Arkansas
Nature|Parks & Gardens

Most People Don’t Know About This Underrated Garden Hiding In Arkansas

The H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden in Little Rock is a beautiful symbol of friendship between Arkansas and South Korea, featuring stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Published Jun 27, 2022

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

In the heart of Little Rock, a symbol of friendship between two cultures stands. It's a stunning, underrated garden hiding in Arkansas that you must visit at least once. The garden is filled with beautiful, architectural structures that commemorate the legacy of a martial arts legend. Once you see this garden, you’ll fall in love with it.

Located in downtown Little Rock, on the grounds of the Statehouse Convention Center is the H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden.

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Manuel Ortiz/Google

This lovely garden was opened in 2007 as a token of friendship between Arkansas and South Korea.

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The welcome gate is a stunning piece of art, combining materials from both places.

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鄭帆吟/Google

Arkansas and South Korea couldn’t be any more different, but there are still similarities.

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Kat/Google

Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee, for whom this garden is commemorating, felt welcomed in Arkansas.

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Ni N./Google

He believed that the terrain was similar to South Korea’s, and that the people were equally warm.

So, it was a no brainer when he wanted to make Arkansas the headquarters for his martial arts organization, the American Taekwondo Association.

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Though this garden isn’t massive, it is absolutely gorgeous.

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In the middle of this peaceful oasis, is a 9-foot-tall fountain where you can sit and reflect during the day…

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…but it’s at night where this fountain really comes alive.

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Even if you’re not into martial arts, you’ll still find this to be a sacred space.

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You’ll sense an air of great respect and acknowledgement as you walk through the area.

Take some time to admire the different statues and artifacts sprinkled throughout the garden.

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And don’t forget to read the meaning behind each of them. Of course, since this is a garden, there must be foliage that adds more beauty to the space. You’ll find lovely azaleas, gardenias, Weeping Cedars, a Kwanzan cherry tree, pansies, and more. This oasis is perfect for an afternoon or evening stroll.

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So, have you ever walked through this underrated garden in Little Rock? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. And for more information about the story behind the garden and gate, visit the website.

And while you’re in Little Rock, grab a bite to eat at this underrated restaurant.

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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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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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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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