🏞️ Arkansas & Missouri National Parks, Sites & Trails
🏛️ ARKANSAS NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Arkansas Post
Gillett, AR
Located at the confluence of two rivers, Arkansas Post has long been a gathering place for diverse cultures. It reflects centuries of cooperation, conflict, and cultural synthesis in the heart of the Delta.
🌊 ARKANSAS NATIONAL RIVER
Buffalo National River
Harrison & St. Joe, AR
Flowing freely for 135 miles, Buffalo National River is one of the last undammed rivers in the lower 48. From rapids to quiet pools, it winds through massive bluffs and Ozark landscapes on its way to the White River.
🛤️ ARKANSAS NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS
Butterfield Overland Trail
MO, AR, OK, TX, NM, AZ, CA
Established in 1857, this mail route swept across the southern U.S., connecting eastern cities to the growing West. Stagecoaches carried passengers, freight, and mail twice weekly across rugged terrain.
Trail of Tears
AL, AR, GA, IL, KY, MO, NC, OK, TN
This trail commemorates the forced removal of the Cherokee people in 1838–1839. Thousands traveled by foot, horse, wagon, and steamboat to Indian Territory, enduring hardship and loss along the way.
🏰 ARKANSAS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith, AR & OK
Explore frontier life, lawmen, outlaws, and the Trail of Tears. From its founding in 1817 to Judge Isaac Parker’s final days in 1896, Fort Smith preserves 80 years of borderland history.
Little Rock Central High School
Little Rock, AR
In 1957, this school became a national symbol of civil rights. The courage of the Little Rock Nine helped shape the future of equality and education in America.
President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home
Hope, AR
In this modest home, Bill Clinton’s early experiences with family and community shaped his views on race, justice, and public service. For him, “Hope was home.”
🌿 ARKANSAS NATIONAL PARKS
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs, AR
Historic bathhouses, thermal springs, forested hikes, and mountain views make this park a unique blend of natural wonder and cultural heritage—right in the heart of town.
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Pea Ridge, AR
Site of the pivotal 1862 Civil War battle that shaped Missouri’s fate. This 4,300-acre battlefield honors those who fought and died west of the Mississippi River.
🛤️ MISSOURI NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS
California National Historic Trail
CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, NV, OR, UT, WY
Over 250,000 emigrants traveled west in search of gold and farmland. The trail preserves ruts and traces from the largest mass migration in American history, including the harrowing Donner-Reed journey.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MO, MT, NE, ND, OH, OR, PA, SD, WA, WV
Spanning 4,900 miles, this trail follows the Corps of Discovery’s journey through tribal homelands and wilderness. Visit St. Charles, MO, to explore living history and the expedition’s legacy.
Oregon National Historic Trail
ID, KS, MO, NE, OR, WA, WY
Thousands of settlers traveled this 2,000-mile trail seeking fertile land and new beginnings. Ruts and traces remain as reminders of their resilience and hope.
Pony Express National Historic Trail
CA, CO, KS, MO, NE, NV, UT, WY
Before the telegraph, riders carried mail from Missouri to California in just 10 days. This trail honors the daring spirit of frontier communication.
Santa Fe National Historic Trail
CO, KS, MO, NM, OK
Freight wagons once rolled from western Missouri to Santa Fe, NM. Follow the trail to uncover stories of trade, travel, and adventure across five states.
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
AL, AR, GA, IL, KY, MO, NC, OK, TN
This solemn route marks the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation. Thousands endured harsh conditions on their journey to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. The trail honors their survival and legacy.
🌿 ARKANSAS NATIONAL PARKS
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs, AR
Historic bathhouses, ancient thermal springs, forested hikes, and mountain views make this park a rare blend of natural wonder and cultural heritage—all nestled in the heart of town.
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Pea Ridge, AR
Site of the pivotal 1862 Civil War battle that shaped Missouri’s fate. This 4,300-acre battlefield honors those who fought and died west of the Mississippi River.
🛤️ MISSOURI NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS
California National Historic Trail
CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, NV, OR, UT, WY
Over 250,000 emigrants traveled west in search of gold and farmland. This trail preserves ruts and traces from the largest mass migration in American history, including the harrowing Donner-Reed journey.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MO, MT, NE, ND, OH, OR, PA, SD, WA, WV
Spanning 4,900 miles, this trail follows the Corps of Discovery’s journey through tribal homelands and wilderness. Visit St. Charles, MO, for living history and riverfront museums.
Oregon National Historic Trail
ID, KS, MO, NE, OR, WA, WY
Thousands of settlers traveled this 2,000-mile trail seeking fertile land and new beginnings. Ruts and traces remain as reminders of their resilience and hope.
Pony Express National Historic Trail
CA, CO, KS, MO, NE, NV, UT, WY
Before the telegraph, riders carried mail from Missouri to California in just 10 days. This trail honors the daring spirit of frontier communication.
Santa Fe National Historic Trail
CO, KS, MO, NM, OK
Freight wagons once rolled from western Missouri to Santa Fe, NM. Follow the trail to uncover stories of trade, travel, and adventure across five states.
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
AL, AR, GA, IL, KY, MO, NC, OK, TN
This solemn route marks the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation. Thousands endured harsh conditions on their journey to Indian Territory. The trail honors their survival and legacy.
🏛️ MISSOURI NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARKS
Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park
Ste. Geneviève, MO
Missouri’s first permanent European settlement, founded in the 1750s. French Canadian settlers farmed the rich bottomlands of Le Grand Champ before relocating the town after the flood of 1785.
Gateway Arch National Park
St. Louis, MO
A monument to Westward Expansion and Thomas Jefferson’s vision. The Arch and nearby Old Courthouse commemorate pioneers and landmark civil rights cases that shaped the nation.
🗿 MISSOURI NATIONAL MONUMENT
George Washington Carver National Monument
Diamond, MO
Known as the “Plant Doctor” in childhood, Carver’s love of nature led him to become a renowned scientist, educator, and humanitarian. His legacy began in this quiet corner of Missouri.
🏠 MISSOURI NATIONAL SITES
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
Independence & Grandview, MO
Explore the modest beginnings and presidential legacy of Harry Truman. His home and surroundings reflect the values that shaped his leadership and global impact.
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
St. Louis, MO
White Haven preserves Grant’s life, military career, and presidency. From Civil War victories to his time as the 18th President, this site honors his legacy and family life in Missouri.
🌊 NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAYS
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Van Buren, Eminence, Salem & Winona, MO
Protecting the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, this 80,000-acre park offers spring-fed waters perfect for floating, fishing, and exploring caves, trails, and historic sites like Alley Mill.
⚔️ MISSOURI NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Republic, MO
Site of the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi and the death of Union General Nathaniel Lyon. This pristine battlefield draws over 200,000 visitors annually and preserves the legacy of the Trans-Mississippi conflict.