Visit These 3 Haunted Arkansas State Parks At Your Own Risk
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published October 08, 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’ state parks boast natural beauty, a wealth of recreational opportunities, and…ghosts! It’s true; the Arkansas state parks listed below have reputations for being haunted. Over the years, visitors have reported everything from disembodied voices to roaming spirits and other things that go bump in the night. This doesn’t mean these parks should be avoided; it just means you should visit with caution (and, if you scare easily, not alone or after dark).
As the name implies, Louisiana Purchase State Park commemorates the famous land acquisition of 1803. Not only is it a state park, but it’s a National Historic Landmark, as it preserves the initial starting point of all the land surveys linked to the Louisiana Purchase.
Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park, AR-362, Holly Grove, AR 72069, USA
The park is most known for its elevated boardwalk trail through a swamp. What many don’t know is the park is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of men who died while surveying the surrounding lands. Past visitors have reported seeing hands reach out of the swampy waters, as if asking for help. Disembodied voices, which appear to be calling to one another from across the park, have also been reported. Still, others have felt as if they were being followed, though no one else was around.
One of Arkansas’ most popular state parks, Petit Jean State Park is brimming with perks, including its namesake, Petit Jean Mountain. Waterfalls and great hiking trails are also among the park’s top amenities.
The park’s got another side, though - a spooky side. All of the creepy tales surrounding the park are linked to the lone grave atop the mountain, which belongs to Petit Jean. For decades, people have reported huge, bright orbs above and near the gravesite. That’s not all, though. A phantom figure, believed to be Petit Jean, has been seen on several occasions, roaming the park’s back roads as well as on the main road through the park. Even stranger, in most cases, a pungent smell of rotting meat accompanied the sightings.
This 4,300-acre park commemorates the Battle of Pea Ridge, which was one of the most pivotal Civil War battles fought west of the Mississippi River. Today, the park boasts driving tours, hiking trails, a bike path, and a horse trail, making it a must-visit for everyone from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts.
It’s also a must-visit for fans of the supernatural, as it’s allegedly haunted by the ghosts of the soldiers who died on the battlefield centuries ago. Over the years, visitors have reported hearing sounds associated with battle, including soldiers marching, military drums pounding, and muskets firing. The smell of gunpowder has also been reported on countless occasions. The creepiest of all, though, are the ghostly sightings. A number of witnesses have seen phantom soldiers roaming the tree-line near the back of the park.
For more info on these parks, as well as Arkansas’ other state parks, click here.
So, did you know these Arkansas state parks had a penchant for paranormal activity? Ever experienced anything strange at these state parks? If so, what? Know of another notorious Arkansas haunt? Tell us!
These parks aren’t the only haunted places in Arkansas. Click here to read about 24 state haunts that will send chills down your spine.
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