8 Most Eccentric Towns in the Mid-South
The Mid-South is one of the most beautiful regions in the U.S., encompassing the plains of Kansas, the Appalachian Mountains, and several rivers. It also has many small gems in the form of unconventional small towns. Within these towns, one can find a mini Eiffel Tower, a 19th century-themed mining amusement park, the birthplace of American legends, some of the best arts and crafts in America, and, if you're lucky: Bigfoot himself. Here are eight eccentric Mid-South towns to see in 2025.
Santa Claus, Indiana
It is said that Indiana is culturally southern in many ways, and nowhere is that truer than in the peculiar town of Santa Claus, Indiana. Town legend says that the town got its name from excited children who believed they heard Ole Saint Nick's bells during a town hall meeting. Santa Claus keeps the spirit of the holidays alive no matter the season with its historic Santa Claus Museum & Village, which features a 22-foot-tall statue of Santa, an 1880 Church, and a 19th-century post office where children can send letters to Santa. This peculiar town is also the center for the best amusement park in Indiana: Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, which has multiple wooden roller coasters and a water park. Those willing to drive a short distance can see the nearby community of Lincoln City and the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, where President Abraham Lincoln grew up as a young boy.
Ellijay, Georgia
In the Appalachian region of Northern Georgia, Ellijay is a serene destination that makes visitors feel like they are in Tennessee or North Carolina. First founded in the 1830s, Ellijay today is renowned as Georgia's Apple Capital with its multitude of orchards. Explorers can try out these apples themselves at Red Apple Barns, which also sells apple fritters, jellies, and candies, or at Hillcrest Orchards, which offers cider. Other than apples, Ellijay is well-versed in local legends and lore, especially Bigfoot. Hikers can go hunting for Bigfoot themselves on one of many picturesque mountain trails, such as Amicalola Falls and Deadennen Mountain, both relatively short drives from downtown Ellijay.
Paducah, Kentucky
When it comes to creativity, Kentucky is mainly known for its alcoholic beverages, such as the Mint Julip or Bourbon Whiskey. The state of Bluegrass has a few major centers for creative types, such as Paducah. This town was named as a UNESCO Creative City, particularly for its appreciation for quilting and the arts in general. The National Quilt Museum is one of the cornerstone experiences in Paducah, gathering international quilts from the best artists and providing quilting classes for those who wish to learn. Paducah is also dedicated to the performing arts, which visitors can experience at the Market House Theatre, which regularly has musicals, dramas, comedies, and murder mystery dinners. It even uses art to tell its history. At the floodwall at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, visitors can see 20 murals that explain the history of Paducah.
Branson, Missouri
In the Ozark Mountains, Branson, Missouri, combines quirky attractions with picturesque mountain views. It's home to the Titanic Museum Attraction, featuring a half-scale replica of the Titanic Ship, which famously sunk on April 15, 1912, after colliding with an iceberg. Speaking of history, Branson prides itself on its 1880s-themed amusement park, Silver Dollar City, which has live shows, rides, and a waterpark. The theme park regularly hosts festivals throughout the year, including Bluegrass & BBQ, which has some of the best Bluegrass performers in the world.
For those who love eccentric attractions, the Hollywood Wax Museum is a must-visit, featuring larger-than-life replicas of famous figures and a King Kong statue climbing the building. Just down the road, the Aquarium at the Boardwalk delights visitors with its vibrant marine exhibits and an unmissable octopus sculpture wrapping around the building.
For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, the Ozark Mountains around Branson have several hiking trails, such as the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, which has five trails going through bluffs and by waterfalls. Speaking of water, Branson has three lakes within driving distance, making it a mecca for water sports and fishing enthusiasts.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a favorite vacation destination for those in the Mid-South, and it's easy to see why with its incredible outdoor experiences and peculiar mountain charm. In East Tennessee, Gatlinburg is the primary gateway into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Appalachian Mountains. Within the park, hikers can see black bears and historic churches within Cades Cove, hike up Mount LeConte, or see a chimney-shaped mountain at Chimney Tops. Beyond hiking, Gatlinburg is home to one of the largest communities of handmade arts and crafts. By exploring the 8-mile loop road, travelers can purchase quilts, sculptures, glass, and candles, or they can try out some food and drink at an old-school British Pub: The Fox & Parrot Tavern.
Tupelo, Mississippi
Some of the most famous figures in America were born in small towns. This includes the King of Rock N' Roll himself, Elvis Presley, who was born and raised in the humble town of Tupelo, Mississippi. As a result, this town should definitely be on the map for any Elvis fan. Fans can see the small two-bedroom home he was raised in at the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum, or they can go to Tupelo Hardware Company, where Elvis' mother purchased him his first guitar for his 11th birthday. This eccentric town also hosts the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo. This spot was one of the biggest herds of Buffalo East of the Mississippi River and today has more than 260 animals.
Paris, Tennessee
Named after the City of Lights in France, this unique town in Western Tennessee is full to the brim with Southern charm. It lives up to the name with a 66-foot-tall replica of the Eiffel Tower. It was initially built in Memphis and donated to the town of Paris in 1992. While this tower is certainly smaller than the original, Paris is still home to some fairly big attractions like Market Street Antique Mall, one of the biggest in the U.S. with more than 150 merchants. Paris stays true to the spirit of France in another way with its Paris Winery, built in a Venetian-style building, offering 26 types of wine. The town's best outdoor experience is the Paris Landing State Park, sitting on the western shore of Kentucky Lake.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The word eureka describes a moment of great discovery. That accurately applies to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, which was first discovered by Dr. Alvah Jackson in 1858, who noted the area's curative spring waters. Today, there are around 60 natural springs within the city, such as Basin Spring, which is right in the center of downtown, and Blue Spring Heritage Center, which has several nature trails and a blue lagoon. Visitors also have a chance to discover several unique structures in Eureka Springs, such as Quigley's Castle, a mid-20th century structure that's called the Ozark's Strangest Dwelling for its 28 huge windows and massive garden with more than 400 types of flowers. Another intriguing spot is the Thorncrown Chapel, a 48-foot tall chapel with 425 windows in the Ozark Mountains.
Mid-South's Unforgettable Towns
These unconventional Mid-South towns are ideal for travelers in the mood for a different experience. Rather than a busy city street, travelers here can take their time getting lost in a mountain chapel in Eureka Springs or grab a photo underneath an Eiffel Tower replica in Paris. Many of these towns also offer laid-back attractions, such as the apple orchards of Ellijay, that make for a great day trip. These eight eccentric towns are proof that the Mid-South is one of the best areas in the U.S.
