10 Hidden Attractions Locals Keep To Themselves In Arkansas
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Some attractions, like Magic Springs or Crystal Bridges, are impossible to miss. These sites draw folks in and hardly require effort to find. Other attractions are a bit more subtle. Sure they’re known to the locals; but, some seem to stay stubbornly hidden for someone driving through. We’ve uncovered 10 attractions that, for whatever reason, stay out of the spotlight. Whether they’re small, bizarre, or are just outshined by more popular sites, these hidden attractions are definitely worth the gander.
You wouldn’t think a Ferris wheel could hide very easily but for whatever reason the Park at West End seems to slip folks’ minds. The small fairway features a Ferris wheel from the 1935 World’s Fair in San Diego, a vintage carousel, and Patrick’s Burgers serving up lunch in a refurbished rail car diner. Grab a burger and enjoy the $1 rides!
You can find the park’s seasonal hours here.
You can find the park’s seasonal hours here.
Have you heard of the Hoo-Hoo? The Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo is a service organization promoting the forest products industry. This is the oldest industrial fraternal organization in the U.S., having formed in 1892. The museum makes for an interesting stop if you’re in the southwest neck of the woods.
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This fantastic retreat is hidden halfway between Fort Smith and Fayetteville. Guests can book any of the eight yurt cabins for the perfect balance of glamping and mountaintop meditation.
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A sought after location for sci-fi fanatics, the Blowing Cave is home to some bizarre lore. According to science fiction writer Richard Shaver, the cave is one of the entrances to a subterranean civilization. Head to Cushman and discover the fascinating legend evolving since 1950.
Arkansas is home to countless natural beauties from forests to waterfalls, but the Natural Dam is a local favorite. The completely natural ledge is 200ft long and about 8ft tall. Although an easy find, the dam seems to fall wayside to more popular trails.
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Not only is The Old Mill a stunning backdrop for photos, it’s a star of the silver screen as well. Any movie buff will be delighted in visiting the building featured in the opening scene of Gone with the Wind.
Please note, The Dark Side Coffee House is no longer in business.
Anyone visiting Walnut Ridge is sure to get the Beatles tour; The Guitar Walk, Parachute Inn – Boeing 737, and various photo ops affirm the day the city changed in September 1964. For a change of pace, the Dark Side Coffee House offers a nerdy, yet refreshing Beatles break.
Anyone visiting Walnut Ridge is sure to get the Beatles tour; The Guitar Walk, Parachute Inn – Boeing 737, and various photo ops affirm the day the city changed in September 1964. For a change of pace, the Dark Side Coffee House offers a nerdy, yet refreshing Beatles break.
This quirky museum houses some interesting exhibits. Bauxite’s museum features an aluminum dress (one of the two ever created) and sets of the former residents’ teeth that spurred the addition of fluoride to drinking water.
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If you care for some light reading, then why not check out the tiny library in Norman? This 14x14 building is the nation’s smallest freestanding library. Stop by before you hit the trails in the Ouachita Mountains.
Eureka Springs is a treasure trove of hidden gems. Each visit comes with a promise of discovering something new. One of lesser known attractions is small but utterly adorable. The working bunnies reside in East by West and Caroline’s Collectibles. You’ll be fervently grabbing at a postcard or magnet to buy just so you can see these trained bunnies in action. Admire their cotton tails as they give you your receipt and change.
How many of these attractions have you managed to find? What other little-known attractions are there in Arkansas? Let us know in the comments below!
For some more bizarre AR, check out these towns that are famous for super weird reasons.
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