If you’ve never picked up an Arkansas State Park Passport, I have one question for you: why not?
My husband and I have been slowly working our way through all 52 Arkansas State Parks, and so far we’ve checked off 18. Every single one of those stamps has been earned the same way, on the back of a motorcycle.
There’s just something about Arkansas from the seat of a bike. The roads become part of the adventure instead of just a way to get somewhere. We take the scenic route on purpose, stop when we see something interesting, and somehow every park has given us a memory that has nothing to do with the passport stamp.
Some parks have found a permanent place in our hearts. Petit Jean State Park is at the top of that list. Pinnacle Mountain State Park is always worth the ride, and Hobbs State Park has become one of our favorite places to spend the day outdoors.
Petit Jean, though, is a little different. We loved it so much that we decided there wasn’t a better place to start our marriage than the CCC Overlook. We stood on top of the mountain, surrounded by family, friends, and one of the most beautiful views Arkansas has to offer. Looking back, I can’t imagine getting married anywhere else.
The passport has given us a reason to visit places we might have otherwise driven right past. Some destinations have become annual trips, while others introduced us to parts of Arkansas we didn’t even know existed. Every stamp tells a story, and every ride reminds us just how much there is to see in our own backyard.
We’re only 18 parks in, which means we still have 34 waiting for us. Thankfully, we’re in no hurry. So, here’s my recommendation: pick up a passport, choose a park, and just go. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle, taking the car, or lacing up your hiking boots, Arkansas has a way of surprising you. You might even find a place that becomes part of your story, just like Petit Jean became part of ours.
Samantha McCain, Senior Manager of Member Development, Little Rock Regional Chamber
