Celebrate a Century

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Davies Bridge Petit Jean State Park

 

Celebrate a century with Arkansas State Parks! We are celebrating with special programming, events and activities throughout the year. 

The State Parks of Arkansas had their genesis in 1907 when officials from a lumber company were so impressed with the mountain’s beauty that they suggested it join the National Park System. National Parks Director Stephen Mather agreed the property was striking and challenged Dr. T. W. Hardison to establish a state park system—an idea Hardison enthusiastically embraced. With land donations and Legislative support, Act 276 of 1923 was passed and Arkansas State Parks was born.

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A History Timeline of

Petit Jean State Park

Early Hand Carved Signage at Petit Jean State Park

Video: Rain Sounds at the

CCC Boardwalk

CCC Boardwalk

Crowley’s Ridge State Park:

A High-Tech Marvel Built by the CCC

Crowley’s Ridge State Park: A High-Tech Marvel Built by the CCC

Celebrate the outdoors at

Arkansas State Parks

Mount Magazine State Park

Arkansas State Parks

History Timeline

Hardison overlooking vista

Special celebrations for a

Special anniversary

Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville showcases the beauty of The Natural State.

Arkansas State Parks offer

One-of-a-kind experiences

Father and son using a sifter to find diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park

Experience

CCC history

Civilian Conservation Corps men building the Mather Lodge dining room at Petit Jean State Park.

Celebrating Arkansas State Parks

Centennial

Displays at Petit Jean State Park Visitors Center

Share your favorite Arkansas State Park memories

Check out photos and videos submitted by our incredible state park visitors. Make sure you click the "Share your memories" photo below in the gallery and upload your photos and videos. There is a place for you to tell us about your favorite state parks and memories. We look forward to hearing from you! And use #ARStateParks100 on your social posts to help us celebrate a century.