state park

#1 Arkansas State Park Itinerary: Club 52 Journey

July 31, 2024

At the end of 2022, Arkansas State Parks introduced Club 52, a reward program for those participating in their Arkansas State Park Passport Program. The Passport Program was created to encourage Arkansans to visit their state parks. As a way to document which parks they have visited, visitors receive a stamp at each park. Club 52 puts more fun into the state park journey, as you can collect prizes for a certain number of stamps collected. Families all over the state have enjoyed and are enjoying achieving each level of prizes. The ultimate goal is to visit all 52 Arkansas State Parks. Thankfully, there is no time limit and visitors can complete (or not complete) their passport at their leisure.

So, what is the best way to complete your Arkansas State Park Passport? Follow our State Park Itineraries for the best way to maximize your passport! Please note that this series of itineraries starts from Little Rock since the center of the state is just outside of city limits.

To start our state park passport, there are actually a few parks in the Little Rock area. So, we are going to start our journey at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Directions from the Little Rock city center:

Take I-630 W
Take Exit 8B to merge onto I-430 N
Take Exit 9 for AR-10 W/Cantrell Rd.
Follow AR-10 W/Cantrell Rd.
Turn right onto Pinnacle Valley Rd.
Follow Pinnacle Valley Rd to Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Stop 1: Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Pinnacle Mountain is the centerpiece of this state park. There are plenty of outdoor activities here, with the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers, Arkansas Arboretum, 22 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and interpretive programs. They recently built a new visitor center that is host to Loblolly Outpost.

While you are here, be sure to at least hike to the top of Pinnacle Mountain. It is a rocky hike that leads down the mountain and then up it. Remember to take plenty of water if you are hiking in the summer! The view from the top is amazing and there is even a bench for you to catch your breath. Along the way, you’ll walk over bridges and creeks as you navigate the semi-rocky ground. Even though the trail is well established, it is also clearly marked on the trees.

Not only can you get your State Park Passport stamp here, but you can also get a Trail of Tears stamp. Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a certified Trail of Tears National Historic Site as it saw the removal of the Cherokees, Choctaws, Creeks, Seminoles, and Chickasaws. Please note that there is not a Trail of Tears passport book like there is an Arkansas State Park and National State Park Passport Book. A very nice interpreter encouraged me to use a Trail of Tears brochure for my stamps, as stamps can be geographically placed on the map inside. That is how I collect and store my Trail of Tears stamps, so you will need to figure out a system that works best for you.

Stop 2: Lunch

After leaving Pinnacle Mountain State Park, we are going to back track just a little for lunch and then route to just over an hour north to Woolly Hollow State Park. But first, we are stopping for lunch at Rosalinda’s Restaurant, a very delicious and causal Honduran restaurant.

Directions to Rosalinda’s Restaurant from Pinnacle Mountain State Park:

Head southeast on Pinnacle Valley Rd.
Turn left onto AR-10 E/Cantrell Rd.
Take ramp onto I-430 N
Take exit 13A to merge onto I-40 E toward Memphis
Take exit 152 for AR-365/MacArthur Dr. toward Pike Avenue
Follow AR-365/MacArthur Dr.
Turn right onto Doyle Venable Dr.
Turn right onto Burks Avenue
Turn left onto W 33^rd St.
Turn left onto Schaer St.
Turn right
Turn right
Rosalinda’s Restaurant will be on the left

After eating lunch, we are going to continue to our next state park – Woolly Hollow State Park.

Directions from Rosalinda’s Restaurant to Woolly Hollow State Park:

Head west toward Schaer St
Turn left toward Schaer St
Turn right onto Schaer St
Turn right onto Camp Robinson Rd
Turn left onto W 37^th St
Continue onto Doyle Venable Dr
Take ramp onto I-40 W
Take exit 125 to merge onto US-65N/Skyline Dr
Follow US-65 N
Turn right onto Hwy 285 E
Turn left onto Woolly Hollow Rd.

Stop 3: Woolly Hollow State Park

One of the things that I love most about Woolly Hollow State Park is their visitor center. This is the only state park where I have seen a completely park branded gift shop. Almost every single thing was branded Woolly Hollow, and it was such a neat experience. Things may have changed since I was there last, though.

