What Are The Best National Parks In Arkansas? Know Why You Will Love Them 

Sep 1, 2021

Last Updated on: May 19, 2026

Travel Guides

Especially, the best national parks in Arkansas, along with national museums and trails, are a must-visit to learn about the American Civil War history. 

But do you know that there is only one national park in Arkansas? The National Park Service only recognizes the Hot Springs National Park. 

Along with that, you can also explore the National Memorial, Arkansas Post, National River, Buffalo, the National Historic Site, Fort Smith, etc. 

For the campers and the hikers, these natural parks, monuments, and sites in Arkansas are like gems. Every hiking trail has a rich history along with a mesmerizing beauty.

7 Best National Parks In Arkansas

Arkansas is home to the birthplace of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton. Also, it is known as the “Natural State.” 

Furthermore, the state has seen major economic success in the tourism sector. 

According to a report from Arkansas Money & Politics, in 2024, the tourism spending (business and leisure) was $10.3 billion, and it was a 4% increase from 2023. 

Now these national sites, monuments, and national parks of Arkansas are the pillars of such a tourism boom. 

Also, I had a wonderful time at these natural wonders. So, here, I will share some important details and my experience at these places. 

1. Buffalo, The National River, Best For Canoeing, Kayaking, And Stargazing

Buffalo, The National River, Best For Canoeing, Kayaking, And Stargazing

Quick Facts 

  • Established: 1st March, 1972
  • Flowing Distance: 135 Miles through the Ozarks 
  • Entry: Free
  • Camping Charges: $0-$50

As I cruised through the Ozark Mountains and saw the massive limestone bluffs, Buffalo, the first national river of America, gifted me some goosebump moments. 

It is also one of the undammed rivers in America.

As the Sun went down, I along with my co-travelers and I enjoyed our campfire on the Buffalo River banks. 

Furthermore, the Buffalo National River bank was designated as an International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) in 2019. You can even take part in various night sky programs in the river. 

Moreover, the National Park Service has made some changes to the restrooms and lighting facilities around the Buffalo River to keep the light pollution and interference minimal for dark sky observation. 

2. Fort Smith National Historic Site: Best For An American Civil War History Tour

Fort Smith National Historic Site Best For An American Civil War History Tour
  • Entry: Free
  • Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Contact Number: Voice Phone Number, (479) 783-3961

Once you visit the Fort Smith Historic Site, 80 years of history will be alive in front of your eyes. 

It awaits you to tell the story from 25th December 1817, the day it was established, to 1896, the jurisdiction of Judge Isaac C. Parker over Indian Territory. 

In the middle of Oklahoma and Arkansas, there are many historic buildings from the Civil War era, in the Fort Smith National Historic Site. 

Also, can you believe that 86 got the verdict of execution at Fort Smith between 1873 and 1896 in the courtroom of Isaac C. Parker? The gallows are also still there. 

Does not seem surprising again, thanks to the jurisdiction of Judge Isaac C. Parker, who believed and said, “Permit no innocent man to be punished, but let no guilty man escape.”

3. Hot Springs: The National Park In Arkansas With Ancient Thermal Springs  

Hot Springs The National Park In Arkansas With Ancient Thermal Springs
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Hours Open: Visitor Center, 9 AM to 5 PM, and Hiking 24/7

Hot Springs, the national park of Arkansas, has an interesting geology, and the ancient thermal springs are the most fascinating feature of this national park. 

Furthermore, it has historic bathhouses where you can heal and relax with the ultimate spa experience. Choose between the Lamar Bathhouse, Ozark Bathhouse, Hale Bathhouse, Superior Bathhouse, and many such names. 

Also, remember that the bathhouse area, constructed during the period of 1892 and 1923, was designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1987 along with the Grand Promenade. 

Furthermore, along with exploring the hot springs and bath houses, you can even camp at the Gulpha Gorge Campground. The camping fee is $34 per night. 

However, the most rewarding experience here is hiking through Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails, Sunset Trail, and West Mountain Trails. 

4. Little Rock Central High School: National Historic Site

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

I missed visiting the Little Rock Central High School. In 1957, this school was the epicenter of the enforcement of the African American Civil Rights.

The school followed the Brown v. Board of Education.

Moreover, the struggle of the Little Rock Central High School ensured that everyone around the world got opportunities for education. 

