Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Wildlife Management Area is a 4,885-acre conservation area located in western Arkansas, near the Missouri border.


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Summary

It is known for its diverse plant and animal life, including many species of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers. The area is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and offers visitors many opportunities for outdoor recreation and education.

Some good reasons to visit the Grandview Prairie Wildlife Management Area include its beautiful natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique historical and cultural features. Visitors can explore the area's many hiking trails, fishing ponds, and wildlife viewing areas, as well as learn about the area's rich cultural history and ecological significance.

Specific points of interest to see at the Grandview Prairie Wildlife Management Area include the Grandview Prairie Preserve, which is home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals, as well as the Grandview Cemetery, which features graves dating back to the 1800s. Other notable features of the area include the Prairie Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the Grandview Elk Education Center, which provides visitors with a wealth of information about the area's elk population.

Interesting facts about the Grandview Prairie Wildlife Management Area include its designation as a National Natural Landmark, which recognizes its importance as a unique and ecologically significant ecosystem. The area is also home to one of the largest populations of prairie chickens in the state of Arkansas, as well as many other rare and threatened species of wildlife.

The best time of year to visit the Grandview Prairie Wildlife Management Area depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and summer are popular times for birdwatching and wildflower viewing, while fall is a great time to see the area's many tree species in their vibrant autumn colors. Winter is a great time to explore the area's many hiking trails and enjoy the serenity of the winter landscape.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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