Arkansas

Essential Arkansas: From the Clinton Library to Crystal Bridges

Program No. 21208RJ
Get to know Arkansas, from the Clinton Library to Crystal Bridges, from hot springs and mountains to Ozark music and southern cooking — this place has it all!

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At a Glance

Arkansas is “the Natural State,” swathed in vast forests of oak, pine and hickory and adorned with rivers winding down from the Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountains to the mighty Mississippi. Discover these and other pristine natural treasures of Arkansas and encounter the great cultural gifts enshrined in its cities and towns. Experience the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in Little Rock, explore state parks, quaint towns and lesser-known gems and find yourself immersed in Ozark traditions and music as you learn how Arkansans preserve them.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles a day, standing in botanical gardens and museums for a few hours. Ability to get on and off motor coach with minimal assistance several times a day.

What You'll Learn

  • Enjoy an in-depth look at American art at the Crystal Bridges Museum, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House.
  • Learn the legacy of Clinton’s presidency on a visit to the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, a state-of-the-art facility.
  • Explore Hot Springs and Eureka Springs and learn about other interesting towns and cities that have sprung there.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Jay Barth
Dr. Jay Barth, a native of central Arkansas, is the Graves Peace Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Politics at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, and serves as Chief Education Officer for the City of Little Rock. His academic work includes research on politics of the South, state government and politics, LGBT politics, political communication (particularly radio advertising), and the achievement gap in Arkansas. He is the co-author with the late Diane D. Blair of the second edition of "Arkansas Politics and Government: Do the People Rule?”

