Arkansas is a beautiful state with many natural treasures. One of the most popular attractions in Arkansas is its national parks.
More and more people are looking to travel outside their country. These amazing places have become some of the top destinations in America.
In this post, we will take a look at 8 of the best National Parks in Arkansas you can visit today.
1. Arkansas Post National Memorial
The Arkansas Post National Memorial is a place where we remember the 1838 Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. In this treaty, all Cherokees in east-central and northeast Arkansas had to go to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).
People at the museum can see how life was like for Native Americans in the 19th century. They can also see the furniture that is from this time.
Arkansas Post is a town that was once important in history. It’s been there since 1850 and it has been the home of many European settlers who first came there because of its location on the lower Mississippi River Valley.
The American Lotus is a plant that likes lily pads. It is in the National Park and has many beautiful plants. If you want to be a Junior Ranger, you can learn about these things.
2. Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River flows from west to east in north-central Arkansas.
The 145-mile long waterway starts near Boxley. It winds through the Ozark Mountains and past Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. When it is done, the waterway ends at Blytheville. Along the way there are over 50 rapids, many birds, beavers, and other animals.
Located in New York, the Buffalo River is a unique and historic river that is best enjoyed by tubing or canoeing.
If you’ve been water sporting all day, choose between primitive camping or RV hookups. Buffalo National River is an international dark sky park governed by strict guidelines. Enjoy the night sky and the trails surrounding this river while watching your dog (if allowed).
3. Fort Smith National Historic Site
The Fort Smith National Historic Site is a monument to the expansion of America and its citizens.
In 1817, General Thomas Jefferson Rusk set up a military post. It was here that he grew to be the commander of the Western Division of Louisiana Territory. This is why this outpost became important. It was on both rivers and boats could get from it to the West which had many riches.
History abounds at Fort Smith National Historic Site. You can view the gallows as you wander through the park after you have seen the inside.
The National Historic Site in Fort Smith has a rich history and a beautiful landscape. The portion of the site that is located in Arkansas, as well as Oklahoma, offers plenty to see for anyone interested in American History.
4. Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is a national park in Arkansas that preserves the historic hot springs.
This is the largest natural spa in the world. It has waterfalls and rivers where people can swim. There are lots of trails to explore and fish in the lakes. People can also go there for peace and quiet if they want.
Hot Springs offers a variety of experiences, from hiking in the Ouachita Mountains to cultural sightseeing. With thermal baths and beautiful scenery, Hot Springs is an all-around amazing place for adventure!
5. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
If you’re visiting Little Rock, Arkansas, then a visit to the Central High School National Historic Site is a must.
This site offers people the chance to see what it was like for high school students during segregation in America.
In 1957, nine black students tried to go to a school. The protesters told them they couldn’t go. Soldiers had to help the students get in the school. After this, people could buy tickets and visit the school on Mondays and Fridays for a tour of what happened during that time period.
6. Pea Ridge National Military Park
Pea Ridge National Military Park is a national military park that commemorates the Battle of Pea Ridge.
A battlefield was preserved. People can visit to learn about its history it. They have recreated and restored many things to show what happened on that day. It is a good battlefield for people who want to learn about history.
Pea Ridge National Military Park is in Northwest Arkansas. Explore the museum or take a driving tour around the battlefields. Walk on the trails to see what life was like during wartime for soldiers! Don’t wait too long before getting tickets to this national treasure.
7. President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site
A place where President Clinton was born is a house where people can see him being born. There is a statue of him. The site includes information about his life and he did good things when he was president.
Bill Clinton was a president and he was born in a small town called Hot Springs. You can go to his first house on 117 South Hervey Street. Or you can enjoy Hope’s Watermelon Festival when the watermelons are ripe for picking!
8. Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
The Trail of Tears was established in 1988 as a unit of the National Park Service. It is one of only 20 nationwide that commemorate and interpret an event or person’s story from American history.
In the trial, there are three groups of people. Some people want to do it all-end-to-end and others want to do a section of it or just a day hike.
I wanted to learn more about Arkansas. I didn’t know what that was. The website National Historic Trails said it would tell me everything. It’s a 5,000-mile trail used by Cherokee people who were being driven from their homes and relocated westward at gunpoint during Indian Removal.
There are 20 different sites along the Trail of Tears. These places tell stories about these terrible times in U.S history.
I hope you enjoy this blog post and find some inspiration to visit the national parks in Arkansas. If you need any help planning your trip, we can provide a complete itinerary for all of these fantastic locations that will have you visiting one beautiful park after another!
