4.5Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge(2.440 reviews) - Even in the Rain, we had a GREAT day! Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the United States. The non-profit USDA licensed refuge, founded in 1992, has grown to become one of the Top 10 attractions in Arkansas and the most popular in Eureka Springs. Lions, cougars, leopards, tigers, and bears are displayed in large natural habitats surrounding the main enclosures and gift shop. Over night accommodations are available via the Safari Lodge, RV park, and camping facilities. Tours are available from 9 am until 4 pm.See more..
4.5Pinnacle Mountain State Park(494 reviews) - Worth the visit to Little Rock Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Opened in 1977, the Pinnacle Mountain State Park serves as a center for education, recreation and preservation.See more..
4.5Blue Spring Heritage Center(459 reviews) - Worth the trip! Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Botanical Gardens on the beautiful White River and a stop on the Trail of Tears. 39 million gallon a day bottomless spring. Museum, and two short very informative films Bluff Shelter listed on the national register of historic placesSee more..
The animals were obviously well taken of, friendly, very clean for a petting zoo. Giant turtles, bunnies, goats, the donkeys are the best, alligators of course. I highly recommend spending the $10 to feed the alligators and the parakeets, especially the parakeets, had four of them on my husband’s arm trying to eat the birdseed. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. It could get expensive for a large family, but to us was well worth it as it made my family’s day to hold an alligator and see it that close up.See more..
4.5Mount Magazine State Park(396 reviews) - Beautiful! Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
High atop 2,753-foot Mount magazine, the state's tallest mountain, this scenic Arkansas state park was developed in the Mount Magazine Ranger District of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest through a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Sweeping vistas of broad river valleys, deep canyons, and distant mountains welcome outdoor enthusiasts to Arkansas's high point. This is a place to enjoy sightseeing, exploring the mountain and nature study. The park is a destination for outdoor sports and extreme adventure enthusiasts that offers rock climbing, rappelling, hang-gliding, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, and ATV adventure. An ATV guide service is available. The park also offers overlooks, hiking trails, a picnic area with restrooms, pavilion, and a visitor center with an exhibit gallery and gift shop. The park offers 18 campsites (two Class AAA and 16 Class AA with tent only options). The Lodge features 60 guest rooms, a restaurant, conference center, business center, indoor heated swimming pool, fitness center and game room. Thirteen fully equipped cabins share the same bluff and seeping views of the valley as the lodge.See more..
4.5Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari(286 reviews) - Worth The Drive. Bring A Lunch Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent More than 3 hours Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Areas
During your visit, you can enjoy our 4-mile drive-through from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle. You also can drive by the petting parks to view our animals, though all visitors must stay in their vehicles at all times. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no animal feeding is allowed at this time. These restrictions are for the safety of our animals, staff, and visitors. Additionally, concessions and picnic areas are not available. We look forward to your visit!See more..
We decided to visit the canyon on our way to Branson Mo. It was worth the side trip. The canyon was really great to see with the trees turning. The road getting there was hilly with lots of curves. See more..
We arrived at the Nature Center only 15 minutes before they closed. We did a quick walk through of the indoor exhibits. After the center closes, visitors still have access to many trails around the grounds. We enjoyed walking the trails and seeing God’s beautiful creation. See more..
4.0Eureka Springs Gardens(68 reviews) - Now Blue Spring Heritage Center Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
Blue Spring is a natural wonder, pouring 38 million gallons of cold, clear water each day into its trout-stocked lagoon.Start your adventure with an insightful historic film in the Visitor Center, then stroll the handicapped-accessible walkways and inviting garden paths that wind through the 33 acres of native gardens. Visit the historic mill site that dates from the 1840's, see the Bluff Shelter on the National Register of Historic Places, and walk along the path of the Trail of Tears. Resident Appaloosas and abundant native flora and fauna delight visitors, and our charming gift shop offers an array of items to keep the exerience alive. Blue Spring is a quiet getaway and a perfect place for weddings, group outings or any special occasion.See more..
