Arkansas

Arkansas is located in the south-central United States. It was part of the massive land area purchased from France in 1803. Many Arkansas place names still reflect that French heritage, often being French pronunciations of Indian words. In fact Arkansas is a French spelling of the name of the Indians who were original inhabitants of the northern part of the state.

Some visitors are confused about whether the state is called Ar-kan-saw or Ar-kansas. The correct pronunciation, as declared by the Arkansas General Assembly in 1881, is Ar-kan-saw.

Arkansas Travel Regions include:

This area has scenic high bluffs over deep valleys carved out by the many rivers and springs that flow thorough the Ozark Mountains. The lakes and rivers provide world-class fishing, recreational boating, canoeing and swimming. Off the water there are miles of trails for hiking and biking. Under those beautiful mountain vistas are the limestone caves of the Ozarks. Visitors can opt for guided tours of show caves or guided wild caving tours for the more adventurous and physically fit.

The Arkansas River valley is full of recreational opportunities. One of the most popular boating and fishing areas is Lake Dardanelle. For a nice wine to go with all that fish visit Arkansas Wine Country around nearby Altus. Magnificent views of the river valley can be seen from one of the Tri-Peaks - Nebo, Petit Jean and Magazine. The city of Fort Smith preserves its history as the gateway to the Wild West while just across the river Van Buren boasts a beautifully restored Victorian Main Street housing many art galleries, antique shops, restaurants and historical attractions.

The Ouachita River flows through the Ouachita Mountains and into Lake Ouachita, which is one of the five "Diamond Lakes". Whether you enjoy fishing, swimming, skiing or the easy life on a houseboat there is a stretch of water for you. At the Crater of Diamonds State Park you can dig for diamonds and keep what you find. Bathers have flocked to the spas of Hot Springs since the late 1800s. Hot Springs Reservation (later to become Hot Springs National Park) was established in 1832, making it the oldest of the National Parks. Fans of historic architecture can tour the Downtown and Central Avenue/East Side areas. Hot Springs is also the boyhood home President Bill Clinton.

The capital city of Little Rock lies in the heart of Arkansas. The Little Rock metropolitan area offers a cosmopolitan mix of dining, nightlife, arts and historic attractions. In the nine-square mile area known as the Quapaw Quarter many 19th century homes have been preserved. The River Market in Little Rock's River Market District offers vendors with both local and exotic flavour. Also located in the River Market District is the new Clinton Presidential Center and Park -- America's 12th Presidential Library. This complex includes a museum, archival collection and educational and research facilities.

The mighty Mississippi River defines the eastern border of Arkansas. The rich soil produces crops of soybeans, rice and cotton. Drivers can choose between two Scenic Byways running through this area: the Great River Road and the Crowley's Ridge Parkway. One of the newer museums in this region is the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum & Education Center at Piggott, where Ernest Hemingway penned portions of "A Farewell to Arms". At the southern end of the Delta region is Lake Chicot State Park, the largest oxbow lake in North America. It is known for exceptional fishing and bird watching.

These dense pine and cypress forests stretch across the southern portion of Arkansas intersected by rivers and lakes. Deer hunting and fishing draw thousands of visitors to this area every year. Birdwatchers can find plenty to see at the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. Many small towns put on festivals ranging from the Annual Magnolia Blossom Festival in Magnolia to the World-Famous Armadillo Festival in Hamburg.

Travel to Arkansas and learn about presidents or wilderness!