Governor Sanders Announces Legislation to Boost Arkansas’s Outdoor Tourism with Mountain Bike Parks

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveiled new legislation during Natural State Day at the Capitol aimed at bringing lift-access downhill mountain bike parks to Arkansas. Sponsored by Senate President Bart Hester and Representative John Maddox, the bill is set to help Arkansas capitalize on its growing outdoor recreation scene.

“This investment will elevate Arkansas’s tourism, showcasing our state as a premier destination for year-round outdoor adventures,” said Governor Sanders. “With projects like the Mena Trails, Arkansas has the potential to rival mountain biking hotspots like Colorado and Utah.”

First Gentleman Bryan Sanders echoed this vision, highlighting the Mena Trails’ promise to shape Arkansas as a national leader in mountain biking. Senate President Hester and Representative Maddox are equally enthusiastic, seeing the bill as a major step in growing the state’s booming outdoor economy.

This announcement comes as Arkansas continues to see substantial growth in its tourism sector, particularly in outdoor recreation. In 2023, Arkansas saw 50.7 million visitors, generating nearly $10 billion in tourism revenue—marking a 17.1% increase from the previous year (ADPH Arkansas).

Additionally, the state’s outdoor recreation economy surged by 23% from 2020 to 2021, contributing a whopping $3.5 billion to the state’s GDP and supporting 40,000 jobs (ADPH Arkansas). This growth is part of a broader trend, with tourism in Arkansas reaching new heights, driven by the state’s commitment to becoming a year-round, world-class outdoor destination (Armoney and Politics).

With this legislation, Arkansas is positioning itself to break even more tourism records, further establishing the state as a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly mountain bikers. The Mena Trails project is expected to lead the charge, showcasing Arkansas’s appeal as a leading destination for nature lovers, both within the U.S. and globally.