Spring vacation in Arkansas
I am planning a vacation in May in Arkansas. Any tips on places to go and stay. We like the out doors, hiking, and historical things, natural wonders, gardens, etc.
Forum Discussion
Arkansas is at least four different regions, with some local variation:
Ozark Plateau with deep valleys and reservoirs forming lakes, north central and most of northwest part of the state. There are many state parks and Corps of Engineers recreational access facilities on these reservoir projects. The area around Rogers and Bentonville in the northwest is becoming a major urban center with rapid growth of retirement communities that attract people who have jobs to provide services needed by us old folks.
Ozark Mountains, a small uplift in the plateau, NW Arkansas just north of I-40. Petit John State Park is the nicest place to visit, Mount Magazine SP is more into the mountain terrain.
Ouachita Mountains in the SW part of the state, old mountains a lot like the southern Appalachians. Hot Springs is here, on the highway going SW out of Little Rock, and Crater of Diamonds (a volcanic plug) is over by Murfreesboro. You can dig in the mud to look for gems at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Delta Country in the east central and southeast part of the state. This is mostly agricultural, but there are small parks on some of the ox-bows, and it is a popular area for people who like relaxing types of fishing (just don't go sneeking in to fish someone's catfish farm). Lake Village, just across the Mississippi River from Greenville, MS is a popular area with campers and fishermen looking to relax.
Then there is Little Rock, a major urban center sitting at the point where all these different parts come together. Little Rock is the site of the Clinton Presidential Library, and is where you'll find the museums, theaters, orchestras etc that Arkansas has to offer.
By the way, May in Arkansas, after school has let out for vacation, is no longer Spring, it is already Summer. That's why school lets out for earlier for Summer vacation in the South than in the North. Not as hot yet as it will get in July and August, but usually already warmer in May than it will get in August in Michigan. That's why I go to Michigan for Summer.
Ozark Plateau with deep valleys and reservoirs forming lakes, north central and most of northwest part of the state. There are many state parks and Corps of Engineers recreational access facilities on these reservoir projects. The area around Rogers and Bentonville in the northwest is becoming a major urban center with rapid growth of retirement communities that attract people who have jobs to provide services needed by us old folks.
Ozark Mountains, a small uplift in the plateau, NW Arkansas just north of I-40. Petit John State Park is the nicest place to visit, Mount Magazine SP is more into the mountain terrain.
Ouachita Mountains in the SW part of the state, old mountains a lot like the southern Appalachians. Hot Springs is here, on the highway going SW out of Little Rock, and Crater of Diamonds (a volcanic plug) is over by Murfreesboro. You can dig in the mud to look for gems at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Delta Country in the east central and southeast part of the state. This is mostly agricultural, but there are small parks on some of the ox-bows, and it is a popular area for people who like relaxing types of fishing (just don't go sneeking in to fish someone's catfish farm). Lake Village, just across the Mississippi River from Greenville, MS is a popular area with campers and fishermen looking to relax.
Then there is Little Rock, a major urban center sitting at the point where all these different parts come together. Little Rock is the site of the Clinton Presidential Library, and is where you'll find the museums, theaters, orchestras etc that Arkansas has to offer.
By the way, May in Arkansas, after school has let out for vacation, is no longer Spring, it is already Summer. That's why school lets out for earlier for Summer vacation in the South than in the North. Not as hot yet as it will get in July and August, but usually already warmer in May than it will get in August in Michigan. That's why I go to Michigan for Summer.
