Arkansas may be known for its mountains, hot springs, and razorback pride, but the Natural State hides some shockingly cool secrets. Even people who grew up here usually don’t realize just how historic, quirky, and scientifically fascinating their home really is. Get ready — these Arkansas facts might even surprise the locals who swear they know everything.
1. Arkansas Is the Only State Where You Can Legally Hunt for Diamonds — and Keep What You Find
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only publicly accessible diamond field in the world. More than 33,000 diamonds have been found since the 1970s.
2. The World’s First Walmart Opened in Arkansas
Sam Walton launched his first Walmart store in Rogers in 1962. That tiny storefront changed global retail forever.
3. Arkansas Has the Largest Reserve of Bromine in the United States
Magnolia, Arkansas, sits on one of the world’s richest bromine-producing regions. The state quietly supplies a large percent of the global market.
4. The Ozarks Hide an Underground “Lost World” System of Massive Caves
Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the most decorated cave systems in North America — and many locals don’t realize just how enormous it is…