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BeSummer is the time when everyone wants to pack up their bags and head to beautiful places to experience the beauty of nature. Spending time at a nature reserve has many effects on your family's health, too. Thankfully, there are many nature reserves that are known for beautiful scenery and wildlife right within the confines of Northwest Arkansas. The following are three of the best nature reserves that you must consider visiting this summer. Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari This drive-through safari park in Northwest Arkansas is one of your best bets for seeing wildlife in the area. You'll be able to see a variety of animals from the safety of your vehicle. The entrance fee is also reasonable: $15 for adults and $10 for kids. This is a great place to introduce young kids to wildlife. They won't need to walk long distances, and the park is designed to appeal to all ages. Buffalo National River Buffalo National River was established in 1972. It is one of the few undammed rivers in the United States. The river flows freely for 135 miles. It is the perfect place to spend your summer if you love water surrounded by beautiful mountains. The river offers both rapids and quiet pools. As you go down to the White River, you pass through the Ozark Mountains. There are many activities that you can do here with the family. For instance, you can float through the various stretches of the river on a raft or canoe, and there are several hiking trails. The park has plenty of different campgrounds to try out. Buffalo National River is a great place to spend a few nights if you like to watch the stars. There is very little light pollution, which makes for lots of opportunities to view the night sky. There are certain spots in the park where you can have fun with your pets, too. And of course, with such an expansive park comes massive opportunities to view birds and other wildlife. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge This is the perfect place to visit this summer if you love big cats. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge rescues exotic cats all over the US and provides them the safety and care they need. The goal of the park is to provide a lifetime refuge to rescued animals. TCWR works with universities, law enforcement, and other individuals and organizations to promote the well-being of different animals, especially big cats. The reserve is open to the public, and it is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the US. Big cats at TCWR have been rescued from Tennessee, Montana, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Colorado, and Arkansas. They are placed in a nurturing and caring environment here, ensuring their well-being and safety. All of these places are great family-friendly nature reserves that you can visit this summer in Arkansas. Load up the car, grab some snacks, and make your way to one of these destinations this weekend. Photo by PS-OV-ART Patty Sue O'Hair-Vicknair, Artist | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

If you're looking for something fun to do with your friends or family in Springdale, Arkansas, be sure to put some of these popular museums on your must-see list. Each offers a unique and educational experience in a fascinating setting. Scott Family Amazeum Unlike a traditional museum, the Scott Family Amazeum is specifically designed to amaze and inspire children. With 50,000 square feet of exhibit and educational space, kids can explore the world around them, learn more about science and nature, and enjoy a fun and positive learning environment. The purpose of the museum is to evoke a sense of discovery and curiosity through hands-on activities. The please-touch exhibits include the General Mills Lift, Hershey's Lab, a marketplace, the 3M Tinkering Hub, Load and Haul, a Nickelodeon Play Lab, and Nature Valley Water Amazements. When the weather is pleasant, spend some time in the acre of outdoor space, which provides a stunning backdrop for additional learning opportunities and experiments. Scott Family Amazeum is located on Museum Way in Bentonville and has dedicated spaces for younger kids as well as older kids. It is open on Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History If you're interested in learning more about the Springdale area, pay a visit to the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. Its goal is to preserve the history of past residents while providing a resource to enjoy, explore, and find meaning in the exploration of the Arkansas Ozarks. The museum has been open since 1965 when the city purchased a collection of Native American artifacts from a local resident. It has grown through the years to include new educational programs, including craft workshops, lecture series, and school tours, as well as more expansive and fascinating exhibits. Some of the permanent exhibits include Prehistoric People, Ozark Folklife, Historic Native American: The Osages and The Cherokees, and those focused on specific periods in the area's history. The Marketing Magic temporary exhibit includes historic advertising memorabilia, showcasing the way this industry has changed through the years. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all who want to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that combines the beauty of nature with the power of art. Through late April, the Soul of a Nation exhibit focuses on art in the age of black power. Upcoming exhibits include pieces from Georgia O'Keefe and Native American artists. Admission to the museum is free, although there may be an additional charge for certain exhibits. The building is especially stunning, designed by world-famous architect Moshe Safdie. Along with the exhibits, the property includes two spring-fed ponds, a glass-enclosed gathering hall, a bridge overlooking the ponds, and a library with over 50,000 materials about art. Take a stroll along some of the walking trails to view sculptures and other pieces of art. With so many fascinating things to see and explore, these museums are well worth a visit. Spend an afternoon looking at the exhibits and enjoying the culture around you in Springdale. Photo by artistector Licensed under cc by 2.0