Anyway, Woolly Hollow State Park is the perfect day trip. Everything here is centered around being outdoors. The park offers camping, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, and biking. Located in Greenbrier, it feels like you are in your own little world when visiting.

Built in the 1930s, the 40-acre Lake Bennett was the Soil Conservation Service’s first watershed project. The park offers canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals for visitors to explore on the water. Also unique to this state park is that it is host to Woolly Hollow Cabin, an original 1882 one-room family homestead. While the park offers several hiking trails, the cabin is located just behind the visitor center and very easily be walked up to from the road. At the cabin, you’ll cross a bridge that is a great place for a photo opportunity. Do not forget to check out the well located next to the cabin.

Woolly Hollow State Park is best visited in the spring and summer before the dry season. When Arkansas enters its dry season, the lake will be too low, and you will not be able to enjoy it. However, if you are just state parkin’ and collecting stamps, then visiting any time of the year will be rewarding.

After your stop at Woolly Hollow State Park, you can choose to camp overnight (or the weekend) and enjoy the first day of Arkansas State Parkin’ or head on back home. At the end of the day, you should be going home with:

2 state park stamps

1 Trail of Tears stamp

What was your favorite part of the day?

Herman Davis Memorial State Park in Manila, Arkansas

Herman Davis: Arkansas’s Most Decorated WWI Hero

June 26, 2024

The state’s most decorated World War I hero resides in Manila, Arkansas. Private Herman Davis is known for independently taking out a German gun nest (~31 Germans) one by one, saving his company from their open fire. Receiving three medals for this act of bravery, he was listed as 4^th out of 100 on General John J. Pershing’s list of the greatest heroes of World War I.

An out-of-the-way trip for us to visit the Herman Davis Memorial State Park was a neat experience. Manila might be a small town, but it offers a great deal of attractions for a variety of people. The highlight of our trip was learning about Manila’s war hero and his interestingly humble character at the state park.

If you have a chance to visit Manila, do not miss out on their other attractions! You will learn so much about Herman Davis and enjoy the museum. The town is easy to navigate and downtown is fun with their military themed street names.

Manila

Big Lake Island was founded in 1852. In the late 1860s, John Needham established a herdsman camp in this area of the Arkansas Delta region. A community developed in the area thirty years later. In 1901, the community incorporated themselves as a city. The name “Manila” was chosen to honor Commodore George Dewey and his victory in the 1898 Battle of Manila Bay in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.

The railroad in the surrounding areas extended a rail line to the city soon after. In 1910, the railroad constructed the Manila Depot, which now serves as a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1925, the city established a memorial for Herman Davis and his heroism during World War I.

A total area of 3.8 square miles, Manila is just south of the Arkansas-Missouri state line. Even with less than a population of 4,000 people, this little town boasts a museum, state park, war memorial, national wildlife refuge, water park, municipal airport, and a country club. The town honors its military connections by naming their downtown streets after battleships in the Battle of Manila. Manila is also known for forming the state’s first Boy Scout troop. However, one of its main attractions is Herman Davis Memorial State Park.

Herman Davis

Growing up in a large wildlife and hunting area, Herman Davis learned to hunt at an early age. His family supplemented their income with farming, fishing, and hunting. After the fourth grade, he quit school to help support his family. Supposedly in his teens, Davis became a hunting guide. Killing almost 400 ducks a day, they were sold and shipped to northern markets.

In 1918, Davis was drafted into the United States Army during World War I. Being 5’3” and having a small frame, he was quick on his feet. As a result, he was assigned as a scout and a runner. Due to his marksmanship while hunting as a child, he also became a sharpshooter in the military. After 90 days of training, he was sent to France to fight in the war.

Being a scout, Davis was required to go out ahead of his company. On one patrol near Verdum, his platoon encountered shots from a German machine gun. Davis crawled on the ground to within fifty yards of the machine gun and killed four German gunners. Another time was when Davis killed five German soldiers as they were trying to set up a machine gun.

Davis’s most notable act of bravery was when a different German machine gun opened fire on the American forces. Davis and another scout climbed the ridge to spot the German gun nest. Leaving the other scout behind, Davis crawled on his belly through the brush to about 50 yards away from the gun. He took aim on the gunner and then took out each German one at a time. He independently killed 15 gunners in the machine gun nest and 11 German soldiers that were climbing out of a dugout. This act of bravery earned him three medals.