4.0Cadron Settlement Park(47 reviews) - This Place will Break Your Heart Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
On one of the many branches of the Trail of Tears, this is one of the more sobering spots you'll ever visit. The sadness is only enhanced by the natural beauty. There is a mass grave of Cherokee who died here while being forced to move from South Carolina to Oklahoma, but who never made it. Their names (when known) are listed on a large brass plaque. Many were children. The spot exists because Indians being transported by the water route of the Trail, using the Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas Rivers, had to go ashore here to await further movement inland, as the Arkansas above this point was at that time too shallow to navigate. There is a reconstruction of an ancient fort at the site too, fun to explore for those too young or too hardened to appreciate the tragedy of the location.See more..
4.5South Arkansas Arboretum(43 reviews) - Wonderful place to wander! Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
I’m a full-time RVer and was looking for a good place to walk my two pups. The South Arkansas Arboretum is a gem! So many paved paths to walk, lots of benches to sit and relax, and plenty of shade. Very well maintained. Plenty of parking. A beautiful place to wander!See more..
4.5Delta Rivers Nature Center(31 reviews) - Great for you children Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
This place was great for the young children they really love the white sharks. The gift shop was very expensiveSee more..
4.5Charlton Recreation Area(27 reviews) - Don't Camp Here....We want it all to ourselves Nature & Wildlife Areas
Camp Charlton is our favorite camping spot in Arkansas so far! It's first come first serve so you cannot make a reservation online, so just be aware of that. The campsites are shaded and cool even in the hottest part of summer. You don't get a cell signal so you feel really cut off from all the stresses of life. Sites are well spaced. Few to no bugs when we've been. The sounds of the stream are so soothing. Birds, bats, friendly faces. There's a short walk to the swimming/day area from the camping spots. The water is COLD, as others have said, but you get used to it once you make the plunge and it's so fun. There's a platform for diving and jumping with ladders to get out of the cold water. It's never crowded. It's like a little oasis just outside the big city.See more..
4.0Snake World(25 reviews) - Valentine Vacation Nature & Wildlife Areas
Snake World was a great find! It's just a little hole in the wall place but a huge and fantastic experience. The owners Dale and Malena (?spelling) were so kind, knowledgeable, and very passionate about their snakes, etc. We were able to spend quality time with the owners, snakes, etc and even hold some of the snakes! See more..
We came for the Little Missouri Falls, and we were not disappointed. We were however somewhat surprised at the roads - it's just gravel and quite narrow when meeting oncoming cars. It took us 45 minutes to go the last 7 miles to the falls, which we were unprepared for. Just something to note! Little Missouri Falls is breath-taking and should not be missed! Bring your swimsuit.See more..
4.5Jacksonport State Park(22 reviews) - Worth a visit Historic Sites • State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
In the 1800s steamboats made Jacksonport a thriving river port. During the Civil War, the town was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces because of its crucial locale. Jacksonport became county seat in 1854, and constuction of a stately, two-story brick courthouse began in 1869. The town began to decline in the 1880s when bypassed by the railroad. The county seat was moved in 1891 to nearby Newport, and Jacksonport's stores, wharves and saloons soon vanished.Today, exhibits in the park's 1872 courthouse and programs by park interpreters share the story of this historic river port. Admission to the courthouse is free. The park offers 20 Class A campsites with water and electric hookups including 50 amp service at all sites, a swimming beach on the White River, standard pavilion, picnic sites, playground, and the Tunstall Riverwalk Trail to stroll alongside the river. The park is on Ark. 69 in Jacksonport (just three miles north of Newport).See more..
A pleasant drive (about 8 miles) through the refuge, but DON'T expect to see wildlife other than birds. This place was made to be a birding refuge for migrating birds and it is spectacular as such. Just don't expect deer and bears and the like to run across the road in front of you.See more..
4.5Siloam Springs Kayak Park(16 reviews) - Beautiful Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Nice place to swim an do all kinds of water sports.rubbing..rafting..kayaking.hiking.there is a climbing rock.See more..