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Mechel Wall
Mechel Wall View biography
Mechel Wall is a mother to eight, a grandmother to eight, and the wife of Barry Wall. She is the owner and operator of WallFlower Farm, a women-owned specialty cut flower farm in Pea Ridge. She has been a volunteer trail leader at Crystal Bridges and is currently the Benton County Master Gardener. She is the founder and was the board president of Benton County Charter School Org, Inc. and a sponsor and founder of one of Arkansas’s first charter schools — Arkansas Arts Academy.
Profile Image of KT Cockerell
KT Cockerell View biography
KT Cockerell, a native Texan, loves to share colorful Texas history with visitors. She enjoys the adventure of discovery while leading groups and in her own personal travels as well. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe and locally. KT has been involved with the travel industry for over 20 years. KT and her husband Alan enjoy living in the small rural town of Seguin, where they have raised their four daughters.
Profile Image of Tari Intardonato
Tari Intardonato View biography
Tari Intardonato was a teacher for many years before taking her skills to the road. She enjoys leading field trips with Road Scholar, during which she shares her knowledge and love of presidential libraries, history, textiles, and little out-of-the-way gems. Tari is an avid reader and loves sewing, watching British TV shows, and spending time with her family.
Profile Image of Lowell Collins
Lowell Collins View biography
Lowell Collins has been a Bentonville resident for the past 40 years. She is a retired speech-language pathologist who spent 35 years working with pre-schoolers with developmental delays. Since 2010, she has been actively involved in Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, completing the guide training program for trails and grounds, architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright House. She is a Master Gardener with expertise in native plants. Lowell has a passion for Bentonville and for sharing it with the many Crystal Bridges guests.
Profile Image of Jay Barth
Jay Barth View biography
Dr. Jay Barth, a native of central Arkansas, is the Graves Peace Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Politics at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, and serves as Chief Education Officer for the City of Little Rock. His academic work includes research on politics of the South, state government and politics, LGBT politics, political communication (particularly radio advertising), and the achievement gap in Arkansas. He is the co-author with the late Diane D. Blair of the second edition of "Arkansas Politics and Government: Do the People Rule?”
Profile Image of Daniel Cockrell
Daniel Cockrell View biography
Daniel Cockrell is the director of the Old State House Museum in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas and was previously the adult education/living history coordinator there. He has a B.S.E. in applied sciences and an M.A. in history from the University of Central Arkansas and has more than 25 years of teaching many subjects. Daniel has been with the Old State House Museum as an interpretive specialist since 2005 and has served as a historical interpreter at key historic sites in the region.
Profile Image of Rex Nelson
Rex Nelson View biography
Rex Nelson has been chronicling Arkansas history as a columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette since the 1990s, and has held the role of senior editor since 2017. He has worked as a political consultant and served as director of policy and communications for Governor Mike Huckabee. An avid football fan, he also serves as the voice for the Ouachita Tigers radio network.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
17 Meals
7 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
  • May 12, 2024 - May 19, 2024
  • Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024
  • Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
  • Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025
  • May 11, 2025 - May 18, 2025
  • Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
  • Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
  • Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
4 nights
Little Rock
Located next to the Arkansas River, close to the Statehouse Convention Center, River Market District, and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.
2 nights
Bentonville
Located near downtown Bentonville, you'll be near popular attractions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas and the War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair.
1 night
Mountain View
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, these cabins feature modern comforts with homey décor and glass doors that open to small porches with scenic views. All cabins include a phone, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and coffee pot. And if you're visiting during the Summer months, take advantage of our outdoor pool.
4 nights
Little Rock
Located next to the Arkansas River, close to the Statehouse Convention Center, River Market District, and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.
2 nights
Bentonville
Located near downtown Bentonville, you'll be near popular attractions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas and the War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair.
1 night
Mountain View
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, these cabins feature modern comforts with homey décor and glass doors that open to small porches with scenic views. All cabins include a phone, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and coffee pot. And if you're visiting during the Summer months, take advantage of our outdoor pool.
4 nights
Little Rock
Located next to the Arkansas River, close to the Statehouse Convention Center, River Market District, and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.
2 nights
Bentonville
Located near downtown Bentonville, you'll be near popular attractions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas and the War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair.
1 night
Mountain View
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, these cabins feature modern comforts with homey décor and glass doors that open to small porches with scenic views. All cabins include a phone, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and coffee pot. And if you're visiting during the Summer months, take advantage of our outdoor pool.
4 nights
Little Rock
Located next to the Arkansas River, close to the Statehouse Convention Center, River Market District, and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.
2 nights
Bentonville
Located near downtown Bentonville, you'll be near popular attractions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas and the War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair.
1 night
Mountain View
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, these cabins feature modern comforts with homey décor and glass doors that open to small porches with scenic views. All cabins include a phone, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and coffee pot. And if you're visiting during the Summer months, take advantage of our outdoor pool.
4 nights
Little Rock
Located next to the Arkansas River, close to the Statehouse Convention Center, River Market District, and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.
2 nights
Bentonville
Located near downtown Bentonville, you'll be near popular attractions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas and the War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair.
1 night
Mountain View
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, these cabins feature modern comforts with homey décor and glass doors that open to small porches with scenic views. All cabins include a phone, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and coffee pot. And if you're visiting during the Summer months, take advantage of our outdoor pool.
4 nights
Little Rock
Located next to the Arkansas River, close to the Statehouse Convention Center, River Market District, and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.
2 nights
Bentonville
Located near downtown Bentonville, you'll be near popular attractions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas and the War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair.
1 night
Mountain View
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, these cabins feature modern comforts with homey décor and glass doors that open to small porches with scenic views. All cabins include a phone, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and coffee pot. And if you're visiting during the Summer months, take advantage of our outdoor pool.
4 nights
Little Rock
Located next to the Arkansas River, close to the Statehouse Convention Center, River Market District, and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.
2 nights
Bentonville
Located near downtown Bentonville, you'll be near popular attractions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas and the War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair.
1 night
Mountain View
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, these cabins feature modern comforts with homey décor and glass doors that open to small porches with scenic views. All cabins include a phone, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and coffee pot. And if you're visiting during the Summer months, take advantage of our outdoor pool.
4 nights
Little Rock
Located next to the Arkansas River, close to the Statehouse Convention Center, River Market District, and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.
2 nights
Bentonville
Located near downtown Bentonville, you'll be near popular attractions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas and the War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair.
1 night
Mountain View
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, these cabins feature modern comforts with homey décor and glass doors that open to small porches with scenic views. All cabins include a phone, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and coffee pot. And if you're visiting during the Summer months, take advantage of our outdoor pool.
4 nights
Little Rock
Located next to the Arkansas River, close to the Statehouse Convention Center, River Market District, and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.
2 nights
Bentonville
Located near downtown Bentonville, you'll be near popular attractions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas and the War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair.
1 night
Mountain View
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, these cabins feature modern comforts with homey décor and glass doors that open to small porches with scenic views. All cabins include a phone, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and coffee pot. And if you're visiting during the Summer months, take advantage of our outdoor pool.





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