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Read More about this safari issue.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.
This weekend trip will focus on these nine parks that span from the Mississippi River to Little Rock:
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.
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.
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.
Must See:
If Time Allows:
Must See:
If Time Allows:
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 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 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.
Must See:
If Time Allows:
Today will be a full day of sightseeing. I recommend getting an early start so you can take in everything these three parks offer.
Formerly Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, this National Historic Landmark was a ceremonial ground for prehistoric Native Americans.
Must See:
If Time Allows:
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.
Must See:
If Time Allows:
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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