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Louisiana Purchase State Park: Where America's West Began

Explore the starting point of America's westward expansion in a preserved headwater swamp. A National Historic Landmark in eastern Arkansas.

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Visit the Louisiana Purchase State Park, a unique historical site marking the starting point for surveying the vast lands acquired in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Explore a rare headwater swamp via an accessible boardwalk leading to the monument that signifies the beginning of the American West's orderly development.

A brief summary to Louisiana Purchase State Park

  • Monday 6 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-9 pm
  • Friday 6 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on the boardwalk.
  • Bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months, as the area is a swamp.
  • Visit during different seasons to observe the changing water levels and wildlife activity.
  • Take your time on the boardwalk to read the interpretive panels and learn about the history and ecology of the area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Louisiana Purchase State Park is located at the eastern end of Arkansas Highway 362. From Brinkley, take U.S. Highway 49 south for approximately 21 miles to AR-362, then head east on AR-362 for 2 miles to the park. There is no admission fee.

  • Walking

    From the parking area, follow the paved path to the start of the elevated boardwalk. The boardwalk is approximately 950 feet long and leads directly to the monument marking the initial survey point. The boardwalk is ADA accessible.

Unlock the Best of Louisiana Purchase State Park

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Discover more about Louisiana Purchase State Park

Louisiana Purchase State Park protects the exact location where surveyors in 1815 began mapping the territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase, effectively opening the American West. This 37.5-acre park is not just a monument, but also a unique natural area, preserving a rare headwater swamp. The park features a 950-foot boardwalk that takes you through the swamp, allowing you to experience the environment much as the original surveyors did. The boardwalk leads to a granite monument, erected in 1926, that marks the 'initial point' of the survey. Informational panels along the boardwalk tell the story of the Louisiana Purchase, the surveying process, and the swamp's ecology. The swamp itself is home to a diverse collection of plant and animal life, including bald cypress, water tupelo, and various bird species. The park offers a serene and educational experience, allowing visitors to connect with a pivotal moment in American history while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the Arkansas Delta.

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