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.
- The Park At West End – Fort Smith
TripAdvisor/Oktraveler83 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.
- International Hoo-Hoo Headquarters and Museum – Gurdon
Facebook/Gurdon Chamber of Commerce 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.
- StoneWind Retreat – Chester
Facebook/StoneWind Retreat 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.
- Blowing Cave – Cushman
Flickr/Dave Thomas 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.
- Natural Dam – Crawford County
Flickr/Jonathan Ball 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.
- The Old Mill – North Little Rock
Flickr/Pajo3000 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.
- The Dark Side Coffee House – Walnut Ridge
Facebook/The Dark Side Coffee House 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.
- Bauxite Historical Association Museum – Bauxite
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM 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.
- Norman Library – Norman
Facebook/Then There Was Arkansas 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.
- The Working Bunnies – Eureka Springs
Facebook/Eureka Springs Working Bunnies 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!
TripAdvisor/Oktraveler83
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.
Facebook/Gurdon Chamber of Commerce
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.
Facebook/StoneWind Retreat
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.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
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.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
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.
Flickr/Pajo3000
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.
Facebook/The Dark Side Coffee House
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.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
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.
Facebook/Then There Was Arkansas
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.
Facebook/Eureka Springs Working Bunnies
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.
For some more bizarre AR, check out these towns that are famous for super weird reasons.
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