National Arkansas Day - Parks, museums, rocks, and water… Arkansas deserves a holiday.

National Arkansas Day 2025 – January 11, 2025

National Arkansas Day is January 11 every year,  and if you are a native or nature lover, this is one of the days you get to celebrate. Created in 1836, Arkansas is the 25th state to be added to the Federation. It is also called the Wonder State or Natural State because of its numerous parks and water bodies, located near the Mississippi River. 

History of National Arkansas Day

Arkansas comes from the word ‘acansaw,’ and its territory was initially occupied by native tribes Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw.  In 1541, the first European explorer to reach the territory was the Spaniard Hernando de Soto. The land was later explored by Frenchmen, of which the first to settle down was Henri de Tonty in 1681. Henri created a European settlement in the Quapaw village: the Arkansas post.The Louisiana Purchase, a transaction where French Louisiana was sold to the United States, occurred in 1803, making Arkansas the 25th state to become a part of the Union. The capital of Arkansas is Little Rock, which is also its most populated city. The mockingbird is the Arkansas insignia, its flower is the apple blossom, and its tree is the pine tree.Arkansas is known for its natural landmarks. It is a center of tourist attractions, with its hot springs, rivers, rocks, and museums to mark its rich history. The state is also popular for quartz, diamonds, and a million-acre forest, truly earning its name as Natural State. The state is also an active agricultural producer of cotton, rice, and soybeans Arkansas ranks as the 34th most populous (more than 3 million residents)  and the 29th largest state in the United States. And its current governor is Asa Hutchinson. So if you are looking for a quiet and beautiful place to live, make Arkansas an option to consider.

National Arkansas Day timeline

1803
No Longer French Territory

The United States purchases Arkansas from the French.

1819
A New State

Arkansas becomes a new frontier of the United States.

1860
The Civil War

Arkansas plays a major role in the American Civil War.

1881
'Arkansaw' or 'Arkansas.'

Following a debate between two senators about the pronunciation of the state's name, a resolution is passed, which retains the spelling as 'Arkansas' but the pronunciation as 'Arkansaw.'

National Arkansas Day FAQs

Where is Arkansas?

Arkansas is located in the south-central region of the U.S, between Oklahoma and Tennessee, bordering the Mississippi River.

How's the climate in Arkansas?

The climate is humid. Arkansas experiences hot summer and dry winter seasons. It is susceptible to storms, tornadoes, and hail.

What is Arkansas famous for?

Arkansas is famous for its tourist attractions, quartz, hot springs, and folk music.

How to Observe National Arkansas Day

  1. Visit Arkansas

    If you have always wanted to see this beautiful place, you now have the chance. Satisfy your curiosity; visit Arkansas and see all its beauty for yourself. For a better experience, go with family or friends.

  2. Read up on its history

    Celebrate Arkansas learning about its interesting history. Do a little research about the state and share your knowledge.

  3. See pictures

    If you cannot visit, feast your eyes on beautiful pictures of the state. You can make a scrapbook and mark the places you would visit when you get the chance to.

5 Facts About Arkansas

  1. Downstream place

    The word 'Arkansas' came from the Quapaw Indians, and it means 'people who live downstream.'

  2. Sparkling alone

    Arkansas remains the only diamond-producing state in the United States.

  3. The Sun of Sun

    To prevent an attack against his men, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto deceived the natives by claiming to be the sun deity.

  4. Contest winner

    The flag of Arkansas, designed by Willie Kavanaugh Hocker, was selected in a contest.

  5. What's the name?

    Two senators debated on the state's name and its pronunciation; it was a resolution that settled this debate.

Why National Arkansas Day is Important

  1. We celebrate the beauty of nature

    If any state depicts nature's beauty, it is Arkansas. The state demonstrates nature's beauty. It represents the earth in its natural form, and we say cheers to that.

  2. We love history

    Arkansas is a place with rich history and a lot of museums to prove it. It's a state for history lovers and curious minds.

  3. We love hot springs

    Arkansas is known for its awesome hot springs. We are so excited to tour the place and to take a dip!

National Arkansas Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 January 11 Wednesday
2024 January 11 Thursday
2025 January 11 Saturday
2026 January 11 Sunday
2027 January 11 Monday