Embark on an Unforgettable Arkansas Road Trip: Murfreesboro, Hot Springs, and Mountain View

Hey there, families! Are you ready for an adventure-packed road trip that combines natural wonders, historical sites, and family fun? Look no further than the beautiful state of Arkansas! As a travel advisor with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, I'm here to guide you through an exciting journey across three incredible destinations that our family just took: Murfreesboro, Hot Springs, and Mountain View. So, buckle up and get ready for an Arkansas road trip like no other!

1. Murfreesboro

Our first stop took us to the charming town of Murfreesboro, where you'll find the unique Crater of the Diamonds State Park. Imagine the thrill of digging for diamonds in the only diamond-producing site in the world that's open to the public! Grab your shovels and sift through the soil, as you never know what hidden gem you might uncover. This hands-on experience is not only educational but also a whole lot of fun for the whole family.

Our family started our trip by pulling straight into the Crater. There are supplies you can rent, or you can bring your own. Shovels/pickaxes, buckets, and screens. I suggest more than just beach type supplies. We had simple pails, sand shovels, and sifters. The shovels were a little weak for what we needed, so we rented a shove/pickax combo. It was $25 for the day and a $20 deposit was returned when we turned it back in. If you want to search for better deals, there are some people in town who have small businesses selling or renting supplies. There are no guarantees, so I suggest using the park equipment.

If you bring the right supplies, you can find a spot and camp out for the day! Some chairs, a picnic, some shade, some slides to wear in the car (you have a high risk of getting muddy). There are displays to explain the best way to search for diamonds, the history of the area, and more.

After wrapping up for the day, we headed into town. There are a few cute stores to find souvenirs and one store offered ice cream. There are a few restaurants to choose from, and a Sonic if you need something quick (or a major dose of caffeine). Since we were racing a major storm, we chose the Sonic and missed out on some of the local options.

Overall, I suggest if you are going to stay the night in Murfreesboro, your best bet is camping at the Crater of Diamonds Park. There are tent and RV sites, and a small water park right beside the Crater.

2. Hot Springs

Next up is the historic city of Hot Springs, known for its healing thermal waters and rich history. Take a dip in the soothing mineral baths at one of the many bathhouses in Hot Springs National Park. Explore the vibrant downtown area, filled with charming shops, delicious eateries, and fascinating museums. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Gangster Museum of America, where you can learn about the city's notorious past during the Prohibition era.

We spent most of the week in Hot Springs and fell in love. We have discovered a wonderful home to stay in, close to Bathhouse Row. We spent days wandering the area and spending relaxing time as a family. Hot Springs is at the top of my “Must Do in Arkansas” list now.

Our first day, we headed straight to Bathhouse Row. There are free parking options, but you want to get there early in the day. Parking gets tight as the day goes on. While our oldest daughter and I took the two smallest children on a stroll, my husband took our second oldest daughter to the Gangster Museum. There is more than just the gangster history of Hot Springs, there is baseball history too. Once we got to our vacation home, we didn’t want to leave. There is a store around the corner, so I grabbed some supper ingredients, and we watched a movie.

Our second day brought rain, so we decided to escape to the Mid-America Science Museum. It was the decision we ever made. There was something for each of our children, and we had a blast too. The Tesla show features The World's Most Powerful Conical Tesla Coil. It is a bit noisy, but so worth it. The DinoTrek provides a nice workout and a neat experience seeing the dinosaurs. Treacherous Trail can be a bit steep going, but there are spots to rest. The Skywalk was a great opportunity for our daredevils to test their limits with the rope bowl. There is so much to do and see at the museum

There are no food options at the museum (although there are picnic areas). So, we set out to find something yummy and local. We found Burgers and More in Piney, not far from the museum. They were some of the friendliest people we have ever met, the food was delivered quickly, and the burgers were delicious (so were the club sandwich and corndog according to the men in our family). Before long we were stuffed and on our way back to the museum. At the end of the day, we decided to grab ice cream before supper. We searched high and low, stopped at three ice cream shops that all ended up being closed. Finally, we found Kilwins. Delicious ice cream served with a smile! There were some very unique flavors that are now my favorite.

Our third day in Hot Springs was spent touring the Bathhouses. Fordyce is full of exhibits on the history of the springs and bathhouses. This should be your first stop. Your second stop should be to enjoy services from one of the bathhouses still in service: Quapaw and Buckstaff. There are services at the Arlington Hotel also. The Promenade offers some spectacular views, and there are places to fill your own containers from the springs. Remember though, this water will still be hot. Next level tip, fill a bottle or two and place them in your backpack closest to your back. It was a nice natural heat pack on my back while we were strolling, and I didn’t mind toting our bag of supplies.

Sadly, our fourth day was only in the morning as we were heading to our next stop. We found a great donut place though! Golden Raised Donuts was amazing. Donuts, cronuts, breakfast sandwiches, coffee. Plenty of options for everyone. I somewhat wish we had stopped the first day, so we would have known to pop in every morning, we passed by it every day anyway.

3.Blanchard Springs Caverns

Our final destination was the picturesque town of Mountain View, nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. This hidden gem is a paradise for nature lovers and music enthusiasts alike. Explore the Blanchard Springs Caverns, a stunning underground wonderland filled with awe-inspiring rock formations. Marvel at the beauty of Mirror Lake and enjoy a leisurely hike through the enchanting Ozark National Forest.

We arrived at our cabin in Mountain View in time for some exploring and supper. The area is spectacular. We knew outside of the Caverns; we wouldn’t have too much time to explore. It was fine with us though. The Caverns were breathtaking, and even our 4-year-old enjoyed it. We stuck with the Dripstone Trail for two reasons: no stairs, and it is the only one available during before Memorial Day. Quick heads up: the elevator down is a bit snug, it can be dark at times, and there is no bathroom. Now the tour is only an hour, so all these things are very short in nature and not a big deal. If you have little ones, it is just nice to know ahead of time.

Once we completed our tour, we drove out to the spring. It was beautiful and there was plenty to explore and climb. There was so much natural beauty to explore and see. Next, we went to Mirror Lake and the falls. We were able to see the remains of the old mill and explore even more. Remember, this is nature, and it is home to critters. So please be on the lookout.

After hours of exploring and climbing, we were exhausted. We went back to the cabin to clean up and the kids enjoyed some hide and seek outdoors. We finished the night with a family movie

Everyone was bummed to go home; it was such a wonderful vacation. We can’t wait for our next trip back.

Ready to hit the road and embark on this incredible Arkansas adventure? As your dedicated travel agent, I'm here to help you plan every detail of your trip. From finding the best accommodations to recommending hidden gems along the way, I'll ensure that your road trip is seamless and unforgettable. Even if you need a rental car or flights, I can help. Contact me today to start planning and booking your dream Arkansas road trip!

About Savannah Amram:

Hey, I'm Savannah, your go-to travel advisor for creating amazing family vacations. With my passion for exploration and expertise in crafting personalized itineraries, I'm here to make your travel dreams a reality. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, I'll help you create unforgettable experiences that cater to your family's unique interests and preferences.

Contact me now to start planning your next adventure-filled road trip through Arkansas or any other destination that sparks your wanderlust. Let's create memories that will bring smiles to your faces for years to come!