Honorably discharged in 1919, Herman Davis is Arkansas’ most decorated World War I hero. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by the United States, and Croix de Guerre with Palm, Croix de Guerre with Gilt Star, and French Medaille Militaire by France.

Returning home to Manila, Davis began working at a hunting club. He was very humble and never told anyone about his acts of bravery in the military. As a scout, he encountered poison gas many times. Unfortunately, in 1922, his health took a decline. The exposure to poison gas caused him to develop tuberculosis. Members of the American Legion in Blytheville transported him to the Memphis Veteran’s Hospital for surgery. Sadly, Davis died during an operation in 1923. After four years of returning home, the poison gas had affected his lungs to the point of death.

“To raise funds to pay the debt from World War I, the Secretary of War asked General Pershing for the top 100 war stories. When the stories were published, Arkansans were suprised to find a small, quiet man on the list, Private Herman Davis of Manila, Arkansas.”
Herman Davis, Reluctant Hero

Upon his death, local groups began a collection to honor his memory and service. His mom chose Manila to honor his memory. In 1925, the town of Manila donated land for the memorial. They moved his body there to be interred at the monument’s base. A granite monument was erected and a life-size marble statue that was made in Italy stands on top of the monument. In 1995, the monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Did you know any of this about Private Herman Davis, World War I, or Manila?

Mirror Lake at Blanchard Springs Cavern Recreational Area in Mountain View, Arkansas

5 Family Friendly Things To Do In Mountain View

June 24, 2024

For the past two years, I have been going to an acupuncturist on a regular basis. My mom and I get up early one morning every week to make the trip to Mountain View. We were familiar with the area, what there was to do, and where to shop based on past experiences in the area and driving through it on our other travels. But being in Mountain View every week has made diligently seek out things to do and experience the town in a whole new way.

So far, we have explored a waterfall, state park, national park, folk village, festivals, crossed a swinging bridge, unique shops, shopped at the farmers market, and eaten at various restaurants around town. Even after two years of learning about the town, there is always something new to learn, a place to experience, a shop to visit, and/or a place to eat. We love that Mountain View has so much to offer and have enjoyed getting to know so many locals. We are always asking them questions about the area, learning about their holiday season, and more just so we can learn more about this uniquely charming folkway town.

Mountain View

Established in the 1870s, Mountain View is known as being the “Folk Music Capital of the World.” This small town embodies a unity of fellowship, support, and charm. Located in the Ozarks, this town focuses on tourism and offers a vast array of unique festivals, shops, amazing food, and hospitality at its best.

Mountain View’s Chamber of Commerce describes the town as being an immersive experience. With attractions like zip lining, a state park, hiking, waterfall, cave, swinging bridge, and more, I would agree that Mountain View is more than just a small town nestled in the Ozarks. Afterall, the area offers a plethora of Bed and Breakfasts, cabins, and other rentals for a reason.

This town is full of traditional trades, such as dulcimer creators, blacksmiths, and more. Featured on the Arkansas PBS show Urban Forge: Ozark Artistry are Mountain View locals who are keeping the skill of metalsmithing alive in their normal lives. While in town, tourists can visit the blacksmith shop and dulcimer shop to see these artists at work and purchase their own treasures.

Attractions in Mountain View

When you visit Mountain View, you are definitely going to want to experience hospitality at its finest by staying in one of their Bed and Breakfast’s! Located around the town square, you will have plenty of shopping and eateries within a short walking distance. Mountain View is centered and focused around its town square, so you will be right in the middle of everything while feeling like you have escaped to a different time.

Ozark Folk Center State Park

So, this state park is probably the most unique in the state. One of Arkansas’s five lodge parks, they are dedicated to preserving the crafts and culture of the Ozarks. The park has hiking trails, a craft village on site, a restaurant on site, concerts in the Craft Village, and shares the parking lot with a ziplining business. The Ozark Highlands Radio is a syndicated program on the stories and music of the Ozarks that is recorded at the park.

If you have an Arkansas State Park passport, do not forget to get a stamp while visiting!

