Hawksbill Crag, also known as Whitaker Point, is one of Arkansas’ must-see outdoor attractions. The natural formation, located in Ozark National Forest, juts out from the bluff, some 150 feet above the forested valley floor below.
Whitaker Point is a popular natural area near the Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area, just inside Ozark National Forest.
The iconic formation is one of the most photographed points in Arkansas and has been featured in many publications. The stunning view over the river valley is particularly affecting in spring and fall.
If you’re a fan of fishing or just enjoy getting out into nature, you may want to check out Bayou Bartholomew. Known as the longest bayou in the world, it stretches 359 river miles from Pine Bluff, AR, to the Ouachita River in Sterlington, LA.
The Arkansas River created Bayou Bartholomew some 2,000 years ago when it moved a ways east, leaving its old bed behind. This slowly filled with a variety of run off to become the leisurely bayou we know today. A “bayou” is a slow moving body of water in a low, flat area, usually serving as the outlet of a lake or river. Bayous are often found leading from (and are thus just as often confused with) swamps.
Devil’s Den State Park, just 40 minutes south of Fayetteville, AR, is an Arkansas icon with fishing, boating, hiking trails, caves, and one of the best-preserved CCC park developments in the country.
Devil’s Den State Park was created in the 1930’s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program. The CCC first built the road to Devil’s Den, which later became Arkansas 170. Then they added hiking trails, cabins, offices, and a restaurant. They also built the stone dam across Lee Creek.
If you like cars you’ll love the Museum of Automobiles in Morrilton, AR. This Rockefeller collection turned museum houses over 50 gorgeous, vintage vehicles, dating from 1904 to 1981. The museum also displays antique motorcycles, guns, license plates, arcade machines, auto memorabilia, and more.
Winthrop Rockefeller (1912 – 1973) was a third-generation member of the famous Rockefeller family and 37th Governor of Arkansas, serving from 1967 to 1971. He moved to Central Arkansas in 1953, establishing “Winrock Farms” cattle ranch atop Petit Jean Mountain.
The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo, in Hot Springs, is home to emu, goats, lemers, mountain lions, wolves, turtles, peacocks, and yes: alligators. Why, there’s even a leathery old Merman in residence!
Hot Springs’ Arkansas Alligator Farm is a lively part of America’s roadside tourist attractions and has been for over a century. In fact, the private farm has been raising alligators for exhibition since 1902.
The Farm was started by H.L. Campbell. Campbell was a real Arkansas character. He not only raised alligators but also collected sideshow oddities, shrunken heads and the like, for his roadside museum. His goal, so he said, was to provide Hot Springs with a tourist attraction to accompany the springs. He more than succeeded.
A lot has changed since those early days but the farm still raises alligators – and there is at least one original oddity still on display.
Take a trip back in time at Pea Ridge National Military Park, one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields around. The park also preserves a section of the Trail of Tears and includes a museum, a driving tour, hiking trails, and more.
The Battle of Pea Ridge
The Battle of Pea Ridge, also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern, was fought on March 7th and 8th, in 1862. The battle was over the control of Missouri, a crucial border state held by the Union.
Come explore Arkansas’ oldest show cave. Onyx Cave, just outside Eureka Springs, AR has been attracting tourists since 1893!
Arkansas is riddled with naturally occurring caves. They can be found all over the state. Some are big and some are small but all of them are fascinating to those of us who like caves. If you consider yourself a cave lover, you won’t want to miss a chance to explore one of Arkansas’ the oldest show caves, Onyx Cave.
Step back in time to the wilder Hot Springs of the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s with a visit to The Gangster Museum of America!
Hot Springs, AR is known for its heated springs, historic architecture, diverse art community, hiking, biking, festivals, and more – but gangsters? The concept seems pretty unlikely until you discover that, before there was Las Vegas, there was Hot Springs.
The Arkansas Railroad Museum, in Pine Bluff, AR, is a hands-on museum containing one of the largest collections of historic railroad equipment in the state.
The museum is housed in the shops of the former St. Louis Southwestern (SSW) Railway Cotton Belt Route yard. The museum collection includes an impressive array of rolling stock, railroad memorabilia, and two steam-powered engines, including the last ever built in Arkansas.
In fact, the museum wouldn’t even exist were it not for SSW 819.
Lions, tigers, and bears, oh, wow! See these beautiful animals and a whole lot more at the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari in Gentry, AR!
If you enjoy animals, you’ll love the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari! The 400-acre farm in Gentry Arkansas is home to more than 50 different species, ranging from sheep and pygmy goats to hippos and ligers.
The facility includes a 4-mile drive through section, a walk-through area, animal petting parks, and seasonal pony and camel rides.
Hawksbill Crag, also known as Whitaker Point, is one of Arkansas’ must-see outdoor attractions. The natural formation, located in Ozark National Forest, juts out from the bluff, some 150 feet above the forested valley floor below.
