Arkansas reopens Welcome Centres for tourists
Travellers needing information on Arkansas can now stop at an Arkansas Welcome Centre. The state’s Welcome Centres were temporarily closed from March 20 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, according to a news release from Arkansas Tourism. The centres are now open 8 am to 5 pm, seven days a week.
“Arkansas is one of the nation’s most beautiful and inviting destinations,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Arkansas Welcome Centres offer our guests a friendly entry to The Natural State, as well as a rest and information stop to gather travel planning materials and advice.”
Arkansas is a southern US state bordering the Mississippi River. It’s known for its abundant park and wilderness areas, with terrain encompassing mountains, caves, rivers and hot springs. The rugged Ozarks region in its northwest has hiking trails and limestone caves such as Blanchard Springs Caverns. Its capital, Little Rock, hosts the Clinton Presidential Centre, housing Bill Clinton’s presidential archives.
The Welcome Centres are at strategic points of entry on major highways and interstates coming into the state, the news release states. Of the 14 travel centres in the state 12 are a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Mammoth Spring’s travel centre is a partnership with Arkansas State Parks. All are staffed by certified US Travel Association travel counsellors.
Each centre offers free Wi-Fi as well as interesting exhibits spotlighting local history. Complimentary travel magazines and guides, various brochures and highway maps are available to guests.
“Arkansas Welcome Centres serve as a one-stop resource for travellers hoping to find information on the many attractions, restaurants and lodging options in the state, not to mention the many scenic trails, rivers and lakes that make The Natural State an appealing destination,” said Travis Napper, director of Arkansas Tourism.