At Home in the Outdoors

Walking the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion, we are captivated by the beautiful foliage, and while well-kept, there are signs of family outdoor activity — bikes parked against the wall, a basketball goal out front, lines drawn out on the driveway for games, and sports equipment near the lawn.

We are soon joined by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, who both make us feel instantly at home, as if visiting old friends. Gesturing to some of the aforementioned items, the Governor notes, “Bryan and I spend most of our free time getting quality time with our three kids, Scarlett, Huck, and George. Our whole family is pretty competitive, and we love doing simple things to enjoy time together outside like driveway basketball or pickleball, or kids-versus-parents kickball or wiffleball games in the backyard.”

This is a family that likes to spend time outdoors, and that’s good news for Arkansans.

One unifying facet of all Arkansas governing families — regardless of political affiliation — is the stewardship of a state particularly rich in natural beauty, ranging from rivers and ancient mountains to natural springs and sweeping wetlands. “Arkansas is called The Natural State for a reason, and we have a unique opportunity to leverage that — whether it be through our hiking destinations, our beautiful rivers and lakes, or our awesome bike trails,” Sanders affirms. “That is why Bryan and I created The Natural State Initiative: to push our mission forward in establishing Arkansas as a leading destination for year-round outdoor adventure. We are working to ensure that Arkansas does not just compete in the outdoor economy space but is a national leader in outdoor recreation and the outdoor economy.” The Initiative focuses on collaboration rather than heavy-handed government, bringing various stakeholders together to improve tourism while promoting conservation.

As Chair of the Natural State Advisory Council, Bryan’s passion for the outdoors is perfectly suited to his role in collaborating with Sarah to align council recommendations with the state’s broader objectives. “It is easy when you are on the same page,” he says with a smile. “A good example would be the outdoor education pilot we just announced, which marries two of the administration’s top priorities — education and outdoor recreation. Schools across our state can now apply to offer outdoor education built around the standards taught in core and elective content areas, experiences in outdoor learning and engagement, and projects that empower students to think critically and solve problems about the world around them. Getting kids outdoors will not only improve their education, health, and quality of life, but this coursework will also ultimately prepare many students for a career in the outdoor economy right after high school.”

Our state parks are breathtaking and provide priceless experiences, and they are also free to enjoy — which is only the case for a handful of states — creating readily affordable opportunities for leisure while still making quite a financial impact on our economy. “Arkansas’ tourism industry is breaking records left and right,” Sarah notes. “Tourism numbers have jumped more than 17% and the industry as a whole had a nearly $10 billion economic impact, making it the second-largest industry in our entire state.”

“I have always been passionate about the outdoors, but it was probably the first time paddling the Buffalo River that it dawned on me how special Arkansas really is,” says Bryan, a Kansas City native who later studied politics in Maine. “Living here and raising our kids here has amplified that even more. Arkansas is The Natural State, and we should lean into that identity unapologetically. We are unique as the only true world-class, year-round outdoor recreation destination in America’s heartland, and that provides a lot of opportunity for us.”

While the landscape of our region is timeless, the amenities and ways we access these natural resources are undergoing innovative advancements. We are seeing lift-access for the first time (think ski lifts, but without the snow) for biking and hiking, expanded rock climbing, development of a world-class downhill mountain bike park, and improved digital navigation through use of GPS and 3D trail views. “The Natural State Initiative has been a great opportunity for both of us to get involved in something we love,” Sanders says. “This past legislative session was a perfect example: Bryan worked with stakeholders to develop legislation that paved the way for lift-access mountain biking in Mena and Northwest Arkansas. Then, I was involved as the bill worked its way through the legislature. And we were together for the signing ceremony, alongside all the state leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates who helped make it happen.”

When discussing the robust variety of natural environments throughout the state, Sarah and Bryan both agree that floating the Buffalo is a top-of-the-list must-do that is achievable for most skill levels. “You don’t have to be a stellar athlete,” she insists. “Anybody can float the Buffalo — at the right time — and you don’t even have to arrive with gear if you work with one of the local outfitters.” There’s beauty in the idea that the great outdoors are not only for adventurers and thrill-seekers, but also the average Arkansan who is simply seeking to escape the mundane and connect with something greater. Many in Northwest Arkansas are familiar with the Razorback Greenway trail system and the concept that NWA is becoming the mountain biking capital of the world, but there are other great, complex trail systems in the state to explore, as well. “We have monument trails in four of our state parks, and the Arkansas River Trail is an ongoing project here in Central Arkansas,” Bryan explains. “It’s a paved trail system with a vast expansion that is part of the Natural State Initiative. Similar to what Northwest Arkansas has done, it’s connecting neighborhoods and communities to some of our beautiful natural resources by trail — whether you want to get on a mountain or road bike, run, or walk, it’s a great way to get some exercise while taking in the beauty around you.”

“Duck hunting is another unique experience that not every state can offer,” Sarah adds. “And to do that in flooded timber is an unbelievable opportunity. I’m not a fan of the cold, so to get up that early and stand in freezing weather, it better be good — but it is so beautiful to watch the sun come up. Even if you don’t fire your gun, or no ducks show, just being in that element and feeling the thrill of the hunt with those around you is so much fun.” Arkansas also offers the opportunity for world-class trout fishing on the White River. “I did a fly-fishing trip to Montana with some guys on the Madison River just north of Yellowstone,” Bryan recalls. “People come from all over the world to fish the Madison. I was talking to our guide and when he found out I was from Arkansas, he said, ‘Well what are you doing out here? You could have saved yourself some time and money, and probably caught a lot more fish if you’d have stayed home and just fished the White.’”

There are similar hidden gems all across the state to explore, all sharing our state’s greatest natural resource: “The common thread that makes Arkansas so great is its people,” Sarah adds. “Arkansas is one big small town, where neighbors help neighbors, and everyone supports one another.”

Mid-conversation, something catches her eye from across the courtyard and causes a chuckle. It’s a stray ping-pong ball leftover from their kids attempting some Dude Perfect-esque stunts. “I thought we found all of those, but I guess not,” she laughs. After trading a few stories about our kids, Bryan and Sarah are smiling even wider than when talking about the outdoors. It’s apparent that as much as the Governor and First Gentleman work to meet the needs of those around them, they are also intentional to nourish the relationships that define them most. “It is not always flashy, but it is important to get quality time where we can,” Sarah mentions. “My staff always jokes with me that I go ‘dark’ around 7:00 p.m. and come back later at night, but that’s because we prioritize having time as a family to check in before doing it all again the next day.” Raising their kids in a faith-filled home that appreciates the world around them is clearly paramount. “Our daughter is 13, and her mom is the governor,” Bryan adds. “It’s great for her and other girls to be able to see that there are no limits — to be whoever God made them to be.”

“I didn’t run to be Governor for myself — I ran so that my kids and every other kid in Arkansas would be proud to grow up in the state we all know and love,” Sarah reflects. “The Natural State Initiative plays a big role in helping make our state the best in the country to live, work, and raise a family. When Arkansas receives the recognition it deserves as a national — and global — outdoor recreation leader, that shows that the work has paid off.”

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