Arkansas State Parks Trip Ideas

Melissa Ray

In this video, meet Park Interpreter Melissa Ray from Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park and learn how to recreate the rhythmic sound of American Indian rattles. They are simple to make but deep in meaning.

Music-makers such as gords and turtle shell rattles at Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

Video: Just Roll with It!

David Armstrong

Along the DeGray Lake Resort State Park's trails and throughout the forest floors, the humble humpback dung beetle (Deltochilum gibbosum) faithfully carries out its repetitive, rather repugnant, responsibilities without reservation. Few species in the park’s elaborate food chain can rival the curious, hard-working star of this short video and the unique “role” it plays.

Dung beetle rolling a ball of dung at DeGray Lake Resort State Park

More Than 80 Carats of Diamonds Discovered in Arkansas During Record-Breaking Year

Waymon Cox

Greetings from Crater of Diamonds State Park! 2020 was a great year for diamond finds at the Crater. Despite the many changes brought on by COVID-19, more than 129,000 people visited the park in search of diamonds. Following is a recap of diamond finds for 2020, including some of the most memorable discoveries.

9.07-carat brown diamond found at Crater of Diamonds State Park

Photo Essay: Stories in Stones

Heather Runyan

Village Creek State Park is located in east Arkansas on Crowley’s Ridge. This park exists to help protect the unique natural, cultural, and historical resources of the ridge, including things like fossils. The fossils found at Village Creek State Park tell the story of this unique land. In this photo essay, we will take a closer look.

A creek with a gravel bar in the middle and trees to either side

Video: Double Rainbow After the Storm

Jenn Menge

Though it is a human-built lake by the Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Ouachita in southwest Arkansas is filled with plenty of natural beauty. Lake Ouachita State Park exists, in part, to provide access to this lake and all its resources. With its clear, open water and mountainous surroundings, Lake Ouachita is the perfect place to watch a storm roll in or enjoy a red-orange...

Double rainbow at Lake Ouachita State Park

Photo Essay: Flowing Through the Springs of Mount Nebo

Jackie Rupp

Mount Nebo State Park’s springs are a tangible piece of Arkansas’s heritage that transports viewers to the park’s past. Today, I encourage you to discover and rediscover some of the springs that help make Mount Nebo State Park so unique.

Video: Fun with a Fox

Kayla Gomance

This video features a curious red fox kit exploring the perimeter of its home at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.

red fox kit exploring the perimeter of its home in the park, a fox den

Make Do & Mend

Bonnie Marberry

With no way to bring in fabric from the trade centers on the Mississippi River, the housewives of Jacksonport had to be creative in their efforts not only to keep up with fashions but to keep their families clothed at all. Even amid crisis, the women of Civil War-era Jacksonport wanted to look their best, just like people today.

Dress material with thread and sewing scissors

Video: Dawn Chorus at Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area

Chris Pistole

As you listen to this dawn chorus recorded at Hobbs State Park in the lush forest along Little Clifty Creek, see if you can pick out the bird songs listed below. Be sure to turn the volume up so you can easily hear them. To help you, we have indicated the time in the video when you can hear each bird sing, (scroll down in the text below) along with links to further reading...

Standout Butterflies at Logoly State Park