Updated Feb 9, 2022

13 Snapshots That Prove Arkansas Has The Best State Parks In North America

Explore the beauty of Arkansas through its 52 state parks, each offering unique outdoor activities and stunning views.

Updated Feb 9, 2022

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Published Aug 26, 2024

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Nature|National & State Parks

Updated Aug 9, 2024

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.

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

alt — 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.

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.

alt — 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.

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

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.

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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13 Snapshots That Prove Arkansas Has The Best State Parks In North America

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

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

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