Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville has been named the 2026 Park of the Year by Arkansas State Parks.
The award recognizes a year of exceptional achievement in tourism, education, outdoor recreation and financial stewardship. 3 other parks were recognized as finalists: Crater of Diamonds State Park, DeGray Lake Resort State Park and Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
Why Lake Dardanelle Won
Lake Dardanelle State Park hosted 15 major fishing tournaments that generated more than $3.7 million in local economic impact and attracted more than 1,600 anglers.
Expanded interpretive programming reached more than 17,000 participants, and strong financial stewardship helped the park increase revenue by more than 10% while staying under budget.
“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,” Lewis said.
The Finalists
Crater of Diamonds State Park had a year of historic growth and international attention. Several high-profile diamond discoveries drew worldwide media coverage and helped drive increases in visitation and revenue. The park welcomed more than 183,000 visitors and expanded educational programming.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park had one of its most successful years on record. Strong performance at the golf course and more group travel boosted business at the lodge, restaurant and recreation areas. Staff also helped other state parks and completed major maintenance projects in-house.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park welcomed more than 715,000 visitors during the fiscal year and opened the Owl Pass ADA shared-use path, expanding access for visitors of all abilities. Partnerships, volunteers, conservation work and major outdoor events added to a standout year.
About the Award
The annual Park of the Year program recognizes parks that excel in resource stewardship, visitor experience, financial performance, community engagement, innovation and support of agency-wide initiatives, including the Natural State Initiative.
Arkansas State Parks, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, was established in 1923 and covers 55,006 acres across the state. Learn more at ArkansasStateParks.com.
SOURCE: Arkansas State Parks
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