7 Most Eccentric Towns in Arkansas

What comes to mind when you think of Arkansas? Maybe the Razorbacks, hearty barbecue, and the Ozark Mountains. But did you know the state is also home to some pretty quirky spots? Think Eiffel Tower replicas, public diamond mining, and the world’s largest can of spinach, just to name a few. Even if you think you know the Natural State inside and out, these seven eccentric towns might surprise you with their unexpected attractions.

Murfreesboro

Ever dreamed of finding your own diamond? In Murfreesboro, you can turn that dream into reality. Home to the country’s only public diamond site, Crater of Diamonds State Park allows visitors to dig for diamonds and other gems. For a small fee, you get to keep whatever treasures you uncover.

Families traveling with kids will love Dino Dig, an air-conditioned, sandy site where children can search for their own treasures among dinosaur replicas. The adventure continues at Caddo Antiques Gifts and More, offering antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and candles, among other gifts. For an eclectic shopping experience, visit the Gypsy Underground Flea Market, featuring over 100 booths filled with both new items and antiques.

Alma

During the 1980s, Alma earned its nickname as the "Spinach Capital of the World" by producing over half of the nation’s canned spinach. Visitors can grab a photo with the World’s Largest Spinach Can, a clever disguise for the town’s water tower, painted green and adorned with an image of Popeye, located just off I-40. The Popeye Statue, in Popeye Park, is another iconic landmark in town, made of bronze and sitting atop a water fountain.

After taking advantage of Alma’s photo ops, travelers can head over to the Alma Aquatic Center. This center is one of Western Arkansas’s largest outdoor waterparks, boasting six slides, a diving board, a large swimming pool, walking trails, pavilions, and picnic areas. Catfish Hole is a great place to finish off the day, a popular restaurant in town offering fried catfish with southern-style fixings.

Paris

What if you could visit Paris without needing a passport? In Paris, Arkansas, you can do just that. In the heart of town, visitors can admire a 25-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, complete with a water fountain at its base. The same square hosts a seasonal farmers market, offering baked goods, eggs, cheeses, and meats, along with live music to liven the atmosphere.

The Spring Time in Paris Festival is another popular event, taking place on the first Saturday in April. To celebrate spring, the festival will feature duck races, a pageant, a pet parade, food, crafts, and more. About a 30-minute drive from downtown, visitors can reach Mount Magazine, the highest point in the state at 2,753 feet. In addition to panoramic views, travelers can enjoy a day of hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing.

Hot Springs

The 47 hot springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas, certainly live up to the town's name. At Hot Springs National Park, visitors can soak in spring water that dates back nearly 4,000 years. While the springs themselves are too hot for direct bathing, the bathhouses provide a soothing alternative. For a more traditional experience, visitors can bathe at The Buckstaff Bathhouse, while The Quapaw Bathhouse operates as a more modern spa.

After a morning of soaking, a visit to The Gangster Museum of America offers a quirky and engaging experience. This museum highlights the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, exploring central Arkansas’s most notorious criminals through seven fascinating galleries.

Mountain View

In Mountain View, nicknamed the "Folk Music Capital of the World," there always seems to be a musician jamming around town. During the warmer months, it is not uncommon to see musicians playing on the town square, even into the later hours. The Ozark Folk Center State Park is one of the town’s most important preservations of music and art, offering the Craft Village, Heritage Herb Garden, and live music performances. The Craft Village is home to over 20 artisans who not only sell their work but also demonstrate their craft.

At the 1,000-seat Ozark Highlands Theater, visitors can enjoy live Americana music, filled with the sounds of banjos, fiddles, guitars, and other folk instruments. To refuel after a day at the Folk Center, stop by Tommy's Famous A Pizzeria for a homestyle pizza.

Siloam Springs

Home to John Brown University, Siloam Springs is an energetic college town that always seems to have something happening. The Dogwood Festival, taking place in April, draws in over 40,000 visitors each year and features exhibitors from across the country. Visitors can stroll through 200 booths, shopping for arts and crafts, handmade items, antiques, and gifts, all while enjoying live music performances. The town also celebrates its cowboy spirit during the annual Siloam Springs Rodeo, in which spectators can enjoy bull riding, barrel racing, bareback riding, and team roping, among other events.

For those seeking more excitement, the town offers plenty of outdoor activities. The Sager Creek Mountain Bike Trail spans five miles along Sager Creek, while the Siloam Springs Kayak Park features an engineered section of the Illinois River, perfect for kayakers of all levels.

Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is a haven for artists, with colorful murals, art museums, and performing art centers throughout town. What better place to start your art tour than at the Museum of Eureka Springs Art? Throughout the museum, travelers can admire over 400 pieces of art by 150 artists, with some works dating back 140 years. The Melonlight Theater offers an experience like no other, blending lighting, soundscapes, costuming, and exceptional acting for a sensational theatrical journey. Prefer a more traditional show? The Opera in the Ozarks presents a wonderful alternative, hosting three operas each summer, performed by university students and graduates. For those visiting in February or March, don't miss the Mardi Gras Parade for flamboyant costumes, elaborate floats, and stellar performances.

There are so many quirky attractions throughout Arkansas that will surprise even the state's lifelong residents. Interactive theater, folk music centers, and quirky flea markets are just a few of the places that give the state an unforgettable twist. You might even stumble upon something you never knew you needed—like the world’s largest can of spinach. So, pick the town that catches your eye and get ready to experience Arkansas in a new light.