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 […]
Trail Improvements at Queen Wilhelmina State Park Create Mountain Biking Opportunities at Arkansas’ Second-Highest Peak
MENA, Ark. – Arkansas’ State Parks today celebrated the dedication of refreshed and enhanced trails at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, marking a continued commitment to improving outdoor recreation access and elevating the guest experience in one of the state’s most scenic mountain destinations. The event took place at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge and […]
Arkansas State Parks to host trail dedication event at Queen Wilhelmina State Park
MENA, Ark. – Arkansas State Parks invites media and community members to attend a trail dedication celebration at Queen Wilhelmina State Park on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event highlights recent improvements to the park’s trail system, designed to enhance visitor experience and provide greater access to the park’s stunning mountain landscapes. The […]
Arkansas State Parks to recognize Life-Saving efforts at Petit Jean State Park
WHAT:Arkansas State Parks will host a special recognition event at Petit Jean State Park’s Mather Lodge to honor the life-saving actions of four individuals whose quick response saved the life of camper Mr. Bubba Noakes during a sudden cardiac arrest incident last month. Those being recognized include former paramedic Ken Ekenseair, Arkansas State Parks Rangers […]
Indiana visitor unearths 2.71-carat “Hope Diamond” at Crater of Diamonds State Park
MURFREESBORO, Ark. – Dewy White of Paoli, Indiana, visited Crater of Diamonds State Park on October 2 and found a beautiful 2.71-carat white diamond. White and his wife embarked on the road trip of a lifetime with Crater of Diamonds State Park as their first stop. The couple spent two days digging and sifting in the […]