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Most famous for being the birthplace of former President Bill Clinton, it was Frenchman Henri de Tonti who founded the state's first European settlement, the Arkansas Post, in 1686.

A little more than a century later the territory was ceded to the U.S. as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Cotton was "king" throughout the state in the 19th century when Arkansas entered the Civil War as part of the Confederacy in 1861.

Today, top vacation attractions include major national parks such as Hot Springs and Buffalo National River in the Ozarks, the capital at Little Rock, along with historic museums including the recent addition of the Bill Clinton Birthplace in Hope.

Kid-friendly Arkansas

If vacationing in and around the capital, Little Rock rocks with hands-on educational fun at the Museum of Discovery offering exhibits for kids 6 and under, as well as group participation in science experiments for the older ones. Or, go on a virtual trip into space at the Aerospace Education Center with planetarium shows and GiantScreen movies.

In Hot Springs, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo offers kids of all ages a glimpse of over 200 alligators in residence as well as close encounters with pygmy goats and white tail deer. More family-friendly fun awaits at the cheesy yet entertaining Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum, and for a full day of excitement and adventure head straight for Magic Springs Theme Park & Crystal Falls Water Park featuring kiddie amusements as well as giant roller coasters and other thrill rides for teens and adults.

More about Arkansas travel around the Web:

Arkansas.com - Check out 360 degree virtual tours plus practical guides to hotels and lodging, major and offbeat tourist attractions, kid-friendly activities, event calendar, vacation photo gallery.

Arkansas Travel: Northwest Arkansas' Ozark Mountain Region - The state's natural wonders told in maps and photos, guides to Arkansas state parks and lakes, sports activities, historic places, dining and shopping, event schedule and relocation info.

Western Arkansas Tourism - Including driving tours and maps, major attractions, suggested accommodations, an overview of Fort Smith National Historic Site, calendar of events and annual festival vacation guide.

Hot Springs Arkansas - Travel guide to historic hot springs spas and facilities, plus major attractions including landmarks and buildings, restaurant suggestions, events and festivals, maps and directions.

Little Rock, Arkansas - The official travel site with news, feature articles, current & upcoming entertainment events, information on top attractions, day trips away from the city, nightlife, hotels & restaurants, maps, pictures & weather info.

Arkansas State Parks - Colorful guide to outdoor vacation fun with a guide to the state's campgrounds, mountain lodgings, hiking trails, Civil War sites and Native American heritage, plus related e-cards, screensavers.

Arkansas Kids - With focus on family vacation fun, including kid-friendly attractions and activities, event calender, online activities, games and downloads.

Arkansas Heritage - The state's rich cultural heritage on display with information on native American Indian tribes, history and folklore, related cultural events.

Arkansas Summer Vacation Calendar:

also see -> Arkansas Beaches | Arkansas Wineries

Arkansas Fall Foliage | Christmas in Arkansas

Moving to Arkansas