National Arkansas Day – Jan. 11, 2027

National Arkansas Day
Categories:
Tags:
CivicHistorical
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every January 11
Holiday emoji:
💎

National Arkansas Day arrives every January 11, inviting everyone to celebrate the 25th state’s natural beauty and rich history. Explore its stunning parks, vibrant culture, and unique contributions to the nation. Plan a visit to a state park or learn about its famous residents!

Want to sponsor National Arkansas Day? Learn how

Expected National Arkansas Day Deals

As a day of state pride, National Arkansas Day inspires local businesses and organizations to highlight the best of the Natural State. While we await official 2027 promotions, look for special events at Arkansas State Parks and discounts at local shops. Retailers like Walmart and food brands like Tyson Foods, both with deep Arkansas roots, may feature local products or offer community engagement programs. Cultural institutions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art often host special exhibits or educational programs. Local restaurants might showcase Arkansas-grown ingredients or traditional dishes. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 11 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Arkansas Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalArkansasDay. Share insights on Arkansas’s economic contributions or its role in national industries.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalArkansasDay. Post stunning photos of Arkansas’s natural landscapes, from the Ozarks to the Mississippi Delta.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalArkansasDay. Share stories about Arkansas’s history, local heroes, or community events.

Social Media Tips for National Arkansas Day

Individuals

Explore one of Arkansas's 52 state parks, dig for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, or visit a local museum to learn about the state's heritage.

Creators

Produce a video tour of a hidden gem in Arkansas, interview a local artisan, or create content highlighting the state's unique culinary traditions.

Brands

Host a 'Best of Arkansas' giveaway featuring products made in the state, partner with a local charity, or run a campaign celebrating Arkansas-based employees.

Partners & Brands for National Arkansas Day

  1. Arkansas State Parks

    Managing 52 state parks, Arkansas State Parks offers diverse outdoor experiences, from hiking in the Ozarks to exploring historic sites. Established to preserve and interpret the state's natural and cultural heritage, it's a cornerstone of Arkansas tourism.

  2. Walmart

    Founded by Sam Walton in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962, Walmart grew from a single discount store into the world's largest retailer. Its headquarters remain in Bentonville, Arkansas, making it a pivotal part of the state's economy and identity.

  3. Tyson Foods

    Established in Springdale, Arkansas, in 1935 by John W. Tyson, Tyson Foods is one of the world's largest food companies. It plays a significant role in the global protein industry and is a major employer and economic driver within Arkansas.

  4. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

    Founded by Alice Walton and opened in Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2011, this world-class museum houses a premier collection of American art. Its stunning architecture and integration with natural trails make it a cultural landmark in the state.

  5. Crater of Diamonds State Park

    Located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, this unique state park is the only public diamond mine in the world where visitors can search for and keep any diamonds they find. It attracts thousands of visitors annually, making it a geological marvel.

  6. Hot Springs National Park

    Designated a national park in 1921, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is famous for its natural thermal springs. The park preserves the historic Bathhouse Row and offers visitors a chance to experience the therapeutic waters, a tradition dating back centuries.

  7. Arkansas Rice Federation

    Representing Arkansas's robust rice industry, this federation promotes the state's role as the nation's leading rice producer. Arkansas farmers grow over 50% of the rice consumed in the United States, contributing significantly to the state's agricultural economy.

National Arkansas Day Hero

Bill Clinton

Born in Hope, Arkansas, Bill Clinton served as the 40th and 42nd Governor of Arkansas before becoming the 42nd President of the United States. His political career began in Arkansas, where he championed education reform and economic development. His enduring connection to the state highlights its capacity to produce national leaders and shape American politics.

History of National Arkansas Day

Arkansas comes from the word ‘acansaw,’ and its territory was initially occupied by native tribes Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw.  In 1541, the first European explorer to reach the territory was the Spaniard Hernando de Soto. The land was later explored by Frenchmen, of which the first to settle down was Henri de Tonty in 1681. Henri created a European settlement in the Quapaw village: the Arkansas post.

