7 Quikry Little Towns In Arkansas

While Arkansas is known for its stunning Ozark beauty and rich history, the "Natural State" also has a wonderfully strange side. From the only place in North America where you can dig for diamonds and keep what you find, to a city legally split between two different states, Arkansas is full of surprises. These small communities embrace their oddities, offering travelers a chance to experience unique traditions, roadside giants, and architectural marvels that you won't find anywhere else.

Curious explorers can snap a photo with a 25-foot Eiffel Tower in Paris, stand in two states at once in Texarkana, or hunt for raw gemstones in the dirt at Murfreesboro. Whether it is a town obsessed with Popeye the Sailor Man or a village that looks like it was plucked straight out of the English countryside, these seven destinations prove that quirky is wonderful.

Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is famous for its winding, steep roads where, amazingly, no streets cross at a 90-degree angle. The entire community is built into the hillsides of the Ozark Mountains, making the houses look like they are stacked on top of one another. Visitors love the spooky side of this destination at the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa, often called "America's Most Haunted Hotel," where brave guests can take ghost tours. For a mix of nature and architecture, Thorncrown Chapel is a must-see: a stunning glass structure hidden in the woods with 425 windows. Towering over the area is the Christ of the Ozarks, a massive seven-story white statue that can be seen for miles. Finally, a walk through Basin Spring Park offers a chance to see the natural springs that originally made the area famous for healing.

Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro is the only place in North America where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source and keep whatever they find. This incredible, quirky trait draws treasure hunters from all over the world to dig in the dirt in hopes of striking it rich. The main attraction is the Crater of Diamonds State Park, a 37-acre plowed field that sits on top of an ancient diamond-bearing pipe. After a day of digging, visitors can cool off at Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village, an archeological site where you can dig for arrowheads and pottery. For a unique stay, the Diamonds Old West Hotel/Cabins recreates a frontier town atmosphere right in the heart of Arkansas. Finally, nature lovers can relax at Lake Greeson, known for its scenic chimneypieces (rock formations) and excellent fishing.

Texarkana

Texarkana offers the rare opportunity to stand in two states at the exact same moment. The state border runs directly down the middle of State Line Avenue, creating a unique situation where neighbors across the street live in different jurisdictions. The most famous photo spot is outside the U.S. Post Office and Federal Building, the only federal building in the country situated in two states, allowing visitors to straddle the line. History fans should visit the Ace of Clubs House, a beautiful Victorian home built in 1885 that is shaped exactly like a club from a deck of playing cards. For entertainment, the Perot Theatre is a restored 1924 gem that hosts live shows in a stunning setting. Finally, families can cool off at Big Dam Waterpark (formerly Holiday Springs Water Park), which features slides and pools perfect for a hot summer day in Texarkana.

Mountain View

Mountain View is known globally as the "Folk Music Capital of the World" because of a delightful local habit that keeps the streets alive with melody. Since the 1960s, musicians have gathered informally on the lawn of the Stone County Courthouse to play fiddles, banjos, and guitars, a tradition that happens almost every night during the warmer months. To see how early pioneers lived, travelers should visit the Ozark Folk Center State Park, a living museum dedicated to preserving mountain crafts and songs. Just a short drive away lies Blanchard Springs Caverns, a "living" cave system where guests can tour massive underground rooms filled with crystal formations. For those who love the outdoors, the clear waters of Sylamore Creek offer excellent swimming and hiking trails through the hardwood forest.

Paris

Paris lives up to its European namesake in a delightfully unexpected way, boasting its own Eiffel Tower right in the heart of the Ozarks. While it may not be as tall as the original, this 25-foot replica in Eiffel Tower Park is painted with the exact same paint as the French landmark and features a water fountain at its base. The park also hosts the Love Lock Fence, where couples can attach a padlock and toss the key into the fountain to symbolize their eternal bond, bringing a touch of romance to the town square. Just south of town, visitors can ascend Mount Magazine State Park, home to the highest point in Arkansas, where hang gliders often launch off the cliffs at Cameron Bluff. For a peaceful retreat, the nearby Subiaco Abbey offers a glimpse into the life of Benedictine monks, featuring stunning Romanesque architecture and a brewery where the monks craft their own beer.

Wilson

Wilson surprises travelers driving through the flat cotton fields because it looks exactly like a charming English village rather than a typical Delta community. This former "company town" was designed with a specific vision, where almost every building features Tudor-style architecture, giving the streets a uniform and storybook appearance. The star attraction is the Hampson Archeological Museum State Park, which holds a world-class collection of artifacts and pottery from the Nodena Native American site. For a taste of modern luxury, the Wilson Cafe serves delicious Southern food inside a beautifully restored historic building. Guests can also visit The Grange at Wilson, a unique garden and gathering space dedicated to food, farming, and art. Finally, a walk around the manicured Wilson Town Square offers perfect photo opportunities of the brick archways and vintage aesthetics.

Alma

Alma holds the quirky and proud title of "Spinach Capital of the World," a claim it celebrates with massive dedication. The town is home to a water tower painted to look exactly like a giant can of Popeye spinach, instantly letting visitors know they are in a unique place. A bronze statue of Popeye the Sailor Man stands tall in Popeye Park, serving as the perfect spot for a fun photo op. Beyond the cartoon fame, the Skokos Performing Arts Center (formerly the Alma Performing Arts Center) offers high-quality entertainment, hosting concerts and plays in a modern facility that rivals those in much larger cities. For those wanting to stretch their legs, the Lake Alma Trail provides a beautiful escape with a hiking path that loops around the lake and features a scenic waterfall during the rainy season.

Arkansas’ Delightfully Weird Side

Exploring these seven unique destinations reveals that the "Natural State" is full of fun surprises. From the split streets of Texarkana to the storybook charm of Wilson, each community offers a special experience you cannot find anywhere else. A trip to these quirky spots allows travelers to see the creative and eccentric spirit that makes this region so memorable. If you are looking for the most fun places to go, pack your bags and head to these little towns in Arkansas.