Visit Arkansas

It is the unique goal of many travel adventurers to visit all 50 states in America. To boost this objective, each week, we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the fourth state to visit is none other than delightful Arkansas, abbreviated as A.R. Regardless of the order in which you visit them, A.R. remains among the most remarkable!

Visit state # 4- Arkansas!

Arkansas is the fourth of the U.S. States alphabetically, though it is the 25th state to be admitted to the union in 1836. This remarkable state borders six others and sits in the south-central region of the United States. It is bound by Missouri to the north, Tennessee, and Mississippi to the east, and Louisiana to the south. Texas is to the state’s southwestern side, and Oklahoma is to the west. Except for Louisiana and Hawaii, it is the smallest state west of the Mississippi River.

The word Arkansas is from the Quapaw (Sioux) word for “acansa” to mean “downstream place” or “south wind.”  The state is known for having roughly 2,400 named lakes and reservoirs larger than 5 acres in total and covering over 600,000 acres. Arkansas is also known for its abundant parkland and recreation areas. The state offers wonderful top-rated tourist attractions. This includes Hot Springs National Park, featuring thermal water, amazing wildlife, and abundant plants, plus 26 miles of amazing hiking trails surrounded by beautiful forest scenery. Buffalo National River, located in northern Arkansas, was the first National River to be designated in the United States. The waterway is 153-miles-long, and the lower 135 flows within the boundaries of the National Park Service. Garvan Woodland Gardens is another must-see destination. The 210-acre botanical garden is six miles from Hot Springs National Park. This garden of the University of Arkansas is located on beautiful Lake Hamilton and is worth seeing, particularly in agreeable weather. Petit Jean State Park offers historic lodges and scenic hiking trails. It is adjacent to the Arkansas River in the area between the Ouachita Mountains and Ozark Plateaus.

In terms of nature, it is not uncommon to see a variety of birds, including great blue herons, snowy owls, ruby-throated hummingbirds, white ibis, golden-crowned kinglets, woodpeckers, and more. Other animals found in Arkansas include coyotes, squirrels, otters, gophers, foxes, bobcats, armadillos, alligators, geckos, and opossums. Elk have been reintroduced in the northwest portion of the state, and black bears have also returned in some places. It’s no wonder one of its favorite nicknames is ‘The Natural State.’ With so many exciting parks to explore, and an abundance of wildlife and plant life to observe, Arkansas draws visitors in time and time again. The state boasts a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild yet slightly drier winters. In terms of winter snow, Arkansas averages 4-inches per year, with the U.S. average of 28-inches of snow per year. Its four distinct and temperate seasons attract visitors who seek outdoor adventures, particularly in the spring and fall. Thus, the favorable climate makes it an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

There are many educational and entertaining museums within the state. They include Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, featuring a renowned collection ranging from Rockwell and Warhol showcased in a prominent structure set on 120 lush acres, Museum of Native American History, Gangster Museum of America, Museum of Discovery, The Arkansas Railroad Museum, The Walmart Museum and much more. The city of Hot Springs and its proximity to Hot Springs National Park make it an ideal place to stay. There are numerous resorts in the area that boast luxury accommodations and fine dining not far from Bathhouse Row, an area featuring a collection of historic bathhouses with associated buildings and gardens. Enjoy the architecture of the eight bathhouse buildings that were built between 1892 and 1923 as you soak in the rich history of the region and learn of days past.

Next stop…California!