Registration now open for Greatest American Cleanup in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Registration is now open for the Greatest American Cleanup in Arkansas, a statewide effort inviting communities, organizations and individuals to help clean and beautify The Natural State from March through May. Led by Keep Arkansas Beautiful, the Greatest American Cleanup in Arkansas is part of a national initiative focused on litter prevention, […]
2026 Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation to Feature Pitch Competition
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism will host an Outdoor Recreation Pitch Competition and Dinner during the 52nd annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation. The event will be led by the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation in partnership with Startup Junkie and the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship & […]
Pati Brown named Tourism Person of the Year; Beatles at the Ridge honored as Tourism Attraction of the Year
Arkansas Tourism announced the winners of the 2026 Henry Awards during a special banquet at the 52nd annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation in Little Rock on Feb. 24. The Henry Awards honor the very best of Arkansas’ tourism community, recognizing the individuals, organizations, and attractions whose leadership and vision leave a lasting […]
Steve Arrison to Be Inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame
MURFREESBORO, Ark. – Jack Pearadin, 35, of Nashville, Ark., and Michael Schumacher, 43, of Soldiers Grove, Wis., have visited Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park countless times over the years and have found many diamonds. However, a routine livestreamed gem search on Sunday, January 25 resulted in an historic find that shocked the two friends. […]
Steve Arrison to Be Inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame
Little Rock, Ark. — Steve Arrison, longtime CEO of Visit Hot Springs and one of Arkansas’ most influential tourism leaders, will be inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame during the 53rd Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, scheduled for February 22–24, 2026, in Little Rock. Arrison has served as CEO of Visit […]
Prescribed Burn at Pinnacle Mountain State Park
WHAT:Arkansas State Parks resource management staff are planning a prescribed burn at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, weather permitting. The burn is part of ongoing efforts to reduce hazardous fuels, improve habitat, and promote long-term forest health and visitor safety. The planned burn unit totals approximately 315 acres on and around Pinnacle Mountain. WHEN:Burn Window: Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Wednesday, […]
Texas man discovers 2.09-carat brown diamond at Arkansas State Park after asking Siri for mining tips
MURFREESBORO, Ark. – A casual question to a virtual assistant led to an exciting discovery for a Texas family at Crater of Diamonds State Park. James Ward, a 41-year-old high school teacher from Cypress, found a 2.09-carat brown diamond on Tuesday, December 30, while visiting the park with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two sons, […]
Arkansas Office of Outdoor recreation to host Opportunity Zone event in Mena
MENA, Ark. – The Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation will host a public event on Feb. 3, 2026, focused on the Natural State Initiative Opportunity Zone and the role outdoor recreation plays in economic growth in the Ouachitas. The program will highlight The Trails at Mena, the economic impact of outdoor recreation and opportunities to encourage […]
Arkansas State Parks to start America 250 celebrations with First Day Hikes
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas State Parks encourages Arkansans to start the new year on the right foot with First Day Hikes on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, welcoming the year outdoors on trails across the state. First Day Hikes is a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that invites visitors to celebrate the new year with […]
Potential Prescribed Burn at Pinnacle Mountain State Park
WHAT:Arkansas State Parks resource management staff are planning a potential prescribed burn at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, weather permitting. The burn is part of ongoing efforts to reduce hazardous fuels, improve habitat, and promote long-term forest health and visitor safety. The planned burn unit totals approximately 315 acres on and around Pinnacle Mountain. WHEN:Burn window: Monday–Thursday, November 17–20, 2025Planned […]