10 Ace Facts about Arkansas

First published 15th November 2020 Robin James

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Arkansas is one of the many great states of the United States of America. Home to hot springs, incredible nature walks, and, believe it or not, rice – Arkansas has a lot going for it apart from an odd name that’s actually pronounced “Arkan-saw,” not “Ar-kansas.” But, aside from these tidbits, how much do you know about the state? Here are some fun facts about Arkansas.

1. It is known as the Natural State.

Arkansas is known by many as “The Natural State”. This is due to its abundant natural beauty and diverse landscapes. In fact, tourists come from all over the country to visit its incredible natural areas and scenic spots.

2. It has many hot springs.

Something that many people enjoy in Arkansas is its abundance of hot springs! Hot Springs National Park, in particular, is home to naturally occurring hot springs. They were revered by Native American tribes and later helped the state become a popular destination for therapeutic bathing.

3. You can find your own diamonds across Arkansas.

If you are interested in collecting your own diamonds, Arkansas is really the only place to go. Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only known site in the entire world where the public can search for diamonds and keep what they find. It is, in fact, a popular tourist attraction for people both in and out of the state.

Digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park

4. The Clintons were very important in Arkansas!

Before becoming President and First Lady of the US, Bill and Hillary Clinton were high governing officials in Arkansas. To be more specific, they served as Governor and First Lady of the state.

5. Arkansas is a huge producer of rice.

A little-known fact about Arkansas is that it is a big rice producer! In fact, Arkansas is a leading producer of rice in the United States! Farmers across Arkansas produce around nine billion pounds of produce every single year!

6. Arkansas is home to the Ozark mountains.

The Ozark Mountains are a popular landscape and natural area for the people of Arkansas and tourists from all over. They offer plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, camping, and fishing. They’re not for the faint of heart, however, reaching a staggering 2,561 feet or 781 meters tall!

7. Arkansas is also home to the Buffalo National River.

The Buffalo National River was the first designated national river in the US. It, too, offers lots of opportunities for canoeing, hiking, and sightseeing. The river is a staggering 135 miles or 217 km long!

8. Little Rock is the State’s capital.

The largest city of Arkansas is Little Rock, its capital. It is known for landmarks such as the Arkansas State Capitol and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. You can’t escape the Clinton name down in Arkansas!

Little Rock, Arkansas

9. Little Rock Central High School is famous for bringing segregation to light.

Little Rock Central High School played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. It was the site of the desegregation crisis in 1957. This arose as a result of nine African American pupils who were originally restricted from attending the school by then-state governor Orval Faubus.

10. Walmart started in Arkansas!

The famous supermarket chain Walmart started life down in Arkansas. The first Wal-Mart store opened over in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962, and the company’s headquarters is still located in Bentonville.

Arkansas State Flag

FAQs about Arkansas

What is Arkansas known for?

Arkansas is probably best known for being home to the Hot Springs National Park, producing diamonds, and its cuisine! For example, the southern biscuits and chocolate gravy are particularly popular here!

Is Arkansas a good place to live?

Arkansas is generally considered to be a good place to live. It has the third-lowest cost of living in the United States of America and is well-known for its natural beauty. Its property taxes remain some of the lowest across the country, meaning it's a great place to own a home if you can.