The overlook tower in Hot Springs is a bit expensive ($7 a pop.) but offers a great view of the town and a great place to observe somewhere with the themes of geography in mind.
Our bi-annual trip to Little Rock and environs could easily include a stop in Hot Springs. I swung by the Hot Springs National Park there last weekend and really liked the potential of the observation tower as a place to tie in the themes of geography. The town is small enough that you can see it all, including the reservoirs supplying it with water, from the tower. It’s something to consider.
I’ve also just noticed that the National Park Service has, on their Teachers page, a two for one deal where you can visit the Hot Springs National Park and Central High School and have your costs reimbursed. I’m pretty sure, however, that this does not include the tower.
