Arkansas, the “Natural state” as it is nicknamed, is located in the southern part of the United States of America. The name “Arkansas” means “land of downriver people”. “Little Rock” is the capital of Arkansas. Arkansas is covered with lush forests and fertile plains. It also has mountains, valleys and low lands. Mount Magazine in the Ozark Mountains is the highest point in the state.
With such a varied geography, Arkansas is home to many parks and rivers including Buffalo National River, Hot Springs National Park, Pea Ridge National Military Park, etc.
The climate of Arkansas borders on humid continental in the north and subtropical in the southern parts of the state. In the south, it is affected by the Gulf of Mexico even if the state does not border it. Average rainfall is about 50 inches and the snowfall in winter averages about 5 inches.
Visitors arrive in this state via the Arkansas International Airport in the city of Blytheville. Fayetteville, Bentonville and Hot Springs are other major cities in Arkansas.
The northwestern part of Arkansas is known for its natural beauty dominated by the Ozark Mountains. Throughout the state, visitors can explore underground caverns, go hang-gliding or photograph the breathtaking view of waterfalls in the national parks.
Little rock was named after Le Petite Roche, a real rock that was used as a marker for traffic along the Arkansas River. The Aerospace Education Center (3301 E Roosevelt Road – AR 72206) educates the visitors on the intricacies of designing machines to fly. This museum also has an aerospace library, an antique aircraft collection and an IMAX theater to see movies on space themed subjects.
Arkansas Museum of Discovery (500 President Clinton Ave – AR 72201) has a little of everything. Here, you can learn about the magic of telecommunications, robotics, and scientific facts that take you from the time of the dinosaurs to the unmapped future of mankind. In addition to Imagination Station, there are exhibits and historical information about a wide variety of subjects including Native American History and the Environment.
Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park (490 Toltec Mounds Road – AR 72142) are the tallest structures remaining from the prehistoric ceremonial and governmental complex that was flourishing here from 600 AD to 1050 AD. Guided tours are conducted daily along the 3/4th mile and 1.6 mile trail.
Anderson’s Cajun Wharf (2400 Cantrell Drive – AR 72202) entertains visitors with its live bands and great food and drinks, many of the locals join the crowds that come to dance and party or just listen to music while enjoying the local Cajun delicacies.
The Shiloh Museum (118 W Johnson Ave – AR 72764) teaches visitors about the history of the early Native American Tribes in the area of Arkansas. Exhibits and shows outline the history of the local tribes and events that shaped the culture and future of the original inhabitants of this beautiful land. There are also opportunities to check out or buy the intricate artwork done by the local artists and craftspeople in the area.
Fayetteville has a lot of historic buildings, museums and outdoor attractions. Local tours guide visitors through the Fayetteville sights and the activities, restaurants and parks in the surrounding area. Some of the attractions are: Arkansas Air Museum, Art Center of the Ozarks, Devil’s Den State Park and Lake Sequoyah.
