These 12 Breathtaking Views In Arkansas Could Be Straight Out Of The Movies

Arkansas has a number of locations that have been recognized either on television or on the big screen. Even looking all the way back to 1957 when the Andy Griffith classic A Face In The Crowd was released, Arkansas has been a name Hollywood knows. TV shows such as CBS's '90s sitcom Evening Shade or the 1980s Boggy Creek Monster movies made Arkansas more visible to moviemakers. When the 1990s rolled around, Arkansas native Billy Bob Thornton's Sling Blade put the public eye on the Natural State once again. John Grisham's A Painted House was filmed in Lepanto, and 2012's Mud with Matthew McConaughey was filmed in southeast Arkansas. There's a reason the Natural State is so appealing, and it's because our state is just so jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Next time you feel like setting out on an adventure, consider some of the locations below because they're easily some of the best views in Arkansas.

12. Lake Ouachita

For true natural beauty instead of something produced by computer effects, filmmakers should consider Lake Ouachita as a location for making a movie that needs natural scenery.

11. Greers Ferry Lake

Imagine a fun and youthful coming of age movie being filmed at Greers Ferry Lake. Studios need to consider this area for a summer-based family comedy. The scenery is absolutely perfect.

10. Lake Dardanelle

Anyone who's filming in the Russellville area will want to get footage of beautiful Lake Dardanelle. All of Arkansas's diverse scenic views and geography are on display for movie makers to use as their backdrop.

9. Historic Washington

Movie makers need to head to Hempstead County for a great pioneer movie. Historic Washington State Park still has a number of authentic buildings dating as far back as the 1870s that would go well in a "period piece" style of film.

8. Bathhouse Row

A part of a rare series of architectural structures, Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs is the largest collection of 20th-century bathhouses (from the 1920s-1940s) that still remain in the United States. Any director who wants a great Art Deco setting without using CGI would do well to film here.

7. Christ of the Ozarks

Another Arkansas landmark that was featured in the film 'Elizabethtown', Christ of the Ozarks is a memorable spot that should make more appearances on film. The unique structure also appeared in 80's flick 'Pass the Ammo'.

6. Boxley Valley Historic District

Cinematographers with a fear of water can stay near the Buffalo River and get some incredible footage on film when on location in Boxley Valley. Nature lovers will especially want to get a shot of the elk that roam in the valley.

5. Buffalo National River

America's first designated national river is pretty much worthy of its own movie or documentary. The mighty Buffalo River has a blend of dramatic views and soothing sights that would make a great setting in any movie.

4. Beaver Bridge

The Beaver Bridge in Carroll County is not only a historic location but a likely recognizable one, too. The "Little Golden Gate"of Arkansas has been featured in the TV miniseries 'The Blue and the Gray' as well as the film 'Elizabethtown'.

3. Old Mill

Technically, the Old Mill in North Little Rock already has been captured on film. (It's briefly shown in the opening credits montage of 'Gone With the Wind'.) The Old Mill is beautiful enough to be featured in wedding photos and portraits, so it's surely a movie-quality filming location.

2. The Lodge at Mount Magazine

Both the exterior and interior of the Lodge at Mount Magazine would be great for a film shoot. Viewers would see awe-inspiring views of the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake in the distance.

1. Petit Jean State Park

If someone wanted to film a romantic scene, this is the right place. Petit Jean Mountain was named after a young girl caught up in a most tragic romance, after all. The lovely scenery on the trails would look amazing on film.

There are numerous other places around Arkansas where a dramatic, romantic, or just plain awesome natural scenery would put the film over the top of excellence. Have you witnessed any of the best views in Arkansas? Which one is your favorite?

If given an unlimited budget and any choice of on-location filming to do in the Natural State, where in Arkansas would you film your movie? Let us know in the comments below!