One of our absolute favorite things to do when we are out driving around is to find roadside oddities and attractions. We have been known to make many a U-turn while driving down the road. This page will be dedicated to any roadside attractions we have found in the state of Arkansas.
It will be a constant work in progress as we will add new oddities and attractions every time we find one. Make sure you check back often for new updates. Better Yet, subscribe to my site so you will be informed each time content is added. Don’t worry, no spam here. I only send out emails once a week, usually on Fridays. Subscribe Here
Christ of the Ozarks
Location: 937 Passion Play Rd
Region of State Located: Northwest
City: Eureka Springs
Google Maps Pin
Standing high on Magnetic Mountain overlooking Eureka Springs, the Christ of the Ozarks statue is one of the most recognizable landmarks in northern Arkansas, and one of the easiest to spot from a distance. Rising over 65 feet tall with arms outstretched, this massive white statue has been watching over the Ozarks since 1966. It was commissioned by Gerald L. K. Smith as part of a larger religious complex that includes the Great Passion Play and an outdoor amphitheater. Whether you arrive out of curiosity, faith, or simply because you saw something huge on the hillside and had to investigate, it’s hard not to be impressed by the scale of it all.
The statue sits on a well-maintained hilltop with walking paths, scenic overlooks, and peaceful grounds that invite visitors to slow down for a few minutes. From up here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and forests, making it a surprisingly relaxing stop. While the site has strong religious roots, it’s also a popular roadside attraction for travelers of all backgrounds. Part spiritual landmark, part photo opportunity, and part “Wow, that’s bigger than I expected” moment, Christ of the Ozarks is one of those places that sticks with you long after you’ve driven away.
1886 Crescent Hotel
Location: 75 Prospect Avenue
Region of State Located: Northwest
City: Eureka
Google Maps Pin
Perched high on a hill overlooking the charming town of Eureka Springs, the 1886 Crescent Hotel is often called “America’s Most Haunted Hotel”, which is either a major selling point or a fair warning, depending on how well you sleep at night. Built in, you guessed it, 1886, this grand Victorian-style hotel was originally designed as a luxury resort for wealthy travelers. Over the years, it’s worn many hats, including a conservatory for young women and later a “hospital” run by a not-so-legitimate doctor in the 1930s. Through fires, financial troubles, and changing times, the Crescent somehow managed to survive and remain one of Arkansas’s most famous landmarks.
Today, the hotel is best known for its long list of ghost stories and unexplained happenings. Guests and staff have reported seeing apparitions, hearing footsteps in empty hallways, and experiencing mysterious cold spots. Several spirits are said to linger, including former guests, nurses, and even the questionable “doctor” himself. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the nightly ghost tours and eerie atmosphere add to the fun. Even in daylight, the Crescent Hotel has a unique, slightly spooky charm that makes it worth visiting. Between the sweeping mountain views, historic architecture, and supernatural reputation, it’s one roadside stop you’re not likely to forget anytime soon.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
Location: 299 N. Main St
Region of State Located: Northwest
City: Eureka Springs
Google Maps Pin
The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway is proof that sometimes the best way to experience history is to sit down, relax, and let someone else do the driving, very slowly. Located just outside downtown Eureka Springs, this vintage railroad attraction lets visitors ride in restored passenger cars pulled by classic diesel locomotives. While the trains once played a major role in connecting this mountainous region to the rest of Arkansas, today they serve a much more important purpose: giving travelers a scenic, stress-free way to enjoy the Ozarks without worrying about winding roads and questionable GPS directions.
Before or after your ride, be sure to check out the outdoor train display area, where several older railcars and engines are on display. Visitors are welcome to climb aboard, explore the cars, and get a closer look at these retired workhorses of the railroad, making it feel a bit like a hands-on museum. During the main ride, you’ll roll past forests, hills, and quiet stretches of countryside while friendly conductors share stories about the area’s railroad past. The journey isn’t about speed or getting anywhere in a hurry, it’s about soaking in the views, learning a little history, and pretending for a moment that you’ve stepped back into a simpler time. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a casual tourist, or just someone who enjoys sitting down while sightseeing, the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway delivers a relaxed and surprisingly charming experience. It’s old-school travel at its finest, no seatbelts required, just curiosity and maybe a camera.
Hillbilly Glass Shack
Location: Corner Of 4 Way
Region of State Located: Northwest
City: Green Forest
Google Maps Pin
The Hillbilly Glass Shack in Green Forest, Arkansas, is one of those roadside stops that instantly makes you slow down and say, “Okay… now I’m curious.” Sitting at the corner of the local four-way intersection (use the Google Pin above for the exact location) , this rustic little shop looks like it was dropped there purely for the entertainment of passing travelers. With its quirky signs, handmade feel, and unmistakable Ozarks personality, it proudly embraces the “hillbilly” label and turns it into a badge of honor. Even before you step inside, it feels less like a store and more like a conversation starter.
When it’s open, the Glass Shack serves as a gift shop and glass-blowing-style souvenir stop, offering handmade items, local crafts, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes you won’t find in a big-box store. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit, which only added to the mystery, kind of like finding Bigfoot’s cabin but missing him by five minutes. Still, it’s worth pulling over to check out the building and signage, snap a few photos, and appreciate the creativity. Places like this are what make road trips memorable: unexpected, a little odd, and full of local character. Even if the door’s locked, the Hillbilly Glass Shack delivers exactly what roadside explorers are looking for, something different. There is no website for this store but I found a Facebook page. Hillbilly Glass Shack