Looking forward to Fall 2026 New Student Orientation and can't wait to see what is in store? Check out the Orientation experiences and activities we have scheduled for all new incoming students!
The Orientation Team will be offering an ON-CAMPUS or OFF-CAMPUS Orientation experience for incoming students. Regardless of your preference, all Orientation groups will get to experience community building experiences along with a Saturday filled with fun. Orientation trips will take place Friday, August 21 - Sunday, August 23.
Students will have the opportunity to choose type of experience (ON CAMPUS or OFF CAMPUS)
Students will choose their top two rankings of trip categories (water, outdoor, or indoor). These selections will be determined by their first choice of either off-campus or on-campus.
If students select the OFF CAMPUS experience, they will select from the following options:
Water
Corresponding trip activities:
- Kayaking at Riverview Cabins -- Looking to cool off this August? We have you covered with our excursions to Oden, Arkansas! Choose one of our three trips to spend some time on the Ouachita River canoeing, kayaking, or splashing around. NOTE: This trip will require extensive time outdoors in the Arkansas sun.
Outdoor
Corresponding trip activities:
- Hiking at Mount Sequoyah – Let’s get outdoors! With lodging located at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville, AR, two trips will explore the Natural State through hiking trails in the beautiful Devil’s Den State Park! NOTE: This trip will require extensive time outdoors in the Arkansas sun.
- Hiking at Ferncliff -- Let’s get outdoors! With lodging located at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, AR, this trip will explore the Natural State through hiking trails in the beautiful Pinnacle Mountain State Park! NOTE: This trip will require extensive time outdoors in the Arkansas sun.
Indoor
Corresponding trip activities:
- City Adventure at Mount Sequoyah – Let's hit the town! Looking to explore more about local culture? This trip will explore the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art with lodging located at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville, AR!
- City Adventure at Ferncliff – Let's hit the town! Looking to explore more about local culture? Two trips will explore the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts with lodging located at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, AR!
If students select the ON CAMPUS experience, they will select from the following options:
Water
Corresponding activities:
- Conway Water Park – Our most popular on-campus trip selection is BACK for another year! Spend a few hours cooling off at the outdoor aquatics center on one of two trips to the local Conway Community Center! NOTE: This trip will require extensive time outdoors in the Arkansas sun.
- Magic Springs Arkansas – Spend the day at Magic Springs Amusement and Water Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas! Full of roller coasters, water slides, and swimming pools, there is something for every thrill-seeker here! NOTE: This trip will require extensive time outdoors in the Arkansas sun.
Outdoor
Corresponding activities:
- Crater of Diamonds State Park – Have you ever noticed the diamond on the Arkansas license plate and wanted to search for your own? With a day trip to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, you can dig for diamonds and hike through one of several scenic trails! NOTE: This trip will require extensive time outdoors in the Arkansas sun.
- Hiking at Petit Jean -- Let’s get outdoors! Enjoy a day trip hiking Petit Jean State Park, located just 40 minutes from Hendrix campus! NOTE: This trip will require extensive time outdoors in the Arkansas sun.
- Arkansas Travelers Baseball Game -- Support your local minor league baseball team at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock! This day trip gets you one free ticket to watch the Travs take on the Springfield Cardinals at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 22nd.
Indoor
Corresponding activities:
- Hendrix Art Tour – Do you have a passion for art? Spend Saturday morning getting a complete tour of the Hendrix Art Building with the opportunity to try out various art projects! Led by Hendrix Art faculty members and Orientation leaders, try your hand at activities including ceramics, screen printing, and painting!
- Skating at Arkansas Skatium -- Have an interest in roller skating, ice skating, or BOTH? The Arkansas Skatium in Little Rock has you covered! Enjoy free admission to both a roller rink and an ice rink all in one to stay cool for the afternoon!
- Gaming at Vortex Arcade -- Enjoy free play on dozens of retro arcade games at the new Vortex Arcade! Located in Sherwood, AR, this indoor location has games, retro decor, and televisions to provide fun all afternoon!
- Climb Conway – Enjoy 4,000 square feet of bouldering walls at the indoor climbing gym, Climb Conway! Access to climbing shoes, chalk, and indoor climbing walls is included in this fun, beginner-friendly indoor activity!