Arkansas is a landlocked state with a diverse landscape.
It is said to be generally split into two distinct parts – the lowlands or deltas in the south and the highland in the north.
If you drive the northwest and northcentral regions, you can explore the Ozarks – home to unique scenery that includes lakes and caverns.
In the southwest portion of Arkansas are natural hot springs (in Hot Springs National Park) and the Ouachita Mountains – with places to dig for diamonds or catch fish on the many fishing lakes.
Arkansas’s Upper Delta & Lower Delta regions run alongside the Mississippi River – are rich with history and fascinating cultural locations.
While Arkansas, in terms of its size, is the 29th largest state, its 2020 census population of about 3 million makes it only the 34th most populous state in the nation.
Arkansas’s state mammal is the white-tailed deer, the state bird is the mockingbird, and Arkansas’ state insect is the western honeybee.
In addition to the native animals that live in the wild in Arkansas, the state offers various zoos (refuges, wildlife education facilities) and aquariums in several locations across The Nature State.
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The 10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Arkansas
If you live or are planning a trip to The Natural State, there are several zoos and aquariums across the state from which to choose.
Arkansas Zoos
Although there are multiple zoos throughout Arkansas, the only public zoo is the Little Rock Zoo, in the state’s capital.
Little Rock Zoo
- Address – 1 Zoo Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205
The Little Rock Zoo is an awarding winning zoo that has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
This fantastic zoo, which was founded in the mid-1920s, offers a variety of education, hands-on, awe-inspiring, and outreach programs for children of all ages.
The Little Rock Zoo even offers Zoofari day camps, educator resources for field trips, and internship programs for those with an interest.
The zoo is home to alpacas, reptiles, birds, big cats, elephants, bears, lemurs, insects, wolves, monkeys, penguins, and zebras, to name a few.
Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
- Address – 847 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is located in Hot Springs and is among the best zoos in Arkansas and one that even accepts a group of 20 or more with a scheduled visit.
This zoo is among the oldest of Hot Springs, AR’s attractions and has had several owners since its inception in 1902.
The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is home to peacocks, turkeys, wild ducks, four types of primates, wolves, and mountain lions indigenous to Arkansas, among others.
Its petting and feeding zoo includes emus, sheep, and pygmy goats.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
- Address – 239 Turpentine Creek Ln, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge was established over three decades ago and rescued more than 500 animals.
This refuge/zoo in Eureka Springs, AR, offers public education that includes interpretive learning through onsite programs.
The staff from Turpentine Creek also provides educational outreach programs to classrooms in the region.
The animals who call Turpentine Creek home include lions, bobcats, bears, tigers, cougars, servals, lions, and hybrids.
To support Turpentine Creek, check out the unique items for sale.
Cockrills Country Critters Petting Zoo
- Address – 2703 Ed Haymes Rd, Austin, AR 72007
Cockrills Country Critters Petting Zoo is located in Austin, which is part of the Little Rock – Conway statistical area.
This petting zoo, which was established in 2006, offers an up close and personal view of the zoo’s farm animals – miniature horses, sheep, chickens, rabbits, llamas, pigs, alpacas, ducks, and more.
And reptile lovers can choose the specialty package that includes iguanas, tegu, snakes, lizards, and more.
Additionally, The Cockrills Country Critters Petting Zoo is portable and can be set up in only minutes at other locations.
Check out the exotic zoo package that includes camels, lemurs, kangaroos, etc.
Barnyard Friends & Stables
- Address – 110 Jones Ln, Morrilton, AR 72110
Barnyard Friends & Stables offers a unique experience for animal lovers living or visiting Arkansas.
Located in Morrilton (north-central Arkansas) on top of Petit Jean State Park, this stable/zoo offers pony and hay rides, animal feeding exhibits, and a petting zoo.
In addition, the Barnyard Friends and Stable offer horseback riding and has 30 and 50-minute trails to traverse.
The facility is also used for field trips, day camps, and family fun.
Bill and Alice Nix Petting Zoo
- Address – The Jonesboro Campus of Arkansas State University, AR 72401
The Bill and Alice Nix Petting Zoo began in 2006 as a once-per-year event hosted by Arkansas State University’s Agricultural culture in Jonesboro, AR.
In addition to weekday hayrides and horseback rides, those visiting can visit with all kinds of animals.
These include goats, chickens, pigs, llamas, deer, horses, turkeys, dogs, and cats, plus the opportunity to bottle-feed calves and baby chicks in the zoo’s petting areas.
Note that this zoo is open twice a year – for several days in the spring and a few days in the fall.
