National Park Sites - Arkansas

I would have never guessed that Arkansas might be the first state that I would have visited all the National Park Sites in.  I only have one left to go.  I always made fun of Arkansas until I actually visited it. Arkansas is known as "The Natural State" and it is a well-earned title.  There are some amazingly beautiful places to visit in Arkansas and I still have a lot of the state to explore.  There are seven different sites run by the National Park Service in Arkansas.  Six of the site are historical in nature and one site is based on the natural beauty of the area.

I have ranked the sites here based on my preferences and only rank the sites that I have been to.

#1 - Buffalo National River

The Buffalo River became America's first national river when it was established in 1972 and snakes its way 135 miles through northwest Arkansas through the Ozark Mountains.  It is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states.  The large bluffs, surrounding mountains and tributaries to the river make it a great place to explore.  There are multiple sections to the river so it usually takes more than just one trip to experience this special waterway.  It does not matter if you are floating, hiking, camping or just exploring the Buffalo River will allow you to connect to nature and enjoy the outdoors.

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#2 Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

In 1957 the fight over desegregation put this site on the national map when nine African-American students were steadfast in testing the Supreme Court ruling of Brown V. Board of Education.  The visitor center is located just across the street from the high school which is still educating students today.  The exhibits allow you to explore the history of the desegregation movement through a variety of lenses and helped me understand what was at stake at the time.  This was a very inspiring historic site to visit and made me appreciate how far we have come as a nation and a society, and how important it is to stand up for what you believe is right.

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#3 Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith was considered the gateway to the Western Frontier and at one time was the last stop before you headed out into unsettled territory.  The fort served an important role in keeping the peace in the new territory and was where those that broke the law were taken to stand trial and to be jailed.  The site has been restored so that you can explore the site on the edge of Indian Territory.  Learn about the outlaws and the brave lawmen that brought them to justice.

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#4 Pea Ridge National Military Park

Pea Ridge served as the site for a major battle of the Civil War on March 7-8 1862.  The battle was considered a turning point of the war where 23,000 soldiers fought to decide the fate of Missouri and kept it in the Union.  The 4,300-acre battlefield is considered one of the most intact battlefields in the United States.  The park road takes you through the battlefields and up on to the ridges where the soldiers anchored in on the high ground.  The large fields, picket fences, and assorted military pieces make you feel that you could see advancing soldiers come out of the trees at any time.  The Elkhorn Tavern building is still standing and is open for visitation during park hours.

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#5 Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is an interesting combination of the outdoors and lifestyles of the rich and famous coming together in on spot.  The focal point of the park is the spas and bathhouses that makeup bathhouse row.  The bathhouses took the spring waters from the area and commercialized them, claiming many medicinal values for those that soaked in their waters. Some of the bathhouses are still functioning while others have been turned into a place to learn about the spas.  The surrounding hills have a variety of trails available to walk and explore the natural beauty of the area.  There are many sights with great vistas and place to escape life down in town.

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#6 President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site

William Jefferson Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States was born in Hope, AR and spent his early years in this home.  The site is small but includes both a visitors center and the actual home that he grew up in.  There is a small exhibit about President Clinton and his family growing up.  The ranger staff here were very helpful and provide guided tours of the home about every 30 minutes.

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Still on my Bucket List:

Arkansas Post National Memorial