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Arkansas boasts 52 stunning state parks, each highlighting the unique beauty of our diverse regions. While visiting all 52 parks might seem daunting, it’s entirely achievable. Though each park offers enough to fill an entire weekend, I’ll guide you through a plan to visit all 52 Arkansas State Parks in just 10 weekends. This will be a fast-paced adventure, so make a note of your favorites to revisit and enjoy more thoroughly later.
My family loves stamping our Arkansas State Parks Passport! This weekend’s adventure through some of the parks in Eastern Arkansas was a blast. We had so much fun exploring new trails, discovering hidden gems, and adding those coveted stamps to our collection. It’s become a tradition we all look forward to, and this trip was another memorable chapter in our passport journey.
Eastern Arkansas State Parks
This weekend trip will focus on these nine parks that span from the Mississippi River to Little Rock:
- Lower White River Museum State Park
- Village Creek State Park
- Parkin Archeological State Park
- Mississippi River State Park
- Delta Heritage State Park
- Louisiana Purchase State Park
- Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park
- Plantation Agricultural Museum
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Where To Stay:
For this leg of our 52 State Parks adventure, we spent one night at Village Creek State Park and one night at Mississippi River State Park. Both parks have camping facilities and cabins for rent. The camper cabins at Mississippi River are a bit more rustic and require that you provide your own linens, while the cabins at Village Creek are full-service and luxurious.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel and don’t mind additional driving, Forrest City would be an excellent stopover for the first night. I recommend checking out Stuttgart for the second evening and grabbing dinner at Open Season Sports Bar & Grill.
Day 1
Today, you will travel to Village Creek State Park, stopping at the Lower White River Museum and Parkin Archeological State Park along the way. Pack a tent, pull your RV, or book a night in one of the gorgeously-appointed cabins at Village Creek.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Lower White River Museum State Park – 1 Hour
The Lower White River Museum State Park explores the White River’s influence on farming, commerce and trade during the steamboat era. Exhibits cover rice farming, river boating and more.
Parkin Archeological State Park – 1-2 Hours
Must See:
- Visitor Center and Museum – This 17-acre park unravels the story of a Mississippian village that thrived from 1000 to 1550 AD and the museum showcases artifacts discovered on the park grounds.
- Village Trail – This paved barrier-free trail circles what once was a thriving Native American village. Portions of the mound where the chief lived still exist.
If Time Allows:
- Northern Ohio Schoolhouse – Built in the early 1900s, this one-room schoolhouse was used by the African-American children of workers at the lumber mill. The schoolhouse is open for guided tours and during special events.
Village Creek State Park – Overnight
Must See:
- Old Military Road – This 2.1-mile hiking trail was a major passageway from Memphis to Little Rock and includes a section of the Trail of Tears.
- Hiking—Village Creek has over 33 miles of hiking trails, including some of my family’s favorite. We love the Austell Trail, and all of the trails are beautiful.
If Time Allows:
- Picnic – There are several picnic areas, a playground and a swimming beach near Lake Austell.
- Fishing/Boating – Lake Dunn has seasonal boat rentals and a bait shop.
Day 2
Start with an early hike or a bit of fishing at Village Creek before hitting the road. Head through Brinkly and make your first stop at Louisiana Purchase State Park. Then, head to the Delta Heritage Trail before settling in for the night at Mississippi River State Park.
NOTE: If you stay in Stuttgart rather than at the park, reverse today’s itinerary, beginning with Mississippi River State Park and ending with Louisiana Purchase.
Louisiana Purchase State Park – 30 Minutes – 1 Hour
Louisiana Purchase State Park marks the initial survey point of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. A scenic boardwalk meanders through a lush headwater swamp to the marker stone. To mark your passport, you will use a rubbing station near the entrance of the boardwalk.
Delta Heritage Trail State Park – 1- 2 Hours
Delta Heritage Trail State Park offers a unique experience with its scenic rail-to-trail conversion. A former railroad has been converted into a biking and hiking trail traversing the heart of Arkansas’s Delta region. The trail is currently 47 miles, divided in two sections, and will eventually be 84 miles long. Bike rentals are available at the Visitor Center, but you can also enjoy a valuable experience by hiking.
Mississippi River State Park – Overnight
Must See:
- Visitor Center – The hands-on exhibits in the Visitor Center Museum provide guests with information about the Mississippi River, Crowley’s Ridge, the St. Francis National Forest and the Arkansas Delta.
If Time Allows:
- Trotting Fox Trail – This easy trail, located behind the Visitor Center, loops Ranger Pond and is a great place to fish and view the flora and fauna of Arkansas. Along this trail was my first experience seeing an Osage orange and I was fascinated.
Day 3
Today will be a full day of sightseeing. I recommend getting an early start so you can take in everything these three parks offer.
Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park – 1-2 Hours
Formerly Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, this National Historic Landmark was a ceremonial ground for prehistoric Native Americans.
Must See:
- The Knapp Trail – This abbreviated trail leads visitors through six marked sections, including several mounds and an area known as the plaza, which served as a ceremonial area for the Plum Bayou culture.
If Time Allows:
- Plum Bayou Trail – This longer trail leads visitors through 11 marked sections of the ceremonial grounds. If you have more time, this trail will give you a more in-depth perspective into the park.
Plantation Agricultural Museum – 1-2 hours
The Plantation Agricultural Museum in Arkansas takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the state’s agricultural history, focusing primarily on cotton farming, plantation life, and early agricultural practices. Visitors can explore authentic artifacts, interactive displays, and even a restored 1912 cotton gin.
Note: Grab lunch at Seaton’s Scott Place, and be sure to get the onion rings! You won’t regret it. Then, stop by the Natural State Lavender Farm and pick up some incredible smelling and calming lavender products.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park – 1-2 Hours
Must See:
- Visitor Center – The new visitors center opened in November 2023. It’s located at the base of the West Summit Trail and contains interactive exhibits, a concession stand, and everyone’s favorite Loblolly Ice Cream.
- Rocky Valley Trail – We usually take the beginning of this trail to the Big Maumelle Scenic Overlook. When we have more time, we will follow the trail to the East Quarry Trail, which has a picturesque overlook.
If Time Allows:
- Mountain Biking – If you are into Mountain Biking you will love the 14 miles of mountain biking trails sprinkled throughout the park.
- Arkansas Trail and Arboretum – This paved trail meanders through a wooded area and includes signs identifying plants and trees native to Arkansas.
Our favorite park in this region was Village Creek State Park, hands-down. There are so many beautiful trails, and we have returned to the park several times over the last few years. It’s also one of our favorite places to camp. In the comments, tell us which park you love and why.
Stay tuned for the other 9 Weekend Visits to Arkansas State Parks on Thursdays!
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