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Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari

Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari is a drive-through animal park in Gentry, Arkansas. The drive through section is nicely done and has a wide variety of hoofed animals, including several species of antelope, zebra, camels, rhino and more. From the drive, you'll also see bears, tigers, some primates and a few emu. Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari even has a hippo and prairie dogs that you can see on the drive-through if you look closely enough. Some of the animals are in enclosures, but most roam freely inside the park.

The park also has a petting area which houses goat, pigs, a tortoise and some kangaroo.

Where Is It?

Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari is located in Gentry, in Northwest Arkansas, Google Map . Gentry is right outside of Fayetteville and almost a four hour drive from Little Rock.

Contact, Admission and Hours

The recommended hours to visit are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Check their website where you can see the animal species they currently display and find out more information about the park.

Close Encounters With Animals

Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari sometimes allows close encounters with exotic animals. Previously, they've had a baby Capuchin monkey, a snake and a lemur available for interaction. Others report different animal interactions on their visit, so they have a variety of animals available to meet the public.

Food is available for purchase and is supposed to be fed only to the petting zoo animals, and not to the wildlife on the drive-through. You are also supposed to keep your windows up through the drive-through.

Petting zoo animals, even kangaroos, will come right up to you, especially if you have food. So, even if a special encounter animal isn't available you can still get a close encounter with an animal.

Overall Review

This is a nicely done park. The hoofstock part of the drive-through encounter is excellent. It feels more like Fossil Rim, a similar, accredited zoo in Tyler, TX, than the older roadside drive-through parks that only had an old horse and a llama. This park really does feel like you're driving through the wilderness. It gets the drive through safari right.

The petting zoo is also nicely done. Most of the animals are friendly and will gladly take the food you offer them (or your map to the drive-park if you're not looking). It has got to be the only place in Arkansas to get a close-up interaction with a kangaroo. Kids will get their money's worth just playing with the petting zoo animals.

The other areas, especially primates and encounter animals, do need improvement. They are a family run operation and funds are limited. They have minimal staff. They do seem to want to do what is best for the animals, while providing a fun park for families. They really seemed proud to offer a one-of-a-kind experience at the park.

That being said, if I were to visit again, I would just do the drive through and petting zoo and skip walking around the rest of the park. They really don't need the primates or animal encounters to be a fun family experience.

Nearby Attractions

Northwest Arkansas has lots to do. Not too far from Wild Wilderness Safari is Fayetteville, Bentonville and Rogers. Fayetteville is the home of the Razorbacks, the Walton Arts Center and the Arkansas Air Museum. Also close is Rogers, the home of Crystal Bridges Museum, and Bentonville, the home of the Wal-Mart Museum .

The only accredited zoo in the state of Arkansas is the Little Rock Zoo , though Tulsa Zoo is closer to Gentry than Little Rock. Other animal attractions in the state of Arkansas include the Arkansas Alligator Farm in Hot Springs.

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Play With Pygmy Goats And Kangaroos At The Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari In Arkansas For An Adorable Adventure

Experience a stress-free day by petting kangaroos and feeding pygmy goats at the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari in Gentry.

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Escape to the wild at the drive-through zoo in Gentry. It's impossible to be stressed when you're petting a loafing kangaroo or feeding the pygmy goats. Let's take a break and see the animals at the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari.

The Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari in Gentry gives you an up close tour of animals from all around the world.

The park recently reopened from renovations and brings a pleasant experience for animals and visitors. Throughout the zoo you'll see hundreds of creatures from tiny monkeys to big cats! For a full list of critters, visit the safari's website right here .

Before the drive-through begins, you'll have the chance for an up-close meeting with quite a few animals.

This isn't your average petting zoo! In addition to the sheep, pot-bellied pigs, and miniature donkeys, the petting portion also has feisty pygmy goats. Every critter here is ready for a bite of food and some good pats.

The farm animals aren't the only critters in the petting area.

You'll also get to meet a mellow mob of kangaroos! The roos loaf around as much as house cats and enjoy the petting just as much.

The kangaroos here are a rather unexpected, but wonderful stress reliever.

Taking time to rub a roo or two is a wonderful break from the rest of the world. Their relaxing vibes really do rub off!

Of course this is just one part of the Wild Wilderness experience!