The Louisiana Purchase, a transaction where French Louisiana was sold to the United States, occurred in 1803, making Arkansas the 25th state to become a part of the Union. The capital of Arkansas is Little Rock, which is also its most populated city. The mockingbird is the Arkansas insignia, its flower is the apple blossom, and its tree is the pine tree.

Arkansas is known for its natural landmarks. It is a center of tourist attractions, with its hot springs, rivers, rocks, and museums to mark its rich history. The state is also popular for quartz, diamonds, and a million-acre forest, truly earning its name as Natural State. The state is also an active agricultural producer of cotton, rice, and soybeans 

Arkansas ranks as the 34th most populous (more than 3 million residents)  and the 29th largest state in the United States. And its current governor is Asa Hutchinson. So if you are looking for a quiet and beautiful place to live, make Arkansas an option to consider.

National Arkansas Day timeline

1803
No Longer French Territory

The United States purchases Arkansas from the French.

1819
A New State

Arkansas becomes a new frontier of the United States.

1860
The Civil War

Arkansas plays a major role in the American Civil War.

1881
'Arkansaw' or 'Arkansas.'

Following a debate between two senators about the pronunciation of the state's name, a resolution is passed, which retains the spelling as 'Arkansas' but the pronunciation as 'Arkansaw.'

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Arkansas Day

Local businesses in Arkansas can celebrate National Arkansas Day by showcasing state pride and engaging with their communities. Restaurants might feature dishes made with Arkansas-grown ingredients or offer specials named after state landmarks. Retailers could highlight products from Arkansas-based artisans or brands like Walmart and Tyson Foods. Tourism operators can promote special packages to state parks or historic sites. Consider hosting a ‘Made in Arkansas’ event or collaborating with local charities to give back to the community.

National Arkansas Day FAQs

When is National Arkansas Day?

In 2027, National Arkansas Day is observed on Monday, January 11, providing a fresh start to the week with a focus on Arkansas pride.

How many people live in Arkansas?

With a population of around 3.06 million, Arkansas ranks among the mid-sized U.S. states, boasting a vibrant mix of urban centers and rural communities.

What is Arkansas known for?

The Natural State is famous for its unique attractions like Crater of Diamonds State Park, its rich musical heritage, and its significant contributions to agriculture, particularly as the top rice-producing state.

Why is Arkansas called 'The Natural State'?

The nickname ‘The Natural State’ reflects Arkansas’s incredible variety of landscapes, from dense forests and rolling mountains to fertile delta plains and pristine rivers, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

How to Observe National Arkansas Day

  1. Visit Arkansas

    If you have always wanted to see this beautiful place, you now have the chance. Satisfy your curiosity; visit Arkansas and see all its beauty for yourself. For a better experience, go with family or friends.

  2. Read up on its history

    Celebrate Arkansas learning about its interesting history. Do a little research about the state and share your knowledge.

  3. See pictures

    If you cannot visit, feast your eyes on beautiful pictures of the state. You can make a scrapbook and mark the places you would visit when you get the chance to.

5 Facts About Arkansas

  1. Downstream place

    The word 'Arkansas' came from the Quapaw Indians, and it means 'people who live downstream.'

  2. Sparkling alone

    Arkansas remains the only diamond-producing state in the United States.

  3. The Sun of Sun

    To prevent an attack against his men, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto deceived the natives by claiming to be the sun deity.

  4. Contest winner

    The flag of Arkansas, designed by Willie Kavanaugh Hocker, was selected in a contest.

  5. What's the name?

    Two senators debated on the state's name and its pronunciation; it was a resolution that settled this debate.

Why National Arkansas Day is Important

  1. We celebrate the beauty of nature

    If any state depicts nature's beauty, it is Arkansas. The state demonstrates nature's beauty. It represents the earth in its natural form, and we say cheers to that.

  2. We love history

    Arkansas is a place with rich history and a lot of museums to prove it. It's a state for history lovers and curious minds.

  3. We love hot springs

    Arkansas is known for its awesome hot springs. We are so excited to tour the place and to take a dip!

National Arkansas Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 January 11 Monday
2028 January 11 Tuesday
2029 January 11 Thursday
2030 January 11 Friday
2031 January 11 Saturday