Historic Sites
Conway Cemetery State Park
When Arkansas was admitted to the Union as the 25th state on June 15, 1836, James Sevier Conway took office as Arkansas's first governor. This 11-acre historic site preserves Conway's final resting place. The cemetery is the family plot of the former Conway homesite and cotton plantation, Walnut Hill. Forty-three graves lie within the graveyard. For information call: (800)NAT-URAL
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Herman Davis State Park
This one-acre park surrounds the monument to Private Herman Davis, an Arkansas farm boy and World War I hero. Fourth on General John J. Pershing's list of World War I's 100 greatest heroes, Davis received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Croix de Guere and the Medaulle Militaire awards from the American and French governments. For information call: (800)NAT-URAL
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Louisiana Purchase State Park
At the junction of Lee, Monroe and Phillips Counties, this park preserves the initial point from which all surveys of property acquired through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 initiated. The park includes 36 acres within a headwater swamp, a fast-disappearing ecological setting in eastern Arkansas. A boardwalk with exhibits provides access to a monument in the swamp's interior marking the survey's initial point. This site is a national historic landmark. For information call: (800)NAT-URAL
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Old Davidsonville State Park
The park preserves the site of historic Davidsonville, established in 1815. The town included the Arkansas Territory's first post office, courthouse and land office. Bypassed by the Southwest Trail, an overland route from St. Louis to the border with Mexico, the town faded by the 1830s. Exhibits provide information on this important frontier town. Fishing is a major activity at Old Davidsonville. The park borders the Black River (boat launch ramp) and a 12-acre fishing lake (no launch ramp) offering a boat dock, barrier-free fishing pier, fishing boats (trolling motors only) and pedal boats. Using the park as a base camp, anglers may also choose the nearby Spring and Eleven Point Rivers. Facilities include 49 campsites (24 Class A; 25 tent sites), picnic areas, two standard pavilions, playground, two hiking trails and a self-guided walking trail thru the old town site. For information call: (870)892-4708
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Old Washington Historic State Park
Washington is a unique, historic Arkansas community conserved and interpreted by Arkansas State Parks in conjunction with the Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation. From its establishment in 1824, Washington was an important stop on the rugged Southwest Trail for pioneers traveling to Texas. James Bowie, Sam Houston and Davy Crockett traveled through Washington and James Black, a local blacksmith, is credited with creating the legendary Bowie Knife here. Later, the town became a major service center for area planters, merchants and professionals and was the Confederate Capital of Arkansas from 1863-1865. Established in 1973, the state park interprets Washington from 1824-1875. Tours include visits to the Confederate Capitol, Tavern Inn, Blacksmith Shop, Weapons Museum and several residences. The 19th century restoration town includes a print museum, steam-powered cotton gin and dining at the Williams Tavern Restaurant. The 1874 Courthouse serves as the visitor center. The park also houses the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives, a resource center for historical and genealogical research. For information call: (870)983-2684
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Tourist Attractions
Blanchard Springs Caverns
Ranked among the 10 most outstanding in North America; the only cave system in the US developed and operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Open year-round, the massive underground spectacle offers two guided tours during the warm seasons and one in winter. For information call: (870)757-2211
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Aerospace Education Center
250-seat I- MAX(r) Theater delivers top entertainment for all ages. "Arkansas: Center of Attraction" signature film provides orientation for newcomers. Exhibits of Russian/U.S. space hardware, Aerospace Library, antique aircraft, gift shop. For information call: (501)371-0331
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Little Rock Zoo
Over 600 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are on display in the spacious grounds and in WPA-era buildings. For information call: (501)666-2406
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MacMorgan Ranch Outfitters
Offers hourly, half-day, daily and overnight guided pack trail rides on mountain-trained Morgan horses; RV camp facility; swimming; fishing; canoe rental; chuck wagon steak dinners. Future plans call for lakefront cabins and hunting lodge. Trail ride operation is licensed by US Forest Service; rides are through the ranch and the Mena and Albert Pike Recreation areas of the Ouachita National Forest. For information call: (501)394-6443
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Hot Springs National Park
Known for its 47 thermal springs, this national park covers about 5,500 acres. Features more than 30 miles of hiking trails through the scenic Ouachita Mountains, scenic drives, hot water cascade, picnic areas and campsites (no hookups or showers). Thermal-features tours in summer. New this year is the "African Americans and the Hot Springs Baths" exhibit. For information call: (501)624-3383
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