Arkansas, referred to as The Natural State, is home to the beautiful Ouachita and Ozark mountain ranges, which offer an abundance of breathtaking beauty. It offers magnificent scenery and natural treasures, with rivers rushing through rock formations and stunning state parks, and it is covered in lush forests. Arkansas is also home to numerous hidden gems, charming little towns, as well as some amazing natural tourist attractions and spectacular wilderness that lends itself well to all kinds of outdoor attractions. It’s also rich in culture and history, making it a fascinating and diverse place to visit. Here are 10 unique places to visit in Arkansas.
10 The Old Mill
This magnificent building in North Little Rock features in the opening sequence of the cult film Gone with the Wind and is thought to be the only surviving building from the film. In 1933 the mill was built and it should look old as if it was built in the 19th century. Tree stumps, toadstools and an extraordinary bridge that connects it to the rest of the magnificent park are among the site’s sculptures. The beautiful Old Mill is on the National Register of Historic Places list and is a must-see.
9 Quigley’s Castle
Nicknamed The Ozarks’ Strangest Dwelling, Quigley’s Castle is more of an eccentric stone dwelling than a castle. Ms. Quigley destroyed the family home that she and her spouse lived in while he was away, forcing him to help her build this bizarre new home. She’s always dreamed of building it her own way and it seems the trick worked. Nowadays the castle attracts fascinated tourists from all over the world.
8th The Gurdon Light
Gurdon Light is a mysterious event that continues to affect the surrounding forest along the railroad tracks of I-30 in Gurdon, Arkansas. While not the only one recorded in the United States, it is among those that have yet to be explained due to the region’s lack of freeways making it impossible to be vehicle lights. Locals prefer to assume the light isn’t coming from underground quartz crystals, experts suggest.
7 Rush ghost town
Rush, a ghost town, nestles in beautiful Buffalo River National River Park. Prospectors first came to town looking for what they thought was silver resources, but it turned out to be zinc. The area became one of the most prosperous places in the state and was the epicenter of Arkansas’ mining sector during World War I. When zinc prices fell after the war, Rush’s fortunes also fell. Mines stopped and the population began to dwindle. The ghost town was officially declared a ghost town in 1972.
6 Pivot Rock Park
Pivot Rock Park is a fantastic roadside stop. The wonderful park is home to a variety of spectacular rock formations that date back over a century. The prominent eponymous rock that serves as the main attraction resembles an inverted pyramid to the edges. Tourists can also enjoy the magnificent surrounding nature.
5 Crown of Thorns Chapel
The fabulous Thorncrown Chapel is a beautiful glass chapel in the Ozark Mountains that has a futuristic feel. The church, built in 1980 by architect E. Fay Jones, is constructed almost entirely from materials found in the surrounding forest. The high-ceilinged nave is 45 feet (14.63 m) high and appears to have no walls, but is surrounded by 425 windows that span almost 1,800 sq ft (557.41 m²) of glass. The church is a magnificent wedding destination.
4 Wattle Hollow Retreat Center
The amazing Wattle Hollow Retreat in North Arkansas is Fox’s retreat. In 1979, after a spiritual journey around the world, the family returned to Montana and decided to live in a new and unique environment, somewhere close to beautiful nature and where they could live a holistic lifestyle. They bought the site and put up a tent and mailbox, then dug a toilet and built a compost bin. Today, visitors come to the magical place to meditate, retreat from the hustle and bustle of the cities, do yoga and reconnect with nature.
3 Pocahontas meteorite
According to tradition, in the summer of 1859 a meteorite shot through the sky and landed north of Pocahontas. Contrary to popular belief, this stone is not actually extraterrestrial. Scientists have examined it and found that it is simply an ordinary stone. On the other hand, the City of Pocahontas continues to proudly display the iconic stone in front of the District Courthouse and people are curious to see it.
2 Popeye statue
Alma is recognized as the “Spinach Capital of the World,” so it would be unfair if the city ignored Popeye the Sailor Man, the “Spinach Mascot of the World”! A water fountain in Popeye Park is topped by a large bronze statue of the sailor. This magnificent site also has a giant water structure that has been decorated to resemble a spinach can and is known as the “world’s largest spinach can”.
1 Hu Lee International Gate and Garden
HU Lee International Gate and Garden is named after and in honor of the first grandmaster, Haeng Ung Lee, who founded the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). It is an exceptional example of architecture, a gesture of friendship and a way of honoring the greatest martial arts teacher of all time. This place is the main attraction for Taekwondo delegations and enthusiasts.