Jim and Virginia Garner of Van Buren are celebrating a remarkable milestone after officially becoming the newest members of Arkansas State Parks Club 52, completing visits to all 52 Arkansas state parks.
The couple, both 81 years young, completed their final stop at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, marking the conclusion of a statewide travel journey that highlights Arkansas’s natural beauty, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Club 52 is a free passport program offered by Arkansas State Parks that encourages residents and visitors to explore every state park across Arkansas. Participants pick up a passport booklet at any state park visitor center and collect unique stamps or stamp rubbings during each visit.
Members earn rewards as they progress through the challenge:
• 5 park stamps — Club 52 sticker
• 25 park stamps — Custom playing cards
• 52 park stamps — Official Club 52 T-shirt mailed to participants
All stamps must be collected in a single passport booklet to qualify for rewards.
Participants are also encouraged to share their travel experiences on social media using the hashtag #ARStateParks, helping promote outdoor exploration and tourism across the Natural State.
Officials at the Ozark Folk Center congratulated the Garners on their accomplishment and praised their dedication to discovering Arkansas’s diverse park system, which includes scenic trails, historic sites, waterways, craft villages, and cultural destinations.
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