5. Arkansas Post: National War Memorial

Arkansas Post War National Memorial

Henri de Tonti established the Poste de Arkansea in 1686. Located at the Quapaw village of Osotouy, it became known as “The Post.” 

There was a long struggle between Spain, France, and England for dominion over the Mississippi Valley. 

The Post eventually became the first semi-permanent settlement of the French in the Lower Mississippi Valley. 

Moreover, The Post is witness to the only Revolutionary War in Arkansas, in which the British partisans logged head with Spanish soldiers. It took place in 1783 and was also known as the Colbert Raid. 

Again, in 1803, thanks to the Louisiana Purchase, the Post became a part of the United States. Moreover, by 1819, it was the first city to become the capital of the Arkansas Territory, and it was the largest regional city. 

During the Civil War, Fort Hindman was built here to take control over the confluence of White and Arkansas Rivers. However, it was destroyed in 1863. 

6. President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace

President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace

This place is the perfect definition of an American leader born in the woods, who makes some revolutionary movements. President William Jefferson Clinton was born in the Town of Hope in the Arkansas ranges.

The president spent his first four years here. The property is still in good condition. Take a walk on the property. Then take a tour of the town of Hope. And feel the historical vibes of the place.

7. Trail Of Tears

Trail Of Tears

The historical value of the trails is pretty touching, and is remembered by the Native Indian tribes and the Cherokee people. 

The Trail of tears is a historical trail that is 5,043 miles long. The track stretches from the southern Appalachian mountains to the west side.

This single historical trail crosses over nine USA states. The heart-touching facts are attached to this trial. In 1830, seventeen Cherokee groups were removed from their homelands. And the painful consequences determined the fate of these people. For the remembrance of the sacrifice of the people, this historical path is called the Trail of Tears.

Wrapping It Up:

The best national parks in Arkansas, along with other national sites, are good travel destinations for people of all ages. If you are looking for a good travel option that has historical value.

This is the best choice. For adventure-loving travelers, this is the best choice to spend the entire day on the side of the Buffalo River.

You can visit the nearest places from the river banks, and all the hiking trails lead towards a town. So most often there is less chance of getting lost.

But morning and daytime are the most suitable times to explore the place. So what is your next travel plan? Do not forget to share your experience with us in the comment section.

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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BY  Sibashree Nov 12, 2025

