Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
When I was a kid, horseshoes was the “it” game. We had a horseshoe pit in our backyard, and there was one behind our church. It was a favorite anytime people gathered. The only real downside was that horseshoes weren’t exactly easy to haul around. Then along came cornhole. It gained real traction in the early 2000s and 2010s, but it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that it truly exploded.
Cornhole’s exact origins are somewhat unclear, but most agree that it evolved from traditional European lawn games that involved tossing small bags of grain. It found its modern form in the Midwest, especially Ohio and Kentucky, where it became a backyard staple at cookouts and tailgates. Over time, official rules were standardized, boards became regulation size and competitive leagues formed, turning this once-humble pastime into one of America’s favorite games.
What makes cornhole so popular is its simplicity and portability. You don’t need much more than a set of boards and a few beanbags, and suddenly you’ve got hours of fun for everyone. It’s a game that works just as well in the backyard as it does at a campground, park, or even outside your favorite bar. Men, women, and kids can all jump in, and you can play casually with friends or more seriously through leagues and tournaments. In fact, I’ve pulled together a list of Arkansas’s top cornhole venues and leagues to help you discover where to toss a few bags around the state.
Cornhole Leagues, Clubs and Regular Play
Half the fun of playing cornhole is the community that comes with it. Leagues and clubs aren’t just about tossing bags — they’re about meeting new people, enjoying a little friendly competition and finding a group that loves the game as much as you do. Regular play through organized leagues is one of the best ways to improve your skills and make new friends.
- C4 Cornhole – Berryville
- Central Arkansas Baggers – Benton
- Natural State Baggers – Benton
- 501 Cornhole – Cabot
- Arkansas River Valley Cornhole (ARV) – Dardanelle
- Jacksonville Parks & Rec – Jacksonville
- Mountain Home Cornhole – Mountain Home
- 870 Cornhole Nation – Paragould
- Greasy Valley Cornhole – Paris
- BigBo Cornhole – Rogers
- Hill City Baggers – Springdale
- Airmail Nation – Wynne
Cornhole Equipment
Cornhole is played using a regulation 24-inch-wide by 48-inch-long board with a six-inch diameter hole and bean bags. The boards and bags can be customized, giving teams and players the chance to express their interests. These Arkansas companies make boards and bags:
BD Boards – Conway
White Barn Projects – Fayetteville
Hoskinds Hardwoods – Marshall
JET Cornhole – Northwest, AR
BAGGO® Boards
You may be wondering what the difference is between BAGGO® and Cornhole. It’s kind of like the difference between Kleenex and tissues. BAGGO® is a specific brand of boards for playing a game with the same rules as cornhole. Many people refer to cornhole as “bags” or “BAGGO®”. But did you know that the Baggo® Brand is made right here in Arkansas? Baggo, Inc. is a small family-operated business based in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They have been making BAGGO® boards since 1990. BAGGO® is the only bean bag game with a patented design and a lifetime warranty. BAGGO® is “The Best Backyard Game Ever!”
Learn more about BAGGO® Boards.
Upcoming Tournaments
“Toss It Like It’s Hot” Cornhole Tournament – Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Cabot, AR (Cabot Railyard Pavilion). A community fundraiser hosted by Clear Creek Cornhole and the Cabot Police Department to benefit Special Olympics Arkansas.
CabotFest Cornhole Competition – Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Cabot, AR. Part of the annual CabotFest fall festival, this cornhole tournament is open to all skill levels.
Arkansas Senior Olympics – Cornhole Competition – Friday, Oct. 10, 202,5, in Springdale, AR (Springdale Youth Rec Center). This is the official cornhole event of the Arkansas Senior Olympics. Participants must meet senior age requirements (40 years and up, grouped by age brackets) and register through the Senior Olympics program.
Old Fashioned Day Cornhole Tournament – Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Benton, AR (Downtown – Saline Co. Courthouse square). The 51st Annual Old Fashioned Day festival in Benton will include a cornhole tournament. This is a community tournament open to anyone attending the festival. No advanced registration required.
King Biscuit Blues Festival Cornhole Tournament – Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Helena, AR (Phillips Street in downtown Helena). Held during the famous King Biscuit Blues Festival, this cornhole tourney is open to all festival-goers. Registration will take place on-site.
Arkansas Cornhole Association State Tournament – Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11 and 12, 2025, in Hot Springs, AR (134 Convention Blvd). The State Tournament is the follow-up to several regional tournaments hosted throughout the year. Registrants must be paid members of ARC.
Mountain Home Cornhole Sundays (VFW Post 3246) – Every Sunday, 2:00–5:00 PM in Mountain Home, AR. The Mountain Home Cornhole Association and VFW Post 3246 host weekly cornhole tournaments on Sunday afternoons. There is a $20 fee for these open-play tournaments. Players will play six games in a round-robin or pool play format.
American Cornhole Organization Fort Smith Major – Friday–Saturday, Dec. 19–20, 2025 in Fort Smith, AR (Fort Smith Convention Center). Players from Arkansas and surrounding states will compete in various divisions at this American Cornhole Organization tournament. Winners will earn points toward ACO world rankings. Registration is open to the public.
Many local organizations and festivals host cornhole tournaments throughout the year. Check your local community calendar for more information.
Cornhole Golf®
Cornhole Golf® is a new, up-and-coming sport. It combines tossing a beanbag into a cornhole with a mini-golf style format. Considered the “ultimate skill toss game,” the first Cornhole Golf® course just opened at Beaverfork Lake RV Resort in Conway. The game plays like cornhole and scores like golf, so the objective is to finish the course with the fewest number of bag tosses. The course is open to the public and is perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Hours and Pricing
Wednesday – Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Ages 13 and up: $15
Ages 5 – 12 years: $10
Ages 4 and under are free.
Military | First Responders | Teachers | College Students: $12
Group Discount of 12+: $2 off (Please call ahead)
Visit them online or call 501-205-5610 for more details.
As you can see, cornhole is pretty popular across the natural state! If you love cornhole, you may also want to check out:
9 Great Mini Golf Courses in Arkansas
Pickleball: Taking Over Arkansas One Paddle at a Time
Where to Play Disc Golf in Arkansas
We do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
Like this story? Read more from Julie Kohl
Arkansas is full of hidden treasures, but few are as tasty as the...
This fall, I began my 18th year of teaching art. I love watching kids...
September in Arkansas still feels like summer, with hot afternoons and...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment