Page 20 - 2024 Community Profile

QUALITY OF PLACE

charm, which keeps visitors returning children during the school year and
again and again. The Visitor Center summer break.
pays homage to the park’s rich history For more information on the
and abundant resources. state parks system, visit www.
Those wanting to stay at Lake Fort arkansasstateparks.com.
Smith State Park can reserve individual Field of Dreams
cabins or camp sites or rent watercraft. One of the region’s top-rated
Lodging and conference facilities are sports complexes, Van Buren’s Field
also available for booking retreats, of Dreams has hosted countless ball
reunions, and receptions. games and has welcomed thousands
Nearby Devil’s Den State Park of players and fans over the years.
welcomes thousands of visitors every Eleven baseball fields are scattered
year. The 2,200-acre park is known for throughout the 68-acre facility. It is
its amazing bluffs, caves, and trails. The conveniently located off I-40 and Lee
popular Butterfield Hiking Trail spans Creek Road, making it easily accessible
15 miles and is the perfect way to cap to Van Buren residents and traveling
off a day trip or overnight stay. teams.
Mount Magazine State Park, home The Field of Dreams is home to the
to Arkansas’ highest peak, is another Van Buren School District’s baseball
famous state attraction. The park team and hosts games for the Boys
features breathtaking views and ideal & Girls Club of Van Buren and other
spots for hiking and picnicking. Visitors organizations. The complex has also
can also take in one of the many hosted several state and regional
programs offered by park rangers or tournaments, including the Babe A Van Buren High School baseball player
go on a hang gliding adventure. Mount Ruth World Series and Cal Ripken competes at Field of Dreams. Photo courtesy
Magazine is one of only two sites in tournament events. of Van Buren School District.
the entire state to offer a launch area.
The Mount Magazine State Park Lodge
offers picturesque accommodations, MUNICIPAL
overlooking the Petit Jean River Valley
and Blue Mountain Lake. The property
includes 60 guest rooms, a hearth room UTILITIES
lobby, conference center, business
center, indoor swimming pool, fitness
center and gift shop. The lodge also
operates “The Skycrest Restaurant,” 479-474-5067
which is famous for its delicious
Southern cuisine. www.vbmu.org
The Janet Huckabee Nature Center,
located a few miles from Van Buren,
is situated on 170-acres overlooking
Wells Lake. Visitors can get an up-
close look at native plants and animals
while hiking or walking through the
gorgeous property. Skilled staff and
volunteers offer guided tours, boating
lessons, and hunting safety courses.
Admission to the nature center is
free and includes access to the trails Pre-Owned Center
and exhibits. Highlights include a
1,700-gallon aquarium filled with fish
and turtles from the Arkansas River. The 1301 E. Main St., Van Buren, AR
center is a valuable resource to schools, 479-474-2212
homeschool cooperatives, parents and
other groups looking to provide an www.breedenpreowned.com
interactive educational experience to
20 Van Buren Chamber 2024 Directory vanburenchamber.org