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Nature|Parks & Gardens

We Won’t Stop You From Frolicking In This Arkansas Prairie Land

Chesney Prairie Natural Area in Arkansas offers a stunning wildflower field and excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Published Mar 22, 2020

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

If you need a moment to reset and relax then head to Arkansas' Chesney Prairie Natural Area. We're warning you now: this beautiful wildflower field may cause involuntary frolicking - and we won't stop you! Let's enjoy the moment as we walk around this preserved prairie land.

What used to be an old crop field has slowly returned to its natural prairie land.

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Google/Jan Lauderdale

The Chesney Prairie Natural Area is one of the few remaining remnants of tall grass prairie in Arkansas. The state used to have an entire 75,000-acre prairie ecosystem but only 5% now remains. The Chesney Prairie was added to Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission's collection of natural areas in 2000. Thanks to the ANHC, Ozark Ecological Restoration Inc., Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society, and countless volunteers, the old farmland is now a sustainable prairie.

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Once spring and summer arrive, the field turns into a stunning wildflower wonderland.

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Google/Bryan Patrick

The abundant wildflowers begin appearing around April and have different types blooming well into June. The area does include a trail that's a little over a 3-mile round trip. The path is mowed and relatively flat for an easy family-friendly adventure.

Thanks to Sager Creek running through the prairie, tons of different species flourish here.

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Facebook/Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission

Flora and fauna are plentiful in the prairie! Over 290 individual plant species have been documented in the area, including rare plants as well. Find a whole rainbow of colorful blooms by taking your time in this flower-powered prairie.

The area is also one of the absolute best spots for bird watching in NWA.

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Wikimedia/Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

Over 150 species of birds have been documented in the natural area. Many birds that are categorized at "species of greatest conservation need" can be found here including willow flycatchers, short-eared owls, painted buntings, and numerous sparrows.

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Take the trail and take your time relaxing at the peaceful Chesney Prairie.

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Google/Bryan Patrick

This wildflower field will easily melt away any stress. For more information on the natural area, visit the ANHC website right here. You can also take a driving tour around the area as well. More info can be found here.

Have you frolicked around Chesney Prairie before? We would love to see your beautiful photos in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

This is just one of the gorgeous natural areas to explore around the state!

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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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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.

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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|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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Facebook/Blue Spring Heritage Center

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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