Southwest Travel Club Welcomes You To The Natural State

Travel to the Natural State, Arkansas with Southwest Travel Club to experience the many amazing natural features that make it a top destination to for your next outdoor adventure. Hot Springs and the surrounding area offer visitors some of the unique and exciting opportunities to explore natures bounty. From Diamond mines to National Parks and the glorious hot springs. Whether you like the joy of the hunt, relaxing in hot springs formed with superheated rainwater or exploring the wilderness, this area of Arkansas is truly one of a kind. Spend some time learning about some of these spectacular sites with Southwest Travel Club on a trip to the natural state.

Hot Springs Is Born

Southwest Travel Club would like to spend a little time introducing you to the area now known as Hot Springs. Water flowing straight from the earth at over 140 degrees year round, caused by geothermal activity, has made the area part of history even before it got its name today. Native Americans in the past, and indeed many today, believe that these thermal springs by which Hot Springs got its name, hold healing properties. This belief has made Hot Springs a part of the lives of many peoples throughout time.

Not until the 1600's did any records appear of European exploration show up. With the arrival of Father Marquette, the area was claimed by France, but later ceded to Spain until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

The 1800's saw many changes in the area of Hot Springs as well as throughout the state of Arkansas. The first settler arrived in 1804 and by 1819, Arkansas became its own territory with the cessation of the area by the Quapaw Indians. The area became a National Park in the 1920's and protection was granted to the thermal waters for which the area has become so famous and thus the beginnings of Hot Springs today.

The rich history of the area of Hot Springs makes it a great option for vacationers throughout the year. As the oldest nationally protected area in the U.S., protection was granted by the government in 1832. Today Hot Springs National Park, the historic Bathhouse Row, the world's only public diamond mine and the Ouachita Mountains are just a few of the ways visitors choose to spend their time in Hot Springs and the surrounding areas. Visit the historic sites, enjoy food and wine extravaganzas and many other wonderful destinations on a visit to Arkansas with Southwest Travel Club.

Hot Springs National Park – Not only the oldest National Park, but also unique from many others, the Hot Springs National Park protects more than just the springs and surrounding natural areas, but actually encompasses the north end of the city of Hot Springs. Public bathhouses in Bathhouse row and historic sites of interest are found throughout the park. Hiking trails, over 26 miles in total, run throughout the park and picnic and campgrounds are also located here.

Crater of Diamonds State Park – Located in Murfreesboro AR, less than 60 miles away, the Crater of Diamonds is definitely worth the drive on a visit to Arkansas. This is the only public diamond mine in the world. Diamonds are found by everyday people almost every single day. Not just diamonds are found in the Crater of Diamonds though, many other rocks and minerals of interest to rock hunters are found in abundance as well and include amethyst, banded agate, jasper, garnet and hematite.

Ouachita National Forest – Located just a short distance from Hot Springs is a 1.8 million acre national forest managed to protect and preserve as well as educate the public. A number of protected and threatened species are found throughout the area, most in the river. Fishing, hiking, biking and exploring are the biggest draws to this area. Just one more of Arkansas most amazing natural features.

Whatever you choose to do on a visit to Hot Springs, the Natural State has it. There is no limit to the vast activities and options for entertainment that you can enjoy. Take some time on your next vacation to visit the splendor of this great nation and visit Arkansas on your next vacation with Southwest Travel Club.