The 4 best national parks and historic sites in Arkansas

Arkansas is one of the most crazy places in the United States.

The Mississippi is the largest river in North America and can be found within the Natural State's relatively small dimensions.

While many of the most fabulous wild areas are preserved within the confines of Arkansas state parks, visitors can explore an intriguing cross-section of natural attractions and historical sites that are looked after by the US federal government.

The best national parks in Arkansas are listed here.

1. Paddle along the Buffalo National River

The Buffalo River runs through the heart of northern Arkansas, carving out gorges and canyons through the forested upland. The waterway was named the country's first national river in 1972 and is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts from around the country.

It's the best way to explore the Buffalo. There is a well-established infrastructure for those looking to paddle on the river; the park website has information on both private concessions and the National Park Service. With put-ins at Ponca or Steel Creek, the Upper Buffalo is the most popular area to paddle in.

There are over 100 miles of hiking trails around the Buffalo River Watershed. The deep woods and upcountry can be accessed from Jasper.

You don't need to be on a boat to enjoy the best of sleeping outdoors in this area. The Ozark campground near Jasper is one of the best drive in campgrounds along the river.

2. Head to Hot Springs National Park for history and hiking

Hot Springs is the oldest national park in the country and is administered by the National Park Service. Sort of.

The federal government designated the 47 hot springs here as an area of preservation and recreation way back in the late 19th century, before the founding of the town of Hot Springs. The hot springs were used as a neutral meeting ground by Native Americans, who had known of the therapeutic benefits of the waters for thousands of years.

One of the longest-lived spa towns was Hot Springs. Spa resorts lined Central Ave, forming what is still known as "Bathhouse Row," and casinos flourished, while Hot Springs was a favored retreat of Al Capone.

There is a line between preserving history and natural beauty in the park. The park's centerpiece is the preserved bathhouses of Bathhouse Row, which include the Fordyce Bathhouse, Lamar Bathhouse, and Quapaw and Buck. The historic structures have been restored to show the grandeur of the resort architecture of the 19th and 20th century.

There's more to Hot Springs than just the water. In the past, walking in the Arkansas woods was a part of the experience of staying here.

3. Visit Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site on the Civil Rights Movement trail

The Brown vs Board of Education decision was issued by the US Supreme Court in 1954. In 1957, Little Rock Central High School became the focal point of integration efforts when nine black students were escorted into class by soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division.

The Little Rock Central High School is run by the National Park Service. The legacy of racial injustice in the South is addressed at an on-site National Park Service Interpretation center. You can learn about other sites associated with the struggle by talking to a park Ranger.

4. Learn about the Civil War at Pea Ridge National Military Park

The Battle of Pea Ridge was one of the most important battles fought west of the Mississippi River during the Civil War. The park service has done a great job of preserving the 19th-century countryside, and you don't have to be a history buff to appreciate it. There is valuable historical insight to be gained here, but the real joy of the battlefield is how peaceful it is.

The article was last updated about 4 hours ago.