12 of the Best (and Most Offbeat) Attractions in Arkansas!
It may seem unusual, but when it comes to picking the best destination for exciting curiosities and uncommon attractions, Arkansas is a natural choice. From the world’s smallest library to fixtures that were astoundingly created by Mother Nature, there is plenty of weird here. Be sure to review this list of 12 unusual attractions in Arkansas before you head out on your next road trip or weekend getaway.
Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs, AR
Located inside the beautiful Hot Springs National Park in Garland County is an attraction with an unusual history. On Central Avenue is where you’ll find Bathhouse Row, a line-up of eight bathhouses that stepped into the public eye during the Great Depression due to supposed mafia connections. While not all are currently open to public bathing, the allure of these infamous bathhouses continues to draw in a variety visitors.
Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum, Hot Springs, AR
One of the most unusual attractions in Arkansas is found within 14,000 square-feet in Hot Springs. The Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum will take you through seven different worlds with unbelievably lifelike wax figures in a variety of different settings.
Blowing Cave, Cushman, AR
The Blowing Cave is best-known amongst those passionate about Inner Earth and the Shaver Mystery. Blowing Cave is believed by many to be one of only five national entrances to an underground humanlike race of superior beings. The mystery surrounded this unusual site continues to draw in visitors.
Camp Mitchell, Morrilton, AR
Just east of Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas, you’ll find an Episcopal retreat called Camp Mitchell. Overlooking the River Valley on the backside of the property is the Chapel of Transfiguration. At first glance there isn’t much that stands out about Transfiguration Chapel. Once you step inside this open-air pavilion, however, the light transforms the atmosphere into a glorious mystery that some have compared to the Transfiguration of Christ.
Mount Ida Quartz Crystal Mines, Mount Ida, AR
Mount Ida is home to the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World. Arkansas and Brazil are the only locations where you’ll find quartz crystals of such fine quality. The ancient Ouachita Mountains have long been a popular, albeit unusual, Arkansas attraction for treasure-seekers.
The Big Dam Bridge, North Little Rock, AR
The Big Dam Bridge connects more than 20 miles of parks in the Little Rock and North Little Rock areas. This 4,226-foot masterpiece is the longest bridge built specifically for cyclists and pedestrians. As if that wasn’t unusual enough, it is also the only bridge to be built in a dam rather than on top of a dam.
StoneWind Retreat, Chester, AR
“Come sit on the Mountain” in Chester, Arkansas, at the StoneWind Retreat. Stay in an unusual cabin called a yurt at this little-known Arkansas attraction in the Ozark Mountains.
Christ of the Ozarks, Eureka Springs, AR
The world’s tallest un-crucified Christ is located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This odd-looking million-dollar monument weighs in at over two million pounds.
The Great Passion Play, Eureka Springs, AR
Seen by over seven million people, this infamous play has been performed in the hypnotic Ozark Mountains since 1968. More than 150 actors make up the cast in this live version of the last week in the life of Jesus.
Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, AR
The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs has long been an unusual attraction in the Natural State. Come explore one of the world’s most well-known haunted hotels.
Old Spanish Treasure Cave, Sulphur Springs, AR
Legend has it that Spanish Conquistadors hid treasure in this cave, known as the Old Spanish Treasure Cave, in Sulpher Springs, Arkansas. Rumors say that this cave still hides that very treasure. If the allure of an unsolved mystery isn’t enough to grab your attention (and wallet), then this Arkansas cavern has a few extras that make it an even more unusual attraction. In addition to its naturally-created excitement the Old Spanish Treasure Cave offers affordable tour and camping programs for school and scouting groups, as well as educational fun in the Underground Movie Cinema.
The Norman Library, Norman, AR
The world’s smallest operating library can be found in Norman, Arkansas, at the Norman Library. It was dethroned by another library in the Guinness Book of World Records, but held the crown for quite some time. The library is only 14 feet by 14 feet.