After you've loved on the farm animals and given head scratches to a kangaroo or two, then it'll be time to take the drive through the rest of the park. For the safety of your family and the animals be sure to leave your windows rolled up during the drive. If you'd like a virtual tour of the park, watch this video:

Have you been back to the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari lately? Did you get to give a kangaroo a good head scratch? Share your recent experience with us in the comments below!

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The One Arkansas Ranch Where You Can Pet And Feed Adorable Alpacas

I have a serious confession to make. Sometimes, I prefer hanging out with animals more than hanging out with humans. Don't judge me, but animals are so cute, how could you not love them? One of the most adorable animals on this planet is the alpaca. And if you have never petted or fed one, now is your chance to do so at Blowing Oaks Ranch in Batesville, Arkansas. Not only can you feed these cuddly creatures, but you can also throw a party with them as your special guests. How cool is that? Hanging with the alpacas is an unforgettable animal encounter in Arkansas that you need to experience for yourself. Plus, the kids will love it, too!

Visiting the Blowing Oaks Ranch in Batesville is an experience of a lifetime. The ranch is home to the most adorable alpacas in Arkansas.

The alpacas are cared for by owners John and Caren who have dedicated their lives to providing a pleasant sanctuary for the cute animals.

Call ahead at (870) 291-1777 to book a tour of the ranch and they'll teach you a lot about raising and breeding alpacas.

Fuzzy, cute, cuddly, and yes, they are known for spitting, but how could you not immediately fall in love with these friendly creatures.

Each alpaca has its own personality, goofy, and fun to be around. Just look at that face.

The kids will love petting and feeding their new fuzzy friends...

...and of course, the kids at heart will love them, too.

Playing with these cuddly pals will remove all your worries in the world. It's a great activity for the entire family.

Best of all, you can book an alpaca-themed party at the ranch and have the alpacas as your special guests. Talk about a memorable experience, right?

The next time you're searching for a place where the entire family will love or somewhere for your next event, we recommend that you visit the Blowing Oaks Ranch for this amazing animal encounter.

Would you take your family to Blowing Oaks Ranch for this memorable animal encounter in Arkansas? Or have you been to the ranch before? Tell us in the comments below.

And if you want to make this a weekend-long activity, here are some fun things to do in Batesville . Plus, we found an affordable hotel in town with lots of amenities.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/walkable-town-day-trip-ar/

Here Are The 7 Absolute Best Pumpkin Patches In Arkansas To Enjoy In 2024

There’s no better way to kick off the fall in Arkansas than at a local pumpkin patch, right? The weather is gorgeously crisp, and you can spend time enjoying all the festivities of the season. From hayrides to corn mazes to u-pick pumpkin patches , and more, the wholesome fun is endless. And of course, there are lots of farms in Arkansas that host these family-friendly activities, but here are the ones we like the best. Check out seven of our picks for the best pumpkin patches in Arkansas that will make your 2024 autumn season complete.

1. Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch, Mayflower

For over 50 years, Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch has been farming in central Arkansas, and it's the perfect place for a fall day trip adventure . From u-pick pumpkins to barnyard friends to hay tunnels to hay bales to swings to slides to hayrides, and more, there are tons of activities for the entire family. The fun begins on September 21 and goes on until October 31, so be sure to plan your fall day trip to bask in all that this farm has to offer.

2. Motley's Pumpkin Patch, Little Rock

Featuring lots of photo ops as well as wholesome family fun, Motley's Pumpkin Patch is the most delightful farm to celebrate the autumn season. Beginning on September 21 through October 27, families can enjoy hayrides, slides, a corn maze, magic shows, pig races, pumpkin patch and flower fields, and more. Of course, bring your camera to capture some of the fond memories that you'll have at the fall festival at this charming pumpkin patch in Little Rock .

3. Pumpkin Hollow, Piggott

Turn up the fun this fall season at Pumpkin Hollow in Piggott, Arkansas. Boasting activities that include pony rides, an apple cannon, mega slides, a zipline, an express train, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and everything in between, your entire family will have a blast at this festive farm in Arkansas . Plus, if you love creepy adventures, you'll also want to check out the Horror in the Hollow attraction for a truly spooktacular time. The fun on this farm begins mid-September and lasts through the end of October, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

4. Peebles Farm and Corn Maze, Augusta

Starting on September 21 through October 31, experience the most epic autumn festival in Arkansas at Peebles Farm and Corn Maze in Augusta. Boasting a massive 20-acre corn maze as well as a 60-acre u-pick pumpkin patch, paintball arcade, barnyard friends, tractor rides, sunflower fields, and more, there will be something fun for the entire family to enjoy. You don't want to miss this fun-filled festival this year.

