10 Most Unique Things You Will See In Arkansas When You Visit

Known as the Natural State, Arkansas is a state in the South Central United States. Immersing you in a ride replete with art, history, and culture as well as scenic beauty, cool restaurants and bars, and outdoor recreational activities, Arkansas still has the edge over the unique things and places it beholds from ordinary tourist places.

10 The Gurdon Light

An eerie light remains suspended in the trees of Gurdon, Arkansas, which is seemingly white-blue and at times, orange and remains to be mysterious. Scientists believe that it is a repercussion of the piezoelectric effect. It is nothing but the generation of electricity and sparks produced when materials such as ceramic and crystals are squeezed. The underground quartz crystals in the area are also deemed to contribute to this electric reaction. Well, the light is always present here, but it is only visible at night. It is located around eighty-five miles south of Little Rock on Interstate 30 and east of Interstate on Highway 67.

9 Rush Ghost Town

This ghost town is located in the Buffalo River National River Park, which was renowned for its zinc deposits. Highly prosperous during World War 1, Rush was the primary center of mining in Arkansas. As the zinc prices declined with the end of the war, the end of this town started turning closer. With the shutting of mines and population disappearing, Rush has original buildings and abandoned mines which are restricted by the park service area to enter itself. Although, you can view Rush via walking trails by entering the Buffalo National River or Rush Historic District.

8 Thorncrown Chapel

If a chapel had been built by elves, it might resonate with Thorncrown Chapel quite vividly. This incredible sylvan glass church was built by the architect E.Fay Jones in 1980, and this marvel stands as a testament to modern engineering. Being 48 feet tall and having 425 windows spanning across 6000 square feet of glass, it is symmetrically perfect from all sides. Located around 2.4 km west of Eureka Springs, it is free to visit. Also, it is available for special events such as weddings and elven christenings.

7 Quigley’s Castle

Typically known as “Ozark’s Strangest Dwelling,” Quigley Castle is a spectacular ode to nature and the family’s rock and bottom sculptures. Here the exterior of the house is specially adorned with a collection of rocks Mrs. Quigley collected since childhood & the trees creep in inside the window panes. Quigley's Castle is in operation from April to October. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but they are closed Sundays and Thursdays. It may or may not be open on certain occasions in November and March. To visit this historic house museum, one has to pay $7, and the timings are 8.30 to 4.30 pm. Although, the castle operates from months April to October only.

6 Pivot Rock Park

If you wish to see bizarre rock formations, Pivot Rock Park is a century-old roadside attraction. The natural rock formations are miraculously piled strangely, whereas the main Pivot Rock is seemingly an upside-down pyramid. It is located off Highway 62 West in Eureka Springs, and to get through it, one has to pay $5 fees for adults and $1 for children.

5 The Old Mill

The Old Mill portrayed in the 1940 classic, Gone With The Wind” deceives the audience with the image of a century-old North Little Rock. In reality, everything from gnarled bridges, railings, rustic water wheels, floor planks, and even the branches and logs are built from wood and stone in sculpted cement. This project was designed by the architect Frank Carmean; meanwhile, Dionicio Rodriguez, a learner of the art “Faux Bois,” created those concrete objects. Timings to visit it are 8 am to 8 pm.

4 Popeye Statues

The town of Alma, Arkansas, weaves the nostalgia of our favorite cartoon, Popeye the Sailor Man by the giant bronze statues erected here in 2007. Not only this, it holds an annual spinach festival in April. This feat can be witnessed at the Park, which is at the intersection of Fayetteville Ave and Walnut.

3 Boggy Creek Monster

The legend of the Boggy Creek Monster has always plagued the town of Fouke in Arkansas. As per the folklore, a huge eerie figure standing seven to eight feet tall and hairy in appearance has been spotted several times by the residents and engaged in a few attacks. While people claim that it can be an animal, few deny the same. Capitalizing on this legend, Peavy’s Monster Mart sells souvenirs, and also large wooden cutout stands outside the store for people to picture themselves with the monster.

2 White Water Tavern

The White Water Tavern in Little Rock, Arkansas, has survived numerous incidents for decades. The most eccentrics were the hostage of a zombie wedding featuring a corpse bride and surviving three accidents of fire. Having a grunge vibe, it hosts not only music but also book sales, opera, chicken and waffle brunches, and so on. The tavern is open every day till 2 am except Sundays.

1 Jonas Bar-B-Q Diner

One of the most lauded eateries in Arkansas is Jonas Bar-B-Q Diner which is a two-table diner of a family home. Located in the town of Marianna, this diner sells homemade sandwiches, smoked pork, several platters with beef, turkeys, porks and sausages, salads but most importantly, Jones’s sauce and slaw recipes which are kept a secret to date. The diner opens at 7 am and closes around 10 am and even before if everything is sold out.