As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. The river is always changing; it hasn’t always looked the way it…

Join a park interpreter and enjoy the beautiful view of Blue Mountain and Blue Mountain Lake, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources…

The power of the Arkansas River lights up your world and life in the river valley every day. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the Arkansas River…

Reaching the highpoint provides more than just bragging rights- it provides a sense of home and habitat! Join a park interpreter for a hike to the highest point in Arkansas. Seasonally appropriate…

Sometimes the best birding comes from pulling over on the side of the road in an area of prime habitat. Join a park interpreter for a carpool road trip down Shepherd Springs Road to bird from the…

Clouds are part of our atmosphere and have a big impact, whether for good or bad, on us and our environment. Discover more about these “puffballs” in the sky and other weather-related phenomena from a…

Lake Fort Smith State Park is home to many kinds of birds from vultures to warblers. Meet a park interpreter to go on a birding stroll to look for the many birds in the park. Binoculars are provided.…

Join a park interpreter to play a fun game of nature bingo. As we play, we will discover more about the natural things found at Lake Fort Smith State Park.

Why does Lake Dardanelle have such a healthy bass population? The health of this fishery is partially due to the good conservation practices of the staff at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Join a park…

Hike along this easy 0.5-mile trail and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the forest before the heat of the day. This guided hike will encourage you to slow down and truly experience the forest.…

Enjoy Lake Fort Smith State Park's history, scenery, geology, wildlife, and possible waterfalls on this boating adventure! Meet a park interpreter at the marina dock. Binoculars and life…

We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…

Have you ever felt the fur of a fox? How about a bobcat? Join a park interpreter to touch some real furs and discover the furry mammals of Lake Fort Smith State Park.

Did you know opossums don't carry rabies? Join a park interpreter to discover the many misconceptions of these fascinating critters. 

Every trail tells a story, but it is not always obvious. On this guided hike of Signal Hill Loop, we’ll search for hidden clues in the natural and cultural landmarks – and connect with the land along…

Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake while guided by a park interpreter. We will learn the basics of paddling and enjoy the sunset on the lake. Meet at the visitor center and then caravan to the…

Have you ever seen a snake’s shed that it left behind? Join a park interpreter in the weigh-in pavilion to discover why snakes shed and what you can tell about a snake from its skin. You will even get…

If bats could speak (or sing the Bad Rap Bat Rap), what would they tell us? A park interpreter will help “interpret” bats at this tabletop. Find out more about these misunderstood creatures at Hobbs…

Ever wanted to take a piece of nature home without picking it up? Join a park interpreter to explore the textures of leaves, trees, rocks, and more as we create art along Dripping Springs Trail. It is…

Lake Dardanelle State Park is the site of many unique events in history, and the Arkansas Traveler is one that has molded Arkansas folklore for years. The painting is thought to have been based on…