Arkansas State Parks has announced Lake Dardanelle State Park as the 2026 Park of the Year, recognizing a year of exceptional achievement in tourism, education, outdoor recreation and financial stewardship. The award was presented alongside recognition of three other outstanding finalists: Crater of Diamonds State Park, DeGray Lake Resort State Park and Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
The four parks demonstrated exceptional achievement in visitor service, conservation, recreation, tourism development, community engagement and support of Arkansas' Natural State Initiative. Each park was selected for outstanding accomplishments that contributed to the growth and success of Arkansas' state park system during the past fiscal year.
Lake Dardanelle State Park was named the 2026 Park of the Year for its exceptional contributions to Arkansas tourism, outdoor recreation and conservation education. The park hosted 15 major fishing tournaments that generated more than $3.7 million in local economic impact and attracted over 1,600 anglers. Expanded interpretive programming reached more than 17,000 participants, while strong financial stewardship helped the park increase revenue by more than 10% while remaining under budget. These accomplishments, combined with the park's leadership in advancing outdoor recreation opportunities and supporting local communities, distinguished Lake Dardanelle as the top honor recipient among this year's finalists.
"Congratulations to Lake Dardanelle State Park on earning the distinction of 2026 Park of the Year," said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. "This recognition reflects the dedication, creativity and commitment of the entire park team and the tremendous impact they have had on visitors and their community. Together, Lake Dardanelle, along with the finalists, showcase the diverse experiences, exceptional service and stewardship that make Arkansas State Parks the best place for outdoor recreation and exploration of all ages and abilities."
The annual Park of the Year program recognizes parks that demonstrate excellence across a wide range of operational and strategic goals, including resource stewardship, visitor experience, financial performance, community engagement, innovation and support of agency-wide initiatives.
Crater of Diamonds State Park earned recognition following a year of historic growth and international attention. Several high-profile diamond discoveries attracted worldwide media coverage and helped drive increases in visitation and revenue. The park welcomed more than 183,000 visitors and expanded educational programming while continuing its strong commitment to conservation, community partnerships and visitor engagement.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park was recognized for one of its most successful years on record. Strong performance at the golf course and increased group travel helped boost visitation and support business throughout the park's lodge, restaurant and recreational amenities. Staff members also demonstrated exceptional teamwork by assisting other Arkansas State Parks and completing major maintenance projects in-house to enhance park facilities and visitor experiences.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park was recognized for continued growth in visitation, accessibility and community involvement. The park welcomed more than 715,000 visitors during the fiscal year and celebrated the opening of the Owl Pass ADA shared-use path, expanding access to outdoor recreation for visitors of all abilities. Strong partnerships, volunteer support, conservation efforts and major outdoor events further contributed to a standout year.
Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 55,006 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state's economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state's natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.