Unless you're an intrepid explorer, an eager history student, or a professional archaeologist, you likely didn't know about some of the very interesting places around Arkansas that have been around since the prehistoric age and the cool things that are found in these spots. There are also towns in Arkansas that are steeped in legend, and Fouke in particular has created a labor of love in keeping the area's mystery alive. Most Arkansans have knowledge (thanks to mandatory state history classes in our schools) of burial mounds such as Toltec and places where archaeologists held excavations, but these unusual locations usually get passed by for better known historic landmarks in Arkansas.

8. Petit Jean Cave Drawings

Through the information of historians we know that native American Indians were ascending to the summit of Petit Jean Mountain more than 10,000 years ago. Little else but their mysterious cave art remains. Rock House Cave at Petit Jean State Park gives you a little insight into the world of those who came before us.

7. Battle Mound Site

Located in Lafayette County, the Battle Mound Site was built from 1200-1400 CE and has the largest mound out of any in the Caddoan Mississippian culture. The mound measures approximately 670 feet in length, i320 feet wide and 34 feet high.

6. The Castle In The Sky

The lodge at Queen Wilhemena State Park, built in 1898, was dubbed "The Castle In The Sky"and named after newly crowned Queen Wilhemena. At the time of its establishment, the lodge was an Arkansas innovation and a dedication to Dutch royalty high in the Ozarks. Located on Arkansas's second highest peak, Rich Mountain, the lodge reopened after renovations in the summer of 2015.

5. Boone's Mounds

Located in Calhoun County, Boone's Mounds are a ceremonial site representing the Coles Creek culture. Boone's Mounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are known as one of the largest mound sites in the Ouachita River Valley. Dates of occupation go back all the way to 600 AD.

4. Monster Mart

Monster Mart, located in Fouke, not only protects the mystery behind the Boggy Creek Monster, but gladly celebrates the enduring legend of the fearsome creature. Monster Mart provides visitors with the entire story of the Boggy Creek Monster in addition to being a fun store to collect Boggy Creek mystery memorabilia.

3. Natural Steps, Arkansas

Located about eighteen miles northwest of Little Rock on AR Highway 300, the Natural Steps are situated along the southern bank of the Arkansas River. A geologic formation that's lasted more than 10,000 years, the natural steps still stand today and are used as a marker for river runners, although they are not open to the public for viewing.

2. The Mound Sites

History lovers are all over the state of Arkansas studying what's been left behind by our prehistoric ancestors. Places such as the Keller Site in Calion, Arkansas, the Hughes Mound Site in Benton, the Eaker Site near Blytheville, the Coy Site in Lonoke County, the Bluffton Mound Site in Yell County and the Battle Mound Site in Lafayette County are still studied by archaeologists to this day.

1. Rush Ghost Town

The ghost town of Rush can be found in the Buffalo River National River Park near what is now Flippin. Rush was a boom town during the first World War, as the town had an abundance of zinc that sold for high prices. As the price of zinc fell, so did Rush. Town mines closed and the population declined to the point of Rush being declared a ghost town in 1972.

There are other abandoned Arkansas towns (Zinc comes to mind), archaeological hotspots and towns that celebrate strange activity. (Check out the legendary Allen House in Monticello.) Talk about these places and what you can tell about Arkansas culture from them. We're an imaginative and creative people; we are good at preserving legends as well as artifacts.