Discovering Arkansas and Mississippi: A Scenic Road Trip
Day 8. Mississippi
After almost a week in Louisiana, we headed north and continued our dog-friendly road trip to Mississippi and Arkansas. We’ll visit Vicksburg, Hot Springs, Eureka Springs, and other places.
If you want to see our whole trip from the map above, you can find it here:
The first stop on a longer ride was Clark Creek Natural Area, a great place to stretch a leg and enjoy a great hike.
The Clark Creek Natural Area
The Clark Creek Natural Area is among Mississippi’s most beautiful outdoor treasures, and you don’t want to skip it on your road trip. You can enjoy some 50 waterfalls, ranging in size from 10 to more than 30 feet in height. The creation and protection of this fabulous area came about in 1978. Also, you can find uncommon trees in the area, such as Southern sugar maple, serviceberry, umbrella tree, pyramid magnolia, chinquapin oak, giant leaf snowball, silverbell, and witch-hazel.
Clark Creek Primitive Trail is almost a five-mile loop with ups and downs. Before you start it, be sure you have good shoes, hiking sticks, and plenty of water. If you don’t want to walk a complete loop, you can choose a shorter option, Clark Creek Improved Trail or Clark Creek Trail to Waterfall. They are less than 3 miles long and cover the best waterfall views. Dogs are welcome on all trails but must stay on leash.
The park’s entrance fee is $2 per person for daily use, and it works on the honor system, so prepare one-dollar bills.
Mississippi Petrified Forest
The Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora is the sole surviving Petrified Forest in the eastern half of the United States and is a great short stop on your road trip. This ancient forest, dating back over 36 million years, has been designated a national natural landmark, preserving its historical significance.
Within its grounds lies a captivating collection of petrified wood and tree fossils, providing visitors with a window into the distant past. As you stroll through the forest, you can marvel at the incredible process that turned wood into stone over millions of years. This makes it an enthralling destination for both nature enthusiasts and history buffs.
Vicksburg
We decided to stay overnight in Vicksburg, a historic city along the Mississippi River in western Mississippi, renowned for its rich history and strategic importance as the “Key to the South” during the American Civil War, making it a memorable stop on our road trip.
Also, Vicksburg’s downtown area has historic buildings, charming streets, and many shops, restaurants, and galleries. It’s a great place to explore and immerse yourself in the city’s unique atmosphere.
Vicksburg is most famous for the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863. Union forces, under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant, besieged the city for 47 days before it surrendered to the Union Army. This victory gave the Union control of the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy. If you have time, you can visit The Vicksburg National Military Park. It commemorates the Siege of Vicksburg and the history of the Civil War in the area.
There are not many dog-friendly restaurants around. Key City Brewery and Eatery has a dog-friendly area in front of the brewery and their smoking zone. If you wouldn’t mind staying in the smoking corner with low tables, you can still enjoy delicious roasted pork collar and excellent wine.
Another option should be Martin’s at Midtown if you are hungry on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday because it is closed on other days.
Cottonwood Public House is not dog-friendly or friendly at all.
Coca-Cola Museum
You and your furry buddy can discover another touch of history at The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. It brings back memories of one of the Nation’s beloved beverages, along with equipment that Joseph Biedenharn used to bottle Coke for the first time anywhere in the world in 1894. Evan, if you are not super fun with Coca-Cola, this experience is unique since the museum is dog-friendly. Also, you can buy ice cream, fountain Cokes, and a wide selection of Coke souvenirs.
Days 9-10. Arkansas
After Vicksburg, continue the road trip by driving north, and once you cross the Mississippi River, you will be in Arkansas.
Our first stop was Hot Springs.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is known not only for its dog-friendly atmosphere but also for its centuries-old, naturally occurring hot springs. These thermal waters, with a constant temperature of around 143°F (62°C), are believed to offer therapeutic benefits.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hot Springs gained popularity as a spa destination. You can find this historic charm in downtown Hot Springs at Bathhouse Row, where eight bathhouses from that era stand as National Historic Landmarks, providing a glimpse into the city’s spa town history.
Adding to its appeal, Hot Springs offers the Grand Promenade, a lovely, dog-friendly, half-mile-long walking path. Additionally, several other trails branch off the Grand Promenade, providing more opportunities to explore the area.
Furthermore, Hot Springs is home to Hot Springs National Park, established in 1832 as the oldest national park in the United States. This historic park enhances the city’s allure, making it a destination that caters to history and nature enthusiasts.
