While taking some backroads through Arkansas last fall, we stumbled upon this little gem – the Louisiana Purchase State Park. We just had to make a quick stop because we love all things history.

The park, located near Holly Grove, AR, marks the starting point of the survey that mapped the land acquired by the United States after purchasing the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803.

The park is open from 6am-9pm, and there are bathrooms and an information board at the start of the trail. A great elevated boardwalk takes you through the swampy area to the monument that commentates the occasion. There are also plaques along the boardwalk that educate about the local plant life.

We were the only there and it was so quiet and peaceful, it was like we were stepping back into time. Although we were constantly knocking down spiderwebs so that we could get down the boardwalk, it was worth it to see this piece of history.

The monument is set right beyond the boardwalk, but you could see it very well. It seems from the pictures that this area wasn’t always swampy. It was interesting to look around and try to imagine what it must have been like to be a part of this pivotal point in history. I’m so glad we took the detour.

Whether you are a history buff or just someone who likes to stop at out of the way places, this is a definite must!

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