5. Hicks Family Farms, Lonoke

Open on Saturdays and Sundays through the month of October, families and friends can meander through one of the best corn mazes in Arkansas . Plus, there is a pumpkin patch, zip line, hayrides, farm animals, tons of places for photo ops, mini-golf, and everything in between. Boasting a farm cafe and a gift store, you can easily spend the entire day enjoying all the fall activities that the Hicks Family Farms has to offer.

6. Farmland Adventures, Springdale

Fall fun at Farmland Adventures in Springdale is by far one of the best fall festivals in northwest Arkansas. From their 9-acre corn maze to pony rides to petting zoo to pig races to their sunflower festival, you'll find everything you need for the perfect autumn day on the farm. The kids will love picking their own pumpkins as well as making new barnyard friends and roasting smores by the campfire. Starting on September 6 through November 2, stop by to enjoy all the seasonal activities. It's the one pumpkin patch in northwest Arkansas you don't want to miss.

7. McGarrah Farms, Pea Ridge

Make lasting memories at McGarrah Farms in Pea Ridge, one of the largest pumpkin patches in Arkansas. Boasting hayrides, train rides, a corn maze, hay pyramids, zip lines, bounce pads, and more, this charming farm in Arkansas will make your autumn season complete. Mark your calendar starting on September 30 through October 31, and plan a day trip to kick off the best season of the year in the very best way.

Well, what do you think? Are you ready to kick start your autumn season at one of the best pumpkin patches in Arkansas? If so, tell us which farm you will visit this year. Also, if you're searching for fun family-friendly activities this fall, here is an epic outdoor adventure where you'll get to witness the vibrant fall colors in the Ozarks.

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Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari – Kid Friendly

Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari  is a 400 acre family park featuring 85 species of exotic animals in Gentry Arkansas.  The safari includes a petting area where visitors can get up-close to pygmy goats and kangaroos.  You can walk by enclosed pens to view exotic birds, primates, and zebras.  During the drive through you will see tigers, leopards, bears, buffalo, longhorn cattle, camels, antelope, and various species of deer.  You can enjoy watching the hippo or viewing the ostriches and emus who often personally visit the cars.  The park is open every day of the year.  For more information, please call 479-736-8383 or visit  www.wildwildernessdrivethroughsafari.com .  

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Go on a Safari in Gentry

July 2, 2014

Have you ever encountered a free-roaming herd of zebra? Or ever been close enough to smell a camel’s breath? You can at Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari.

My family recently took a trip to the 400-acre safari, tucked away just north of Gentry, and loved every minute. We encountered free-roaming herds of many animals including antelope, wildebeest, buffalo, yak, zebra, sheep, llamas, camels, zebu, ostriches, emus, and ankole-watusi.

There is just something about seeing herds of wild animals in a natural setting. Observing them in the wild is a thing of beauty.

At five minutes before noon a herd of 14 zebra began running. When we rounded the corner just minutes later we spotted them in a grassy field eating lunch with at least 30 deer. It was as if someone rang the dinner bell! Moments later we saw a pot-bellied pig with his piglets trailing behind.

Being close enough to be nose to nose with wild animals filled my little ones with excitement. An ostrich came right up to our car and looked Hunter in the eye – making us all laugh hysterically. Good thing we had the windows up (which by the way is a safety requirement).

Soon after, a camel was parked on the path blocking traffic flow. When he finally decided it was time for us to pass, he gracefully stood to the side and peered through our sunroof – as if to tell us, “This is my turf.”

We passed by many exotic cats and mammals in enclosures. There were African lions, Bengal tigers, leopards, cougars, bears, wolves, and even a Nile River hippo taking a dip in his own pond. Hunter and Emily Claire were bouncing back and forth from chair to chair to get a better view of each animal.

Before leaving, we hopped out of the mini-van for a stroll in the walk-thru petting zoo. To our surprise, this wasn’t the standard run-of-the-mill petting zoo. They had llamas, macaws, porcupines, deer, warthogs, miniature donkeys, miniature horses, capybaras (the largest rodent in the world), and even kangaroos.

The up-close visits continued in the safari barns that house giraffes, spider monkeys, gibbons, chimpanzees, and baboons. It was worth the stroll over to see these animals.

