Are you tired of the same old routine? Maybe you live in Arkansas and feel like you’ve seen it all, or perhaps you’re visiting and want to dig deeper than the usual tourist spots. If you’re craving something different, you are in the right place. This is your guide to the best unique things to do in Arkansas.
We are talking about the weird, the wonderful, and the utterly unforgettable spots that give this state its special character.
Arkansas is a secret champion for offbeat attractions. It’s a state where the natural beauty of the Ozarks meets quirky human creativity, and where local legends are just as compelling as the scenery. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s far from ordinary, get ready. We are going to explore some of the most unique things to do in Arkansas.
Thorncrown Chapel: A Glass Sanctuary in the Woods
First on our list is a place that feels like a miracle of design. Located in Eureka Springs, Thorncrown Chapel rises out of the Ozark woods. It doesn’t look like a normal church. Instead, it looks like something from a beautiful future or a peaceful fairy tale.
The building is made almost entirely of glass and wood. It has 425 windows, so the trees and the sky are all around you. The ceiling is 48 feet tall, which makes the space feel huge and peaceful. The best part is that the builders used local materials, so the chapel belongs perfectly in its environment.
Thorncrown Chapel became a National Historic Site in 2000, which is a considerable achievement since most buildings have to be at least 50 years old to be considered. It’s a quiet place for reflection, and it is absolutely one of the most unique things to do in Arkansas.
The Gurdon Light: A Spooky Railroad Mystery
Do you love a good mystery? Then you need to take a trip to Gurdon, a town in southern Arkansas. Near the old railroad tracks, just off Interstate 30, a strange thing happens after dark. A mysterious light appears. It’s a glowing orb that can be white, blue, or even orange. It floats and moves through the trees, and no one knows for sure what it is.
Local stories say the light is the ghost of a railroad worker. Some say he was beheaded by a train. Others say he was killed in a fight. But science has another idea. Some experts think it could be a “piezoelectric effect,” which means pressure on certain rocks creates electricity and sparks.
The Gurdon Light was even featured on the TV show “Unsolved Mysteries.” Going to see it is a fun, spooky adventure, and a classic example of the unique things to do in Arkansas.
Quigley’s Castle: The Strangest House in the Ozarks
In Eureka Springs, you will find Quigley’s Castle. People call it “The Ozarks’ Strangest Dwelling,” and for good reason. This isn’t a real castle, but it is a fascinating stone house with an incredible story.
The woman who lived there, Mrs. Quigley, had a big dream for a unique home. Her husband was not so sure. So, while he was away on a trip, she did something drastic. She tore down their old house! When he returned, he had no choice but to help her build the new one. The result is amazing.
The house is covered in stones and has giant glass windows. But the most incredible part is that full-sized trees grow right up through the inside of the house. The home is also filled with Mrs. Quigley’s unique art, like sculptures made from rocks and glass bottles. It is a testament to one person’s unique vision and is definitely a one-of-a-kind stop.
Christ of the Ozarks: A Giant and Simple Statue
Also in Eureka Springs, you can’t miss a massive statue that stands over the town. The Christ of the Ozarks is a seven-story-tall statue of Jesus. It was built by one of the same sculptors who worked on Mount Rushmore, so you know it’s a serious piece of work.
However, its simple, modern design has gotten a lot of attention. The statue has very few details. Its face has no expression, and its robes are just simple lines. Because of this minimalist style, a critic once said it looked like a giant milk carton with arms. That nickname, “Our Milk Carton With Arms,” stuck with many people.
Despite this, or maybe because of it, the statue is a major landmark. It’s a fascinating site that inspires strong feelings, and absolutely one of the most unique things to do in Arkansas.
Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum: A Dose of the Macabre
Finally, let’s head to the historic resort town of Hot Springs. Nestled within Hot Springs National Park is the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. This is not the famous Madame Tussauds. It is a smaller, family-owned museum, and it has loads of personality.
This place is not afraid to be a little creepy. It features over 100 wax figures, and many of them show scenes of famous historical murders and spooky stories. It’s gory, it’s strange, and it’s completely entertaining.
The museum also celebrates the town’s history. You can see a display of the Southern Club, a casino that was loved by the gangster Al Capone. There are also newspaper clippings and memorabilia from the days when gambling was a big part of life in Hot Springs. It’s a quirky and fascinating look into the past.
The Best of Unique Things to do in Arkansas Await!
Arkansas is so much more than just beautiful mountains and rivers. It is a state filled with strange wonders and a creative spirit. From a glass chapel in the woods to a mysterious ghost light, these places have stories to tell. They are perfect for anyone looking to break away from the normal and experience something truly different. So, get out there and explore. You will quickly see that the search for unique things to do in Arkansas leads to some of the most memorable adventures you can have.