The Natural State has a multitude of natural wonders that are worth checking out. Among the best of the best are these Arkansas landmarks located around all parts of our beloved state. These locales remain all-natural creations that were bestowed upon us lucky residents by divine providence.
1. The Crater of Diamonds
Located in Murfreesboro, the Crater of Diamonds has been a state park since 1972. The Crater of Diamonds is considered an Arkansas legend, as it is the world's only diamond-bearing site accessible to the public.
2. Onyx Cave
Located east of Eureka Springs, Onyx Cave is Arkansas's oldest show cave. Due to damage throughout the years, much of the cave has been closed to public view. Having been in operation since 1893, Onyx Cave tours remain popular as well as unique. (They are given through headsets instead of via tour guide.)
3. Mammoth Spring
Mammoth Spring, located in Fulton County, is the largest spring in the state of Arkansas and the third largest spring within the Ozark Plateau region. Mammoth Spring was declared a National Natural Landmark in June 1972.
4. Lee Creek Valley
Lee Creek starts near near West Fork in Washington County, flowing south to the Arkansas River and passing through Crawford County before flowing into Oklahoma. The Lee Creek Bridge is located in Devil's Den State Park near Winslow. Lee Creek is classified by the State of Arkansas as an Extraordinary Resource Waterway.
5. Bull Shoals Caverns
Bull Shoals Caverns is a limestone cave that was formed 350 million years ago during the Ordovician period. The cavern remains alive and growing today and is home to various forms of life, as well as many different varieties of cave formations.
6. Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome
Both show caves located between the cities of Jasper and Harrison, Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome, are located within 400 feet of one another. The Not Much Sink cavern, a third cave near the site, has been deemed too dangerous for entry. Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome contain more formations per foot than any other caves in Arkansas, and they are open for public tours year-round (except during the January flooding season.)
7. Crowley's Ridge
The most prominent feature in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain that reaches from Missouri to the Gulf of Mexico, Crowley's Ridge defines the Arkansas Delta region. A unique flora and fauna exists in this area, and interesting fossils turn up from the rich soil here as well.
8. Hot Springs National Park
The actual hot springs of Hot Springs National Park flow from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain. The natural surface phenomena of the hot springs have been conserved to produce uncontaminated hot water for public use.
9. Lake Chicot
Located near Lake Village, Lake Chicot was formed nearly six centuries ago, formed by the flow of the Mississippi River. Lake Chicot is the largest oxbow lake in North America and the largest natural lake in Arkansas.
10. Blanchard Springs Cavern, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest
Located north of Mountain View, Blanchard Springs Cavern is referred to as a "living cave" because of the care given to the location by visitors and the United States Forest Service.
11. Cedar Falls
Located in Petit Jean State Park, Cedar Falls is one of Arkansas's best known waterfalls. Cedar Falls is also one of the state's more photogenic waterfall locations as well. It's not a hard place to find!
12. Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is an excellent place for Arkansas residents and tourists to enjoy a float or swim on the river the way it was meant to be experienced. Go on a summer's day and get the best of the Buffalo by diving off the Jumping Rock and cooling off in the river water.
13. White Rock Mountain
Known as one of the highest parts of the Ozarks, the views from the top of White Rock Mountain are gorgeous to look at. The drive up to White Rock Mountain involves traveling across a steep, un-level gravel road that passes through gorgeous mountain country.
14. Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita, located near Hot Springs, is the largest lake completely in Arkansas. Lake Ouachita also features one of the largest crystal veins in the world and is popular with scuba divers for its underwater beauty.
We're so proud of the natural formations and attractions you'll find across Arkansas. Tourists, photographers, and residents all find a little time to look at the beauty that we've been blessed with here in the Natural State. Share your thoughts about these inspiring places!
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