Arkansas
Nature|Parks & Gardens

It’s Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wildflower Sanctuary In Arkansas

Rick Evans Grandview Prairie in Arkansas is a stunning wildflower sanctuary perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Published Jul 7, 2022

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

Wildflowers are nature’s gift to the world. Each year, during the spring and summer, these vibrant blooms lace the natural landscapes. Of course, you have your favorites that bring joy to your heart. Fortunately, Arkansas is filled with fields of wildflowers for you to explore. But there is one sanctuary that you’ll absolutely love. And that oasis is the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie in Columbus, Arkansas. It’s a breathtaking ecosystem that will have you wanting more.

Located in southwest Arkansas off of Highway 73 in Columbus is the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center.

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Casey Hardaway/Google

It’s a wildflower haven where you can prance amongst the blooms, and with approximately 5,000 acres of prairie land, there is so much for you to explore.

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While this nature center is a hub for hunting, fishing, archery, and more, it’s the wildflowers that are the star of the show.

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You’ll love the blazing stars, purple and yellow cornflowers, black-eyed Susans, and purple milkweed, just to name a few.

And the blooms attract thousands of pollinators each year. From hummingbirds to bees to butterflies, and more.

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Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center/Facebook

If you’re a nature enthusiast, this place is like a dream come true.

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There are 3 nature trails with wildflowers scattered throughout the ecosystem, and with over 500 species of plants, you’ll have plenty to explore.

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Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center/Facebook

We recommend taking the self-guided tour, which will give you plenty of freedom to explore as you wish.

Along with the spectacular wildflowers, you’ll love the various species of birds that frequent the sanctuary.

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Paul Lowery/Google

You’ll enjoy hearing the sweet tunes from the migratory songbirds throughout the prairie.

Additionally, this haven has two lakes on the premises. So, after you’ve danced around in the fields of wildflowers, you can relax next to one of the lakes.

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Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center/Facebook

This nature center is a perfect location for a family day trip or for the nature enthusiasts who love being amongst the vibrant flowers.

Are you ready to spend the day in this breathtaking wildflower sanctuary in Arkansas? If so, visit the website for more information or the Facebook page for updates.

And don’t forget to check out our previous article about this underrated state park where you can also escape from it all.

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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore One Of Arkansas’ Cleanest Lakes At Lake Fort Smith State Park

Did you know that Lake Fort Smith in Mountainburg is one of Arkansas' cleanest lakes? It's true! This pretty oasis has lots of adventure.

Published Aug 26, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

We’ve mentioned before that there are over 2,300 named lakes in Arkansas. Many of these waterways are a source for recreational activities including swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, and more. However, there is one major Arkansas lake where swimming is prohibited and that is Lake Fort Smith in Mountainburg. Tucked inside Lake Fort Smith State Park, this pretty gem is a source of water for the Fort Smith community, making it one of Arkansas' cleanest lakes. And though there is no swimming here, there are lots of other adventures for you to enjoy. Come check it out!

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At only 260-acres, Lake Fort Smith State Park isn’t the biggest state park, but it’s certainly one of the prettiest.

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Arkansas State Parks/Facebook

Nestled inside the Boston Mountain Valley, the park was named after the 1,400-acre lake - Lake Fort Smith.

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Built in the 1930s, the lake was created as a source of water for the Fort Smith community.

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This means there is no swimming or wading in the reservoir, so it’s one of the cleanest lakes in the state.

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Experience Fort Smith/Google

Although no swimming is allowed, kayakers and boaters can enjoy floating in the pretty oasis. You’ll discover some really cool spots along the way.

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Fishing is also allowed, and the lake is stocked with bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.

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If you want to go swimming, don't worry. The park has a large swimming pool with slides and a splash pad that the entire family can enjoy.

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Want to stretch your legs? Explore one of the scenic trails inside the park. Some even offer views of the lake.

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Don’t skip over the 8,000 square foot visitor center. There is a lot for you to explore here.

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The overlook and picnic areas offer pretty views of the lake. They’re great spots to sit and bask in all the lake’s glory.

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Did you know that Lake Fort Smith is one of Arkansas’ cleanest lakes? Have you been to Lake Fort Smith State Park before? Tell us below.

Want more adventure in Arkansas? Check out these incredible state parks that will blow your mind.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Secret Garden In Arkansas You’re Guaranteed To Love

Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs, AR, is a stunning botanical garden with rich history and magical scenery.

Updated Jul 17, 2024

Written by 

J.B. VanDyke

The Natural State is full of stunning natural places. From state parks to botanical gardens to mountain vistas and scenic lakes, there are literally hundreds of places where you can explore the beauty of nature here in Arkansas. Now it's time to add a secret garden in Arkansas to your list. That place is Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs, AR, and we guarantee that you’re going to absolutely love it! Many say it is one of the best gardens in Arkansas.

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Blue Spring Heritage Garden is 33 acres of botanical gardens centered around Blue Spring and the gorgeous lagoon it pours into.

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This hidden gem has been a tourist attraction since 1948, but the tradition of visiting the spring dates back centuries for the Native American tribes who lived in the region.

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In fact, there’s a cliff shelter at the center that is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places!

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The Native American tradition of visiting the spring traces from centuries ago to the 1830s during the Trail of Tears and continues on today. You’ll learn so much about the history of the spring on your visit. They specialize in the rich history of the spring and the region in which it flows.

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In the mid-1800s, Blue Spring was home to a working gristmill, and that history is also preserved at the heritage center.

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Blue Spring Heritage Garden features over a mile of gorgeous trails that will take you through the botanical garden.

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Blue Spring is a massive spring. It pours 38 million gallons of water into the lagoon each day.

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Every bit of that water is clear and cool and they've built absolutely gorgeous structures throughout the gardens.

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Mostly what you’ll notice about this enchanting place is how incredibly magical it feels. It is definitely one of the prettiest gardens to visit in Arkansas.

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Facebook/Blue Spring Heritage Center

There’s a timelessness to the grounds, so that when you’re exploring you really do feel a million miles away from it all.

From the smallest floor to the roaring spring, every inch of Blue Spring Heritage Garden is like entering a secret garden. It's an only-in-Arkansas place you really must experience!

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This secret garden in Arkansas really is one of the state’s most beautiful hidden treasures! However, it’s not our only garden oasis. Here’s another gorgeous garden in Arkansas that you're guaranteed to love.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/ar-gwgardens-see-to-believe/

And if you’re looking for more stunning natural springs in Arkansas, check out this underground walking tour through Eureka Springs.

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