Arkansas State Parks Trip Ideas

Waymon Cox

Noreen Wredberg of Granite Bay, Calif., found the 4.38-carat yellow diamond sitting on top of the ground within an hour of searching. It’s the largest diamond found so far this year at Crater of Diamonds State Park.

Noreen Wredberg's yellow diamond sitting next to a marble for scale

Find Mesmerizing Mimetoliths at Crater of Diamonds

Waymon Cox

Greetings from Crater of Diamonds State Park! Have you ever looked at clouds and imagined dogs, elephants, or dragons? Have you noticed faces or creatures in the knots and holes of a tree trunk? If so, you have experienced pareidolia, the ability to see meaningful shapes or patterns in everyday objects. Most of us experience pareidolia at some level. Certain rocks and...

Crater of Diamonds State Park mimetolith

Pollinator Party

Sasha Bowles

Arkansas State Parks are committed to protecting our natural resources within the parks, including the native plants and their pollinators. That is why we are partners with the Arkansas Monarch and Pollinator Partnership. Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville has many “garden” areas throughout the park that are planted and maintained to benefit pollinators...

Two bumble bees with pollen sacks full of bright orange pollen fly in to collect nectar and pollen from the deep purple blooms of a lead plant.

Get Back to Nature This Fall

Arkansas State Parks Staff

As bright mornings give way to chillier weather and the leaves start to turn to auburn, garnet and gold, you’ll feel the pull to get outside. Whether you want to spend an entire weekend living around nature’s beauty or want to feel the thrill of speed as you race down a Monument Trail, Arkansas State Parks has something for everyone this autumn.

Fall camping at White Oak Lake State Park

Fall Getaways

Arkansas State Parks Staff

Hop on a scenic road, kick up some golden leaves and make your way to a fresh-out-of-your-favorite-fall-movie getaway. Arkansas State Parks has something for everyone — are you more of a cabin or lodge person? — so book your stay now because fall is in season.

What Do Wildflowers Mean to YOU?

Chris Pistole

In this photo essay are images of wildflowers that grow here—where their habitat is protected—and that you might see along our many miles of trails. We hope that the quotes from famous writers and artists accompanying these photos inspire you to appreciate the diversity of life found at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.

Close up of two yellow and one purple blooms, surrounded by green foliage

Lake Dardanelle: One River Many Voices

Sasha Bowles

What is now the body of water called Lake Dardanelle was once simply the Arkansas River, a life source to plants and wildlife, as well as the Native Americans and settlers who migrated here. One river many voices.

Framed print of The Arkansas Traveler with man on horse greeting eight people at a cabin

Go Planet, It's Your Earth Day!

Elizabeth Kimble

Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Northeast Arkansas is rich in natural, cultural, and historic resources. We tell the stories of the unique formation of Crowley’s Ridge, our historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures from the 1930s, and of natural beauty found here. Protecting these resources is part of our mission. We strive to honor this mission by celebrating Earth...

park interpreter holding earth ball with a party streamer

The Borden House: Restoring a Battlefield Icon

Arkansas State Parks Staff

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park's structures and landscapes prove history happened here and reveal stories of our heritage. No structure is more iconic at Prairie Grove Battlefield than the historic Borden House, the only structure original to the battlefield.

Borden House at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in 1942

Video: Stream at Lake Fort Smith State Park