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Whether you call him Bigfoot or Sasquatch, the Fouke Monster plagues many a childhood nightmare. But, for Arkansans in the Bigfoot Community, spending weekends looking for signs of the woolly monster is no different from chasing ATV trails or the rice paddies; it’s a fun pastime full of mystery, science and big stories.
The Fouke Monster Festival was held recently in the Bigfoot Capitol of Arkansas. Fouke’s legend connects to a scary, water-logged monster from the swamps. In 1972, the movie Legend of Boggy Creek was filmed on a shoestring budget, primarily by college students, in the bottom wetlands of Fouke, a small town in South Arkansas. The story of a Texarkana family filled the pages of a book and, later, the script call of a Hollywood hit. Today fans drive to this small town just to chance a glimpse of the legendary creature.
But, the Southern Sasquatch character, not bound to South Arkansas, is somewhat a symbol for the state. For the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, a Kansas City Royals minor league baseball team based in Springdale, Sasquatch is the team mascot. A friendly but hairy figure, he approaches and interacts with fans throughout the season.
Sightings of a giant hairy creature called the “Arkansas Wild Man” date back to 1834. With foot castings, figurines, and costumes created over the years trying to capture his essence in displays of small historical county museums. Some people thought he might be a creature who survived the New Madrid earthquake. Others believe he is a cosmic force-charged curious creature or a messenger or representative from the wild.
No matter your interest level, the mystery of the hunt, the curiosity of the why, and the itch of a legend that just won’t go away keep you enough on your toes to stick around and too afraid to sleep alone, without a flashlight, in the middle an Arkansas wilderness. While many believe it’s a legend filled with made-up stories, a handful of true believers will tell you that they have seen the eyes, heard the voice, and witnessed the running of this mysterious creature.
Places to Interact with a Bigfoot in Arkansas
- NWA Naturals Game | Springdale – team mascot resembles a bigfoot, mountain man character
- Sassy the Sasquatch | Bentonville – an 11-foot tall made entirely of bike chains collected in a four-state area. Colorado artist, Amanda Willshire grew up in Arkansas and thought it would be fun to make a female version of the legendary creature delivered to the bike trails near Crystal Bridges in a Walmart truck.
- Welcome Mascot | Cane Hill – a 1977 report of a bigfoot breaking into a man’s milk barn serves as a long-standing legend in the area.
- Monster Mart | Fouke – a statue marks the story of a town where a family’s claim of being attacked by a mysterious creature led to a Hollywood legend. Today visitors drive from across the world to catch a glimpse of the Sulphur River creature, see memorabilia from the film and overhear a local with a new story.
Hot Spots in Arkansas
With a reputation for being a hotbed for sightings and evidence collection, as the natural state, Arkansas is a Bigfoot enthusiast’s dream destination. However, for investigation experiences, it’s important to bring proper gear such as a camera, binoculars, and a reliable GPS device to navigate the dense forest, especially in areas with minimal cellphone service. As you think about hot spots for finding a Sasquatch or Bigfoot creature, remember they like to stay hidden and are typically nocturnal creatures.
- Ouachita National Forest – With over 1.8 million acres of forested land, it’s no wonder this area is a prime location for Bigfoot hunters. The dense forest allows the creature to hide and thrive without much human interference. To increase your chances of spotting Bigfoot in the Ouachita National Forest, consider hiking in the early morning or late evening when the creature may be more active.
- Ouachita Mountains – The dense forest and rugged terrain provide the perfect habitat for the elusive creature to hide, making it a prime location for Bigfoot sightings. Some of Bigfoot’s most compelling evidence and sightings have been reported in this region, including reports of footprints, vocalizations, and even encounters with the creature.
- Hot Springs National Park – The park has a wide range of unique flora and fauna, including over 20 species of ferns and several rare orchids. The thermal pools have long been an attraction for guests far and wide, leaving many believing the dense forest of the oldest National Park lands are perfect dwelling spaces for the ape-like creature with night-piercing eyes.
- White River National Wildlife Refuge – The refuge’s diverse habitats provide an ideal environment for the elusive creature to roam, including swamps, bottomland hardwood forests and open water areas. The serene landscape of the refuge also makes it a peaceful and scenic location to explore, with plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife beyond Bigfoot.
- Ozark National Forest – This hilly region features dense forests dotted with picturesque streams, waterfalls and sprawling wilderness areas, providing a perfect habitat for the elusive creature. The Ozarks also offer guided Bigfoot expeditions and tours led by experienced hunters and researchers. These tours help visitors uncover evidence and sightings of the mysterious creature in its natural habitat.
- Sulphur River Wildlife Area – The Fouke Monster is a large, hairy ape-like creature standing at approximately 7 feet tall with a weight of around 300 pounds. Several sightings have been reported over the years, leading to an influx of Bigfoot enthusiasts and curious tourists.
- Buffalo National River – The natural beauty is unmatched, with pristine waters and towering bluffs that offer breathtaking views. But what some may not know is that the Buffalo National River is also a popular spot for Bigfoot enthusiasts. The thick vegetation and secluded areas of the park create the perfect habitat for the elusive creature to hide. With its varied terrain and dense forests, this national park provides an ideal environment for Sasquatch sightings.
Bigfoot Events in Arkansas
- Sept. 22 – 23. 2023 | Ouachita Bigfoot Festival and Conference | The Blue in Mena
- Oct. 28-29, 2023 | Arkansas Paranormal Expo | MacArthur Military Museum in Little Rock
- April 27, 2024 | Fouke Monster Festival | Fouke
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hi i love this website
Dalton;I love big foot