This is not a luxe trip.This is nature at its best and you are in the middle of rural Arkansas. I have been coming here for 17 years and this is one of my favorites. The bluffs and scenery are great, but the water is what you are looking for. You need experience to do the upper Piney Creek. If you have some skills, do the upper and do the Mother. Pay your $4 a boat at Helton's Farm to get your boat in the creek and have a blast. Debbie and Kerry at Moore's Outdoors will be most helpful at making your trip a blast. Be prepared for KFT (Kerry F***ing Time), as Kerry's time is relative to what he is doing when he is doing it. The shuttle from Long Pool to Helton's is long and a gravel road, but, the history and scenery is worth it.The camp is what you would expect in a very rural and unkempt campground. You do have a hot shower (cleaning is variable and questionable). Waterfall near by and is beautiful. This place is awesome.See more..
4.5Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary(10 reviews) - Beautiful trail system but don’t go just for the alligators Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas
We were in town getting work done on our ATV and decided to check out the area while we waited. It was nice that everything around town is only about 15 minutes away. We saw reviews that this place had alligators so we thought we would check it out. Turns out that’s a bit deceiving. It’s not like they are just out walking around and you can easily go see them any time. Apparently people say they are back in the pond which is probably a mile walk there and back. The pond is mostly fenced off and grown up high with weeds so unless you want to hike through the weeds and possibly lose a leg to the alligator that’s supposedly back there then you probably won’t see anything. The trails are beautiful though and surrounded with huge trees and there were tons of people out riding bikes, running & walking. There are also CrossFit type stations where you can stop and do pushups/sit-ups/jumps/etc. It’s definitely a great place. See more..
3.5Lake Pineda(10 reviews) - Beautiful Peaceful Lake ~ Great for Bird Watchers! Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas Inside of Hot Springs Village gated community, Lake Pineda has a public docking area where you can put in your boat or just fish from the pier. The lake is fairly clean with edible stocked fish. It's a birdwatchers paradise with many exotic varieties. You won't encounter power boats or water skiers so it's a peaceful place to visit. See more..
4.5Indian creek Trail(6 reviews) - Indian Creek and Eye of the Needle Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Heed the warnings. This is a physically exhausting hike. There are so many waterfalls and cliffs and rock formations. It literally looks like the land that time forgot. The Indian Creek trail is great on its own but for those not afraid of heights or a little danger you can climb the ropes, crawl through the tunnel, hug the cliffs (150 ft drop) and make your way to the Eye of the Needle formation. Unbelievably beautiful and no pictures do it justice. Be smart and make good choices and you’ll love every exhausting minuteSee more..
3.0Bayou Meto State Wildlife Management Area(3 reviews) - Good waterfowl viewing area Nature & Wildlife Areas Great nature experience during the fall and winter months. the best location I know of is the Haullover Landing. See more..
Cockrills Country Critters is a Mobile Petting Zoo & Lony Rides! We can bring the Farm to you, or you can bring those kiddos to us! We specialize in Birthdays, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Events, Company Picnics, Field Trips, & More! We also have Camels, Kangaroos, Lemurs, Tortoises, along with more exotic animals. What a wonderful experience for everyone!See more..
5.0Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge(2 reviews) - Keep A Sharp Eye for the White-Eyed Vireo and the Hooded Warbler! Tuesday: 7:00 PM - 3:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
My wife and I traveled here this past March and were delighted by what we found. This NWR is located in SW Arkansas near the town of Lockesburg, AR. It was established to maintain habitat for wintering waterfowl. We very much enjoyed the very nice visitor/interpretation center and we were able to walk several of the hiking trails. The refuge offers many other things to do like hunting, fishing and photographic opportunities. Bring your family (including children), binoculars, camera and enjoy what this part of SW Arkansas has to offer.See more..
