Press Releases

(LITTLE ROCK) – Monument Trails and Arkansas have won Outside’s 2023 Travel Award for best mountain biking in the United States. Outside announced the award today in its annual Travel Awards article appearing on Outside Online. The Outside print...

(MURFREESBORO, Ark.) – This month, guests at Arkansas’s Crater of Diamonds State Park are invited to celebrate the park's golden anniversary on April 22 and 23. At 4 p.m. on Friday, April 22, retired Executive Director of Parks and Tourism Richard Davies and retired Park Superintendent Jim Cannon will speak on the early days of the park. Immediately following, the park will unveil a new wayside exhibit on the 8.52-carat Esperanza Diamond, discovered at the park in June 2015. Attendees may bring chairs or blankets to sit on during these activities. On Saturday, April 23, the park will host its 26th Annual Prospector’s Treasure Hunt for painted bottles and rocks hidden throughout the diamond search area, redeemable for a variety of prizes from area businesses. Park staff will also host fun games during the day for visitors of all ages to play.

Historic Washington State Park will host its 39th Annual Christmas and Candlelight event on Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13. Tour venues will open at 3 p.m. Luminary lighting and music programs will begin at 5 p.m.

Dewy White of Paoli, Indiana, visited Crater of Diamonds State Park on October 2 and found a beautiful 2.71-carat white diamond.

Today, Arkansas State Parks celebrated the expansion of the Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail System at Bull Shoals–White River State Park, marking a major addition in outdoor recreation for the Ozarks region.

Outdoor Recreation Drives Additional Growth Across the State LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism released the annual tourism economic impact report along with the inaugural release of outdoor recreation economy data...

Scott and Jennifer Freitas of New Port Richey, Florida, visited Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park on July 1 and took home the second-largest diamond of the year.

CHICAGO — At IPW 2025, Arkansas Tourism unveiled new infrastructure plans that reinforce the state’s growing reputation as a national and global leader in outdoor recreation, sustainable infrastructure and inclusive access to the outdoors. Key...

In a landmark event for Arkansas’ outdoor recreation future, local, state and federal leaders gathered today in Mena to officially sign the U.S. Forest Service permit authorizing construction of The Trails at Mena project, a one-of-a-kind lift-served mountain bike and adventure park that will connect the city of Mena to Queen Wilhelmina State Park. When complete, it will be the largest lift-served mountain bike park in the world, built from the ground up exclusively for biking.

Arkansas State Parks dedicated the renovated and improved Horse Campground at Devil’s Den State Park. Surrounded by park supporters, community members and equestrian enthusiasts, the ceremony celebrated the completion of a major upgrade to a well-loved amenity at the park.