8 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In Arkansas

What’s more eccentric than a state with Jesus Christ and Popeye statues? The Natural State is cherished for its frontier history and beautiful apple blossoms, but it offers much more. Within Arkansas' vast plains, you can find a town dedicated to spinach, a shrunken Eiffel tower, a love-lock fence, historic bathhouses lit from stained-glass ceilings, and so much more. Keep reading this list to find Arkansas's strangest and surreal experiences in store for travelers.

Eureka Springs

Travelers interested in spooky tourism should head to the 1886 Crescent Hotel, one of America’s most haunted hotels. The large Victorian hotel hosts the spirits of stonemasons who built it in the 1880s. Those who want to encounter these spirits should stay in room 218, which has gotten the attention of film and television crews hoping to discover a Victorian ghost.

For more spirit, this one, being made of 340 tons of concrete, see the Christ of the Ozarks statue. This architectural and spiritual icon is on Magnetic Mountain, where the 1,500-foot altitude offers beautiful town views. Finally, visit the museum known as the 4th Best Small Town Museum, the Historical Museum. Learn about the town through a rotation of eccentric exhibits, such as a display of the strange signs throughout Eureka Springs' history.

Van Buren

To discover the community of this small town, see a show in an intimate and historic setting at the King Opera House. This venue offers plays, concerts, and even film screenings of beloved movies. To dive even deeper into fiction and fantasy, head to Chapters on Main Bookstore & Coffeeshop. Locally owned and independent, the bookstore houses rare literary finds and best-sellers. Grab coffee or tea from their brew crew before browsing the shelves.

A home with deep roots in many historically significant events stands proudly in Van Buren, ready to remind visitors of the town’s legacy. Built in 1838, the Drennen-Scott House is linked to the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War.

Hot Springs

Soak in natural springs at Hot Springs National Park, where ancient thermal pools greet travelers with warmth and beautiful mountain views. To stay in the steam theme, head to Fordyce Bathhouse. The stunning bathhouse is now a museum that has preserved the simple artistic romanticism that was once normal within all communities. Admire stained-glass ceilings while learning about water as medicine and the role of thermal water in the community. Wrap up the day with a burst of nightlife at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, where blackjack and slot games await anyone who feels lucky or lively.

Alma

Start your journey through this whimsical land at Popeye Park, where a bronze statue of Popeye himself stands guard. The park is a great spot to have a picnic or take a walk around the fountains. The spinach love doesn't end here. Those visiting in the spring can attend the annual Spinach Festival with a spinach drop and an eating contest. Summer tourists can cool down at Alma Aquatic Center, which is full of water slides, pools, and plenty of places to make a splash.

Fort Smith

Teleport back into frontier days at Fort Smith National Historic Site. Stories of the Trail of Tears, famous outlaws, and even the lawmen who pursued them come to life at this site. To walk these grounds is to walk through history and natural beauty, especially along the River Loop Trail. Stay immersed in the past by experiencing a Frisco 4003 Steam locomotive at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. The bright orange train car creates great vintage photos and an even better place for trolly cats to roam, so keep your eyes open for furry trolly friends. Finish the journey through Fort Smith by digging through its past at the Museum of History, where travelers can quench their thirst at the 1920s-style soda fountain inside their historically preserved pharmacy.

Marked Tree

The town is named after a large oak tree with an “M” shaped scar on its trunk. While the famous tree has since washed away in a flood, the town has much more to offer. Start with the odd and wonderful Marked Tree Siphons, constructed by engineers in 1939. These siphons are unique in their engineering, giving the St. Francis River an industrial edge that is fascinating and rare to behold. Next, step into The Sunken Lands, which looks just as mythical as it sounds.

The 30-mile stretch of wildlands was created by continuous earthquakes in 1811, forming an otherworldly atmosphere of green fauna, flowing rivers, and tall trees. For more surreal sights, visit the Delta Area Museum. Behind the appearance of an 1800s general store, the museum replicates a small-town community hospital that is full of interesting historical finds, such as Indian pottery and vintage telephones.

Paris

Visit one of this small town’s integral structures at the Logan County Museum. Visitors can tour the Old County Jail, a historic jailhouse-turned-museum showcasing local history and artifacts. Playing on its namesake, Paris’s Eiffel Tower Park features its own Love Lock Fence. This playful nod to the European city of love is a fun place to roam, picnic, or take photos. Autumnal travelers can also enjoy Frontier Day downtown. This annual festival is fun for all ages, offering delicious vendors and costumes that immerse tourists and locals into the past.

Siloam Springs

Start your adventure at City Park, a regional hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Wonder at the many trails on foot or bike through the forested pathways. Continue exploring this town at the Siloam Springs Museum. The museum contains exhibits on Native Americans, pioneers, and the frontier history that Arkansas holds so dearly. Finally, visitors can explore Memorial Park for outdoor fun, including splash pads to play in and pavilions to rest beneath afterwards. The park also occasionally features live performances in the amphitheater, creating a serene and surreal setting for any play or concert.

Mountain Home

This cozy riverside town is full of historic fun and ambience. Discover local heritage at Baxter County Historical Museum, with rotating exhibits exploring spiritual themes within the community, town origins, and even military exhibits. Surround yourself with even more eccentricity at Flashbacks Retro Shop. This bright-yellow building adorned with a statue holds rare thrifted finds and is a great stop for the most curious tourists. Finally, see a play at Twin Lakes Playhouse, where locals offer snacks and put on playful productions that spotlight the most unique performances that Mountain Home has to offer.

Those looking for a break from monotonous getaways, look no further than the unique spots speckled throughout the 25th state. The towns on this list are packed with whimsical lore of scared trees, frontier times, and much more. You’ll find things you’ve never seen in Arkansas, from natural wonders such as sunken forests and natural hot springs, to intriguing engineering feats like the siphons. No matter which town you choose, eccentric explorers can find their ideal getaway in Arkansas.