On our visit, they also had pony rides and camel rides. Others report additional animal encounters with a baby Capuchin monkey, a snake, and a lemur. So they have a variety of animals available to meet the public.

The safari is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. There is a $10 admission fee for ages 13 & up, $8 for ages 3-12. For this fee, you can drive through as many times as you want. They do not accept debit or credit cards so be sure to bring cash. Check out their  website for more information.

Meet the author.

Learn more about Annette King .

A little about Annette King .

Annette is the momma of sassy Emily Claire (2) and athletic Hunter (6). When not playing princess or basketball, she can often be found working at First Security.

Like this story? Read more from Annette King

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Little Rock Family

5 wild animal destinations to explore in arkansas.

We know that your kids have a wild side, so let them live it out and see their favorite creatures at these cool destinations. From fishy to furry to ferocious, you can find all different kinds of animals across the state.

National Park Aquarium (Hot Springs)

Perfect for a rainy day, this shelled, and swimming indoor aquarium has 60 exhibits with more than 300 animals. From fresh and saltwater fish to salamanders, frogs and tortoises, there are plenty of slimy, shelled and swimming creatures to see.

Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari (Gentry)

This 400-acre safari with a four-mile drive through features exotic animals such as Asiatic Water Buffalo, ligers and ostriches in a natural habitat. There are also walk-through and petting areas with kangaroos, miniature ponies, sheep and more. Plus, enjoy camel and pony rides on a seasonal basis.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (Eureka Springs)

You can stay the night in a treehouse or safari lodge or pitch a tent at this exotic cat rescue facility. Spend your afternoon taking a guided walking tour through some of the 459 acres as you watch the big cats running and playing just like they would in the wild.

Memphis Zoo (Memphis)

Just a couple hours from Little Rock, the Memphis Zoo is a whole new zoo experience. Ride a camel for only $5 or spend the same to help feed the giraffes. There’s also a temporary display of 15 huge Lego brick sculptures and an educational exhibit about the life cycle of chickens.

Central Arkansas Nature Center , Museum of Discovery & Heifer Urban Farm (Little Rock)

Stay in town and visit these smaller, local wildlife homes. Heifer Urban Farm’s mini barnyard at its downtown headquarters is perfect for young ones; the Museum of Discovery houses many little reptiles and creepy crawly creatures; and the Central Arkansas Nature Center teaches visitors about Arkansas wildlife.

(See more at So Your Kid’s Obsessed With ... )

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Arkansas (AR) » 14 Best Things to Do in Siloam Springs (Arkansas)

14 Best Things to Do in Siloam Springs (Arkansas)

Located in northwest Arkansas’ Benton County, Siloam Springs is just a few minutes from the neighboring states of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. It shares a border with the Cherokee Nation Territory, which is one of the largest Native American reservations in the entire United States.

Surrounded by beautiful wilderness, multiple states, and a variety of historical and cultural sites of interest, finding things to do in the area shouldn’t be a problem. With a population of just slightly more than 15,000, you’ll appreciate the town’s quaint charm too.

Below are 14 things to do in and around Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

1. Natural Falls State Park

Located off U.S. Highway 412 just outside of town, Natural Falls State Park is one of the area’s premier destinations for outdoor fun, especially for those who don’t have the time to spend hours in the car.

The park is known for its amenities – including ample parking, clean bathrooms, a playground and covered patios – and the fantastic waterfalls for which the park are named.

The falls are the park’s main attraction; from the parking area, the trails that lead to them are suitable for nearly anyone, though they can get slick during the rain.

Dripping Falls Trail is your best bet to reach the falls quickly and relatively easily.

2. Pour Jons

If you’ve got your daily coffee and tea ritual down to an exact science, it can be important to scout out a place or two to partake while you’re visiting a new area.

Conveniently located on East Main Street in Siloam Springs, Pour Jons is one of the few independent coffee and tea houses you’ll find anywhere in the vicinity.

It sports a wide variety of hot and cold drinks and lots of sweets to accompany them as well.

The inside is contemporary and comfortable, and it’s a great place to meet a friend or just chill out with a good book and a hot cappuccino.

3. Siloam Springs Kayak Park

For those who like to get wet and dirty while experiencing the great outdoors, an afternoon spent at Siloam Springs Kayak Park would be a great way to do both.

