It is no surprise Arkansas coined the nickname “the Natural State” because it is surrounded by beautiful nature. What better way to spend your Summer than to appreciate all the natural beauty Arkansas has to offer. Below area few gardens around the state that are definitely worth a visit.

Garvan Woodland Garden

Courtesy of Garvan Woodland Gardens’ Facebook

Located in Hot Springs, the Garvan Woodland Gardens is a botanical garden of the University of Arkansas that rests in the Ouachita Mountains of Southwest Arkansas. The gardens has one of the most beautiful chapels in the state, the Anthony Chapel, with glass ceilings that reach for the sky and overlooks Lake Hamilton. Also, the highly anticipated Tree House Project, designed by Fayetteville-based architects modus studious, has now been opened to the public. The modern looking house floats in a small group of pines and oaks and provides a great play area for children. From the magnificent botanical landscapes, to the creatively architectural structures, Garvan Woodland Gardens offers spectacular sights at every turn. Admission is $15 for adults (ages 13 and up); $5 for children (ages 4-12); and free for children under 4.

Courtesy of Garvan Woodland Gardens’ Facebook

Read more about the Tree House Project here »

Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

The Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, in Fayetteville, is a sight to see, filled with twelve themed gardens and includes the region’s only butterfly house. The garden also offers education programs which include workshops, classes, and lectures for adults and children. Admission is $7 for adults (ages 13 and over); $4 for children (ages 5-12); and free for children under 4. On Tuesday, July 31, the garden’s Free Summer Concert Series continues with Funk Factory.  

Read more about the Botanical Gardens of the Ozark here »

Wildwood Park for the Arts

Courtesy of Wildwood Park for the Arts ‘ Facebook

This Little Rock botanical garden, that is 105-acres and has a 625-seat theatre complex, celebrates both the arts and nature. There are eight different parts of the garden including the Asian Woodland Garden, the Butler Arboretum and the Swan Lake. The Asian Woodland Garden has a Nabucco waterfall and plants that are native of the lush forests of China, Korea, and Japan. It also has a beautiful flowering cherry orchard. The Butler Arboretum is a 10-acre garden of natural woodlands and nature trails, perfect for a nice stroll. The Swan Lake is home to the Wildwood’s famous swans and is the perfect place to have a nice picnic. The park is open free of admission every day, except for festival visits and some holidays.

South Arkansas Arboretum

Courtesy of South Arkansas Arboretum’s Facebook

The South Arkansas Arboretum in El Dorado, is part of the State Parks of Arkansas. This 12-acre wooded site is filled with plants native to Arkansas’s West Coastal Plain and exotic species including flowering camellias and azaleas. The park also offers marked paved walking trails, a rental pavillion, rental gazebo, restrooms, and parking. The Arboretum is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Arkansas so future generations will be able to view, study, photograph, and enjoy. The scenery will be sure to take your breath away.

The Gardens at Blue Spring Heritage Center

Courtesy of Blue Spring Heritage Center’s Facebook

Since 1948, the Blue Spring Heritage Center has served as a tourist attraction, known for its trails, springs, and beautiful gardens. Located in Eureka Springs, the Center has trails that run for miles and are filled with colors, textures, and a different bloom in every season. There are three gardens, called the Medicine Wheel, the Three Sisters, and the Woodland. Each garden is a tribute to the American Indians before us. The Center also introduces classes in various crafts, sponsor exhibits, and provides programming and learning experiences for children and adults. Admission is $9.75 for adults, $6.50 for kids (ages 6-17), and free for kids under 5.