Based off a quick Google search, I’m inclined to believe that most Americans don’t know much about Arkansas. I spent the last several days in the Natural State, and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Arkansas is filled with history, culture, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. With so much going for it, I was surprised to find that in surveys of ordinary Americans, Arkansas ranks as one of the 5 worst states. If those surveys reflect the honest opinions of Americans, most of whom have probably never visited the state, then I’m prepared to declare Arkansas as the most underrated state in the Union.
Rather than list out every positive thing about Arkansas, I have picked a hand full of my favorite places, and written quick summaries. Hopefully this will leave you with a more positive view of the state. But for anyone who gets the opportunity, don’t rely on what I think, go check out Arkansas. You might gain a whole new perspective, and maybe a new favorite vacation destination.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs has to be one of the more unique National Parks, as it’s located in the middle of the town of Hot Springs. In addition to being unique, it’s also the oldest national park. Yellowstone is typically recognized as the oldest, as it was the first park to be given the National Park designation, but Hot Springs was a federally protected area 40 years before Yellowstone.
The centerpiece of the park are the geothermal springs, but it has plenty more to offer. Additional features include over 25 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and Bathhouse Row. Hot Springs is also an interesting historical destination. It was popular with 20th century mobsters, and the city plays host to the official Gangster Museum of America. Another fun fact is that it was once the spring training home for multiple MLB teams. Babe Ruth played with the Red Sox here in the early 1900’s.
Northwest Arkansas – Fayetteville/Bentonville
If I were to ever live in Arkansas, Fayetteville would be the easy choice. Home to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is a great college town. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Fayetteville as one of the 5 best places to live for 6 years running. With a low cost of living, beautiful scenery, and Razorback Football it’s easy to see the appeal of living in Fayetteville. The town’s next door neighbor is Bentonville, know around the world as the birthplace of Wal-Mart. Despite any feelings you may have against Wal-Mart, Bentonville is actually a really cool town.
Clearly some people have been catching on to the appeal of Northwest Arkansas, as it’s been one of the fastest growing regions in the country. I only got to spend a few days here, but odds are I’ll be back in the fall to catch an Arkansas Razorback football game. Also if you’re not a football fan, the Razorback baseball team has made it to the College World Series 4 times in the last decade, and the basketball team narrowly missed the Final 4 this year. If you’re a sports fan, there’s plenty of action year round in Fayetteville.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
One of the only spots in the world where tourists can hunt for diamonds, Crater of Diamonds State Park is an Arkansas treasure. Since the site became an Arkansas state park in 1972, over 30,000 diamonds have been found by visitors, including the 40 carat Uncle Sam, the largest diamond ever unearthed in the United States. This has to be one of the more unique state parks in the entire country.
Pea Ridge National Military Park
One of the roughly 400 sites managed by the National Park Service, Pea Ridge National Military Park preserves a piece of U.S. history and showcases Arkansas’ natural beauty. The Battle of Pea Ridge was the most important battle of the Civil War to occur west of the Mississippi. Pea Ridge can conveniently be explored via a 7 mile long road that winds through the park. Even if you’re not into history, Pea Ridge is worth a quick visit, as the park is quite beautiful. Even a quick drive through the park, or a stroll down one of the many hiking trails, would justify a visit.
Conclusion
These were just a few of the Arkansas attractions that I personally experienced. The state has plenty more to offer, and you can be sure I’ll be back at some point in the future. The destinations most notably missing from my list so far, are Arkansas’ lakes and rivers, which are some of the most spectacular outdoor destinations in the United States. After all, Arkansas is called “The Natural State” for a reason.
This was my first trip to Arkansas, and I still have plenty to explore, but I’ve seen enough to confidently say Arkansas is worthy of visiting. For those of you who have never been there, and are convinced it’s one of the 5 worst states, take a trip and see if you change your mind. What’s the worst that could happen?
I had a pastor friend who moved to a church just outside of Bentonville. I made a joke about him moving to hillbilly country and he said it was quite the opposite. He loved it and he was in a very upscale congregation. As you mentioned, a lot of beauty, and in Bentonville there’s a lot of money. Sam Walton left quite a legacy.
I’m guilty of the same thing. Samantha had a friend who lived in Arkansas, made a Wal-Mart joke pretty much every time I saw her.