Stone Drive-In Theater

If you like to watch movies on the big screen, then you will love the Stone Drive-In Theater! They are licensed to play big titles and they do it in the biggest way. All you need is a vehicle, radio to play the movie’s audio, and your sweetheart. Just drive on in, settle down, and snuggle up to popcorn in the middle of a field. Now, if that is not old-fashioned romance, I am not sure what is!

Stone County Museum

As a lover of museums, I always like to promote them to everyone I can. I find museums very intriguing, educational, and entertaining. At one museum, I got to fly a simulation airplane!

The Stone County Arkansas Historical Society manages the museum in an effort to preserve the history of its county. They are one of many museums across the state that have a barn quilt on display. So, if you are driving the Quilt Trail, be sure to stop by Stone County Museum for your next quilt block.

Housed in a 1928 school building, the museum’s building is listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places. Renovations are being made in hopes of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you want to visit the museum, be sure to call before you go. They are typically open April through October, when Mountain View is at its best. Sometimes during their open season, their volunteers may be unable to open the museum. So, just give them a call ahead of time. Make sure to allow time to explore the museum, as you can expect to spend at least an hour browsing their exhibits.

Peace Pole

The Peace Pole is a memorial located in an often not-so-easy-to-find place. Just off Main Street going west, AmVets Post #7 hosts the pole. It was designed and created to reflect the Ozark region. You will find the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” inscribed on the stone pole in several languages. The North is in Cherokee, West is in Wolof, South is in modern English, and East is the Irish-Gaelic tongue. This phrase was meant to reflect the early inhabitants of Stone County and the Ozark region.

City Park

So, the first time I visited Mountain View’s city park, I just needed a place to stop with my dog. I was very impressed and have since gone back. They have a nice ADA walking trail, disc golf course, sports courts, and other things to do at this park. Definitely not the kind of park that I am used to! The city park is even in walking distance of the square and local Bed and Breakfasts. It is the perfect place to take a walk, get some fresh air, and enjoy time with the family.

Mountain View is the perfect place to vacation or retreat to for relaxation and adventure. The town is quiet and quaint. Bed and Breakfasts are bountiful and provide true Southern hospitality. You will not run out of things to do during your stay. And if you do happen to get bored, visit one of the area attractions – Turkey Creek Schoolhouse, Swinging Bridge, Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, Blanchard Springs Cavern.

In The Area Attractions

Turkey Creek Schoolhouse

Located about 12 miles south of Mountain View is Turkey Creek Schoolhouse. Unfortunately, this is strictly a roadside attraction, as it resides on private property.

Swinging Bridge

About 6 miles north of Mountain View is a town called Allison. Located at Angler’s Resort is a historical swinging bridge that you walk or drive across.

Mountain Biking

If you are really adventurous, you might enjoy one of Mountain View’s mountain bike trails. There are three of different lengths – White River Bluff is 1.3 miles, Scrappy Mountain is 3.8 miles, and Bad Branch is 5.6 miles.

Blanchard Springs Cavern

A little over 12 miles north of Mountain View is Blanchard Springs Cavern and Recreation Area. During the open season, you can enjoy a pleasantly cool tour through the cave. Located at the Recreation Area is Old Mill and Mirror Lake, which provides fishing and a year-round waterfall over the dam.

What is your favorite thing to do in Mountain View?

Spring River Dam at Mammoth Spring State Park in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas

5+ Family Friendly Things To Do In Mammoth Spring

June 14, 2024

My parents got a divorce when I was a little girl. While it was a good thing for my parents, it was not something that was easy to handle – even in adulthood. My brother and I might have gotten two Christmas’s, but the “fun” of being a part of two households ended there and I dreaded Christmas time.

My dad’s entire life has been spent in Mammoth Spring. So, after the divorce, he stayed in the area and my mom moved away. Mammoth Spring has always been what I consider to be a small town with its own culture. Everyone knows each other because no one moved off after high school graduation, so gossip runs rampant (among the locals and only about the locals). Main Street was a traditional dying downtown that was in desperate need of restoration. And the worst part of my childhood in Mammoth was spending every single weekend on the Spring River. I literally hated the river, being in my swimsuit, and forced to “swim” or “play” in the river. All my childhood memories of the place were painted grey because of the divorce situation.

