As Arkansans gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, we are reminded that the spirit of independence lives in both our history and our land. From the Ozark trails to the Ouachita River, Arkansas offers some of the most spectacular outdoor experiences in the country. And this year, thanks to legislation passed during the 2025 Regular Session, we’re investing in that promise like never before.
Tourism is Arkansas’ second-largest industry. In the most recent year for which data is available, Arkansas welcomed more than 50 million visitors who spent nearly $10 billion, much of it on outdoor recreation opportunities.
This year, the General Assembly took significant steps to continue expanding outdoor tourism and recreational opportunities for families. Act 318 created the Office of Outdoor Recreation within the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. This new office will help coordinate programs, policies, and partnerships that highlight Arkansas’s natural treasures and strengthen our tourism economy…