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If you have a weird family like mine, you may want to see something unique and unusual on your travels. My family—especially our 8-year-old son, who’s captivated by anything odd and extraordinary— loves to check out roadside oddities. A gravity-defying hill in Helena or a crystal-covered house in Cave City will spark more excitement and lead to a highly memorable trip.
Last time, we explored the quirky wonders of Northwest Arkansas, from giant dinosaurs to trolley cats, and now we’re venturing to other parts of the state, discovering a new set of oddities along the way. Whether it’s snapping photos by the Pocahontas Meteor or marveling at trains delivering meals in Little Rock, these Central and Eastern Arkansas attractions promise adventure and memories for families like ours who crave the weird and wonderful.
Big Arkie – Jonesboro
Big Arkie was a 13-foot-long alligator discovered in a flooded field near Hope in 1952. Captured and relocated to the Little Rock Zoo, he became a beloved attraction for 18 years, weighing over 500 pounds and drawing thousands of visitors. When Big Arkie died in 1970, his body was preserved through taxidermy, funded by community donations, and is now displayed at Arkansas State University’s Laboratory Sciences East building in Jonesboro.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Tiny Town – Hot Springs
This interactive model railroad and miniature town is located at 374 Whittington Avenue, just west of downtown Hot Springs. Tiny Town features handcrafted scenes from across America, with moving trains, tunnels and bridges. Visitors can even operate the trains themselves.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Pocahontas Meteor – Pocahontas
The Pocahontas Meteor believed to have crashed into the Black River in 1859 and later moved to the Randolph County Courthouse lawn, was a celebrated local landmark despite being identified by geologists as a regular rock, not a meteor. Though chipped away over time for souvenirs, it remains a cherished part of Pocahontas folklore and history, donated to the county in 1986 for Arkansas’s sesquicentennial.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
La Petite Roche – Little Rock
A small rock with a placard sits inside Sturgis Plaza in the River Market area of downtown Little Rock along the south bank of the Arkansas River. The rock was a portion of the larger section that served as a pier of a railroad bridge that crossed the Arkansas River. The rock was first noted by explorer Jean-Baptiste Benard de la Harpe in 1722, who called it “La Petite Roche.” The rock was a visible marker to early settlers for over 100 years.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Old Mill – North Little Rock
Located at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park in North Little Rock, the Old Mill is a reproduction mill built in the 1930s. It’s famous for appearing in the opening credits of Gone with the Wind. It’s a unique stop for film buffs and those seeking scenic beauty. It’s a popular wedding location and it’s also where my husband and I got engaged.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
NASCAR Museum – Batesville
The Mark Martin Museum in Batesville showcases the racing career of NASCAR legend Mark Martin, featuring a collection of his race cars, fire suits, helmets and trophies. Located at Mark’s Ford Dealer, it offers visitors a chance to explore memorabilia and video clips chronicling his impact on the sport.
Photo courtesy of Driven Towing & Recovery
Tow Truck Driver at Driven Towing & Recovery – Hot Springs
Outside Driven Towing & Recovery in Hot Springs stands a towering figure of a tow truck driver, adding a playful touch to the business’s exterior. It’s a fun photo opportunity, especially for kids fascinated by cars and trucks.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Swamp Monument at Louisiana Purchase State Park – Brinkley
The limestone monument at Louisiana Purchase State Park in Brinkley marks the starting point of the 1815 land survey that expanded the U.S. westward. The monument is typically surrounded by swampy waters and accessible by a boardwalk. This historic marker, surrounded by cypress trees, offers a glimpse into early American history and the challenges of surveying in such terrain.
Photo courtesy of Historical Marker Database
Human Dissection Monument – Little Rock
The Human Dissection Monument in Little Rock, located at MacArthur Park, honors the city’s medical history and the controversial practice of human dissection in the 19th century, commemorating early medical education. The simple stone marker is a somber reminder of the ethical debates surrounding medical advancements.
Funeral Museum – Newport
The Bob Jackson Memorial Museum of Funeral Services in Newport showcases the history of funeral practices, featuring vintage hearses, caskets and embalming tools, offering a unique look into the evolution of the funeral industry. The museum is open by appointment.
Photo courtesy of Historical Marker Database
Charles Lindbergh Monument – Lake Village
In 1923, Charles Lindbergh experienced trouble with his mail plane and landed it in a field near Lake Village. After making repairs, he took his host on a short moonlight flight through the area. This event marked Lindbergh’s first night flight.
Gravity Hill – Helena
Gravity Hill in Helena is an optical illusion where cars appear to roll uphill when parked at the base of a slope, defying gravity and delighting visitors. Located on a quiet road, it’s a quirky phenomenon that draws curious travelers looking for a bit of roadside magic.
Photo courtesy of All Aboard
Trains that Deliver Meals – All Aboard – Little Rock
At All Aboard Restaurant and Grill in Little Rock, model trains deliver meals to diners, running along tracks suspended above the tables, making it a unique dining experience. This family-friendly attraction combines good food with a fun, interactive twist, delighting kids and train enthusiasts alike. There is a second location in Benton.
Crystal Covered House – Cave City
Crystal River Cave Tours and Motel in Cave City is a great roadside attraction all around, but the crystal-covered house is pretty spectacular. Don’t expect a lot of sparkle because most of the geodes that have been spackled to the surface of the structure have never been cracked open. The effect is a cross between prehistoric and macabre. And don’t forget to schedule a cave tour before you visit.
Photo by Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0
Statue of Liberty – Paragould
A replica of the Statue of Liberty is standing atop the War Memorial at the Greene County Courthouse in Paragould. The memorial and statue were erected in 1921 to honor the 476 Greene County men who served in the U.S. military during World War I. The memorial also honors 40 men who died in service.
Natural Bridge – Clinton
The Natural Bridge in Clinton is a sandstone arch formation spanning 100 feet, formed by erosion and offering a scenic stop for nature enthusiasts. Located near the Little Red River, it’s a picturesque site for hiking and photography, showcasing Arkansas’s natural beauty.
Photo courtesy of Little Rock District, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
JFK Bust – Heber Springs
The JFK Bust in Heber Springs, located at the Greers Ferry Dam, commemorates President John F. Kennedy’s dedication of the dam in 1963. His visit to the dam was his last public appearance before his assassination.
Ruland Junction – Heber Springs
Ruland Junction in Heber Springs is a custom-built train depot turned miniature train museum. Filled to the brim with model trains and extensive city and town dioramas, it’s like a miniature world come to life. Children will love watching the train click around the tracks.
Check out these roadside attractions and these Northwest Arkansas Oddities.
Central and Eastern Arkansas’s roadside oddities have given our family unforgettable experiences, proving that the state’s most memorable moments often lie off the beaten path. Have you explored any of these quirky stops, or do you know of others we’ve missed? Share your favorite roadside finds in the comments, and let’s keep the adventure alive.
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