Arkansas Museums

on location: south ❖

dave bodle

Museum

Medley Top-notch museums add a cultural slant to Arkansas itineraries

Travelers go back in time at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources and Bill Clinton’s birthplace (right).

18 August 2011

Photos courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism

A

rkansas comes by its slogan “The Natural State,” well, naturally. With more than 60 percent of its land wooded, and blessed with abundant lakes, streams and rivers, Arkansas is proud of its outdoor beauty. From hunting and hiking to fishing and boating, both residents and visitors take full advantage of the state’s recreational offerings.

Never to be overlooked, however, are Arkansas’ significant historical and cultural contributions to the region and the nation. Covering many topics, the museums of Arkansas paint a wide brushstroke, offering educational and entertaining stories. Here’s a dozen that might interest your groups: Jacksonville Museum of Military History, Jacksonville. This military museum fosters an appreciation for

The Delta Cultural Center in Helena spotlights the region’s blues music.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Exhibits at the State Capitol bring Arkansas history alive.

the men and women who have served our country. Its mission ensures that the freedoms we enjoy are not taken for granted. A new exhibit is the “C-130/360 Virtual Tour,” which provides a 360-degree interior view of the C-130 Hercules plane. Observe every part of these workhorses, including instrument panels and the cargo compartments that transport our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world. (jaxmilitarymuseum.org) Arkansas State Capitol, Little Rock. A tour of the almost-century-old capitol and surrounding grounds is a must for every visitor to Arkansas. A permanent display, “Call of Duty: Arkansans at War,” is located on the fourth floor. (sos.arkansas.gov) William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, Little Rock. An on-going goal is to bring exciting temporary exhibits to the museum. Here are three to round out 2011: Elvis at 21 (through Aug. 21) is an exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution of photographs by Alfred Wertheimer of Elvis Presley at the Obtain Arkansas visitor guides and itineraries – and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly – at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info LeisureGroupTravel.com

very beginning of his fame. Elvis (through Sept. 11) highlights items from the collections of the Clinton Presidential Library, President Clinton and Graceland.

Nathan Sawaya: Art of the Brick (Oct. 1, 2011-Feb. 12, 2012) reveals the Lego® artwork of Nathan Sawaya. (clintonlibrary.gov) President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site, Hope. The two-story, white-frame house that belonged to Clinton’s grandparents was our 42nd president’s home until age 4. Growing up, he regularly returned for summer vacation and weekends. A National Historic Landmark, it was presented into the national park system on Jan. 2, 2011. Park rangers provide tours of the house and conduct interpretative programs. (nps.gov/wicl) Gangster Museum of America, Hot Springs. This recently opened museum investigates Hot Springs’ infamous past and its more notorious visitors. Galleries host photographic displays and artifacts related to the era (1920s1940s) when the city’s hot mineral baths and gambling entertained Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Bugs Moran, Frank Costello and a host of the rich and famous. (tgmoa.com)

ll types of groups including professional tour companies and travel agencies, senior groups, bank travel clubs, church groups, military, school and family reunions, wedding parties and more have discovered Eureka Springs as a popular destination.

A

An extraordinary experience awaits your group in Eureka Springs.

Cradled within the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, our picturesque Victorian Village truly is a “one of a kind” place. It’s refreshingly different from any other group travel destination. Groups from all over the United States as well as many other countries are discovering a new way to be entertained. We have broken the mold, getting away from “cookie cutter” itineraries.

uni q u e vis i t s With 52 diverse Arkansas state parks to choose from, there is always something new for your group to discover.