Regardless of your level of experience, you’ll find a stretch of water that’s suitable, but be warned, there are a few areas of rapids that can be a bit intimidating to beginners.

The kayak park is located on Fisher Ford Road in Siloam Springs, and the water is suitable for kayaks and inner tubes.

For easier walking in the water, consider wearing a pair of rubberized shoes that’ll protect your feet and give you better traction on slippery rocks.

4. Siloam Springs Farmers Market

Located in Siloam Spring’s downtown park, the farmer’s market won’t win any awards for being the biggest around, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character and an impressive array of items for sale.

You’ll find the normal fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers, but you’ll also discover other items like health and body products and prepared food that you won’t find elsewhere.

Customers especially like their fresh baked goods too. According to their website, they’re open Tuesdays in the afternoon and evening, and Saturday mornings as well.

There are even gluten-free products if you have diet restrictions.

5. Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari

In case you weren’t aware, Arkansas is not home to same animals that you’ll find on the African Savannah, but a visit to the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari in nearby Gentry will still be an exciting experience.

Many of the animals on display will come right up to your car but remember not to feed them and to keep hands and fingers away from their mouths.

Once the driving portion of the safari is done, you’ll have ample opportunity to get out, stretch those legs, and spend some time in the kid’s area, where the petting zoo is always a big hit.

6. Siloam Springs Family Aquatic Center

In summer the weather in Arkansas can border on oppressive. With high temperatures and high humidity, finding things to do to cool off becomes imperative, especially if you happen to be traveling with little ones.

With diving boards, multiple pools, and regularly scheduled children’s activities, there’ll be something for everyone. Considering the amenities, the admission fee is reasonable.

Expect big crowds if you go during peak times.

7. John Brown University

College campuses are great places to walk around and enjoy the scenery or spend a quiet hour or two under a tree reading a book or drinking a cup of coffee.

John Brown University is a private liberal arts college located in Siloam Springs; it has been around for 100 years.

The 200-acre campus has plenty of green spaces and sports fields. Like all colleges, it hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including sports, speakers, art shows and educational and instructional classes. Campuses are often overlooked resources that really should be taken advantage of if time allows.

8. Cherokee Casino & Hotel West Siloam Springs

Though they primarily draw gamblers, casinos these days are becoming entertainment venues that offer a vast variety of activities and amenities, many of which appeal to families with children.

If blowing your hard-earned money on a rigged game of chance isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll still walk away feeling like a winner when you’ve gotten your money’s worth at the buffet or taken in a great live performance.

Rumor has it that the food is just as good as you’d get in Vegas, and there are plenty of hotel rooms onsite.

Check out their website for specifics.

9. War Eagle Cavern

Located on Cavern Road in nearby Rogers, War Eagle Cavern is one of the area’s most accessible caves. It’s located near other attractions that you’ll probably want to see as well.

The caverns have an interesting and eerie past, and even play a part in local legend as a favorite hideout place for local outlaws like Jesse James.

The guided tour option will give visitors a greater insight into the geological and historical aspects of the cave that you won’t get on a self-guided tour. The standard tour takes about an hour.

The cave is located on a scenic lake that’s a great place to explore, swim, and do a little fishing if you’re there at the right time of year.

10. Creekside Taproom

Siloam Springs’ Creekside Taproom is a favorite of locals who prefer locally made microbrews to the mass-produced stuff found in the supermarket.

If you’ve never been to a taproom or brewhouse, they’re great places to relax, enjoy some good conversation and fellowship, and sample a wide array of beers with amazingly different and unique flavor profiles.

If you’re not sure what kind of beer you prefer, consider ordering a flight; it’s a fun and efficient way to experience different varieties. Since each one is only a few ounces, you can decide which you like best before ordering a whole pint.

11. Legends Equestrian Center

Arkansas is big horse country, and the Legends Equestrian Center on Highway 102 in Decatur is a place with lots of activities geared toward horse aficionados and newbies alike.

If you’ve got your own horse and need a place to board it, the center offers that service. They also host shows and events throughout the year that are great experiences, especially if you’ve never spent much time around the majestic and powerful animals.

They offer riding lessons for those with no experience right through to those who know their way around the stall, so check out their website for hours, prices and upcoming events.

12. Monte Ne Underwater City

Located on North 14th Place in Rogers, the Monte Ne Underwater City is one of those unique, quirky and cool things to do in the area that’s often overlooked due to its relative obscurity.

