Arkansas
Nature|Wildlife & Farms

There’s A Recreational Lake Next To A Nature Center In Arkansas, Making For A Fun-Filled Family Outing

Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith offers a variety of free activities and exhibits for a fun-filled family outing.

Published Aug 10, 2022

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

Have you ever found yourself searching for fun activities to keep the kids entertained for an entire day? Yes, there might be plenty of parks in Arkansas that offer a wide variety of adventures. But there is one nature center in Fort Smith that is jam packed with lots to do, and the best part is…IT’S FREE. This makes it a great place for a fun-filled family outing.

Located on Wells Lake Road in Fort Smith is the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center.

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Experience Fort Smith/Google

This FREE nature center has a variety of activities for the entire family. There are various exhibits and displays that the kids can explore and learn about local wildlife.

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Experience Fort Smith/Google

They’ll also enjoy seeing the live animals like snakes, turtles, and gators.

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Andrew Heidelberg/Google

Additionally, they will love glaring at the different aquatic life in the 1,200-gallon fish tank.

The Huckabee also offers free archery, hunting, educational workshops, summer camp, and more.

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Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center/Facebook

But what makes this nature center special is that it’s next to a lake that offers various recreational activities.

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James Hunter/Google

This means after you’ve done exploring the center, you can step outside for a whole other adventure at the lake.

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Wells Lake is an 11-acre lake popular for anglers in the Arkansas River Valley. It’s known for catfish, largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, and more.

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Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center/Facebook

So, it’s a great spot to spend the day fishing with the kids. Best of all, the nature center provides equipment like the poles and tackle boxes.

Furthermore, the center offers fishing lessons to those who are beginners.

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Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center/Facebook

And there are various competitions and learning opportunities throughout the year.

While fishing is popular on the lake, you can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing. The nature center along with the outdoor recreational activities are a two-part family outing that you will love.

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Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center/Facebook

So, are you ready for a FREE fun-filled family outing at the Huckabee Center? Then go to the website or Facebook page to plan your visit.

And if you’re looking for more adventure for the family, these incredible day trips will complete your summer.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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Matthew Savage/Google

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

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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.

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Tiffany Wilson/Google

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

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Candice Huyck/Google

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

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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. 

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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.

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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!

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

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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.

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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.

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Blowing Oaks Ranch/Facebook

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

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Becky Mitchum/Google

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

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Blowing Oaks Ranch, LLC/Google

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

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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.

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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?

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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/

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