Arkansas is a state in the southern region of the United States. It is often referred to as “The Natural State,” and its motto is “Regnat Populus.”
Arkansas is famous for its natural beauty, including the Ozarks and the Arkansas River Valley. It also has a rich culture, with a number of Native American tribes living within its borders. The state’s capital and largest city are Little Rock.
For a long time, Arkansas was known as the “Southwest Territory.” The state’s first settlement was in 1686 by French explorers. After almost two centuries, in 1803, President Thomas Jefferson acquired the Louisiana Purchase, which included Arkansas.
And so Arkansas became a territory on June 15, 1819, and then became a state on June 15, 1836. Arkansas is home to many landmarks that have played an important role in its history.
Now that we know a bit about the state let’s move towards some of the more famous landmarks that you can visit on your adventures.
Hold on to your hats because these top landmarks are definitely a rollercoaster ride with thrills, excitement, and a range of souvenirs you can collect!
Famous Landmarks in Arkansas
1. Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is a national park in central Arkansas. It is the only national park in the state and one of the few in the United States.
The park was established on April 20, 1832, as Hot Springs Reservation by an act of Congress to protect hot springs, which were believed to have medicinal qualities.
The park is famous for its hot springs and has been visited by many people over time who are looking for relaxation or healing. There are many reasons why people should visit Hot Springs, National Park.
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One reason would be that it has a lot of history behind it, and there are still some remnants from its early days that can be found around the park.
Another reason would be that it has a lot of natural beauty with plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore. Lastly, this park also has some great recreational opportunities, such as camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more!
2. Crater of Diamonds State Park
As the name suggests, the Crater of Diamonds State Park is a state park in Arkansas that is famous for its diamond mines and the crater therein.
It is the only diamond site in the United States where diamonds can be found and mined by the public. The park was established in 1972 and has been open to visitors since then.
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Visiting the Crater of Diamonds State Park has always been a popular activity because people are fascinated with diamonds and want to know more about them.
The park also provides an opportunity to get hands-on experience with mining for diamonds which is a very interesting process.
3. Thorncrown Chapel
The Thorncrown Chapel is a church in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was designed by architect E. Fay Jones and completed in 1980.
The design of the chapel is unique because of its distinctive roofline, which features overhanging eaves that create the illusion of a crown above the chapel.
The building has an open-air design with no walls or windows on three sides to take advantage of natural light and provide views of nearby woods and hillsides.
4. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is one of the newest and most popular art museums in the country. It is famous for its architecture, collection, and ability to create a sense of calmness. Visitors have described it as a “gorgeous museum” with a “wonderful atmosphere.”
The museum was founded in 2005 by Alice Walton, who donated her family’s extensive art collection to the museum. It was designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie and opened on November 11, 2011.
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The building is located in Bentonville, Arkansas, and has been called one of the most beautiful buildings in the United States.
The Crystal Bridges Museum features paintings from some of America’s most famous artists, including Norman Rockwell, Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Frederic Church, and John James Audubon, among others.
The museum also contains works from many different cultures around the world, including African masks from Mali, Chinese porcelain, and even some from the Uzbeks.
5. Blanchard Springs Caverns
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a National Natural Landmark that is located in the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. It was formed by limestone erosion, and it has been a tourist attraction since the 1930s.
The caverns are famous for their unusual stalactite formations, the largest of which is over 100 feet high.
The stalactites at Blanchard Springs Caverns are unique because they grow from the ceiling instead of from the ground like most stalactites. One of the reasons to visit this site is to see these unique features.
6. Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith National Historic Site is a historic military base and fort in the U.S. state of Arkansas, which has been turned into a national park.
It is the site of one of the most important battles during the American Civil War, and it is also an important landmark for Native Americans.
Fort Smith National Historic Site was established to preserve and commemorate Fort Smith, which was an important frontier outpost for many years after its establishment in 1817.
The fort played an important role in the settlement of what would become Oklahoma and Kansas, as well as in protecting American settlers from Native Americans who were often hostile to them.
7. Christ of the Ozarks
The Christ of the Ozarks statue is a monument that was erected in 1966. It stands at the top of a hill and overlooks the city of Eureka Springs.
The statue is bronze and stands about 40 feet tall. And no, it does not have any connection to the famous Netflix drama series Ozark.
The statue is famous (and rather controversial) for being a tourist attraction because it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Many visitors come to see this beautiful landmark and enjoy its scenic views.
8. Little Rock Central High School
Little Rock Central High School is a public high school in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was the first public school that was desegregated in the country.
The school is now famous for being the site of one of the most important events in American history. On September 24, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to escort nine African American students into this school to help enforce desegregation laws.
The museum at Little Rock Central High School tells this story and educates visitors about the Civil Rights Movement and segregation in America.
Visitors can also learn more about the Civil Rights Movement by visiting other sites like the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated on April 4, 1968, or Mount Holly Cemetery, where three Civil War generals are buried: Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Albert Sidney Johnston.
9. Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is located in the Ozark Mountains, which you will find in northern Arkansas.
It is the only river in the US having the honor of being classified as a national river, and it is a great place to visit for those who are looking for an escape from the city or want to enjoy nature.
The river itself runs through a beautiful canyon that offers plenty of hiking, fishing, canoeing, and camping opportunities.
The Buffalo National River was established as a national park in 1972 by President Nixon, and there are plenty of reasons why it is worth visiting.
The buffalo river offers some of the best whitewater rafting on earth, with over 100 miles of rapids and 500-foot drops to explore.
There are also many different trails for those who want to experience nature up close, with short hikes through forests or long trips through the scenic canyon.
10. Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is a state park in Arkansas that is famous for its natural beauty. It has a lot of hiking trails, scenic views, and waterfalls. Despite the name, it is in no way considered petite or small.
The Petit Jean State Park is famous for its natural beauty, with many hiking trails and scenic views. The park has been preserved as a part of the Arkansas Natural and Scenic Rivers Act of 1969, which was signed into law by Governor Winthrop Rockefeller.
Petit Jean is one of the most popular parks in Arkansas due to its variety of activities and beautiful scenery.
Arkansas is a great place to visit because of its natural beauty. Arkansas has an abundance of lakes, rivers, springs, and lush waterfalls. It also has a variety of wildlife and beautiful forests.