Arkansas - Overview and History

Nicknamed The Natural State, Arkansas is known and visited for its scenic beauty. In fact, tourism is a big boon to the state’s economy, bringing in nearly $4 million a year. More than 19 million tourists head for Arkansas each year, often stopping at Hot Springs National Park; Eureka Springs; The Buffalo National River; Blanchard Springs Caverns; and many museums, water parks, and historical locations along the way. The drive through Arkansas can, in itself, be a big part of a tourist’s draw, with scenic trips through the Ozarks and the Ouachitas, giving breathtaking views of streams, rivers, vistas, mountain ranges, lakes, and forests.

 

Arkansas is broken into six general regional areas, including: Central Arkansas, the Ouchitas, the Delta, the Ozarks, River Valley, and the Timberlands. Central Arkansas is home to nearly 500,000 people. This area includes Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Benton, Bryant, Conway, Cabot, and Searcy. State government, banking centers, and media thrive in Central Arkansas, and Little Rock, the state capitol, is home to former President Bill Clinton.

 

In the Ouchitas area you’ll find Hot Springs, an area known for horse racing and Bathhouse Row. The city is named for the mineral waters that come from 47 underground springs and are a consistent 143 degrees. This area also sports Magic Springs amusement and Crystal Falls Water Park, as well as a science museum and botanical gardens. Visitors also enjoy spending time on lakes Ouchita, DeGray, Hamilton, and Catherine, the Diamond lakes, where they can visit resorts, camp, fish, boat, horseback ride, and golf.

 

In the Delta, the Eastern-most side of the state that borders the Mississippi River, agriculture is king. Cotton, rice, soybeans, and wheat rule this region. Also, if you’re into scenic byways, The Great River Road and Crowley’s Ridge Parkway run through this area.

 

Arkansas State University calls the Delta region its home. And the site of the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley lies here.

 

In the Ozarks, along Scenic Byway 7, you’ll find 95,000 acres of public land for camping, as well as cabins, springs, caves, waterfalls, bridges, and walking and hiking trails. It’s here that Eureka Springs, a popular Victorian destination town, lies. This town, with a downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places, draws guests to see the Thorncrown Chapel, folk music festivals, the Great Passion Play, and the Holyland Tour, among other sites. And don’t forget fishing; the Ozarks are known for trout fishing and largemouth bass. If fishing’s not your thing, then try your hand at shopping, with plenty of antique and craft stores nearby.

 

Wal-Mart Stores and Tyson Foods employ many residents of the Ozark region, which includes Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, and Bentonville. The University of Arkansas also calls this region home. 

The River Valley region is the highest point in Arkansas, at Mount Magazine State Park, where views are at 2,753 feet above sea level. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this area, with camping, hiking, hang gliding, and rappelling. The area is also known for its history; Fort Smith was established in 1817 as a military post and the location of courts with jurisdiction over Indian Territory. One old courtroom, and a reconstructed jail and gallows still stand and are open to visit.

Wine buffs will enjoy visiting various vineyards in this region.

 

The last region, the Timberlands, counts on papermaking as its principal industry, with several paper mills and plants in the area. Here you’ll also find the town of Hope, hometown of former President Bill Clinton, where guests can tour his first home and attend the town’s watermelon festival.

 

The Delta Rivers Nature Center is a nature-lover’s delight, with animals and wildlife native to the region, including some live animals.