Arkansas has seven National Park units in Arkansas. Hot Springs is the only “National Park” of these units. The others range from three National Historic Sites and three other units. Two National Trails also traverse the state.
National Parks
Arkansas has one National Park (of the 63). Those called National Parks are among the most important, protected, and prestigious units of the National Park Service.
Hot Springs
One of the oldest protected areas in the U.S., Hot Springs was designated a National Park in 1921, though it had federal protection dating back to 1832. The park preserves a unique blend of natural thermal springs, forests, and historical bathhouses right in the middle of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The hot springs aren’t quite the wild, natural pools you might expect—instead, the water is piped into historic bath houses built in the early 20th century. Bathhouse Row feels like a step back in time, with grand architecture and old-school spa vibes. Only a couple of them are still in operation. The remaining ones are still interesting, with museums, exhibits, gift shops, and even a brewery.
Small by National Park standards and very urban, with a handful of hiking trails winding up through the forested hills above town. The history (including the mob history) and the urban/forested areas make it a cool spot to check out and unique among the NPS system.
Read More: Best Things to Do in Hot Springs National Park
National Historic Sites
National Historic Sites include some of the most important historic places in the United States. They include the homes of presidents, prominent people, cultural icons, and more. National Historic Sites tend to be more focused than historic parks, but not always. The following are the ones in Arkansas.
Fort Smith
Started as a military outpost in 1817, Fort Smith was built at the edge of the “frontier” and was meant to keep peace between settlers and native tribes. Perched at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers, the Fort was also infamous as the last stop on the “trail of tears” before tribes entered Oklahoma, where Indians were forcibly resettled from other parts.
The fort had many infamous visitors and lawmen, including Judge Isaac Parker (aka the “Hanging Judge”), who handed down harsh punishments to outlaws and fugitives. Visitors can explore the remains of two frontier forts, the old courthouse, jail, and even the gallows where the controversial sentences were carried out.
Be sure to check on tours and presentations when you visit. Learning about the various folks who went through the Fort and its history was a fascinating view into early US Frontier history.
Little Rock Central High School
Following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, nine Black students (known as the Little Rock Nine) enrolled in the then all-white Central High. The arrival was contentious, to say the least, with the Arkansas National Guard blocking the doors and mobs of people on both sides.
President Eisenhower had to send in federal troops to escort the students, which helped to finally push for desegregation in education (and other places).
The school is not open for visitors to wander freely. You must be on a guided tour, and even then, you can only visit limited areas of the school and its exterior. However, there are exhibits, photographs, and stories that you can experience regardless of whether you are on a guided tour or not.
If you find yourself in Kansas, be sure to visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park in Topeka.
President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home
Located in Hope, Arkansas, the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home offers a view into the modest beginnings of the 42nd President of the United States. This average two-story house is where a young William Jefferson Blythe III spent his formative years in Arkansas.
The home has been restored to its 1940s appearance and includes original furnishings. A ranger tour is available to explore the inside of the house (alternatively, there are exhibits and information in the visitor center).
It is a small and quieter national park site, like the early homes of many presidents. I’ve personally enjoyed visiting these types of sites to get a peek into the formative years of American leaders.
Other National Park Units
The following are other units that don’t fall into the categories above. These can be memorials, historic, military, or natural sites. Arkasas has three additional units managed by the National Park Service.
Arkansas Post National Memorial
Established in 1966 and located at the confluence of the White and Arkansas Rivers, Arkansas Post National Memorial was the first semi-permanent French settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley
Initially established by the French in 1686, the “post” as it’s affectionately known, has passed between French, English, and Spanish hands throughout its history. The location was important for controlling the Mississippi River Valley.
The area became part of the USA following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and soon, it became an important trading post and the first capital of the Arkansas Territory. Today, little of the original buildings remain, but it’s a beautiful park where you can explore trails, history, and earthwork remains. The visitor center also has exhibits and presentations on the site.
Buffalo National River
Established in 1972, Buffalo National River was the first National River designated in the United States. 135 (of 153) miles of the river fall within areas designated under NPS management, so there’s much to do and explore in its boundaries.
The national river designation is important to protect the river and limit damming and industrialization. The park encompasses over 95,000 acres around the river, so there are lots of opportunities for land-based activities (like hiking and camping). However, the river is the main attraction.
The River’s over 150 miles of free-flowing waters are popular for light watercraft like canoes and kayaks. Multi-day kayak/camping trips are popular as well. Visitors are allowed to fish within its waters.
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Preserving one of the most important Civil War and Union Victories. I knew nothing about this battle from my history classes, but Pea Ridge was crucial for securing Missouri for the Union and opening up vital lines into Confederate areas.
On March 7th and 8th, 1862, over 23,000 soldiers from the North and South fought for this strategic piece of land that now spans the 4,300-acre park. The park was designated a National Park during the Civil War Centennial in 1963. It is actually one of the best preserved Civil War Battlefields and was a frequent stop for soldiers’ reunions after the war ended.
Nowadays, visitors can explore the battlefields, hiking trails, canon-lined ridges, and historic structures and hear stories about the men who fought here during those two days.
National Trails
National Trails are historic, scientific, and nature trails across the United States. These trails often cross several states and can be thousands of miles long.
Most national trails are not fully administered by the National Park Service, and multiple agencies and private organizations often manage all or part of them.
Butterfield Overland
Stretching nearly 3,000 miles from Missouri to California, the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail follows one of America’s earliest stagecoach lines. This was also one of the country’s first transcontinental mail routes, from 1858 to 1861. I have seen these stops in remote places, including Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas.
The trail had terminals in St. Louis and Memphis in the East and San Francisco in the West. Averaging about 100 miles a day, the stagecoaches could deliver people, mail, and goods between the sites in under 25 days, which was incredible in those days. Passengers were required to sleep on the stagecoaches in transit.
The trail traces many different towns and historic sites along the trail. In Arkansas, the trail passes through Pea Ridge National Military Park, Van Winkle Mill Site, and several preserved stage stops. [ MO AR OK TX NM AZ CA ]
Trail Of Tears
Following one of the darkest chapters in American history, the Trail of Tears, the forced removal of Southeastern Tribes to present-day Oklahoma. Winding over 5,000 miles across nine states, the trail follows routes used by Indian Families as they were pushed relentlessly as part of the Indian Removal Act.
The trail winds through many communities, parks, and other historic sites along its path. There are memorials and places to visit across the states. The path isn’t one contiguous path and requires some work to navigate fully.
In Arkansas, you’ll find several segments of the original trail, including Pea Ridge and Fort Smith. Fort Smith was the final point along the trail before tribes entered Oklahoma. [ AL AR GA IL KY MO NC OK TN ]
Check out Nearby States National Park Sites
Oklahoma | Texas | Louisiana | Mississippi | Tennessee | Missouri