Farmland Adventures
- Address – 5355 Parsons Rd, Springdale, AR
Farmland Adventures offers outdoor fun for kids of all ages.
Their nine-acre park includes farm animals, pony rides, and a corn maze.
In season, kids can pick their own pumpkins from Farmland Adventure’s pumpkin patch.
This outdoor adventure zone in Northwest Arkansas also offers kid’s play and tire areas, a human foosball court, spider and roping areas, plus pedal carts and hay wagon rides, to name a few.
Farmland Adventures also offers groups nighttime campfires if reserved in advance.
Arkansas Aquariums
Arkansas, which is also known by its nickname – The Natural State, is a land-locked state home to a wide range of wildlife.
You can visit one of the state’s zoos and aquariums to see these animals up close.
The best of Arkansas’s aquariums are located in Little Rock and Hot Springs – and are worthy of a day trip with a group of friends or family.
From sharks to exotic fish, Arkansas’ aquariums offer a glimpse into rarely-seen aquatic life.
National Park Aquarium
- Address – 209 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901
The National Park Aquarium in Hot Springs offers its visitors a collection of amphibians, fish, and reptiles that are from most continents across the globe – a look into the unique world of aquatic art.
The National Park Aquarium often hosts many exhibits during the year, with Slowpoke the tortoise stealing the show.
The aquarium is located in downtown Hot Springs and is family, group, and military-friendly.
The National Park Aquarium’s website offers online guides regarding many related issues.
The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center
- Address – 602 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201
The only aquarium in the state capital of Little Rock is within the Central Arkansas Nature Center.
This nature center first opened in 2008.
The Witt Stephens Jr Central Arkansas Nature is one of four state centers that were founded by the AGFC – the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
This little gem of an aquarium in the city includes incredibly authentic exhibits/settings and aquariums of fish that are native to Arkansas.
The mission of the center is to introduce and educate the public regarding the importance of conservation across the state.
The park-like center offers outside bird feeding stations.
Blue Zoo
- Address – 2203 S Promenade Blvd Suite 4124, Rogers, AR 72758
The Blue Zoo is another addition to an already established unique aquarium chain that has opened across several states.
This aquarium, which is labeled more than an aquarium and more than a zoo, offers fun and educational field trip options – with interactive exhibits and hands-on learning programs.
The animals who call Blue Zoo include sharks, stingrays, octopuses, birds, reptiles, and more.
Blue Zoo also offers an educational presentation on reptiles, a dive show that provides for sharks and stingrays, and animal feedings with the zoo’s experts.
10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Arkansas – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Little Rock Zoo | 1 Zoo Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205 |
| Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo | 847 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 |
| Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge | 239 Turpentine Creek Ln, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 |
| Cockrills Country Critters Petting Zoo | 2703 Ed Haymes Rd, Austin, AR 72007 |
| Barnyard Friends & Stables | 110 Jones Ln, Morrilton, AR 72110 |
| Bill and Alice Nix Petting Zoo | The Jonesboro Campus of Arkansas State University, AR 72401 |
| Farmland Adventures | 5355 Parsons Rd, Springdale, AR |
| National Park Aquarium | 209 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901 |
| The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center | 602 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201 |
| Blue Zoo | 2203 S Promenade Blvd Suite 4124, Rogers, AR 72758 |
Arkansas Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Arkansas Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hatcheries to visit in Arkansas?
There are six fish hatcheries in the state, but only one is a cold-water fish hatchery – the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Hatchery in Mammoth Spring.
The warm water hatcheries include –
- Andrew Hulsey State Hatchery – Hot Springs
- C.B. Craig State Hatchery – Centerton
- Jim Collins Net Pen Hatchery – Ida
- Joe Hogan State Hatchery – Lonoke
- Wm. H. Donham State Hatchery – Corning
What is the largest zoo in Arkansas?
The Little Rock Zoo is home to hundreds of animals that represent more than 200 species.
The zoo’s residents live on 33 acres, which makes it the largest zoo in the state and the only state-run zoo.
Where can you see nature and animals in the wild in Arkansas?
Throughout Arkansas’s six defined regions, there are more than 50 state-operated animal habitats and parks.
These state parks are administered by the Arkansas State Park Agency.
Among the options are these state parks that offer youth conservation programs for those who visit who are between the ages of 6 and 14.
- Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
- Mount Magazine State Park
- Mount Nebo State Park
- Petit Jean State Park
- Cossaltot River State Park
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Lake Charles State Park
- Lake Frierson State Park
- Louisiana State Park
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park, to name a few.
Arkansas has unique regions to explore, including the Ozarks and Hot Springs National Park. The state also has several zoos and aquariums that offer educational programs and opportunities to see native animals up close.