As an adult, though, things are very different. I only got to experience the environment that my dad created, which was not the best. So, I saw all the rough spots of the area and barely any of its good, attractive qualities. One of the only good spots we got to enjoy as kids was Mammoth Spring State Park, which was a gold mine for us kids! Now, I love going back to Mammoth just to enjoy how wonderful of a place it is to visit!

The Town of Mammoth Spring

Located on the border of Thayer, Missouri, Mammoth Spring is a very unique town. It offers an abundance of shopping, dining, and recreational activities for everyone in the family. Named after one of the world’s largest springs, Mammoth Spring (the spring) is known for its trout fishing.

Founded in 1883, a strategy to grow the town was created. So, the town was promoted to Memphis investors as a site for manufacturing operations, which would create industry, money, and new residents. During this time, Napoleon Hill, a Memphis millionaire, built an upscale resort hotel in Mammoth Spring. His hotel, The Nettleton, is said to have rivaled any hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It operated from 1899 to 1932, when the hotel was sadly destroyed by a fire and never rebuilt.

Since the town borders Missouri, they get a lot of traffic from travelers. While it is hard to miss the Arkansas Welcome Center and Mammoth Spring State Park, it is easy to miss the great things to do in town if you do not plan a day or weekend trip to stay and play. Listed below are some of Mammoth Spring’s most notable and family friendly reactional activities that are worth experiencing. While visiting these places and exploring Mammoth Spring, do not forget to go into town and enjoy their local dining options, shop the antique stores and boutiques, and take amazing family pictures (or selfies) in this nature-filled town.

Arkansas Welcome Center

Located at Mammoth Spring State Park, the Welcome Center is a great place to stop for brochures and information on places all over the state of Arkansas! They have a little gift shop inside if you need to pick something up on your visit. If you have your Arkansas Historic Preservation Program passport, you can get it stamped at the Welcome Center.

After browsing the Welcome Center, do not forget to take your journey outside to Mammoth Spring State Park.

Mammoth Spring State Park

Mammoth Spring is a National Natural Landmark, as it is the world’s 10th largest spring. The spring has nine million gallons of water that flow every hour. Mammoth Spring State Park consists of a 10-acre lake, remnants of a mill and hydroelectric plant, 1886 Frisco train depot and museum, walking trail, playground, picnic area, baseball field, Civil War cannon, Arkansas Welcome Center, and gift shop.

The 1886 Frisco Depot Museum is the oldest railroad station in the state and open to the public. Inside the museum, you’ll be transported back to the early 1900s, where custom-sculpted lifelike figures portray train passengers, crew, and depot crew. Located next to the museum is a Frisco caboose that is also open for tours.

Both the Mammoth Spring Dam and Lake and the Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Memphis Railroad Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only can you get a stamp for your State Park passport but also your Arkansas Historic Preservation Program passport at the Welcome Center.

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery

Established in 1903, Mammoth Spring NFS is one of the oldest National Fish Hatcheries in the country. They raise aquatic species for both conservation and recreation purposes. The Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery was built in this location due to the availability of the cool flowing water from Mammoth Spring. The hatchery offers an Aquatic Conservation Center and Aquarium for visitors to enjoy. Regular outreach events are offered for educational purposes.

The Spring River

If you are an outdoorsy person, then you will love Spring River! Since the river is fed by Mammoth Spring, it is a popular destination year-round due to its dependability. You can float, canoe, and/or kayak on the cold river that attracts people every year to camp, fish, swim, and play. There are several campgrounds and outfitters on the river that provide put-in/out service and transportation back to your vehicle. Stay the weekend and camp on the campgrounds, make new friends, party or keep your trip family friendly. In the right places, the river can offer swimming. But get proper guidance and information before getting out on the water, because Spring River has strong currents and can cause serious accidents if not careful.

Walnut Valley Farms

Walnut Valley Farms provides a unique farm experience to everyone who visits. They are a small family farm that specializes in pastured lamb. The family revitalized a 100-year-old farm that now hosts Spring Lamb Days and Christmas on the Farm, where you can hold baby lambs, get your picture taken with them, and shop local vendors. The farm is also available as a venue for events. Be sure to contact them if you want to learn more about sheep farming!

