Arkansas State Parks Trip Ideas

On each tour at Historic Washington State Park, if people look down, they will sometimes notice an artifact, such as broken pottery, gracing the ground where a burrowing rodent has shifted it to the top of the surface. This artifact was hidden throughout the years and was biding its time, waiting for discovery. Like this pottery, the 1850s landscape we interpret lies at...

black and white plot graph of Historic Washington State Park

The Natural State’s Archeological State Parks

Mar 2023

Arkansas state parks are home to American Indian mounds, steamboat welcoming towns, and Civilian Conservation Corps campgrounds. All of them offer a unique perspective into the history of The Natural State and make for thought-provoking road trips. Crank up your tunes, put on your sunglasses, and wind your way through roads lined with oak trees growing alongside Arkansas’s...

Clay face pot at Parkin Archeological State Park exhibit

Waterfalls of Arkansas State Parks

Feb 2023

Hiking to waterfalls is a great way to get out into nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. It can be a calming and peaceful experience, or an adrenaline-filled adventure depending on how you approach it. You can get some great exercise and fresh air, and you may even spot some wildlife along the way. The sound of a rushing waterfall is also incredibly soothing, and...

Children playing at the Lake Catherine waterfall on the Falls Branch Trail

“A Walk In The Park” The Jett and Simms Well

Nov 2022

The Jet and Simms Well sits on the Jet and Simms General Merchandise Store site next to the park's Print Museum.

The Hardy Orange at Historic Washington State Park

Oct 2022

A few of the trees around Washington seem to get all of the attention. Before tours, staff highlight the iconic trees, such as the Moon Tree, Grand Champion Magnolia and Mail Carrier Smith tree so people know their location and where to find them. However, if one were not to say anything, it would be a good bet that they would bypass all but the Grand Champion Magnolia...

Hardy orange tree at Historic Washington State Park

Exploring Central & North Central Arkansas

Oct 2022

If you’re reading this, we bet you’re an outdoors lover. Someone who’s craving a little adventure. We’re right, aren’t we? Come play with us in Central and North Central Arkansas. Here, we’ve got water sports, mountain biking, hiking trails and historic sites to boot. Follow this guide to find your next big adventure.

40-acre Lake Bennett surrounded by trees and greenery with a covered dock at Woolly Hollow State Park

More to the Story: Sanders Kitchen

Sep 2022

The Sanders Kitchen, located on lot 1 of Block 32, is a part of the "urban farmstead" of the Sanders House at Historic Washington State Park. Other people may know it as the Sanders-Garland house. This name reflected the marriage of the Sanders' daughter, Sara, to Augustus Garland. This structure is a 1995 reconstruction based on archeological and photographic evidence of...

Front room of Sanders kitchen at Historic Washington State Park. There is a table and coal fireplace.

The Natural Beauty of the Upper Delta

Jul 2022

Calling all nature lovers! Discover the unrivaled beauty of Arkansas’ Upper Delta Region by exploring the area’s state parks. Check out these parks to help you start planning your next big adventure. From wildlife viewing and lake trips to birding and fishing, all kinds of outdoor fun await you in this region.

Best parks for a family getaway

Jun 2022

Arkansas State Parks are perfect for your family getaway. With activities for everyone and every age, you’ll have plenty to do at any one of our state parks. Check out our list for some ideas on parks you should visit.

Family canoeing at Cane Creek and touching the lilly pads

Intimacy of candlelight

Apr 2022