Arkansas

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Nature|Wildlife & Farms

This One Spot In Arkansas Lets You See Where The Buffalo Roam

Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park offers a variety of outdoor activities including off-roading, camping, and wildlife viewing near the Buffalo River.

Published Apr 29, 2018

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

Situated near the Buffalo River in Kingston, resides a ridiculously fun park. The Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park offers a unique blend of activities from off-roading trails, camping, to just sitting back and watching the buffalo roam. Let's plan a weekend getaway to see what all can be experienced at this unique park.

The Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast.

alt
Facebook/Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

The park is located at HC 65, Box 232, Kingston, AR 72742.

advertisement

It seems fitting that a buffalo ranch would be nearby the Buffalo River.

alt
Facebook/Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

Buffalo, elk, deer, and a ton of other creatures roam the ranch.

Activities are limited to your imagination.

alt
Wilderness Rider

The park is most popular for its ATV trails but dirt bikes and jeeps are more than welcome, too.

You can take wild ride and play in the dirt...

alt
Facebook/Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

The park is spread out over 2,000 acres with 4-wheel accessible trails zigzagging all throughout the area.

advertisement

...or just casually cruise on a fat-wheel bike.

alt
Facebook/Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

The park does have a few single track trails as well. All the trails have been updated this season with new markers and difficulty ratings.

You can have a weekend packed with adventures since the park is open for primitive camping.

alt
Facebook/Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

Pitch your tent in the privately tucked away wildernesses alongside waterfalls, creeks, cliff-side overlooks, or simply in the pasture.

Hike around the area to discover gorgeous falls and rock shelters.

alt
Facebook/Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

If you're just visiting for the day, hiking is $25.

You may need longer than a weekend though since the park adjoins the Buffalo National River Park.

alt
Wilderness Rider

This is the only chance to visit buffalo and then see the Buffalo.

advertisement

No matter which activities you choose, the Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park is a fantastic weekend getaway.

alt
Wilderness Rider

The park is open for weekends and offers complimentary overnight camping when you ride for two consecutive days or more. Otherwise camping is $15 for the campsite and single camper. Each additional person is $5. For more details you can visit their website right here.

You can stay updated on the latest happenings by following the Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch Facebook Page.

We would love to hear about your adventures at the Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch! Share with us in the comments below!

If you'd like to get to Wilderness Rider and have a scenic drive, take this tunnel of trees before taking AR-74 E.

You may also want to stop by this nearby small town with endless outdoor attractions.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Wildlife & Farms

We Can’t Get Enough of This Small Town Farm in Arkansas With Sunflower Fields and a Pumpkin Patch

Plan a day trip to Schaefer's Pumpkin Patch in Mayflower to enjoy the fall activities including u-pick pumpkins, sunflower fields, and more.

Published Sep 30, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

I know I am not alone when I say that fall is my favorite time of year. Between the family-friendly activities and the vibrant colors of the season, I can’t get enough of it. Visiting pumpkin patches has become a tradition for my family. I especially love it because there are tons of fall activities that everyone can enjoy including petting zoos, hayrides, u-pick pumpkins and sunflower fields. That and more is what you can expect when you visit Schaefer's Pumpkin Patch in Mayflower, AR. If you want to take your autumn season to the next level, then plan a day trip to this charming small-town farm in Arkansas.

advertisement

Just 25 miles north of Little Rock, you’ll find the tiny town of Mayflower Arkansas. It’s a pretty little town of just over 2,000 residents that’s surrounded by rivers and lakes.

A serene lake scene at sunset, with clouds reflecting on the water and rays of sunlight breaking through.
Lorena Barrera-Shankle/Google

If you’ve never been to this small town before, now it’s your chance to plan a trip here to visit one of the best pumpkin patches in Arkansas. For 25 years, Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch has been a place for families to create new fall memories. 

A decorated trailer featuring pumpkins, flowers, and a vintage car display for a pumpkin patch event.
Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch/Facebook

The fun activities as well as the photo opportunities, make it a great place to spend an autumn day. 

Three large hay bales painted as smiling pumpkins, set against a cloudy sky and green field.
Katie Avery/Google

Like to pick out your own special pumpkin? You’re in luck because you can do that here. There are acres of pumpkins of all sizes as far as the eye can see. 

A pumpkin patch with people picking pumpkins under a blue sky and scattered clouds. Lush green leaves surround bright orange pumpkins.
Matthew Savage/Google

Not to mention the sunflower fields that are bursting with those vibrant blooms. 

