Posted in Arkansas June 19, 2018 by

The Secret Garden Hike In Arkansas Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairytale

There’s a tiny place in Fayetteville that takes you away from the busy NWA area to a whimsical garden. The World Peace Wetland Prairie is a community flower garden that let’s you be the main character of your fairy tale. Simply take a moment for yourself to meditate among the lilies or engage in the nature and weed out your frustrations in the flowerbeds. Let’s take a relaxing stroll through this city’s secret garden.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
There's a tiny garden hiding in middle of a Fayetteville neighborhood that's well worth the stop.
Google Maps
Unless you're specifically looking for it or live nearby, the World Peace Wetlands Prairie is easy to miss. It's located at 1121 S Duncan Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701.
The World Peace Wetland Prairie is part community garden, part natural area, and an all around relaxing visit.
Google/Robin Lenogue
The 2.5 acres were bought by the city in 2005.
The area is a preserved remnant of what had been a huge wetland prairie ecosystem.
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These little sanctuaries are important to urban areas since the soil and plants are a natural filter to the runoff water that eventually reaches watersheds and drinking reservoirs. They also help prevent flooding to the surrounding neighborhood.
The pleasant area is filled with little touches from rock art to homemade decorations.
Courtesy of Author
The more you poke around, the more you spot.
The gardens change depending on who visited last.
Courtesy of Author
They were a bit woolly when we visited but the mixed wildflower scents were sublime. The gardens are great for anyone with a good book or folks who what to get their hands dirty.
Each side of the garden has unique features.
Courtesy of Author
The western side only has native plants while the eastern side showcases international flora.
A small side path leads to fairy-inspired niche in the garden.
Courtesy of Author
It's the perfect height for younger garden visitors.
After you've strolled around the gardens, there's a small system of trails to hike towards the back of the sanctuary.
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The trails are a bit of a bushwhack but are currently being further developed.
The area is open every day but be sure to attend the Earth Day celebrations in April.
Google/Jeff Stewart
The green event has live music, face painting, crafting for kids, butterfly dance, and seed release.
The World Peace Wetlands Prairie may be a work in progress but is still a captivating secret garden.
Courtesy of Author
We're excited to see this garden continue to grow!

Where’s your favorite public garden? Did you know about this particular spot? Share with us in the comments below!

For some more chances to commune with nature, visit this wetland boardwalk or see all six regions of Arkansas flora along this trail.