This two-sided marker is on the grounds of the Clarksville courthouse and points out some of the…read morehistory of the County during and after the Civil War. There is parking along the street and the marker is very legible. The front reads, "Clarksville in the Civil War. Clarksville was a key point in the defense of the Arkansas River Valley during the Civil War. Confederate troops occupied the town several times before Union forces took Little Rock and Ft. Smith, gaining control of the valley. Lt. Col. G.M. Waugh and men of the 2nd Arkansas Infantry (U.S.) used Clarksville as a base in early 1864 to fight guerrilla bands and Confederates cutting telegraph lines in the area. When Gen. J.O. Shelby's Confederates crossed the river in May 1864, Waugh left, torching much of Clarksville, including the Methodist church." And the reverse, "Depredations. On Feb. 20 1865, Union Jayhawkers raided the home of Lutetia Howell and Susan Willis in Johnson County's Pittsburg community. They held the women's legs in a bed of hot coals in an attempt to force them to tell if they had hidden money, then burned the house to the ground. Mrs. Howell was burned so badly that her leg had to be amputated. Other women in the area were also tortured and other houses burned. Union officials arrested deserters and soldiers from Kansas and Arkansas accused of taking part in the crimes, though none apparently were punished." This is marker numbeer 103 and it was erected in 2015 by the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, Johnson County Historical Society, Johnson County, Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. [Review 2310 of 2024 - 373 in Arkansas - 23325 overall]

Beautiful rock formations in a gorgeous natural setting! Hard to believe you're on a golf course!…read moreIt's a short hike from the parking lot down several sets of stairs but totally worth the effort! I am not familiar with the history but am excited to look for information on how it was used!

A sandstone cave used as a shelter by Native Americans that's thousands of years old?! In the…read moremiddle of a golf course?! Plus, it's on the National Register of Historic Places! Oh and there are ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings). Uhhhh, what kind of a jerk would I be to give this less than 5-stars?? FYI from what I can tell, this cave shelter has several names...Indian Rock Cave AKA Indian Rock House AKA Indian Rock House Cave AKA Edgemont Shelter. And most of the rock art is located on the west side of the shelter. You can see the depiction of several human figures as well as a four-legged animal of some variety. There are also a number of lines and geometric shapes. Rad! You can access the shelter in a couple of different ways. There is a museum in the Indian Hills Golf Course parking lot and another log cabin next to it. There's a short trail with some stairs that start at the log cabin. You can also access the shelter from the golf course itself. Took the kids on a nice neat-ture walk along the trail that runs in front of the cave along with a stretch of cool rock formations. Easy hike for the most part - or you can always bail onto the golf course. We did get some bug bites and did see poison ivy along the trail. Forgot my measuring devices, but from what I've read, the rock shelter is a 100 feet wide, 50 feet high, and 97 feet deep. I've never been able to handle spelunking, so this is kinda the perfect cave size for this girl who is terrified of being underground and in tight spaces. None of that necessary here!

It's fun to see for sure!! The building it is attached is closed and/or abandoned. The driveway is…read moreon an incline and there are potholes and broken glass everywhere. Just keep your eye out and you can avoid them.

Funny photo op in Ft Smith. No idea about the building and if it actually opens as a business…read moreduring the holidays. But the World's Largest Christmas Pickle is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. Bonus: there's a cool looking water tower next door too.

We heard that this place was a "must see" so I had really high expectations; especially when…read morecompared to mount Nebo. My first impression was "where do you park?!" Lots of people come here, and the main parking lot is always packed near the visitor center and restaurant. Sure there's lots of parking near the hiking trails, but up front not so much. This place reminds me of Top of the Rock in Branson. There isn't much in the way of activates here. I wish I was told more about this place. It seems Petit Jean is more centered around hiking and mountain biking. Lots of trails for both, and then a restaurant on a bluff that hikers, motorcyclists, and tourists seem to flock to. If you don't really hike, or bicycle, and don't really care about eating at a restaurant that looks over a bluff then save yourself a trip. I mean if I was an avid hiker I might really like this place, but since I'm not there's other places around just as beautiful without the drive.

A few friends ( 8 trailers with 16 people and 5 dogs) came to camp for a few days and although the…read moreweather wasn't as good as we had hoped for, rain for 1 1/2 days, temps dropped to the mid 40's during the day and 18+ mph winds, it was a great trip. We all, at different times, explored the surroundings, walked trails, and some enjoyed dinner and/or breakfast at nearby restaurants. Us Texans sure did enjoy Arkansas and its fall beauty.

On our visit to Hot Springs, we were told to check out Garvan Woodland Gardens. It was definitely a…read moregreat decision to come by and have a nice long stroll through the various gardens, forests, streams, and just nature. Its not too hard to find and there's plenty of parking out front. Leaving the parking lot is a little confusing though (signs would be helpful...). But its well worth the trip out! There were a variety of slices of nature and we spent a few hours here and still did not get to see it all. There's a whole nature preserve that's part of it and apparently great in the dawn/dusk to spot and hear various birds. We did see quite a bit of wildlife and fun plants around so even if we missed the preserve it was fun to see everything else. I think this is a great spot to reconnect with nature for a bit. There were well marked paths so it wasn't too strenuous and there were some more kid friendly areas as well for them to explore and run around.

