Arkansas’ 52 state parks mark Legacy Week
Whether a person lives in the Ozarks or the Delta, whether they’re a “kick back and fish” type or a mountain-climbing daredevil or a history enthusiast, odds are good that they can find just the right recreational fit at one of the Arkansas state parks. That’s particularly true this weekend, as parks from one corner to the other celebrate Legacy Week.
Meg Matthews, public information coordinator with the Arkansas State Parks, says the annual Labor Day weekend event is a way to celebrate all of the 52 Arkansas State Parks and when they were started, their history and their mission.
Individual park participation in Legacy Week is mandatory but each park comes up with its own programming to highlight its mission and its past.
“That also emphasizes the differences between the parks,” Matthews says.
After all, a recreational park like Lake Charles State Park near Powhatan will have a much different lineup than an adventurous place like Cossatot River State Park near Wickes or a history-and culture-based park like the Plantation Agriculture Museum in Scott.
Activities will continue through Monday, the official end of the state parks’ summer season.
As Matthews says, it’s their “last big bang.”
Here is a sample of what the state’s parks are offering this weekend (unless otherwise specified, events are free):
Devil’s Den State Park, 11333 W. Arkansas 74, West Fork, (479) 761-3325: At Think Like a Mountain Weekend, visitors can join staff and special guests to explore the Ozark Mountain valley while learning about how they can help conserve and preserve the park and its hiking, backpacking and mountain bike trails.
Petit Jean State Park, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Morrilton, (501) 727-5441: The state’s first state park will present a diverse lineup of activities including a lodge tour, a Legends of Petit Jean program and guided hikes such as the Night Hike on the Seven Hollows Trail. The fourth annual Lake Bailey Canoe Race is set for 8 a.m. Saturday and participation is $15.
Ozark Folk Center State Park, 1032 Park Ave., Mountain View, (870) 269-3851: Legacy Week means extra time for crafts at this preserver of Ozark heritage. The Craft Village will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Monday in addition to its regular hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is $12, $7 for children 6-12 plus tax.
Saturday, the park hosts the Arkansas State Old-Time Banjo Championship. Registration is $10 and admission is free for the audience during the day.
Davidsonville State Park, 8047 Arkansas 166 S., Pocahontas, (870) 892-4708: Guided town site tours, hikes and programs are planned to celebrate the history of Davidsonville at Uncover the Legacy events through Monday.
Lake Ouachita State Park, 5451 Mountain Pine Road, Mountain Pine, (501) 7679366: The 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita is a perfect spot for exploration and discovery through special activities like the Island Adventure, with boat rides to some of the lake’s islands and beaches. Tickets are $10, $6 for ages 6-12 and reservations are recommended. Free activities include the Glowing Skulls Hike and wildlife programs such as Web Weavers and Edible Insects.
Lake Chicot State Park, 2542 Arkansas 257, Lake Village, (870) 265-5480: Nature programs and a Mississippi River Levee Tour ($10, $6 for ages 6-12) will help visitors explore the legacy and assets of this southeast Arkansas landmark that specializes in fishing, boating and bird watching.
“There’s likely [a park] that’s close to where they live,” Matthews says. “Seek it out and experience a park that will usually give you a memory of a lifetime.”