Lake Chicot State Park

888-AT-PARKS • ArkansasSt at eParks.com

Make the highpoint of Arkansas WKH KLJKOLJKW RI WKHLU WRXU 7UDYHO WKH 0RXQW 0DJD]LQH 6FHQLF %\ZD\ WR 0RXQW 0DJD]LQH 6WDWH 3DUN :LWK XQVXUSDVVHG YLHZV IURP DWRS WKH KLJKHVW SRLQW LQ $UNDQVDV WKLV SDUN RIIHUV \RXU WRXU JURXSV XQIRUJHWWDEOH H[SHULHQFHV *UDFLQJ WKH PRXQWDLQ·V VRXWK EOXII WKH SDUN·V UHVRUW PRXQWDLQ ORGJH LV WKH SHUIHFW HQG WR D GD\ RQ WKH URDG &DOO IRU VSHFLDO JURXS UDWHV

2QH RI $UNDQVDV·V IRXU VWDWH SDUN ORGJHV

‡ 0RXQW0DJD]LQH6WDWH3DUN FRP

Spa City.

Hot Springs is famous for natural thermal spas and historic Bathhouse Row. But with the South’s newest gaming center, stunning woodland gardens, delicious dining and more – you can call us whatever you like.

Visit hotsprings.org or call 1-800-922-6478 for your Group Tour Planner now.

Bloom City.

Play City.

LGT/11

on location: south ❖ Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, Fort Smith. With a planned move after the first of the year, the small art center will become a state-of-the-art museum meeting national standards. The new location in downtown Fort Smith will be equipped to facilitate national and international traveling exhibits. (fsram.org) Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Prairie Grove. The 1862 Battle of Prairie Grove was the last time Confederate and Union forces faced off in Northwest Arkansas. The on-site Hindman Hall Museum reopens later this summer following renovations and will feature new exhibits and interpretation of the critically important battle that kept Missouri in Federal hands and eventually aided in cutting off Texas from the Confederacy. (arkansasstateparks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield) Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville.

Opening to the public on Nov. 11, the new museum, founded by WalONLINE EXCLUSIVE mart heiress Alice For a look at five great attracWalton, will present tions in Northwest Arkansas, log on an overview of to http://leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=24405.

American art, in-

Clinton Library exhibits remember Elvis Presley.

cluding American masteworks, lesser-known pieces from the Colonial era and contemporary works. Several works from the Crystal Bridges permanent collection have been or are currently on loan at various museums throughout the United States. (crystalbridges.org) Walmart Visitor Center, Bentonville. The fully restored Walmart Visitor Center has re-opened in the historic Terry Block building. There are several additions to the newly renovated center dedicated to Walmart and its founder, Sam Walton. The center will introduce an expanded gallery where visitors can view a variety of new and restored items significant to Walmart’s history. (walmartstores.com) Delta Cultural Center, Helena. Every exhibit tells a story that defines the economic importance and social impact of the Mississippi River. Native Americans, European explorers and early pioneers are all portrayed. The growth of Delta towns, the Civil War and the region’s rich music history are on display. (deltaculturalcenter.com) Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, Stuttgart. Germans traveling from Ohio settled in Arkansas’ Grand Prairie and planned for a new colony and Lutheran synod. Although the land was unsuitable for cotton, newcomers in the late 1800s harvested rice and soon Arkansas was on its way to leading the U.S. in rice production. The museum focuses on the settlers and the area’s natural environment. (grandprairiemuseum.org) Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, Smackover. Dedicated to the early 1920s pioneers of South Arkansas’ oil industry, the museum portrays a story of wealth, rowdiness, danger and waste.

Focusing primarily on the oil boom, the exhibition center features vintage photographs, period gas pumps, roughnecks working a site and modern drilling techniques. An elevator ride allows the visitor to see a large diorama that depicts underground seas and scenes from the Industrial Revolution. A video and walk down a re-created Smackover street with storefronts and vintage automobiles are part of the experience. (amnr.org) LGT

Where time is not W measured by a clock.

Where W here you bring luggage but lose baggage.

Where every visit creates lasting memories Motorcoach travelers know that Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to make memories. Could be because there’s so much to see and do here … shopping, shows, Dollywood ® or the majestic beauty of our Smoky Mountains. Or it could be that warm welcome they receive, kind of like visiting an old friend. Whatever the reason, they know that every visit creates memories that will last a lifetime.

PigeonForgeTours.com 1-800-285-7557

Where W here the GPS isis always set to fun.