Jim Hinkle/Spring River State Fish Hatchery

The Jim Hinkle State Fish Hatchery produces more than 1 million rainbow trout every year. The trout are distributed in the Spring River, Blanchard Spring, Bull Shoals and Greers Ferry tailwaters, South Arkansas trout waters, and the Family and Community Fishing Program’s seasonal trout ponds. They are open for tours and host a kids fishing derby every year.

Have you ever visited Mammoth Spring or camped on the Spring River? Tell us about your trip!

Mary Ann Richter Overlook at Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas

Arkansas’s Most Popular (And First) State Park: Petit Jean State Park

June 12, 2024

My mom has always wanted to visit Petit Jean State Park. In all our adventures when I was a little girl, I am surprised my family had never visited. So, one day we just randomly decided to take off for Petit Jean the next morning!

Honestly, I do not understand why Petit Jean is such a popular tourist attraction. I understand that there are amazing scenic views, waterfalls, the geology is unique, and the mountain has much history. But I feel like everywhere has beauty, history, uniqueness, and can be a waterfall with the right runoff. Regardless, I did really enjoy our visit and learning about its history. It is a place that we intend to go back and visit again (and probably again). So, my lack of understanding its popularity is not going to keep us away from such a beautiful and bountiful state park.

What Makes Petit Jean State Park So Popular (Things to Do)

As Arkansas’s first state park, Petit Jean embodies everything that anyone could hope for in a state park. With less than 3,000 acres, there is plenty of history, hiking, lake activities, lodging, a restaurant, outdoor activities, scenic views, and more that entice people from all over the nation to visit. When Cedar Falls is flowing well, tourism peaks to see its beauty. Natural bridges, creeks, and unique rock formations can be found along the hiking trails.

The most renowned of all the waterfalls at this state park is Cedar Falls, which is on the front of most publications. Cascading 95-feet down over a rocky cliff, this waterfall is one of the most photographed in the state! If you are an experienced hiker, the trail down to the bottom of the falls is quite a rocky experience. For us lazy (or handicapped) people, there is a scenic overlook that consists of a long barrier free boardwalk that leads to an open viewing area. You can even hike down to the falls from this point, as well.

Unique geology and rock formations can be found along trails like Seven Hollows. If you are interested in pictographs, be sure to venture down the Rock House Cave Trail. For a short, easy hike through gigantic sandstone boulders, journey along Bear Cave Trail. On your way to Cedar Falls, take the long route on Cedar Creek Canyon Trail to see more falls and deep pools. Cedar Creek Trail is located above Cedar Falls and will guide you around the top of the waterfall. To see all the park’s nature and wildlife, you will have to be an experienced hiker to trek along the 12-mile Winthrop P. Rockefeller Boy Scout Trail. For a trail that connects park amenities with overlooks, grab a bike or hike the CCC Hike & Bike Trail.

YMCA College Lodge rock ruins at Stout's Point Overlook at Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas

Petit Jean Mountain rises 1,120 feet above the Arkansas River Valley. While no vantage point is any better than the other, the park does have many overlooks that provide a grand view over the valley. Stout’s Point is one of my favorites, as it provides the history of Petit Jean, her gravesite, a fantastic view of the Arkansas River and portion of the Trail of Tears route and has an old YMCA building at this site. A barrier free walkway guides you along the top of the overlook. However, the camp building and Petit Jean’s gravesite must be walked to on rocky ground. While there are other vantage points, the Mary Ann Richter Overlook is a great place to stop at to see Mount Nebo and Mount Magazine. Lastly, the Cedar Falls Overlook provides a barrier free walkway to see the famous Cedar Falls waterfall.

The state park has quite a bit of amenities for people to enjoy. They offer lodging in cabins, Mather Lodge, campsites, and yurts. Mather Lodge holds a lot of history, being the only lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the entire state. Built of native log and stone, the Lodge sits on the bluffs overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon. The restaurant provides the perfect setting to enjoy the 1930s lodge and canyon views.

In addition to hiking, Petit Jean State Park is host to an airport, amphitheater, swimming pools, basketball and tennis court, playgrounds, and more! A boat launch ramp provides access to a lake where you can fish, kayak, and more.

Furthermore, the park is a certified Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Site. In the 1830s, Cherokee Indians and Southeastern tribes experienced a forced migration to Oklahoma along the Arkansas River. The Trail of Tears route included both land and river routes. River routes were often faster and the Arkansas River played an instrumental role in the Indian removal.

