Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ARKANSAS
Hiding out between the Midwest and the Deep South, Arkansas (
ar
-kan-saw) is Amer-
ica's overlooked treasure. This is a nature lover's Shangri La, with the worn slopes of the
Ozarks and the Ouachita (wash-
ee
-tah) mountains; clean, gushing rivers; and lakes
bridged by crenelated granite and limestone outcrops. The entire state is dotted with ex-
ceptionally well-presented state parks and tiny, empty roads crisscrossing dense forests
that let out onto breathtaking vistas and gentle pastures dotted with grazing horses. The
rural towns of Mountain View and Eureka Springs hold quirky charm, and don't be
fooled by talk of Wal-Mart or backwoods culture. As one local put it, 'Say what you
want about Arkansas, but it's an outdoor paradise.'
Information
puted park system has 52 state parks, 30 offering camping (tent and RV sites are $12 to
$55, depending on amenities). A number of the parks offer lodge and cabin accommoda-
tions. Due to popularity, reservations on weekends and holidays often require multiday
stays.
ARKANSAS FACTS
Nickname
Natural State
Population
2.9 million
Area
52,068 sq miles
Capital city
Little Rock (population 193,537)
Other cities
Fayetteville (population 76,899), Bentonville (population 38,294)
Sales tax
6%, plus 2% visitors tax and local taxes
Birthplace of
General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964), musician Johnny Cash
(1932-2003), former president Bill Clinton (b 1946), author John Grisham (b
1955), actor Billy Bob Thornton (b 1955)
Home of
Wal-Mart
Politics
Like most Southern states, opposition to civil rights turned the state Re-
publican in the '60s
Famous for
Football fans 'calling the Hogs' - Woooooooooo, Pig ! Sooie!