Options for autumn when Canada was "closed" (1 of 2)…read more - - - - - Covid may seemingly be a thing of the past, but, for some, it will never be forgotten because it affected them or their loved ones in far more serious ways. It changed how we interacted, shopped, circulated, and even limited our options as to where we could travel. For a while, Canada was closed and it always comes to the top of my list when it comes to fall colors. That said, other options became New England, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the Ozarks. Garvan Woodland Gardens is located just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas, thus in the general Ozarks area. Hot Springs itself was already on the map as place of touristic import. Along a major avenue there is nationally registered "Bathhouse Row," a string of private spas in ornate mansion-sized facilities that rose to fame during the 20th Century. Its most famous visitor may have been Al Capone. I came to learn that Capone died a natural death. One might have thought otherwise. I vaguely knew about these gardens - the Garvan Woodland Gardens. However, if in town and you ask questions about things to do, their existence, and their details, become front and center. It's an easy drive from the small city of Hot Springs. The gardens began as a private garden that then flourished when they were donated and "privatized," or realistically operated by the University of Arkansas. As such, there is an admission fee. As can be expected, the gardens are segmented and themed. The most notable might be the Japanese Garden and the manicured plantings that go with that. There are also other themed areas, including some areas which are a little natural, or scruffier, if you prefer that word. There are other areas such as a toy railroad sort of old town, walkways abutting the lake, and odd contraptions that serve as stairs, bridges, and tree houses. Then, there are some areas with art installations of sort that look sort of granola. I didn't have time to read every placard explaining the logic, if any, of some of these things. There is also a non-denominational chapel on the grounds and it closely resembles the state's Thorncrown Chapel designed by the University of Arkansas's famed alumnus E. Fay Jones. I had already seen that chapel in Eureka Springs, but, if you can't make it to its remote corner of the state (actually just south of and somewhat close to Branson, Missouri), this one will almost enable you to check Thorncrown Chapel off your list. Seasonal blooms will affect what you see. Note that, if seeking fall color in the state, it will come later than other parts of America owing to the more southerly latitude. In the fall, it won't be as "flowery." The forested lands in which Garvan Wooodlands Gardens sits appear to be studded in Southern pine, and reminded me of the vegetation surrounding the Atlanta area. The employees on hand were very helpful. Note that, in this state, your bucket list ,at the very minimum, would be about 3 state parks, 2 more rugged natural areas, the historic areas of Little Rock, Eureka Springs, and Hot Springs, which would include these gardens. The beauty of everything you see may exceed your expectations. Just about everyone is giving Garvan Woodlands Gardens 5 stars. For its context and area, it should fetch 5 stars. However, compared to other places with a similar admission fee, I felt it was closer to 4 stars. It is nonetheless impressive and recommended and you should also consider the month in which you plan to visit. However, it could also be that the few hippie-dippy things there made for an eye roll. They always do.

An amazing piece of Americana that has been rehabilitated for use as a substation for the Sherwood…read morePolice Station. Not only is there nothing else like it in Sherwood, there's nothing else like it in Arkansas! If you haven't been to see the Roundtop, especially if you love vintage gas stations and unique architecture, make a trip to see it!

fascinating history, sadly the corps of enineers tore down the old hotel tower a couple years ago…read more the amphitheater can be seen. moreso when the water is down, and a few foundations. nice to imagine, sad to actually see..

This is most certainly a local gem. Seeing a sunset here is truly magical - the gritty, spray…read morepainted building contrasts with the light reflecting off the water. The building itself is gated and locked off, so you can't explore inside, but it's still a very unique view from afar.

Bathhouse row is so neat and clean. It's such a beautiful way to walk around Hot Springs. I…read moreactually went into Lamar Bathhouse and was not disappointed.. it has so many lovely options for you to choose from. I promise they don't disappoint.

There are 7 bathhouses still standing in Hot Springs National Park. The thermal springs gave it…read morethe name Spa City. Many from all walks of life came here for wellness & healing. Superior boathouse from 1829 is now a brewery restaurant. The fourth, is now the National Parks Visitor Center. We walked through the old bath house exhibits. We wandered into dressing rooms, hot tubs, medical rooms, and even a room with very old fitness equipment.

Hard to miss this beautiful building near downtown Bentonville with a historical marker out front…read more The marker reads, "Built in 1890 by Captain NH Henry. Captain Henry served in the Civil War as a member of General Stonewall Jackson's artillery. After the war Henry moved to Bentonville where he helped build Bentonville's first steam railway and served as a Treasurer for Benton County. The Henry House is built in the Italianate style and the main façade has been unaltered since construction. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988." It is a two-story brick structure with Italianate architectural details like trusses in the front-facing gable, a scrollwork balustrade on the main porch, and scrolled brackets on the hood over a side entrance. This 1890 construction is a good example of the late Italianate style brick homes that were constructed in Bentonville in large quantities between 1870 and 1895. I was able to find the Henry House on an apartment/short-term rental site. [Review 19801 overall - 277 in Arkansas - 774 of 2023.]

stayed 2 days in recently built, fabulously comfortable 2-bedroom apartment above garage. wish it…read morewere longer, we'll have to come back! Pristine, lovely, thoughtfully equipped, quiet, spacious. whoever did your design work, rose petals in their path!

The Old Mill is a beautiful spot in North Little Rock, AR amongst a charming neighborhood…read more It's listed as a National Register of Historic Places. Rightly so... the mill is supposedly the "last standing structure" from the movie "Gone With The Wind." The gates opened at 8 AM. Entry was free. By the time we got there, a small group was already taking professional-like photos of their model. The landscaping was nicely manicured. Some of the plants and flowers or trees were labeled with little signs. My girls liked climbing up into the replica "water-powered grist mill." We didn't stay long as dogs were not allowed on the grounds. Our dog stayed in my Jeep while the air-conditioning was on since it was in the upper 80s already. For more info plus an interactive map, go to: https://nlr.ar.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/old-mill/

It's very relaxing and beautiful there and it just takes you back to bygone era, and it's pretty…read moreneat it was in Gone With the Wind.