How Petit Jean Mountain Got Its Name

Petit Jean Mountain was named after Adrienne Dumont, a young 18th century French woman, who did not like being told no. When her fiancé, Chavet, set off to explore the Louisiana Territory in the New World, she decided to find a way to join him on his voyage. So, she cut her hair and disguised herself as a boy in order to find passage on his ship. The voyage was long and hard, and she was lucky to have survived being a lowly cabin boy. When they neared the mountain, the woman became gravely ill. In her helpless state, it was discovered that she was actually a woman. Her dying wish was to be buried high upon the mountain overlooking the river. Set to marry Adrienne when he returned from the New Worl,d Chavet’s love for her remains today in her burial site on the mountain top and in the naming of the mountain. She was buried under her name on the ship – Petit Jean (Little John).

However, there is much debate on this story being true or not. The preserved burial site is even debatable becuase no one knows anything about where she was actually buried or if she was even buried on top of the mountain. It was just a mound of dirt that we suppose is the site and has since been preserved. But the story is romantic in nature and it is nice to think that it is a true story.

Other theories about the mountain’s name include being named after a local hunter/trapper named Little John that was killed by the Osage Indians in 1732. Another theory on the name comes from the 19th century name for Petit Jean River – Petit Juane. So, whichever story you believe is entirely up to you!

Becoming An Arkansas State Park

Evidence suggests that Native American Indians inhabited the mountain 1,000 years ago. There is also evidence of 100 documented archeological sites and the largest rock art collection in the state. In the 1840s, the first permanent white settlers moved to the area. In 1891, a large mansion was built on the mountain overlooking the Arkansas River and was later converted into Hotel Petit Jean. The property was sold in the 1920s and donated to the Young Men’s Christian Academy. They built several more buildings, in which the rock ruins of the College Lodge can be seen at Stout’s Point Overlook.

In 1906, Dr. Thomas William Hardison explored the rugged area of Petit Jean Mountain and fell in love with its beauty. Pursuing making the mountain a national park, it was declined in 1921 because the land was too small and not unique enough in the United States to be a national park. It was suggested that the proposal be sent to the state to be declared a state park. So, in 1923, the state legislature passed Act 276, which recognized donated lands reserved to be a part of a park and designating Petit Jean as Arkansas’s first state park. In 1927, Act 172 created the Arkansas State Parks Commission and gave them the authority to acquire and oversee land to be reserved as a state park.

Beginning in 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps began constructing facilities like roads, trails, dams, cabins, and Mather Lodge on Petit Jean Mountain. Much of the park’s infrastructure is due to the CCC, as they built most of the park’s significant buildings. The Lodge, administration building, water treatment building, field chimney, and cabins are an example of their work. Roads were constructed to connect overlooks and trails, giving visitors access to more amenities. Trails were constructed for public use and enjoyment through the mountain’s natural beauty. With less than 3,000 acres, Petit Jean offered plenty to see and do and the CCC made sure the public could enjoy all that could be offered. As a result of their efforts, 26 properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, there is ample camping, hiking, and things to do that makes visiting more than just a day trip.

Nearby Attractions

Just down the road from the campsite is the Museum of Automobiles and the petting zoo Barnyard Friends & Stables. Nearby, in the greater area, is Lake Dardanelle State Park and Mount Nebo State Park. Further away is Mount Magazine State Park and the highest point in the state.

Where is your favorite place to visit or hike at Petit Jean State Park?

Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott, Arkansas

How Toltec Mounds Became Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

June 3, 2024

In case anyone is wondering, Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park is no more. For quite a long time, there have been discussions and arguments over the park’s name. Apparently, the park was named after the wrong Indian tribe and some people have been fighting to restore honor to the tribe that once occupied the land. The concern was that the park has always been named Toltec and all media publications were printed under this name. Another concern was that the occupying tribe’s name is actually unknown to archaeologists. Regardless of the concerns, the site needed to honor and respect the Native American Indians that built the mounds. So, the state consulted with the Quapaw Nation and Arkansas Archaeological Survey to finally agree on changing the name to reflect the tribe who supposedly occupied the area and created the mounds.

So how did the Plum Bayou Mounds acquire the wrong name in the first place?

