Arkansas, by Kelley Thompson

Arkansas has adopted the Natural State sloganfor modern visitation, was capable of hanging more
because of its rolling mountains, scenic lakes andthan six men at a time.
rushing rivers, but it also has a number of historic sites.The Boston Mountain Scenic Loop near Fayetteville is
Many of its most popular attractions are in thea terrific introduction to the fantastic vistas of the
northwest quadrant, so this article starts in Little RockOzark Mountains. Take a scenic ride on the Arkansas
and travels clockwise through this portion of the state,and Missouri Railroad over three high trestles and
outlining a 5-8 day itinerary, which can easily bethrough the highest pass between the Rockies and
combined with a trip to nearby Branson.Appalachians aboard vintage passenger cars.
Little RockFayetteville/Rogers/Lowell
Even though the Clintons now live in New York City,In Fayetteville tours and attractions are available for
they have brought activity and attention to the area.every season. Withrow Springs State Park along War
The Clinton Presidential Library and Park, recentlyEagle Creek offers a plethora of outdoor activities for
opened to the public, sits at the lip of the Arkansasthe active bunch, and natural hot water springs for
River.those wanting a relaxing dip.
Central High School is a reminder of our divided past.Travel north to the Rogers-Lowell area. War Eagle
Nine African-American students were escorted byCavern, Beaver Lake, and the Ozarks themselves are
military forces in 1957 into the school, finally testing thethree spectacular reasons that Arkansas is known as
Supreme Court decision requiring classroom integration.the Natural State. The cavern features a rim stone
The Old State House Museum houses a museum ofdam, underground stream, stalactites and stalagmites,
state history and is known as the site of Presidentas well as a gift shop. Beaver Lakes 28,000 acres
Clintons election night celebrations in 1992 and 1996.offer every water activity imaginable, including scuba
The Old Mill, across the Arkansas River in North Littlediving.
Rock, is famous for being the site of the openingEureka Springs
scene in Gone With the Wind.This village nestled in the Ozarks became popular in
Fort Smiththe late 1800s because the healing powers of its
Judge Isaac C. Parker made the Fort Smith Nationalnatural springs led to the development of spa resorts.
Historic Site in his 21-year stint as the Hanging Judge.Today the area is packed with antique and craft
Two recreated walk-in jail sites and the remains ofshops and boutiques, set in Victorian architecture along
two military posts offer glimpses into the areasnarrow, winding streets. The Great Passion Play here
dangerous frontier foundations. The gallows, recreatedis the nations most attended outdoor drama.