Arkansas: Diamond in the Rough
- Kaitlen Daigle
- May 16, 2024
- 2 min read
Fun fact: Arkansas stands as the only U.S. state that produces diamonds. The Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public, operating under a "finders keepers" policy. I didn't have a chance to visit this state park, so don't be like me and go find yourself some diamonds!
I didn't have a lot of expectations going to Arkansas. One important thing to note is that while Hawaii is my final state, Arkansas was my mom's final state so it's definitely one for the memory books.
A must-do for us visiting Arkansas was to visit Hot Springs National Park. Without knowing what it looked like I assumed it was in a forest somewhere like Yellowstone but we found it in the town of Hot Springs, AR. In the town is a row of bathhouses and I found all the history to be so fascinating. While Hot Springs National Park is not the first designated national park, technically it is the oldest national park. I'll make sure to make a post soon just about this national park because it's pretty cool.
A little bit north of Little Rock we visited Pinnacle Mountain State Park and had a picnic there. It was a beautiful area and I wish I had more time to hike around it but I guess I'll just have to go back.
If you want to visit Arkansas, here's a list of possible things to see and do:
Hot Springs National Park: Explore the natural hot springs, bathhouses, and hiking trails in this historic national park.
Crater of Diamonds State Park: Search for diamonds and other gemstones in the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public.
Buffalo National River: Float, kayak, or canoe along the scenic Buffalo River, one of the few remaining free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states.
Garvan Woodland Gardens: Wander through 210 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring botanical collections, water features, and architectural structures.
Mount Magazine State Park: Hike to the top of Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas, for stunning views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Explore a world-class collection of American art spanning five centuries, housed in a striking architectural setting.
Historic Downtowns: Discover charming downtown areas in cities like Eureka Springs, Little Rock, and Hot Springs, known for their unique shops, galleries, and dining options.
Ozark Folk Center State Park: Experience Ozark culture through live music, traditional crafts, and workshops at this living history museum.
Lake Ouachita State Park: Enjoy water activities like swimming, boating, and fishing on the largest lake in Arkansas, surrounded by scenic mountain vistas.
Thorncrown Chapel: Visit this architectural gem nestled in the woods near Eureka Springs, renowned for its stunning design and peaceful setting.: Explore the natural hot springs, bathhouses, and hiking trails in this historic national park.
If you want more suggestions on what to do in Arkansas, I suggest you check out their tourism website.
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