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Northwest Arkansas is a stunning region, where the Ozark Mountains create a breathtaking backdrop and draw tourists to iconic spots like Beaver Lake, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the charming towns of Eureka Springs and Fayetteville. While locals and tourists alike love these destinations, our family—especially our 8-year-old son, who’s obsessed with all things weird and unique—has been on a mission to uncover the state’s quirkiest roadside attractions, from climbing on giant dinosaurs to snapping photos next to oversized BB guns, prioritizing oddball adventures over traditional museum visits.
A few years ago, author Kimberly Mitchell shared some of her favorite Arkansas Roadside Attractions. It’s an extensive list, so you might be surprised to know that there are more! Check out these Northwest Arkansas Oddities and Roadside Attractions and add them to your bucket list.
Public Domain
Giant Razorback – Berryville
This supersized replica of a Razorback was originally built as a parade float but now sits along Highway 62 in Berryville. He’s looking a little rundown nowadays, but he’s always fun sighting for Hog fans.
Photo courtesy of Quigley’s Castle
Quigley’s Castle – Eureka Springs
Known as the “Ozarks’ strangest dwelling,” Quigley’s Castle is the product of Elise Quigley’s vision. The home is covered in rocks collected by Quigley who became fascinated with rocks at a young age and collected them from all over the world. The property features garden paths and a lily pond. The property is still managed by the Quigley family and the descendants of Elise Quigley.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Beaver Bridge (Little Golden Gate) – Beaver
Known as the Little Golden Gate Bridge due to its design similarities with San Francisco’s iconic bridge, the Beaver Bridge is a historic suspension bridge spanning 554 feet across the White River, though it is only 11 feet wide. It serves as a vital link for Highway 187 traffic, connecting to the small town of Beaver. This cherished landmark, featured in the film Elizabethtown, is also a favorite spot for motorcyclists enjoying the fall foliage.
Photo courtesy of Kristi Thurmon.
Giant Budweiser Can – Lavaca
Located on Belle Pointe Ranch near Lavaca is a giant silo painted to resemble a large Budweiser can. The owner was an Angus cattle breeder and beer distributor who had a passion for Budweiser. The painted label claims it holds 8,734,902 fluid ounces of “brew”, enough to fill eight swimming pools. The silo is located on private property but is visible from the road.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Giant BB Gun | Daisy Airgun Museum – Rogers
The World’s Largest Daisy BB Gun, a 25-foot-tall replica of the iconic Red Ryder, stands outside the Daisy Airgun Museum in Rogers, Arkansas, installed in January 2021. Its aluminum frame is weighted with 180 pounds of BBs and if it could fire, the BBs would be nearly the size of ping-pong balls, making it a unique roadside attraction.
Arkansas Grand Canyon – Jasper
While not a man-made attraction, this scenic overlook along Scenic Byway 7 in Jasper is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Ozarks.” It’s a breathtaking stop with panoramic views, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Photo courtesy of the City of Mountainburg.
Dinosaur Park – Mountainburg
There isn’t a single dinosaur-loving kid (or grownup) that wouldn’t get excited about visiting Dinosaur Park in Mountainburg. The park features several large dinosaur sculptures that are designed to be climbed on.
Photo courtesy of Fort Smith Trolley Museum.
Trolley Cats – Fort Smith
The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is home to several resident cats, known as the “trolley cats,” including favorites like Narrow Gauge and Uncle Pete, who have become beloved fixtures among visitors. These friendly felines, often seen roaming the museum grounds, add a unique charm to the experience, though their presence has been noted to contribute to a distinct cat odor in the museum.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Gallows at Fort Smith National Historic Site – Fort Smith
While more historical than quirky, the reconstructed gallows at the Fort Smith National Historic Site are a somber reminder of the “Hanging Judge” Isaac Parker’s era. It’s a unique stop for history buffs interested in the Wild West.
Photo courtesy of Hormel Foods.
Mr. Peanut Statue – Fort Smith
The Mr. Peanut Statue in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a 30-foot-tall sheet steel figure standing outside the Planters Company plant, restored in 1990 after being moved from another location. Accompanied by smaller Mr. Peanut figures at the entrance, it serves as a quirky landmark and photo opportunity, though the plant does not offer tours.
World’s Largest Christmas Pickle – Fort Smith
The World’s Largest Christmas Pickle, standing 14 feet tall and topped with a festive Santa hat, is a quirky holiday attraction located outside Christmas Winter Wonderland in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This oversized replica celebrates the German American tradition of hiding a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree, where the finder receives good fortune or a reward, making it a unique photo opportunity for visitors.
Telephone Booth – Prairie Grove
The Prairie Grove Airlight Outdoor Telephone Booth was installed around 1960 by the Prairie Grove Telephone Company. The aluminum-and-glass pay phone booth still stands today at the southwest corner of East Douglas and Parker Streets. It’s notable for being the first phone booth listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
Hand Cut Hollow Hatchet – Bentonville
The Hatchet Sculpture at Hand Cut Hollow in Bentonville, Arkansas, is a striking 1,300-pound artwork by Jamie Vaide, featuring a 15-foot log handle and a steel blade mounted on a concrete base. Located within the technical hand-built trails of Hand Cut Hollow, it serves as a unique landmark for mountain bikers and visitors exploring the area’s backcountry-style trail system.
Berlin Wall Section – Eureka Springs
A 10-foot section of the Berlin Wall, recovered from East Germany, is displayed near the Christ of the Ozarks on the grounds of The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs. Etched with Psalm 23 by East Berliners during Communist imprisonment, this historic remnant offers visitors a poignant connection to Cold War history.
Photo courtesy of Neon Moon.
Amaris the Alien – Mountainburg
Amaris the Alien is a 10-foot-tall mixed-metal sculpture standing outside Neon Moon, a roadside café in Mountainburg, known for its charbroiled burgers and fresh-cut fries. This quirky landmark adds a playful, extraterrestrial vibe to the dining experience. Don’t forget to try the Alien Burger. There is a smaller alien and a light-up spaceship on the roof of the restaurant.
Gone But Not Forgotten
The allure of roadside attractions often lies in their “off the beaten path” charm, tucked away from main routes and frequently situated on private property, where they’re maintained by passionate individuals. This personal management, while adding to their unique appeal, means they can be relocated or closed unexpectedly, leaving even the most cherished sites—like those we’ve loved and lost—fondly remembered but no longer accessible.
Photo courtesy of Obscurest Tourist.
Dinosaur World – Outside Eureka Springs
Dinosaur World was a 65-acre theme park outside of Eureka Springs that featured hundreds of life-sized replicas of dinosaurs, cavemen and other prehistoric creatures. The park closed in 2005 and is now privately owned.
Ozark Medieval Fortress – Lead Hill
The Ozark Medieval Fortress was an ambitious project in Lead Hill to construct an authentic 13th-century French castle using medieval building techniques. The castle opened in 2010, inviting visitors to watch the progress of the castle and visit a variety of exhibits about medieval France. Although it was popular and pegged to become a top attraction, financial struggles forced its closure in 2012, leaving the incomplete structure abandoned in the Ozark woods. Remnants of the castle remain, but it is located on private property and is inaccessible to the public.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Humpty Dumpty – Eureka Springs
The Humpty Dumpty statue in Eureka Springs, a 500-pound oak sculpture, once sat atop a limestone wall at Main and Spring Streets, delighting visitors with its whimsical presence in the historic downtown district. Sadly, it was removed in 2021 due to termite damage, but there are plans to replace it, keeping the quirky charm of this Ozark town alive.
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