The once thriving town was flooded in the ‘60s when the White River was dammed to create Beaver Lake.

There’s a fascinating historical story that goes along with the town and lake; though it’s too in-depth to share here, if you check it out online, it may intrigue you just enough to put the underwater city on your itinerary.

The fishing in the lake is good too, and it’s free to visit.

13. Tanyard Creek Falls

With its unique geology, ample rainfall, and large tracts of wild forest, Arkansas is home to quite a few waterfalls. One of the Siloam Springs area’s most popular and often visited is Tanyard Creek Falls.

The falls are below the Windsor Lake Dam near Bella Vista. They’re easily reached by the Tanyard Creek Trail, which is clear and well-marked making, it suitable for nearly anyone.

The trail leads through old growth forest and is a favorite for bird-watchers and nature lovers.

The view of the falls is spectacular. They’re free to visit, so be sure to take your camera, and dress appropriately as the trail can get slick in places when it’s raining.

14. City Lake

Siloam Springs City Lake Park has just undergone a multi-month renovation and is back open for business.

Though the lake is one of the park’s main attractions, the renovation project centered around a new bike trail that will be the largest and most complete of its kind anywhere around.

The idea behind the project was to create a space for residents to ride their bikes in a variety of conditions, thereby training them to adopt mountain biking as a preferred method of outdoor recreation.

Mountain biking is particularly popular in Arkansas and Missouri, and the park should attract visitors from all around when it’s completed.

14 Best Things to Do in Siloam Springs (Arkansas):

• Natural Falls State Park
• Siloam Springs Kayak Park
• Siloam Springs Farmers Market
• Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari
• Siloam Springs Family Aquatic Center
• John Brown University
• Cherokee Casino & Hotel West Siloam Springs
• War Eagle Cavern
• Creekside Taproom
• Legends Equestrian Center
• Monte Ne Underwater City
• Tanyard Creek Falls

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Georgia man accused of killing wife, burning body arrested in Louisiana

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. - Kenneth Hardin Jr., who is accused of killing his wife and burning her body, was arrested in Louisiana on Wednesday. He is currently awaiting extradition to Georgia to face charges of killing his wife, Carrie Hardin. 

"The officers could definitely tell immediately that there was somebody with some blood loss and that somebody had attempted to clean the crime scene," said Fayette County Sheriff Barry Babb. 

Carrie Hardin’s body, which showed signs of gunshot wounds, was discovered on Wednesday in a shallow grave behind the couple's home along Merlin Court in Fayetteville. 

"It’s shocking as hell… definitely seems like something that would be on like one of those shows, I didn't expect that," the sheriff said. 

According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, her remains were partially burned and buried under yard debris. 

"He had related that his son had purchased a plane ticket for him to fly to Georgia, and met him at a bank earlier," the sheriff said. 

Sheriff Babb says Hardin handed over all his bank accounts and other fiscal responsibilities to his father. It was what Hardin next told his father which prompted his father to report it to law enforcement. 

"He had told his father that he had shot his wife and pretty much that he was now going to be on the run," the sheriff said. 

The 39-year-old Hardin allegedly told his father that "he killed his wife in self-defense, burned her body and was leaving town."

Dozens of investigators combed through the property, reviewing surveillance video and collecting evidence as deputies.

"The tragedy is here was a family that is now completely imploded. And you've got more than one victim that's deceased. You've got you've got a lot of victims, especially those little boys," the sheriff said.

Fayette County deputies tracked Kenneth Hardin to a motel in Covington, Louisiana. With assistance from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office and the Louisiana State Patrol, Hardin was apprehended by a SWAT team in his motel room. 

"I got almost basically two calls at the same time, that the cadaver dog located our victim, which was buried in a very shallow grave on the back part of the property. And at the same time that the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office took him into custody without incident," the sheriff said.

He was being held at the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center as a fugitive from justice as of late Thursday evening. 

Fayette County investigators are in Louisiana for further questioning of the suspect as they are preparing for his extradition to Georgia. 

"He is completely cooperating to the point that I will tell you that Captain Lee, who has been an investigator at least three decades, said, ‘I've never had a homicide suspect, want to tell us everything.’ And I asked him over the phone on speakerphone just minutes before you came in here, ‘Do you believe him?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely,’" the sheriff said. 

The couple's two children, who are in elementary school and middle school, are in the care of the family.