Spring break offers the perfect opportunity to explore and create lasting memories with your family. For those with a love for travel, like us, it’s the ideal time for a road trip adventure. Last week, we embarked on a journey along Arkansas’s Scenic Highway 7, the state’s longest highway, uncovering hidden gems and must-see attractions. Join us as we recount day five of our expedition, revealing some incredible Little Rock Arkansas Things To Do that are just a scenic drive away.
Our day began before the sun graced the horizon, with a quest to witness the sunrise from atop Mount Nebo. While my daughter Hunter opted for a bit more sleep, I ventured out to the Rim Trail, just moments from our cozy cabin. The awakening birds heralded the approaching dawn, their melodies growing louder as the sky gradually brightened. Though the sun itself was still hidden behind Mount Nebo’s peak, the eastern sky was ablaze with vibrant colors, painting a breathtaking panorama across the horizon.
Sunrise casting warm light over the Arkansas landscape from Mount Nebo State Park
Once Hunter was up and ready, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, soaking in the tranquility of Mount Nebo. We noticed the bread left out for birds the previous evening had vanished, but the culprit wasn’t feathered. Tracks in the vicinity pointed to deer, a deduction we confidently made thanks to a wildlife tracking program we experienced earlier in our Highway 7 journey at DeGray Lake. This hands-on learning moment highlighted the unexpected educational opportunities that abound when exploring Arkansas’s natural wonders, easily accessible from Little Rock.
Clear deer tracks visible near a cabin in Mount Nebo State Park, Arkansas
Taking it easy due to Hunter feeling under the weather, we departed Mount Nebo around midday. A quick stop for fuel revealed a quirky roadside bench, a testament to the unique character found along Arkansas’s highways. Soon, we were back on Scenic Highway 7, heading north. The initial five lanes near Russellville narrowed to two as we approached Dover, marking our deeper dive into the Ozark Mountains. A rumble strip appeared alongside the center line, accompanied by a sign warning of “Steep and Curvy” roads for the next 56 miles – an exciting prospect for a scenic drive!
A whimsical bench along Arkansas Scenic Highway 7 invites travelers to take a break
Our journey took us past the remnants of Booger Hollow Trading Post, a once-popular roadside attraction now sadly showing its age and closure. While its dilapidated state was melancholic, it served as a reminder of the changing landscape of roadside Americana.
The weathered facade of the abandoned Booger Hollow Trading Post along Scenic Highway 7
A more uplifting stop awaited us at Rotary Ann, Arkansas’s first-ever rest stop. Established in the 1930s by the wives of Rotarians, this 24-hour, unmanned stop offers clean facilities and, more importantly, stunning westward views from atop an Ozark Mountain. It’s a testament to community spirit and a perfect place to pause and appreciate the scenery.
Panoramic vista from Rotary Ann Rest Stop, showcasing the expansive Ozark National Forest landscape
Further along, we reached an overlook providing a breathtaking panorama of the Arkansas Grand Canyon. A hand-built rock wall marked this viewpoint, constructed as a tribute to the Arkansas Farmers Union Green Thumb program in the late 1960s. The expansive valley stretched eastward, a dramatic geological spectacle easily accessible for those seeking day trips from Little Rock.
Hand-laid stone wall framing the dramatic view of the Arkansas Grand Canyon from a scenic overlook
Lunch beckoned, and we chose the Cliff House Inn, perched dramatically on the edge of the Arkansas Grand Canyon. This restaurant is not just about the food; it’s a living museum of Scenic Highway 7’s vibrant past. Adorned with memorabilia from the highway’s heyday, it evokes a nostalgic charm. The Cliff House is also famed for its “Company’s Comin’ Pie,” Arkansas’s Sesquicentennial pie – a meringue-topped pineapple cream delight. While Hunter opted for a light vegetable plate, I savored a hearty homemade chili, perfect for a mountain afternoon.
Exterior of the Cliff House Inn, overlooking the Arkansas Grand Canyon, a popular dining destination
Inspired by a brochure Hunter picked up, we adjusted our itinerary to include a cave exploration. Skipping the Elk Education Center for this day, we continued on Highway 7 towards Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome. Our route led us through Jasper, a charming town boasting the state’s second-oldest restaurant, a bakery, a theater, and the intriguing Emma’s Museum of Junk. Construction on Jasper’s north side hinted at road widening, reflecting ongoing development in the region.
Eclectic Emma's Museum of Junk sign in Jasper, Arkansas, a quirky roadside attraction
Before reaching the caverns, we made a brief stop at a monument commemorating the Arkansas stone used in the Washington Monument. Located across from the former Dogpatch USA site, it’s a fascinating piece of Arkansas history, highlighting the state’s contribution to national landmarks.
Stone monument marking the origin of Arkansas stone used in the Washington Monument
Finally, we arrived at Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome, just in time for the last tours. Crystal Dome was our first subterranean adventure. The descent to the entrance is a significant 300-foot incline, followed by another 110 feet into the cave itself. Despite the trek, Crystal Dome’s beauty was undeniable. Our guide, Millie, pointed out dragon-shaped formations and, of course, the namesake crystal dome overhead, showcasing the cave’s stunning natural artistry.
Entrance to Crystal Dome cave, Mystic Caverns, Jasper, Arkansas, inviting exploration
Intricate stalactite formations within Crystal Dome cave, illuminated to reveal their beauty
Crystal Dome, discovered in the 1960s, is a “living” cave, still actively forming. Mystic Caverns, in contrast, has a richer, more historical past. Originally accessed precariously via a sinkhole ladder, it gained easier entry when Dogpatch USA acquired the site. Intriguingly, Mystic Caverns served as a moonshine distillery and speakeasy during Prohibition. Evidence of this era remains in smoke stains on the cave walls. While some formations were unfortunately lost to souvenir hunters in the past, Mystic Caverns offers a unique glimpse into history alongside geological wonders. We highly recommend experiencing both cave tours to fully appreciate their distinct characteristics.
Mystic Caverns interior, showing historical evidence and unique cave formations
Exhausted but exhilarated after our cave explorations, we checked into our Harrison Hampton Inn. Despite the day’s adventures, Hunter still had energy for her favorite post-travel activity – a swim in the hotel’s indoor pool. Day five on Scenic Highway 7, filled with natural beauty and unique attractions, proved that incredible little rock arkansas things to do extend far beyond the city limits, waiting to be discovered on a memorable Arkansas road trip. Stay tuned for day six, where trout fishing and a treehouse stay await!
For more tales from our Arkansas travels, explore my blog, Tie Dye Travels.
