The 5 Oddest Places You Can Possibly Go In Arkansas
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published November 13, 2021
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Arkansas is a lot stranger than you think. It’s true. The Natural State is home to an array of oddball sites, from weirdly wonderful attractions to quirky restaurants. Not so sure of the state’s odd factor? We thought so, which is why we scoured Arkansas for the oddest places you can go, and we must say, we think you’ll be more than convinced.
1. Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo (Hot Springs)
Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, 847 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
A farm or petting zoo might not seem that odd, but that’s just because you haven’t been to the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo. Anything but typical, it’s home to mummified merman! The quirky creature is on display in the on-site museum, along with some other interesting items and artifacts. For more information, click here.
2. Flying Fish (Little Rock)
Flying Fish, 511 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
The aroma of fresh-cooked Cajun food might be the first thing you notice when visiting Flying Fish, but the abundance of animatronic singing fish is sure to be a close second – and that’s no coincidence. The restaurant is one of several that doubles as a Billy Bass Adoption Center. And while it’s one of several Billy Bass Adoption Centers, the Flying Fish in Little Rock is special because it’s touted as the "world’s first." Today, there are hundreds of fish adorning the eatery’s walls – and even ceiling. For more information, click here.
When it comes to attention-getting oddities, Mammoth Orange Café definitely fits the bill. Easily the most recognizable restaurant in the state, it was built in 1966 and was inspired by a giant orange restaurant in California. (Go figure!) Strange in appearance only, the café’s menu is filled with classic fast food eats, such as burgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, and more. For more information, click here.
Sometimes, odd things come in small packages – that’s certainly the case with the Norman Library. Measuring just 14 feet by 14 feet, it once held the Guinness Book of World Records title for the "world’s smallest operating library." After many years, though, it was dethroned. For more information, click here.
Blowing Cave has long been shrouded in mystery. One of the most popular legends is that the cave is an entrance to a secret underworld inhabited by a race of human-like beings. The legend came about after Richard Shaver, a science fiction author, wrote about an underground race of beings with bluish, chalky skin. There’s more to the cave than otherworldly beings, though. Tons of passageways as well as a waterfall make it a favorite of adventure-seekers. For more information, click here.
So, did you know about these wonderfully weird places in Arkansas? Ever visited any (or all) of them? Did we miss your favorite oddball spot? Tell us!
The state’s weirdness doesn’t end with unusual sites and attractions, though. We residents have plenty of quirks of our own. Click here for 12 weird things only people from Arkansas do.
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