1. The Clinton Presidential Library. Worth seeing for its historical significance, the Clinton Presidential Center also reflects the Clinton’s interest in protecting and improving our environment with a temporary exhibit on building green and sustainable living. While there, allow time to walk through The Wetlands on an elevated boardwalk. The Wetlands is a 13-acre park located adjacent to the Clinton Presidential Library and the Arkansas River. This unique ecosystem right in the middle of the city of Little Rock is worth investigating.
2. River Market. If you are looking for some “night life,” the River Market is the place to be. River Market is a series of shops, restaurants, and bars that are just down the road from the Clinton Library. After dinner, check out the light show on the bridges crossing the Arkansas River.
3. Blanchard Springs Caverns. The Blanchard Springs Caverns are located just a short distance from Mountain View, Arkansas. This is a “living cave” which means the stalagmites and stalactites are still growing. There are several trails with different levels of difficulty. If you are a local senior caregiver, this is one of the only caverns to offer a trail that is wheelchair accessible!
4. Jones Bar-B-Q. Jones Bar-B-Q is located in Marianne, Arkansas. It is reputed to be the oldest continuously operated African-American-owned restaurant in the south and maybe in the U.S. They make bar-b-q six days a week—but when they run out, the restaurant closes, so get there early so you don’t miss out!
5. Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Located near Mena, Arkansas, the Queen Wilhelmina State Park is on the Talimena National Scenic Byway. The park lodge is the site of the Queen’s Restaurant located on Rich Mountain, the second highest mountain in Arkansas. The views from the lodge are spectacular. What a great place to have lunch when taking a road trip!
6. Bridal Veil Falls. This Falls near Heber Springs is located on an easy half-mile loop trail, making it accessible for almost anyone. Bridal Veil Falls is located in a beautiful setting and just the name speaks to romance. There are many beautiful falls in Arkansas but not all are easy to access. Tip: The falls are at their best after a rain.
7. Bathhouse Row. Bathhouse Row is a collection of eight bathhouses located in Hot Springs National Park. Bathhouses were supplied with hot water from the natural thermal springs, and the water was believed to have medicinal value. Each bathhouse is unique in architectural style, and each has a garden area in the front of the bathhouse and a paved promenade that backs the bathhouses. This was turn of the century elegance and the “spa” of its time.
8. Covered Bridges. Did you know Arkansas has quite a few covered bridges? One of the more beautiful bridges is located in Burns Park in North Little Rock. This bridge crosses the East Fork White Oak Bayou. While some of the covered bridges are on private property, a number have public access like this one.
9. Pea Ridge National Military Park. If you are a history buff, specifically the Civil War, you will want to visit Pea Ridge. Over 23,000 men fought in the battle to decide the fate of Missouri. It was the most significant Civil War battle west of the Mississippi. This park is considered one of the most intact battlefields from the Civil War in the U.S. An added attraction is the park features a loop drive with interpretive signs that will take you through the entire park. If you are a senior caregiver, this park will be very accessible to you and your senior.
10. Louisiana Purchase State Park. This National Historic Landmark is the site of a marker which marks the spot from which all surveys of the land included in the purchase were surveyed. The spot is marked by a granite marker in the swamp. Access to the marker is via a short elevated boardwalk loop. The interpretive signs along the boardwalk tell the significance of the Louisiana Purchase, as well as the lowlands with its rich plants and wildlife. Additionally, the boardwalk is wheelchair-accessible, so it would be an ideal spot for a senior and their at-home senior caregiver to visit.
Whether you reside in Arkansas or are just visiting, these 10 favorites from some of us at Superior Senior Care are only a starting point to the adventures you can explore and enjoy in this fabulous state.
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