Central | Arkansas State Parks

Check Out These 4 Monument Trails in Arkansas

May 2021

What exactly is a Monument Trail, you ask? It’s a world-class mountain biking trail crafted by some of the world’s best trail builders to show off a specific area’s natural, iconic beauty. And Arkansas State Parks has the only four of these sustainably designed paths just waiting for you to visit. They include Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Mount Nebo State Park...

Mountain biking the Monument Trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Petit Jean State Park Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center

Apr 2021

The Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center welcomes visitors to Petit Jean State Park. The newly constructed building, which provides space for camper registration, interpretive exhibits, meetings, special events, and staff offices, is named for the man whose vision for Petit Jean State Park brought about its creation as the cornerstone in the system of Arkansas State Parks.

Petit Jean State Park Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center Statue

7 Staycations at Arkansas State Parks

Apr 2021

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Arkansas State Parks Staff

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves lapping at the shore, birds chirping from tall pine trees, maybe even a boat motor quietly starting its day to bring joy to families spending the weekend away from it all. That’s the kind of wake-up you’ll receive when you staycation at an Arkansas State Park. We’ve chosen seven better-than-a-hotel locales you’re guaranteed to fall...

Paddleboarding at DeGray Lake State Park

Trail of Tears Across Arkansas State Parks

Mar 2021

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Sasha Bowles

Arkansas has hundreds of miles of the Trail of Tears, and of the nine states traversed by the trail, is the only state that witnessed the removal of all five of the Southeastern tribes as they moved west. Arkansas State Parks has five parks that lie along these removal routes. These parks have been certified as National Park Service Trail of Tears National Historic Trail...

Video: Purple Martins on Lake Ouachita

Feb 2021

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Jenn Menge

Part of our mission at Lake Ouachita State Park is to provide access to Lake Ouachita, which is filled with many wonderful natural resources. One of the most unique sights – a huge roost of purple martins – is only visible for a small portion of the year. From mid-July to mid-August, thousands of purple martins flock to a small island on the lake to gather and rest before...

Video: The Rhythm of Rattle Making

Jan 2021

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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!

Jan 2021

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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

Video: Double Rainbow After the Storm

Jan 2021

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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

First Day Hikes

<p>We are pleased that so many people have made First Day Hikes an annual tradition! It is exciting for Arkansas to be such a strong participant in this nationwide event occurring in all 50 state park systems. First Day Hikes are focused on healthy habits and lifelong memories. </p><p>This year for First Day</p>

Arkansas State Parks Adjusts Operations to Respond to Statewide COVID-19 Increase

Dec 2020

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Meg Matthews

Visitor information centers, museums, restaurants and two marinas at Arkansas State Parks will see a reduction of operating hours to efficiently manage available resources during the recent statewide increase in COVID-19 cases.

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