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Specialist Day Tours & Sanctuary Visits The Glenfern Sanctuary of the Great Barrier Island is a haven for the endangered and rare species. It is an 83-acre regional park, and it functions as the “gateway to the 240-hectare Kotuku Peninsula of the north-west coastline of the Great Barrier Island.” Furthermore, the Glenfern Sanctuary Trust is committed to the preservation of the endangered flora and fauna and their habitats as you walk through the 2km loop track through a native bush to spot the birds and native species.  The black petrels and the ancient Kauri trees are the biggest highlights of this tour. The sanctuary remains open 7 days a week and from sunrise to sunset.  Moreover, you must hike through the Sanctuary and Loop Track to explore nature, wildlife, and the unique culture of the Great Barrier Island.  Sanctuary And Loop Track The Glefern Loop Track is one of the easiest Great Barrier Island hiking tracks. 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Two of the main highlights of this tour are the wetlands and the unique wildlife.  It is a 3-day hiking experience, and the charge per person (adults) will be $541 (Standard Route) or $596 (The Windy Canyon Route).  MoaTours, on the other hand, organizes a 5-day Great Barrier Island small group tour, covering areas such as the Medlands Beach and Tryphena Harbour. The charges will be   $4,390 NZD for solo travelers and $3,890 NZD for twin travelers.  3. Self-Guided Great Barrier Island Wildlife Tours  The self-guided tours to explore the wildlife of the Great Barrier Island are ideal for an independent traveler. For example, you can go for the Glefern Sanctuary self-guided walks and learn about the biodiversity of the sanctuary, its conservation efforts, and more.  You can contact Steve, the manager of the sanctuary, at 0210826670 to be a part of these tours.  Furthermore, you can create your own Great Barrier Island wildlife tours by planning a visit to the Kaitoke Wetlands, Mt Hobson (Hirakimata) Track, Medlands Beach & Onetangi, and Windy Canyon.  How To Spot Native Birds On Great Barrier Island? A DIY Guide For Wildlife Tours  I have already mentioned the Glefern Sanctuary self-guided walks. Along with that, you can visit any of these areas for a perfect wildlife exploration on the Great Barrier Island.  1. Kaitoke Wetlands The Glefern Sanctuary offers a guided tour to the Kaitoke Hot Springs, located on the Mount Hobson Track. You can access the track from the Whangaparapara Road.  Furthermore, you will find a series of geothermal pools on the Kaitoke Hot Springs track. This area, maintained by the Department of Conservation (DoC), is a treasure hub for native birds.  Here, we had to walk through an easy boardwalk and gravel road to encounter pāteke and spotless crakes. And thanks to the new Kai swing bridge here, the route has now become wheelchair and buggy accessible.  Even when we were swimming in the geothermal pools, we could listen to the calls of the pātekes.  2. Mt Hobson (Hirakimata) Track The Peach Tree Track to Mount Hobson is the best route for spotting native birds and the wildlife of the Great Barrier Island. The route passes through regenerating forests, and these forests are home to a lot of native bird species, such as: Kākā Tūī: Tomtit (Miromiro) North Island Robin (Pītoitoi) Black Petrel (Takoketai) You can spot these birds in the dense native bush. Also, you can see them in large numbers near the high slopes and close to the summit. In addition, the 360-degree view of the island is a bonus you will love to count on.  3. Medlands Beach & Onetangi Medlands Beach and Onetangi are famous for coastal and nearshore wildlife like the paradise shelducks and little blue penguins.  Furthermore, wekas are common in these locations, and these are chosen as the reintroduction programs of the North Island brown kiwi.  4. Windy Canyon On the Windy Canyon hiking route, you will find conservation centers such as the Kiwi Park Queenstown. Here, you will find native species such as tuatara and Kiwi.  Furthermore, throughout the route, you will listen to the buzzing cicadas.  The Best Tips For Spotting The Birds On The Great Barrier Island  Dawn and dusk are the best hours of the day for spotting birds on the Great Barrier Island. “Dawn Chorus” is a real experience on the Great Barrier Island.  Once you reach the spot, be patient and wait quietly, as patience is a virtue for bird watching.  Keep your ears open. You'll hear the tūī's "click-whirr-gurgle" and the kākā's "screech" before you see them. Going nocturnal is a great trick for watching the native birds of the Great Barrier Island. That is why being a Dark Sky Sanctuary is crucial for the Aotea Great Barrier Island.  Carry a red-light torch and be alert about the "more-pork" call of the Ruru to spot the birds in the dark.  Talk to the staff of the hotel or the owner of the homestay you are staying in. They will have the best local tips about birdwatching on the Great Barrier Island.  How To Plan The Great Barrier Island Wildlife Tours?  There are three main aspects of planning Great Barrier Island wildlife tours. 1. How To Reach The Great Barrier Island? You can take a Barrier Air flight from Auckland to reach the Great Barrier Island in 45 minutes. You can even take the SeaLink ferry and complete a journey of 4.5 hours to reach the Great Barrier Island.  2. How To Move Around The Great Barrier Island? Renting a car or a bike is the most convenient option to move around the island. Furthermore, kayaking is an excellent way to explore the bays, caves, and diverse marine life of the island.  3. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Great Barrier Island Wildlife? From September to November, or the spring season, is the ideal time to visit the wildlife of Great Barrier Island. This is the nesting season for most birds on the island.  So, these months are the best for listening to the chorus of the dawn and the dusk.  Being A Responsible Tourist To Protect The Wildlife Of The Great Barrier Island Biosecurity is the most important aspect of the Great Barrier Island wildlife tours. The wildlife of the island is thriving as it is maintained as a sanctuary. So, by cooperating with the biosecurity checks at the DoC-approved facilities and cleaning stations, we have to be a part of the conservation effort.  The 3C policy of the biosecurity checks on the Great Barrier Island is: Check Clean Check We have to check our bags, gear, and shoes for pests (rats, mice, insects) and seeds before they leave the mainland.  Your Great Barrier Adventure Awaits The Aotea Great Barrier Island is a nature lover’s dream, with every nook awaiting a surprise with the native birds and their playful chirps. Furthermore, the Glenfern Sanctuary, Mount Hobson Track, and the wetlands on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, are a stronghold for rare and endemic birds and animals.  So, the birds are calling. Are you ready to answer?