A field of sunflowers with people and vehicles in the background under a clear blue sky.
James Snider/Google

But the fun doesn’t stop there folks. The kids as well as the big kids will love the playground, pony rides, corn pit, and sandbox.

Two children play on a seesaw at a park, while adults watch nearby. The sun sets in the background, creating a warm atmosphere.
Tiffany Wilson/Google

Don’t skip over the train ride around the massive sunflower fields. They’ll love that, too.

advertisement
A tractor pulls a colorful train of barrels with people enjoying a ride through a sunny field.
Candice Huyck/Google

Plus, there will be barnyard friends waiting for you to pet them.

A person in a red shirt pets a white goat through a fence at a farm.
Zac Taylor/Google

To capture these fun fall memories be sure to have your camera. There will be several places around the farm to take some pics. As you can see, you’ll have lots of activities at this small-town farm in Arkansas that you and your family will enjoy. 

A group of children and teens sitting on a bench in front of a festive fall backdrop with pumpkins and decorations.
Sheena Sisk/Google

What is your favorite pumpkin patch in Arkansas to visit during the fall season? What do you like the most about it? Tell us below. 

Be sure to visit the Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch website or follow Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch Facebook page for pricing and dates for their upcoming fall activities. 

Searching for seasonal decoration to spruce up your yard? Check out some of our top picks for fall decor.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The One Arkansas Ranch Where You Can Pet And Feed Adorable Alpacas

Published Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

I have a serious confession to make. Sometimes, I prefer hanging out with animals more than hanging out with humans. Don't judge me, but animals are so cute, how could you not love them? One of the most adorable animals on this planet is the alpaca. And if you have never petted or fed one, now is your chance to do so at Blowing Oaks Ranch in Batesville, Arkansas. Not only can you feed these cuddly creatures, but you can also throw a party with them as your special guests. How cool is that? Hanging with the alpacas is an unforgettable animal encounter in Arkansas that you need to experience for yourself. Plus, the kids will love it, too!

advertisement

Visiting the Blowing Oaks Ranch in Batesville is an experience of a lifetime. The ranch is home to the most adorable alpacas in Arkansas.

Three llamas stand in a grassy area near a fence, with a house and trees in the background under a blue sky.
Blowing Oaks Ranch, LLC/Google

The alpacas are cared for by owners John and Caren who have dedicated their lives to providing a pleasant sanctuary for the cute animals.

Two alpacas stand by a pool, surrounded by greenery, with a few other animals lounging nearby.
Blowing Oaks Ranch, LLC/Google

Call ahead at (870) 291-1777 to book a tour of the ranch and they'll teach you a lot about raising and breeding alpacas.

Fuzzy, cute, cuddly, and yes, they are known for spitting, but how could you not immediately fall in love with these friendly creatures.

A white alpaca cria stands in a grassy field with three adult alpacas in the background.
Blowing Oaks Ranch/Facebook

Each alpaca has its own personality, goofy, and fun to be around. Just look at that face.

A close-up of an alpaca with a fluffy, curly coat and expressive eyes, standing under a shelter in a grassy area.
Becky Mitchum/Google

The kids will love petting and feeding their new fuzzy friends...

A child interacts with two alpacas in a grassy field, with a dog nearby and trees in the background.
Blowing Oaks Ranch, LLC/Google

...and of course, the kids at heart will love them, too.

advertisement
A person in a blue shirt feeds an alpaca in a grassy field, with other alpacas in the background.
Audra Grace Carter/Google

Playing with these cuddly pals will remove all your worries in the world. It's a great activity for the entire family.

A person feeds animals in a field, including llamas and a dog, with a fence and trees in the background.
Blowing Oaks Ranch/Facebook

Best of all, you can book an alpaca-themed party at the ranch and have the alpacas as your special guests. Talk about a memorable experience, right?

A colorful party table with snacks, fruits, and balloons against a vibrant, festive backdrop.
Ann Martin/Google

The next time you're searching for a place where the entire family will love or somewhere for your next event, we recommend that you visit the Blowing Oaks Ranch for this amazing animal encounter.

Would you take your family to Blowing Oaks Ranch for this memorable animal encounter in Arkansas? Or have you been to the ranch before? Tell us in the comments below.

And if you want to make this a weekend-long activity, here are some fun things to do in Batesville. Plus, we found an affordable hotel in town with lots of amenities.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/walkable-town-day-trip-ar/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Illinois’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Tori Jane
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in Kansas Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 13
alt
Stays
Vacation Rentals

The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Louisiana is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Nov 13
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Northern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Beth Copenhaver
on Nov 13
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Southern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Megan Todaro
on Nov 13
alt