Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
State parks’ spring break fun includes hiking, crafts, digs
Spring break is almost over and most families are already on vacation or have made their activity plans.
But for last-minute planners, there are options. The Arkansas State Parks, in particular, get things humming and jumping during spring break week, offering a variety of programs, tours and crafts for all ages.
There are 52 state parks in Arkansas, spread pretty evenly throughout the state, so chances are, there’s a park within easy driving distance. Here is just a sampling: Lake Ouachita State Park, 5451 Mountain Pine Road, Mountain Pine, takes advantage of its lakeside setting with activities such as the Sunset Kayaking Tour, 6 p.m. today and lake tours, 2 p.m. today and Saturday and 6 p.m. Friday. Kayaking is $15, $10 for children 6-12. Tours are $10, $6 for children. Reservations are required for all. For free, no-reservations fun, there’s Campfire S’mores Trivia, 8 p.m. Saturday, and a Photo Scavenger Hunt, 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Call (501) 7679366.
The rugged and wild Cossatot River State Park (“cossatot” means “skull crusher”) near Wickes has informational programs on bats, rocks and bees. There are also guided hikes such as the Afternoon Stroll on Waterleaf Trail, 2-3 p.m. Friday, and the moderate Sunset Hike to Goats Bluff, 6:30-9 p.m. Friday. Admission is free. Call (870) 385-2201.
Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott has events in line with its prehistoric setting and mission. Today, visitors can hear Native American Storytelling at 10 a.m. and walk through an artifact maze at 2 p.m. On Friday, there are chances to make pottery at 10 a.m. (admission: 75 cents) and participate in a mock excavation at 2 p.m. And at 10 a.m. Saturday, visitors can learn about and make arrowhead necklaces for 50 cents. Call (501) 961-9442.
More hands-on digging in the dirt takes place during Parkin Archeological State Park’s Archeology for Everyone program, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today- Saturday. The park, in Parkin ( Cross County), will let families participate in mock excavations. Picnic lunches and reservations are recommended. Call (870) 7552500.
Take part in the Pioneer Treasure Hunt at 10 a.m. Friday or the Scavenger Hunt game and hike at 2 p.m. Saturday at Lake Fort Smith State Park at Mountainburg. Call (479) 369-2469.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park gives history a fun twist with a series of battlefield and historic building tours through Sunday. There’s also the Spring Thaw, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, when visitors can learn more about how pioneers did spring cleaning as park interpreters and historians churn butter and carry buckets of water. Call (479) 846-2990.
Visitors are welcome to take a Children’s Bird Walk Adventure, looking for the many different bird species, 10-11 a.m. Friday at Mississippi River State Park at Marianna. The Sound Discovery Tour, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Friday, teaches about nature sounds while the ongoing Youth Art Contest Finalist Exhibit remains on display 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Call (870) 295-4040.
Cane Creek State Park near Star City is hosting a Junior Fishing Derby for ages 15 and under, 8-10 a.m. Saturday. Participation is free. Call (870) 628-4714.