The Story Behind The Paris Love Locks Tradition That Made Its Way To This Tiny Park In Arkansas

Of course, you’ve heard of Paris, the most romantic town in Arkansas with the replica of the Eiffel Tower. And if you’re a hopeless romantic and visited the tower, perhaps you’ve sealed your love on the love lock fence at the Eiffel Tower Park. But if you haven’t, then be sure to place this heartwarming tradition on your bucket list. It’s a tradition that began over 100 years ago by a heartbroken, grieving young lady and it has made its way across the oceans to our state. Love locks in Arkansas is continuing a simple, but romantic gesture with so much heartfelt meaning. And I can guarantee that you’ll want to experience it for yourself.

Are you a hopeless romantic who loves expressing your love for the world to see? Perhaps you've shared a kiss at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

If you can't make it across the oceans to express your love, then just head to the small mountain town of Paris, Arkansas instead.

Unlike Paris, France, there are no grand cathedrals or famous museums in Paris Arkansas. Instead, you'll find a modest square stuck in time.

Though there are no grandeur buildings, the town is home to its own iconic landmark. Inside Eiffel Tower Park, you'll find a replica of the Eiffel Tower.

At only 18-feet tall, the tower is situated on a 7-foot two-tiered water fountain. The tower is the centerpiece of the town and attracts lots of visitors every year.

Surrounded by murals, benches, as well as pretty little flowers, the tiny park is a cute little space to sit and relax.

At the park, you'll also find a fence filled with locks with names written or engraved on them.

If you don't know the story behind the locks, you must be wondering how this tradition ended up in Arkansas.

Well, I am glad you asked. See, during World War I, a young Hungarian lady lost her lover to the war.

She was so heartbroken and wanted to express her unbreakable love. So, she began attaching locks to bridges at the spots that they used to frequent.

Folks took notice of this romantic gesture, and the love locks concept spread throughout the region.

In Paris France, the love locks were placed on the Pont des Arts bridge, which has since been removed because the thousands of locks created a hazard for the bridge.

After Paris Arkansas got the Eiffel Tower as a gift, it just made sense to have a love locks fence as well. So, in 2017, the fence was erected, and Miss Arkansas 2016 attached the first lock to it.

The concept is quite simple: buy a lock, write or engrave your name as well as the name of your loved ones...

...then, attach the lock to the fence and toss the key into the fountain at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Now that you have sealed your love on the fence, be sure to take pictures to remember the sweet moment.

During the year, lots of people visit the park, but you can imagine that it gets the most traffic on Valentine's Day.

Regardless of when you choose to go, be sure to seal your love for your friends, family, lover, or hubby on the love locks fence in Arkansas.

I think it's so cool that this tradition made its way across the seas to our state.

So, did you know the story behind the Paris love locks in Arkansas? Have you sealed your love on the fence in Eiffel Tower Park? Share your experience in the comments below. Also, check out this previous article about the tiny town of Paris Arkansas. It's a great place to spend the day.

After sealing your love in Paris, why not extend your stay into a weekend adventure? Paris is home to Mount Magazine State Park, where you can bask in scenic Arkansas vistas from the lodge as well as enjoy a delicious meal from the Skycrest Restaurant.