I usually make a visit to Grandview Prairie at least once every time I come to this part of Arkansas. At almost 5000 acres, it’s the largest area of protected blackland prairie in the country. There are signs at various spots along the road providing information about the environment and history of the prairie. There are two small lakes, which I’d really consider to be ponds, where people can fish. The area was a ceremonial center for the Caddo Indians, and one of the mounds is accessible from the road. A short nature trail goes from the mound to one of the lakes. I’ve enjoyed watching wildlife here. I’ve seen deer, various waterfowl, wild turkeys, and have heard the coyotes howling around sunset. Sunset is one of my favorite times of day to be here. I’ve gotten wonderful sunset photographs at the lakes and out on the prairie, as well as landscapes and photos of the flowers and other vegetation during different seasons. It is also just a beautiful place to drive through and see what much of Arkansas looked like before the land was settled and developed. If you go, make a point to stop at the visitor’s center. It’s very small, but you’ll be able to get some information about the Wildlife Management Area, including info about the plant and animals species that are present. It’s relatively undeveloped and there isn’t anything very exciting to see or do here. It probably wouldn’t be of interest to everyone, but it’s a beautiful, quiet place to spend some time and a fascinating environment to learn about. See more..
I love driving through here for wildlife watching. We accessed the wildlife management area by driving across the lock at Merrisach Lake south of Tichnor and turning south on the gravel road. The road is paved in some places and gravel in others, but was in good condition all along our drive. We only saw wild turkey and some hawks on this visit. In the past, we have seen bald eagles and deer during the winter. The road follows along the Arkansas Post Canal and then turns to follow the White River. At this point, we took time to watch a barge go through a lock and then we continued on. We eventually came to an old railroad bridge crossing the river. We only went a little bit further since the sun started to set and we decided to get back before dark. The area is undeveloped and might not be for everyone, but I love the remote, isolated feel here. There are no facilities, interpretive signs, etc. What it does have is natural beauty and abundant wildlife in hardwood bottomland.See more..
5.0South Fork Nature Center(1 review) - Great place to visit. Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
South Fork Nature Center is the premier nature conservation project of the Gates Rogers Foundation. Nearly 2 miles of beautifully maintained & marked nature trails meander the shoreline of Greers Ferry Lake, with outdoor classroom facilities and a historic cabin reconstruction on the premises. Open to the public year-round (dogs must be on a leash) for individual or group enjoyment. Parking available across from the entrance gate.See more..
4.0White River National Wildlife Refuge(1 review) - Wildlife Watching in Bottomland Hardwood Forest Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
This is a nice place for driving through a type of habitat that has disappeared from much of the state and do some wildlife watching. The refuge preserves bottomland hardwood forest along the White River. I make a point to do some driving around here every time I visit the area. My most recent visit this winter was no exception. Roads are mostly unpaved and the area is undeveloped except in the area of the refuge’s Visitor Center in St. Charles. The Refuge can be accessed at many points along its 90 mile length. So far, I’ve mostly done so at various points between St. Charles and south of Tichnor. Roads lead to the river and to many of its associated bayous and oxbow lakes. It’s a good idea to take a map with you when driving in the refuge. Although there are signs, you may have to take turns you didn’t expect since various roads close seasonally and it can be difficult to impossible to get a satellite signal here. On this visit, we were there when the river was at flood stage and many roads were closed due to flooding, so we ended up doubling back some. Still, this is one of the best times for spotting wildlife and it’s worth the effort. It’s not the place for people who are wanting a well-developed park experience, but it’s a good place if you want to get out in the middle of nowhere, feel what the area was like before it was settled, and see some wildlife. Even if you think exploring the Refuge isn’t for you, make a point to visit the Visitor Center. It has some excellent exhibits. (I’ll be reviewing it separately.) I have seen deer, beaver, raccoons, owls, hawks, migrating waterfowl, and bald eagles here. I once saw a black bear in the southern part of the Refuge along the road that goes along Arkansas Post Canal across from Merrisach Lake near Tichnor. I always look for another one when I’m there, but I haven’t seen one yet.See more..
5.0City Lake Park(1 review) - Hidden gem off the beaten path Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
I discovered this place last weeI and was surprised it wasn’t on TripAdvisor. I had to wonder if it is one of those places where locals don’t want lots of people to find out so they get to keep it to themselves. :-) We did a 2 mile hike around green, blue and black rated trails for mountain bikes. It was sunny but we hardly noticed because of how shaded most of it was. Once you park you have to go across a field on a paved trail to get to the best part. Before you get to the steeper let’s of the trail, you have to cross a street where some people park on the side of the road. I highly recommend it to the mountain bikers because of some ramps they have built. Very very cool. See more..
