Fly and Drive: Journey Through Art and History in Arkansas

From the moment you land and get your rental car, Arkansas stands ready to entertain with a wealth of art and historical attractions.

Go Big in Little Rock

It’s no surprise that Little Rock, the state capital, boasts some of the state’s most noteworthy historical attractions.

At the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, visitors can walk through the life of the 42nd president of the United States. You can see his time before becoming president through both presidential terms and his post-presidential years tin three floors of exhibits. The library also houses Clinton’s presidential records, which are available for research. Visitors have the option of taking a guided tour or exploring on their own. 

Little Rock is also home to the Little Rock High School National Historic Site, where the Little Rock Nine became a catalyst for change in African American civil rights following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. While the high school is still in use today and not open to the public, visitors can take a ranger-led tour starting at the visitor center to hear the stories of those who stood tall and braved adversity during the school’s desegregation in 1957.

At the ESSE Purse Museum, you can see the evolution of 20th‑century American women through the purses they carried and their contents.

The collection ranges from luxury, name-brand clutches to eclectic, colorful bags full of personality. The museum also features temporary exhibits that tell additional stories of women; previous exhibits focused on shoes, hats, clothing, even Barbie and Girl Scouts. It’s an intriguing and entertaining museum that shouldn’t be missed.

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Dig Deep in Bentonville

Approximately three hours northwest of Little Rock, trade big-city excitement for the small-town charm of Bentonville.

Once you arrive, head to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Set on 134 acres, this museum first captures your attention through its stunning architecture. With pavilions housing the museum galleries, two signature bridge structures and two spring-fed ponds, the grounds feel like an extension of the art on display. Inside, the galleries showcase five centuries of American art.

Crystal Bridges is also home to several remarkable architectural works, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House, a beautifully restored example of his Usonian design; Buckminster Fuller’s futuristic Fly’s Eye Dome; and James Turrell’s immersive SkySpace, The Way of Color. Be sure to explore the museum’s 5-plus miles of trails, where these landmarks and outdoor sculptures are woven into a landscape rich with native plants and seasonal blooms.

In downtown Bentonville, check out The Momentary, an extension of Crystal Bridges featuring indoor art galleries, outdoor artwork and a full schedule of live events.

Also downtown, The Walmart Museum showcases the history of the mega retailer that started right in this small town. See how Sam Walton turned his store, Walton’s 5&10, into a global powerhouse through interactive displays, artifacts and even a re-creation of the original store. Don’t forget to stop by The Spark Cafe for a scoop of ice cream.

Go Back in Time in Fort Smith

Just an hour and a half south of Bentonville, Fort Smith welcomes you to explore the history of some of the earliest days of the United States.

A good starting point is the Fort Smith National Historic Site, which documents the stories of soldiers, outlaws and more on the edge of frontier and Indian Territory. Housed in the historic barracks, courthouse and jail buildings, the visitor center includes exhibits and videos, the courtroom of Isaac C. Parker, known as Hanging Judge, and the Hell on the Border jail.

At the United States Marshals Museum, learn about the inception of the U.S. Marshals Service in 1789 as the country’s first law enforcement agency and the role they have played throughout their service. Today, U.S. Marshals hold various responsibilities ranging from tracking down fugitives to protecting witnesses, managing operations for disaster relief and much more. In the museum’s various galleries, you will follow a timeline of the U.S. Marshals Service and take a deep dive into their various duties. You likely will be surprised at their breadth and reach in this country’s history. 

For a look at how some women made a life for themselves on the frontier, stop by Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum. While not everyone may agree with their livelihood, there’s no denying the contributions of these women to the Fort Smith community. During your tour, you’ll hear their stories, accompanied by artifacts and photographs, interactive displays, and other exhibits. It’s a unique perspective on Fort Smith’s history, one that isn’t typically available in other cities, but certainly is a valuable one that shouldn’t be overlooked or ignored.

Plan your trip with a AAA travel advisor and rent your car with Hertz. AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.

Karon Warren

Based in the North Georgia Mountains, Karon has been writing for AAA Northeast since 2024. She loves traveling the globe, searching for adventure, unique personalities and a new perspective on the world around us. A member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, she also is the author of “100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains Before You Die.”