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Nature|Parks & Gardens

Walk Through A Sea Of Tulips And Daffodils At Arkansas’ Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers a stunning display of wildflowers, especially tulips and daffodils, throughout the year.

Updated Feb 24, 2024

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

There isn't a month we don't love visiting the fanciful flora at Hot Springs' Garvan Woodland Gardens. During the spring months, the wildflowers begin to take over, and it's an incredible sight to behold. Go see the colorful sea of flowers at the beloved Garvan Woodland Gardens in Arkansas; you definitely will never regret it! If you're asking yourself "When do tulips bloom in Arkansas?" you can find out right here!

If you've ever wanted to tiptoe through the tulips or dance around the daffodils, you'll get your chance at this stunning Arkansas garden.

A winding stone path through a garden filled with green tulip leaves and trees in a serene, wooded area.
Garvan Woodland Gardens/Facebook

Garvan Woodland Gardens is a gorgeous 210-acre botanical garden in Hot Springs. The gardens stay magical all throughout the year from the top of the treehouse to the lowest floor of a fairy village. Spring months mean the daffodils and tulips will soon take over a large part of the garden. Summer months bring lush, green trees to their fullest, and in the fall, the color is second to none.

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Each year the gardeners at Garvan plant hundreds of thousands of bulbs for the season's bloom.

A vibrant garden filled with blooming tulips in shades of purple, yellow, and white, surrounded by lush green leaves.
Garvan Woodland Gardens/Facebook

Around 250,000 daffodils and 130,000 tulips go into bloom during the spring and summer. First, the Garvan Gardens tulips take over, typically between late February to mid-March. Daffodils are usually quick to follow with a peak bloom around March, and then the summer flowers begin to fill in.

You won't need to stroll long to find the sea of flowers.

A vibrant forest scene with blooming yellow and white flowers amidst tall trees and lush greenery.
Garvan Woodland Gardens/Facebook

The tulips are concentrated in the center of the garden around the pavilion. For the daffodils, you'll want to head to Three Sisters of Amity Daffodil Hill just a little further north.

All of the colors will be standing proudly on display.

A peacock displays its colorful feathers in a park, while visitors stroll and observe in the background.
Garvan Woodland Gardens/Facebook

We do mean the flowers as well as George the peacock, too! You'll be surprised what photo opportunities come about in the gardens.

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The sea of color is a gorgeous way to celebrate the warmer months in Arkansas.

A vibrant garden with colorful tulips in bloom, leading to a gazebo surrounded by trees.
Garvan Woodland Gardens/Facebook

Because of our odd winter, the peaks for these flowers are hard to determine year by year. Plan to take a trip sometime in March, but stay up-to-date on the flower peaks by following Garvan Woodland Gardens on Facebook. For more information, you can also head to the Garvan Woodland Gardens website.

Check out the stunning views you’ll see on this trail

What's your favorite season to visit Garvan? Share your favorite trips with us in the comments! If you love flowers, be sure to take this wildflower road trip in Arkansas.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/ar-wildflower-road-trip/

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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore One Of Arkansas’ Cleanest Lakes At Lake Fort Smith State Park

Did you know that Lake Fort Smith in Mountainburg is one of Arkansas' cleanest lakes? It's true! This pretty oasis has lots of adventure.

Published Aug 26, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

We’ve mentioned before that there are over 2,300 named lakes in Arkansas. Many of these waterways are a source for recreational activities including swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, and more. However, there is one major Arkansas lake where swimming is prohibited and that is Lake Fort Smith in Mountainburg. Tucked inside Lake Fort Smith State Park, this pretty gem is a source of water for the Fort Smith community, making it one of Arkansas' cleanest lakes. And though there is no swimming here, there are lots of other adventures for you to enjoy. Come check it out!

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At only 260-acres, Lake Fort Smith State Park isn’t the biggest state park, but it’s certainly one of the prettiest.

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Arkansas State Parks/Facebook

Nestled inside the Boston Mountain Valley, the park was named after the 1,400-acre lake - Lake Fort Smith.

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Built in the 1930s, the lake was created as a source of water for the Fort Smith community.

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This means there is no swimming or wading in the reservoir, so it’s one of the cleanest lakes in the state.

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Experience Fort Smith/Google

Although no swimming is allowed, kayakers and boaters can enjoy floating in the pretty oasis. You’ll discover some really cool spots along the way.

Fishing is also allowed, and the lake is stocked with bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.

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If you want to go swimming, don't worry. The park has a large swimming pool with slides and a splash pad that the entire family can enjoy.

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Want to stretch your legs? Explore one of the scenic trails inside the park. Some even offer views of the lake.

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Don’t skip over the 8,000 square foot visitor center. There is a lot for you to explore here.

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The overlook and picnic areas offer pretty views of the lake. They’re great spots to sit and bask in all the lake’s glory.

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Did you know that Lake Fort Smith is one of Arkansas’ cleanest lakes? Have you been to Lake Fort Smith State Park before? Tell us below.

Want more adventure in Arkansas? Check out these incredible state parks that will blow your mind.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Secret Garden In Arkansas You’re Guaranteed To Love

Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs, AR, is a stunning botanical garden with rich history and magical scenery.

Updated Jul 17, 2024

Written by 

J.B. VanDyke

The Natural State is full of stunning natural places. From state parks to botanical gardens to mountain vistas and scenic lakes, there are literally hundreds of places where you can explore the beauty of nature here in Arkansas. Now it's time to add a secret garden in Arkansas to your list. That place is Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs, AR, and we guarantee that you’re going to absolutely love it! Many say it is one of the best gardens in Arkansas.

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Blue Spring Heritage Garden is 33 acres of botanical gardens centered around Blue Spring and the gorgeous lagoon it pours into.

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This hidden gem has been a tourist attraction since 1948, but the tradition of visiting the spring dates back centuries for the Native American tribes who lived in the region.

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In fact, there’s a cliff shelter at the center that is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places!

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The Native American tradition of visiting the spring traces from centuries ago to the 1830s during the Trail of Tears and continues on today. You’ll learn so much about the history of the spring on your visit. They specialize in the rich history of the spring and the region in which it flows.

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In the mid-1800s, Blue Spring was home to a working gristmill, and that history is also preserved at the heritage center.

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Blue Spring Heritage Garden features over a mile of gorgeous trails that will take you through the botanical garden.

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Blue Spring is a massive spring. It pours 38 million gallons of water into the lagoon each day.

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Every bit of that water is clear and cool and they've built absolutely gorgeous structures throughout the gardens.

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Mostly what you’ll notice about this enchanting place is how incredibly magical it feels. It is definitely one of the prettiest gardens to visit in Arkansas.

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There’s a timelessness to the grounds, so that when you’re exploring you really do feel a million miles away from it all.

From the smallest floor to the roaring spring, every inch of Blue Spring Heritage Garden is like entering a secret garden. It's an only-in-Arkansas place you really must experience!

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This secret garden in Arkansas really is one of the state’s most beautiful hidden treasures! However, it’s not our only garden oasis. Here’s another gorgeous garden in Arkansas that you're guaranteed to love.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/ar-gwgardens-see-to-believe/

And if you’re looking for more stunning natural springs in Arkansas, check out this underground walking tour through Eureka Springs.

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