What is Arkansas Known For? 10 Things Arkansans Love About Themselves

It’s where Johnny Cash lived, where fishing opportunities abound, and where nature’s wonders lure you to enjoy the great outdoors. Some know Arkansas intimately while others only know how to point it out on a map. No matter if you’re a resident or just curious about the state, there is something to learn. What is Arkansas known for? And what are 10 things Arkansans love about themselves?

What Is Arkansas Known For?

Arkansas is known for its poultry industry, its wild hog population, and its sports teams at the University of Arkansas. The state was home to former President Bill Clinton, who served as a young governor in 1978. It’s known as the Natural State, offering mountains, lakes, rivers, and streams galore. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Those who have a love of hunting have a myriad of opportunities throughout the state and master grillers know how to get those meats just right. The state has a small-town vibe with friendly attitudes, distinctive accents, and a sweet sense of humor.

10 Things Arkansans Love About Themselves

1. Their Adventurous Spirits

Arkansans live in the Natural State, where they have lots of opportunities to explore the land and water. Hunting for whitetail deer, alligator, or elk is a favorite pastime as is hiking mountains. There are plenty of bodies of water to take your kayak out and any type of adventure you could envision.

2. An Accent All Their Own

Not only do Arkansans get to enjoy homegrown meals, making them healthy, but they also have accents that match their appearances, intriguing one another and those who pop in from other states. Their stories include words like “reckon” and “fixin’ to,” which only adds to their already intoxicating charm.

3. Their Musical Heritage

With a blend that includes folk, blues, rock, bluegrass, and country, Arkansas’ music heritage has a heart. The lyrical stories that accompany the music often tell of heartache and love. It’s an emotional experience that Arkansans appreciate and know how to relate to.

4. Their Grilling Skills

The backyard grill in any Arkansas home may as well be set up on a stage because Arkansans know how to put on a show. With an apron wrapped tight around their bodies, they cook up the best meats you’ve ever savored! Home-cooked food is a part of the lifestyle in the state, which is why Arkansans are known as master grillers.

5. Their Deep Connection With Nature

You can’t escape nature in the Natural State, and why would you want to? Arkansans embrace the beauty all around them, enjoying the breathtaking views while driving or hiking. From the rivers and waterfalls, they take in the state’s diverse topography, stopping to enjoy everything the outdoors offers, including the varied animal and plant life. 

6. Their Passion for Everything

Arkansans are a passionate bunch. It doesn’t matter what the focus of an Arkansan’s passion is. What matters is that the passion lives on. From childhood, Arkansans are taught that when they love something, they should love it enthusiastically. There are no lukewarm attitudes in the state of Arkansas!

7. Their Laid-Back Personalities

Arkansans are small-town people. The pace of life is slower and more intentional. There is no hustle and bustle or elbowing one another out of the way. There are conversations over sweet tea on porches and the environment is quiet enough that they know what kind of wildlife surrounds them each day. They’re not wound up; instead, they impart a sense of ease and calm.

8. Their Outdoor Expertise

Arkansans know how to survive. Many locals grew up hunting and nearly everybody in the state knows how to shoot a gun. The outdoors is part of the Arkansas lifestyle and knowing how to navigate it is just one of the many skills Arkansans have refined over time.  

9.  Their Love for Family

Arkansans are loyal. Never forgetting their roots, Arkansans know to put family first. These strong bonds only get stronger during difficult seasons, cementing the longevity of family ties. Arkansans are long-haul kind of people, making them trustworthy and dependable.

10. Their Friendliness

With someone from Arkansas around, it’s hard to remain strangers. Arkansans have sweet dispositions, lending an ear and sharing a story or two with anyone around. There are no pretenses or fake personas with Arkansans — what you see is what you get. They’re the real deal.

Summary of What Arkansas is Known For

Here is a list of what Arkansas is known for: