill and Hillary (they were married in the living room). And join tourists from around the globe in Little Rock at the 148,000-square-foot Clinton Presidential Center, which houses a museum, presidential archives and educational and research facilities. Must-see exhibits include full-scale replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room, decorated exactly the way they were during Clinton’s time in office.

Regions: Timberlands, Ozarks, Central
More info: ClintonChildhoodHomeMuseum.com, ClintonHouseMuseum.org, ClintonPresidentialCenter.org