10 Underrated Places In Arkansas That Even Natives Have Never Heard Of
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
There are some attractions in Arkansas that everyone knows and loves—like the ones that pop up with any Google search and top the list to any travel guide. Unfortunately, their popularity may outshine some other places that are no less deserving of attention. Let’s look at some of these underrated attractions that deserve a shout out.
Please note, Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary is temporarily closed.
Undoubtedly some specific names come to mind when thinking about gardens to visit in Arkansas. Unless you already live around Little Rock, you may be missing out on one of the most gorgeous, yet underrated gardens in the state. Wildwood Park has eight unique gardens spread out on its 105 acres, including a tranquil Asian Woodland and Boop Water Garden. The park is free except for some events and holidays throughout the year.
Come celebrate art and nature in Wildwood Park at 20919 Denny Rd. in Little Rock.
Come celebrate art and nature in Wildwood Park at 20919 Denny Rd. in Little Rock.
Eureka Springs has so many fascinating buildings and attractions at street level, it's easy to miss the underground tour that's available. Walk the zigzagging trails underneath the city that were once used by prohibitionists and bank robbers as well as what's left of the old downtown tunnel system.
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Arkansas has some weird lodgings from hobbit holes to train cars, but did you know you can also spend the night in a delightfully tacky travel trailer? The 1950s Palm Springs inspired trailer resort has eight themed trailers from Haight-Ashbury hippie to Lisa Frank rainbow explosion.
Flamingo Springs is located at 15475 Greasy Valley Rd. in Prairie Grove.
Flamingo Springs is located at 15475 Greasy Valley Rd. in Prairie Grove.
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Take a seat surrounded by nothing but pink Himalayan salt and experience the reinvigorating power of halotherapy. Breathing in the tiny salt particles help relieve headaches, anxiety, and respiratory problems. The glow from the 500 chiseled salt bricks will help you relax and unwind in the most unique way.
The Salt Room is housed in the Lowell Therapeutic Massage Center, which is located at 320 N. Bloomington Suite F-1 in Lowell.
The Salt Room is housed in the Lowell Therapeutic Massage Center, which is located at 320 N. Bloomington Suite F-1 in Lowell.
Arkansas is famous for its Crater of Diamonds State Park, but for some better odds you may want to dig for crystals around Mount Ida instead. Oddly enough, Arkansas and Brazil have the best quality quartz crystals in the world. The Ouachita Mountains are a treasure trove for finding quartz, which has resulted in a couple of dig-your-own crystal mines.
Dig away at Twin Creek Crystal Mine, located at Collier Springs Rd / 177 in Mount Ida.
Dig away at Twin Creek Crystal Mine, located at Collier Springs Rd / 177 in Mount Ida.
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Bull Shoals has its own recreated historic Ozark settlement known as Mountain Village 1890. The authentic buildings have been brought in from as far as 125 miles away to create the perfect time capsule of life as an Ozark pioneer. Anyone interested in history will enjoy the Perla yard engine, blacksmith & coffin shop, and various homesteads.
Mountain Village 1890 is located at 1011 CS Woods Blvd. in Bull Shoals.
Mountain Village 1890 is located at 1011 CS Woods Blvd. in Bull Shoals.
The most delicious tour in the state can be found at Markham & Fitz Chocolate factory in Fayetteville. Call for a factory tour or visit their newest cafe in Bentonville for a more casual viewing. Regardless of location, Markham & Fitz can finally fulfill your Wonka-inspired dream of touring a chocolate factory.
Markham & Fitz Chocolate is located at 8th St. Market in Bentonville. To learn more about a chocolate tour, they can be reached at 479-235-6236.
Markham & Fitz Chocolate is located at 8th St. Market in Bentonville. To learn more about a chocolate tour, they can be reached at 479-235-6236.
The most unique Arkansas museum award would definitely go to Jackson's. What sets them apart from every other funeral home in the world is their museum of funeral services. View relics that date back to the 1800s, learn about the evolution of funeral services and see an antique funeral coach.
Jackson's Funeral Home is located at 1900 Malcolm Ave. in Newport.
Jackson's Funeral Home is located at 1900 Malcolm Ave. in Newport.
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This pleasant organic farm in Paris is actually hiding a spectacular small-batch craft brewery. Prestonrose routinely holds events showcasing their newest flavors or you can join them Thursday - Sunday for dinner. All their meals feature farm-to-table meals accompanied with their latest brews.
Prestonrose Farm is located at 201 St Louis Valley Rd. in Paris.
Prestonrose Farm is located at 201 St Louis Valley Rd. in Paris.
We all know and love the big cats at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge but there's another animal sanctuary in the state. Riddle's provides a haven for retired and rescue elephants. On the first Saturday of each month they host a Visitors Day so the public can take a peek at the pachyderm residents for a small donation.
Riddle's is located at 233 Pumpkin Center Circle in Quitman.
Riddle's is located at 233 Pumpkin Center Circle in Quitman.
How many of these places have you visited? Where’s an underrated place you like to take your out-of-town visitors? Share with us in the comments below!
For another hidden spot, have you visited this pastry shop that’s in the middle of nowhere?
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