Arlington Hotel
If you are fond of gangster time, don’t miss Arlington Hotel. In the 1930s, it was a favorite vacation spot for Al Capone at room 443. The whole floor was even rented out for his staff and bodyguards. The hotel charges an additional $6o per pet per night if you want to stay overnight. Also, you can visit a pet-friendly Gangster Museum of America and hear a historic and entertaining story of how some of the most notorious criminals in America co-existed with the quaint population of this little valley town.
If you want a short lesson on the history of Hot Springs, then take a historical downtown dog-friendly trolley tour. The Hot Springs Trolleys is the only tour in town that takes you to the mountains for breathtaking views of the national park and the Quachita Valley. They’ll also show you many out-of-the-way historical sites and take you through old neighborhoods filled with gracious homes built in the 18th and 1900s. You can buy tickets for trolley tours at the Hot Springs Trolleys Gift Shop across the street from the Hot Springs Visitor Center.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Another beautiful stop on the Arkansas road trip was Garvan Woodland Gardens. It is situated on the picturesque Lake Hamilton, approximately 6 miles from downtown Hot Springs. The local industrialist and philanthropist Verna Cook Garvan created them in the 1950s. Over the years, the property was developed into a stunning botanical garden. The gardens cover a vast area of 210 acres and feature an impressive collection of plants, including azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, roses, and various other flowering plants. There are also themed gardens, including Japanese and rock and rose gardens.
Visitors can explore the gardens on walking trails that wind through the natural landscape and showcase the beautiful flora and fauna of the region. The trails offer both scenic views and opportunities for a stroll.
Garvan Woodland Gardens includes various architectural features and structures, such as the Anthony Chapel, a popular venue for weddings and events. The chapel features floor-to-ceiling windows and a stunning forest backdrop.
The gardens boast several water features, including cascading waterfalls, ponds, and the Garden of the Pine Wind, where you can relax by the serene waters.
You can find a map of the gardens HERE.
You can purchase discounted online tickets HERE.
Bubba Brews—On Lake Hamilton is an excellent place for lunch or dinner. It offers a great choice of seafood and other food, an oversized covered sitting area, and a view of Lake Hamilton.
Eureka Springs
The next step on your Arkansas dog-friendly road trip was Eureka Springs, another charming and picturesque town in the Ozark Mountains of Northwestern Arkansas. It is known for its Victorian architecture, hilly terrain, natural springs, and vibrant art scene. Eureka Springs’ downtown area is like stepping back in time. You can enjoy beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, many of which house shops, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques.
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural masterpiece, a stunning glass chapel nestled in the woods just outside of Eureka Springs. It’s a popular wedding spot and provides a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation.
Pied Piper Pub & Inn is a classic biker bar that offers a variety of food and beer. The Spring on Main is a cute restaurant with outdoor seating on its upper terrace. Besides those two, I am sure there are more dog-friendly options.
North Arkansas Railway
One of the most fun stops on our road trip was the dog-friendly Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway. Step back in time to an earlier age of locomotive transportation and enjoy the Excursion Train. See 1940-era diesel locomotive in operation. The ride is approximately 4 1/2 Miles, lasts about an hour, and runs along the restored Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad.
Dogs can join the Excursion Train Ride (not on the lunch or Dinner Ride) that starts at 10.30 A.m. and 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
You can check the timetable and book a ticket HERE.
Crescent Hotel
It was constructed in 1886 and is known for its stunning Victorian architecture. Initially, it was a luxury resort but became famous as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel” due to its reputation for paranormal activities. You can stay overnight; the pet fee is $35 per pet/ night. If the whole night would scare your pup or perhaps you, you can attend only 60-minute walking tours. It includes creepy stories about guests who checked out but never left and other paranormal investigations. The tour is also dog-friendly, and dogs stay on leash. Also, they have a beautiful, dog-friendly Top of the Crest rooftop bar with a view of Eureka Springs, where you can forget unpleasant ghosts while enjoying delicious cocktails.
You can visit the charming St. Elizabeth Historic Church just one step from the Crescent Hotel.
Day 11. Missouri
Springfield
We finished our road trip in Springfield, Missouri, with several universities and colleges. Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University are located here, contributing to a vibrant educational and cultural scene.
You can continue your road trip from Mississippi and Arkansas to Missouri and visit Fantastic Caverns and Grands Falls near Joplin. For more information about those two locations, go to Fun Places in Missouri.
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