Little Rock is the cultural, political and geographic center of Arkansas. The city came into the national spotlight in 1957, when it was the center of the desegregation controversy in America. The state and federal governments were in conflict over the presence of African-Americans in the local public schools. This resulted in U.S. Army troops escorting black students to Central High School in the city. These important events are commemorated in a local museum.

Helena, along the Mississippi River, is famous for its historical ties to Delta blues music. It's the home of the "King Biscuit Time Show," one of the longest running and most famous radio blues shows in the country. Helena was also the longtime home of harmonica great Sonny Boy Williamson. Every October, the city hosts the King Biscuit Blues Festival, one of the best in the country.

Famous for its naturally heated waters, Hot Springs has attracted visitors since Native American times. When railroad service came to Arkansas in the late 19th century, it became a popular resort town, and gangsters like Al Capone and Bugsy Malone visited the gambling halls here during the 1920's and 30's. Today, you can still bathe in the thermal springs at resorts like the Buckstaff, or just lounge at the Mountain Tower, which overlooks the town and its surrounding lakes and mountains.

The Ozark Mountains, in the northwest corner of the state, are Arkansas' best outdoor attraction. The little town of Mountain View preserves the culture of mountain farming communities, which historically were isolated from the rest of the state. Blanchard Springs Recreation area has spectacular cave systems which visitors can explore. Buffalo National River has 130 miles of river where you can canoe and plenty of hiking trails along its banks.