Now a recognized historic district in Arkansas within the location of the Buffalo National River, the abandoned zinc mining region of Rush in the Ozark Mountains once played a key role in modernizing and developing the area’s infrastructure. The empty houses and mining ruins are off-putting to many who are afraid of abandoned structures untouched by nature for years, but others find the ruins absolutely intriguing. We think it’s both the most hauntingly beautiful reminder of a slice of Rush’s past and it’s also the creepiest ghost town in Arkansas. Let’s take a closer look at the history of this hauntingly beautiful town that’s slowly being reclaimed by nature.


YouTube/Arkansas Parks & Tourism

The war years of 1914-1918 were a boom period for Rush. The town was Arkansas’s center of mining activity with zinc being the unearthed million dollar mineral. No other northwest Arkansas town could touch Rush’s productivity. Thirteen developed mines in the area were operated by ten mining companies.

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The Rush Historic District is a very unique location in Arkansas. Out of the numerous mining locations around the Natural State from its boom period, only Rush has the actual surviving structures of mining activity. The town became immediately identifiable as a ghost town with its structures and ruins left whole and virtually untouched by time.


YouTube/HighSpeedBoom

The district of Rush has structures, ruins and buildings that span all the way back from 1880 and date up to 1940. With so many years having passed the town by and nothing having changed, Rush is an incredible sight to see and a lovely location to photograph.

Have you ever visited the creepiest ghost town in Arkansas? What about any other ghost towns in the Natural State? Let us know in the comments below, we love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

creepiest ghost town in Arkansas

What are the most haunted places in Arkansas?

For those that are interested in experiencing the paranormal side of Arkansas, there are plenty of haunted locations to choose from. The Allen House in Monticello is one of the most popular locations. Built in 1900, it’s believed that the owner, LaDell Allen committed suicide in the home and still roams his property. For many years, the house served as an apartment building and many residents reported hearing disembodied groans and footsteps, though no one is ever around. If you’re looking to dine with a spirit or two, head on over to the Station Cafe in Bentonville, where you might notice your drink or utensils move around on their own.

Can I visit any abandoned places in Arkansas?

Arkansas has several towns and buildings that have been abandoned over the years and are now slowly being reclaimed by nature. East Calico Rock has over 20 buildings to see, and it’s the only authentic ghost town in the country that’s located entirely within the city limits of another town. Dinosaur World near Eureka Springs is another popular attraction that’s been abandoned since 2005. Established in 1967, this unique dinosaur park was a favorite pastime for many Arkansas families over the years, but today it sits abandoned and viewable from the road.

What are the most popular ghost stories in Arkansas?

One of the most popular ghost stores in Arkansas is the Crescent Hotel. Built in 1886 as a luxurious health retreat, the hotel has had several paranormal encounters over the years. During construction, a carpenter fell to his death and many believe the heightened paranormal experiences in room 218 are the spirit of the carpenter who just can’t seem to move on. In 1937, self-taught “doctor” Norman Baker bought the hotel and turned it into a hospital with the assumption he could cure cancer. His barbaric treatments killed many patients, and there have been several reports of the sounds of disembodied screams, the sounds of gurneys rolling down the halls, and some even report witnessing hands coming out of bathroom mirrors.

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