Touring Arkansas
Touring Arkansas
By Arlene Sevilla-White
Pssst… Hey, you. That’s right… You – the plant lover. We have a treat!
It’s called, “The Natural State”, so pack your bags because opportunity knocks. The upcoming
HSA Annual Meeting of Members and Educational Conference being held in Little Rock,
Arkansas, May 3-7, 2017, is the perfect get-away for plant-loving travelers to spread their wings.
So what are the some of the top places to visit in the state?
1) The Ozark Folk Center – This old-time craft village nestled in the Ozark Mountains
features a multitude of Ozark crafts, including an Herb Shoppe, a candle-making
shop, a doll shop, blacksmithing, and much more!
Photo adapted from: Ozark Folk Center. (n.d.).
Retrieved September 23, 2016 from http://www.ozarkfolkcenter.com
2) Blanchard Springs Caverns – This is absolutely one of the most breathtaking caves
in the country! A must-see!
Photo adapted from: Blanchard Springs Caverns. (n.d.). Retrieved
September 23, 2016 from http://www.blanchardsprings.org/
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3) Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – This may be one of the newer art
museums in the country, but it quickly gained national buzz. With famous art pieces
inside, the building architecture outside makes nature become part of its fine art.
Photo adapted from: Crystal Bridges. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016 from http://www.crystalbridges.org/
4) Old Mill – This reproduction of an old water-powered grist mill designed
by an artist and sculptor from Mexico City, Dionico Rodriguez, is a plant lover’s
paradise. The Old Mill appeared in an opening scene of the film, “Gone with the
Wind,” and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo adapted from: Arkansas The Natural State. (n.d.). The Old
Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park. Retrieved September 24, 2016
from www.arkansasstateparks.com//park-finder/park.aspx?id=3
5) Garvan Woodland Gardens – Visit this spectacular botanical garden enveloped in
the woods of the Ouachita Mountains. While you’re there, don’t miss Anthony
Chapel, a beautiful glass chapel that makes nature and architecture become one – a
truly unique experience!
Photos adapted from: Garvan Woodland Gardens University of Arkansas. (n.d.). Welcome to the gardens. Retrieved
September 23, 2016 from http://www.garvangardens.org/
Be sure to visit some other hot spots. Dig for diamonds you can keep at the Crater of Diamonds State
Park. Go to the River Market in downtown Little Rock and tour several museums, take a Segway or
trolley, or see sculptures along the river walk. The map below shows things to do in different areas of
the state. For additional information go to www.arkansas.com.
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Adapted from: Arkansas Free Print Out State Maps. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2017 from http://ar.freeprintoutmap.com/
“A” Area- Visit the River Market in downtown Little Rock, which includes the Historic Arkansas
Museum, the Old State House Museum, the Clinton Presidential Center, the Heifer International
Center, a pier walk with sculptures along the river, and a striking night-time view of downtown
that features colored river lights on the bridges. Downtown tours can also be taken on a trolley
ride or a Segway.
Other downtown attractions are the Robinson Center, the Arkansas Arts Center, the Esse Purse
Museum, the State Capitol Building, and a tour of the Rock Town Distillery.
Across the river in downtown North Little Rock, take a tour inside a real submarine at the
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. Also close to downtown are Mount Holly Cemetary, and the
Central High School National Historic Site that features the famous Little Rock Nine group.
Within 25 miles or less of downtown Little Rock are the Little Rock Zoo, the Old Mill (see picture
in article above), Pinnacle Mountain, and the Wildwood Park for the Arts.
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“B” Area- Mountain View is about a two-hour drive from downtown Little Rock and is home to
the Ozark Folk Center (see picture in article above. Also in this area, featured as a top place to
visit, is Blanchard Springs Caverns (see picture in article above). Blanchard Springs is 15 miles
northwest of Mountain View.
“C” Area – If you’re an outdoor scenary buff, you’ll enjoy the Buffalo National River, which is
about 150 miles long. In the Buffalo National River area is the Arkansas Grand Canyon. A
great view of the Arkansas Grand Canyon is at the Cliff House restaurant and inn.
“D” Area – About a 3 ½ hour drive from Little Rock, Eureka Springs is a popular tourist
destination. Go shopping in its historical downtown, tour the St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church,
and take in The Great Passion Play held outdoors along with its Christ of the Ozarks statue.
Be sure to see the Thorncrown Chapel, a glass chapel designed by a student of Frank Lloyd
Wright, and finally, go see the big cats at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.
“E” Area- Also about 3 ½ hours from Little Rock, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
is nationally recognized (see picture in article above). While you’re there, visit the Walmart
Museum.
“F” Area- About 3 hours from Little Rock is the picturesque St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable in
Fayetteville.
“G” Area- Fort Smith is a 2 ½ hour drive from Little Rock. See the Fort Smith National Historic
Site featuring the hanging gallows from the famous “Hanging Judge Parker,” an old jail cell, and
the Trail of Tears. Also stop by Miss Laura’s Visitor Center, a former brothel in the Old West red
district.
“H” Area- Hot Springs is another popular tourist destination, and is one hour from Little Rock.
See the Garvan Woodland Gardens along with its glass Anthony Chapel (see picture in article
above). Take in Hot Springs’ historic downtown, and visit one of the bath houses of Hot Springs
National Park. Other interesting places to visit include the Gangster Museum of America, the
Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo, and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
“I” Area- Does digging for diamonds and keeping any that you find sound appealing? Visit the
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, about two hours from Little Rock.
“J” Area - Also about two hours from Little Rock, you can see the historic Washington State
Park in Washington, and President Clinton’s first boyhood home in Hope.
“K” Area – Visit Louisana Purchase State Park in Brinkley, about one hour from Little Rock.
Take the boardwalk for a picturesque walk through the wooded swamp.
Sources:
Arkansas Free Print Out State Maps. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2017 from
http://ar.freeprintoutmap.com/
Arkansas The Natural State. (n.d.). The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park. Retrieved
September 24, 2016 from www.arkansasstateparks.com//park-finder/park.aspx?id=3
Blanchard Springs Caverns. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016 from
http://www.blanchardsprings.org/
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Crystal Bridges. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016 from http://www.crystalbridges.org/
Garvan Woodland Gardens University of Arkansas. (n.d.). Welcome to the gardens. Retrieved
September 23, 2016 from http://www.garvangardens.org/
Ozark Folk Center. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016 from http://www.ozarkfolkcenter.com
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