From 1857 to 1990, Mrs. Gilbert Knapp owned the land that contained the mounds. Initially, the mounds were named after her – the Knapp Mounds – but an official name was quickly created. From the beginning of her ownership, she always thought that the Toltec Indians of Mexico were responsible for building the mounds. However, Mrs. Knapp’s interest in archaeology of the mounds started an investigation on the property in 1883 by Edward Palmer, a field investigator for the Bureau of Ethnology of the Smithsonian Institution. Palmer excavated in eight of the mounds and his findings proved Mrs. Knapp’s idea wrong. According to the findings, archaeologists believe the North American Indian ancestors were the ones who built the mounds. Since their name was unknown, archaeologists decided to name the tribe after a nearby stream – the Plum Bayou Indians.

For quite some time, the area was known as the Toltec Mounds. Continual debate over changing the name pursued. Some thought it would be too much trouble to change everything while others wanted to recognize and honor the actual occupants of the land. The Toltec Mounds remained until November 2022, when they officially renamed the state park after its actual occupants. Yet, people have to be careful when talking about Plum Bayou because it can still be confusing to those who did not get the memo that the Toltec Mounds had a name change.

Plum Bayou Indians

The Plum Bayou Indians (or whatever their tribe’s name actually was) were highly intelligent people whose culture was very distinct from other tribes. They created an entire way of life around the sun and its rotation around the earth. They knew a mathematical system way beyond a lot of people’s understanding, or at least my understanding.

While Plum Bayou mounds are found across the entire state, they specifically occupied this land from about 650 to 1050 BC. They built 18 mounds next to an oxbow lake, which served as a port of water transportation. A 10-foot-high and 1-mile-long earthen embankment wall was built to surround the mounds and protect its occupants. The mounds were created for social, religious, and political activities. Only one mound is said to have been used for burial purposes. The mounds’ locations were strategically placed based on the alignment of solar positions. Standardized units of measurement were used to determine the spacing of each mound.

While its small community here was made up of mainly religious and political leaders, the site was a central waypoint and destination for many Native American Indians. Their location was strategically placed near the water, which many people used for travel purposes. Whether traveling by land or water, Indians from the other Plum Bayou mounds in the state would make the trek to Plum Bayou for religious purposes, political issues, and ceremonial purposes. Considering the size of Little Rock, this site’s traffic was much larger in its prime, as it served as the culture’s center point for such activities.

A Change of Times

In the 1400s, a different Native American Indian tribe occupied the land for a short time. Much later in time, the land became farmland for settlers. In 1977, consistent archaeological research began at the mounds and still continues today. Even after 135 years of farming on the mound site, there is still plenty of evidence of its Native American history. Fortunately, erosion and farming have not washed away the mounds, as clear evidence of them remains.

Visiting The Mounds

Plum Bayou is unique in that it is 1 of 4 National Historic Landmarks in the state park system. In 1978, the site was dedicated as a National Historic Landmark. For over a hundred years, the mound site has attracted national interest from tourists and archaeologists. Probably rightfully so because this park interprets the largest and most complex mound site in the entire state!

Inside the Visitor Center is a unique collection of artifacts and animal bones, and information about the archaeological excavations. Unfortunately, the findings from the first excavation in 1882-1883 are not on display here. You can see these artifacts at the Smithsonian Institute.

For the history buffs, there is a complete timeline of occupants of the area. You can even read about Palmer’s descriptions of his excavations in Report on the Mound Explorations of the Bureau of Ethnology, published in 1894 by Cyrus Thomas. If science or math is more interesting, then you will enjoy learning about how the mounds were formed and which was used for what purpose. Perhaps art is your thing, and you will enjoy the sketches drawn in 1883 by Henry J. Lewis of the mounds by Palmer’s descriptions.

The only barrier free trail at this location is Knapp Trail, which will lead you through the prehistoric Indian site to 3 of the 18 mounds. Be prepared, though, because the trail can be very hot in summer heat as there is no shade. There is also a guided tour that educates people about the Native American Indians that occupied the land and built the mounds over a thousand years ago.

So, next time you are in the Little Rock area, be sure to drive out to this unique piece of history that archaeologists are still trying to understand. While there are plenty of mounds to see, it is important to know that a lot of walking can be involved to see them all up close.

What was your favorite part of the mounds when you visited?