Arkansas defies expectations—where else can you dig for diamonds, float the nation’s first national river, reflect in a glass chapel built deep in the woods, and drink sake made from Arkansas-grown rice and local thermal spring water? The Natural State seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with rich cultural experiences, offering far more than its stunning landscapes suggest. 100 Things to Do in Arkansas Before You Die guides you to memorable destinations for food, music, recreation, history, shopping, and entertainment.

Unearth treasure at Crater of Diamonds State Park—the only public diamond mine in the world where you can keep what you find. Walk in Johnny Cash’s footsteps at his boyhood Delta home, paddle the pristine Buffalo National River in the Ozark Mountains, or lose yourself in world-class art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. Savor James Beard Award–winning barbecue, sip craft brews in mountain towns, and soak in the legendary waters of Hot Springs, which have beckoned visitors for centuries.

Whether you’re a lifelong Arkansan or a first-time visitor, 100 Things to Do in Arkansas Before You Die is your essential companion to the iconic places and off-the-beaten-path experiences that define this remarkable state. Let longtime travel writer Jill Rohrbach show you where Arkansas’ best adventures await.