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Arkansas is called the "Natural State" for a reason. The state stretches from Mississippi River west to Oklahoma and from Louisiana north to the Ozarks. In between can be found some of America's most beautiful and well-maintained state parks.

The "crown jewel" of the Arkansas State Park system is Petit Jean State Park. Located less than one hour west of Little Rock, the park is located at the top of spectacular Petit Jean Mountain. In addition to stunning views of the Arkansas River valley, the park features a beautiful year-round waterfall, unique rock formations, rare plants and animals and a rock shelter that contains centuries old examples of Native American art. The park takes its name from the popular Arkansas legend of Petit Jean. As the story goes, she was a young woman who followed her lover from France by disguising herself as a cabin boy. She died at Petit Jean Mountain and her ghost is said to roam the area around her grave. In addition to its day use and camping areas, the park offers a lodge and cabins.

West of Petit Jean and near the picturesque wine country town of Paris, Mt. Magazine is the newest addition to the state park system. Located atop the highest point in the state, the park has been called an "island in the sky." In addition to spectacular views, nature trails, waterfalls and more, the park is also home to a beautiful new lodge that stands literally on the edge of the mountain. The restaurant and rooms provide stunning views of the valley beyond. The park's new interpretive center features fascinating and interactive displays on the natural environment. Noted for its annual Butterfly Festival, Mt. Magazine State Park provides day use areas as well as camping, cabins and the lodge.

If your taste leans more toward historic sites, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Historic Park in Northwest Arkansas is a fascinating destination. The site of the bloody December 7, 1862, Battle of Prairie Grove, the park preserves the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting of the battle. The park museum and interpretive center at Hindman Hall is the best place to begin your battlefield exploration. From there visitors can enjoy a mile-long interpretive trail as well as an automobile tour. Highlights of the park include the well-preserved battlefield, the historic Borden House where some of the heaviest fighting of the Civil War took place, a recreated Ozarks village, picnic areas and more. There are no overnight facilities, but hotels are available in nearby Fayetteville.

Other state parks, many of them quite fascinating, dot the state and Arkansas has spent millions of dollars in recent years upgrading its park facilities. Additional information can be obtained from the state's website, www.arkansas.com.

Learn more about this author, Dale Cox.
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