Northwest | Arkansas State Parks

Photo Essay: At Home in the Ozarks

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in northwest Arkansas protects nearly 1,000 acres of the Prairie Grove Battlefield and interprets the history of Arkansans impacted by the Civil War. We hope that you enjoy this exploration of one of the park’s 19th-century buildings and discover what everyday life was like for those living in the Civil War era Ozarks.

An ornate dresser with large mirror reflects a wooden bed. Two candles and a covered bowl set atop the dresser.

Meeting Martha: The Last Passenger Pigeon

May 2020

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Chris Pistole

In this video, meet Park Interpreter Chris Pistole from Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area and hear the story of the namesake of the park’s Pigeon Roost Trail. Located next to Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains ecoregion of northwest Arkansas, Hobbs is the largest State Park in Arkansas with over 12,000 acres. It provides enriching educational and recreational experiences...

What Do Wildflowers Mean to YOU?

Apr 2020

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Chris Pistole

In this photo essay are images of wildflowers that grow here—where their habitat is protected—and that you might see along our many miles of trails. We hope that the quotes from famous writers and artists accompanying these photos inspire you to appreciate the diversity of life found at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.

Close up of two yellow and one purple blooms, surrounded by green foliage

The Borden House: Restoring a Battlefield Icon

Apr 2020

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Arkansas State Parks Staff

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park's structures and landscapes prove history happened here and reveal stories of our heritage. No structure is more iconic at Prairie Grove Battlefield than the historic Borden House, the only structure original to the battlefield.

Borden House at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in 1942

Video: Stream at Lake Fort Smith State Park

Apr 2020

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Heather Johnson

As the spring rain settles in on the Boston Mountains of Lake Fort Smith State Park, the rainwater finds the quickest routes down the mountainsides to form hundreds of bubbling, temporary streams. The flowing waters breathe life into the forest by providing new water sources for plants and animals and providing habitat for aquatic insects and amphibians. The gentle streams...

Living Hillsides Virtual Hike

Apr 2020

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Heather Johnson

Lake Fort Smith State Park is a beautiful oasis nestled in the Boston Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. The lake is pristine and teeming with life, but this outstanding water reservoir would not be as special as it is without its surrounding hillsides. These living, tree-covered hillsides protect the lake from erosion and deep within the forest are many hidden treasures.

Don’t Miss the Joy of the Spring Wildflower Explosion

Apr 2020

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Chris Pistole

Arkansas State Parks help preserve wildflowers which are not only beautiful for visitors to view and photograph but are essential to a healthy ecosystem and you can help protect them. We hope you will find joy viewing some of our common wildflowers at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, but be sure to leave them for others to enjoy!

Lake Dardanelle State Park Sunset

Apr 2020

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Megan Ayres Moore

Lake Dardanelle State Park sits along the edge of Lake Dardanelle, a 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. Lake Dardanelle’s diverse habitats in and around the lake will surround you in natural beauty and a top-notch fishery. Enjoy this sunset view from the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center.

The sun sets over a wide area of Lake Dardanelle on a cloudless night. A wooden pier and rock jetty can be seen on the right, as well as distant hills on the horizon.

Help Us Protect Your Arkansas State Parks

Apr 2020

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Monika Rued

Lake Catherine State Park Superintendent Cheryl Vincent goes over Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Thank you in advance for helping us protect your Arkansas State Parks.

Physical Distancing at Arkansas State Parks

Mar 2020

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Monika Rued

It's important during this COVID-19 health emergency, that we all practice social "physical" distancing and follow CDC guidelines. Park Interpreter Matthew shows us some best practices while visiting state parks and other natural areas.

Park interpreter Matthew holding a stick showing six feet distance

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