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Nature|National & State Parks

You Can Get Your Passport Stamped At Every State Park In Arkansas

Arkansas offers 52 state parks with diverse natural beauty and a passport program to log visits.

Published Dec 1, 2020

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

Arkansas is known as "The Natural State" and with 52 state parks to explore you can find out why. With its mountains, lakes, wetlands, rivers, waterfalls, and some of the best hiking in the country, the state parks here are hard to beat when it comes to natural beauty in the United States. With an Arkansas State Parks Passport, you can log your state parks visits. Pick up your passport, for free, at any of the state park visitor centers!

The State Parks of Arkansas organization was started in the early 1900s when Fort Smith Lumber Company officials were so impressed with the beauty of Petit Jean Mountain that they suggested it become a part of the National Park System.

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However, because it was not of important national significance, a state park system was established instead.

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Today, there are 52 state parks within 54,000 acres, 1800 campsites, 208 cabins, and 5 lodges all within the state parks system. Over 8 million people visit the parks each year.

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There are many historical sites preserved under the state parks system as well as adventure parks like Crater of Diamonds State Park.

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Hobbs State Park is the largest one at 12,054 acres running along the southern shore of Beaver Lake and has over 52 miles of hiking trails.

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There is a visitor center here along with campsites. Regulated hunting is allowed.

Lake Chicot is the largest natural lake in the state of Arkansas. At 20-miles long, there are plenty of water activities at the lake and many amenities such as cabins, campsites, and a marina.

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There are no entry fees for any of Arkansas' state parks. However, fees are charged for camping, lodging, and certain activities.

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So, where can you get your Arkansas State Parks Passport stamped?

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The State Parks of Arkansas/Facebook

Many of the parks have a visitor center where you can get a stamp for that park in your passport. For parks that do not have a visitor center, you can make a stamp rubbing in your book.

This map of Arkansas shows where the state parks are located. As you can see, they are all over the state!

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The State Parks of Arkansas/Facebook

Do you have your Arkansas State Parks Passport yet? For more information on the state parks and where to pick up a passport, visit the Arkansas State Parks website.

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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.

A scenic view of a park by a lake, featuring green hills, picnic areas, and a parking lot under a clear blue sky.
Arkansas State Parks/Facebook

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

Aerial view of a serene lake surrounded by colorful autumn foliage and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
Josh Spurgers/Google

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

A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees and rolling hills under a clear blue sky. Reflections on the water.
Kathy Rodriguez/AllTrails

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

Four kayakers paddle on a calm lake, framed by a cave opening and surrounded by lush green hills.
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.

An elderly man in a cap sits on a bench, fishing by a calm lake, focused on his rod.
Himanshu Sahoo/Google

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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A swimming pool with a water slide, surrounded by lounge chairs and trees, with people enjoying the water.
Kathy Emerson/Google

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

A child stands on a path in a lush green forest, looking towards a wooden bridge ahead.
Michael Preston/Google

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

A vintage wooden wagon with a white canopy, displayed indoors, featuring a colorful blanket and wooden wheels.
Kadillak Williams/Google

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.

Scenic view of a lake surrounded by green hills, with a picnic area and parking lot in the foreground.
Tim M Nelson/Google

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|National & State Parks

Tiny But Mighty, The Smallest State Park In Arkansas Is A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

Lower White River Museum State Park in Des Arc, Arkansas, is the smallest state park, offering rich historical exhibits and free admission.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

Perhaps you might know that of state parks in Arkansas, the largest state park is Hobbs State Park in Rogers with 12,000 acres. But do you know what the smallest state park in Arkansas is? It’s a small facility with only 0.4 acres in the Mississippi Delta. And this tiny park has no recreational offerings. In fact, it’s really a museum that is operated as part of Arkansas’ parks and tourism network. Let's explore the Lower White River Museum State Park in Arkansas.

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Tucked away on Main Street inside the small town of Des Arc is the Lower White River Museum State Park.

A single-story building with large windows, surrounded by greenery, and an American flag in the background.
Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

And though this park has no recreational facilities, it is packed with artifacts and collections from the White River region.

This tiny museum/park was created to preserve the rich history of the Lower White River and the town of Des Arc.

A museum exhibit featuring displays on pearling and fishing, with artifacts and informational panels on the walls.
Dylan Morse/Google

The land as well as a lot of the artifacts from the museum were donated by prominent citizen John Bethell in 1970 when the museum was established.

The museum is great for educational purposes and if you’re a history buff, you should definitely stop in.

Sign for Tom Roe Memorial River Front Park with a view of the river and a bridge in the background on a clear day.
Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll learn all about the steamboat industry and how the White River and the town of Des Arc became a transportation hub for early settlers.

As you walk into the museum, you’ll be impressed with the life-size displays of a slave, a teacher, a steamboat captain, and a surveyor.

Historical scene with life-sized figures in period clothing, including a woman with a parasol and men in hats, near wooden crates.
Management / TripAdvisor

Other noteworthy pieces include a detailed model of a steamboat, a button-cutting machine, fossils, and Native American and Civil War artifacts.

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A detailed model of a steamboat displayed in a glass case, featuring multiple smokestacks and an American flag.
chad skabronski/Google

Additionally, other exhibits showcase details about the prominent Des Arc industries which include fishing, pearling, button-making, agriculture, and more.

You’ll also learn about the Civil War, medicine, education, and riverboats of the time.

Exhibit showcasing riverboat history with displays, artifacts, and informational panels in a museum setting.
Shawna Cook/Google

So, as you can tell, though this state park and museum are tiny, there is a lot to learn and see. And of course, the best part about this museum is that it’s free of charge.

While you’re in the area, walk next door to the Prairie County Log Cabin Museum for more history about the region. Have you ever explored Lower White River Museum State Park, the smallest state park in Arkansas? What are your favorite Arkansas state parks? Tell us about your favorite ones in the comments. While you're staying in the area, you must stop in at Dondie's White River Princess and get the best darn catfish in the Delta:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/no-fuss-hideaway-ar-2/

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