Arkansas State Parks Trip Ideas

Billy Nations

All the shotguns you see here evolved from the less reliable and less effective guns of an earlier period to the reliably accurate and artistic designs of modern firearms. All it took was a little-known gunsmith with some knowledge and patience to change the shotgun forever. You can see several shotguns at the B.W. Weapons Museum at Historic Washington State Park in...

North Wall of the B.W. Weapons Museum at Historic Washington State Park with shotguns

Visiting the Crater during the Spring

Tayler Markham

It’s hard to believe that spring break is just around the corner, after the icy weather the park has received in recent weeks. Looking forward to warmer weather, families from all over the country are planning spring break trips in the coming days, and several will choose to spend time at the world-famous Crater of Diamonds State Park. For those who plan to visit the park...

The Ozark Diamond Mine at Crater of Diamonds State Park.

You Couldn’t Make This Story Up!

Billy Nations

Black History Month is upon us, we think it appropriate to remind our would-be visitors to Historic Washington State Park of the program opportunities that lay in store for them as related to the African-American component of the Washington story.

Distant view of courthouse at Historic Washington State Park

Waterfalls of Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas State Parks Staff

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 year of celebration and diamond discoveries

Sarah Reap

Last year was a special one for the Crater. Not only did the park celebrate its 50th anniversary, but more diamonds were registered in 2022 than the previous two years combined! Following is a recap of diamond finds and other significant events during 2022.

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