Arkansas tourism officials unveil ‘haunted’ Web site

Editor’s note: The following story was submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Only minor changes were made for use on The City Wire.

story by Kerry Kraus, travel writer for Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

If you have nerves of steel, explore the new “Haunted Arkansas” Web section — unveiled just in time for Halloween!

“Ghost Tourism is a fun and exciting niche that Arkansas is proud to explore. Arkansas has many unique stories and locations that provide mystery and thrill to vacationers, said Dena Woerner, communications manager for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. “This site provides one location to find places, stories, and fun fall events around the state.”

While not an exhaustive list, many said to be haunted places and legends are found in the Web site. Highlighted are haunted places in Arkansas, featuring Arkansas ghost towns, haunted houses, ghost tours, legendary monsters and eerie lights.

Ghost sightings have been reported in many Arkansas public buildings. Guests and staff of the 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs have reported seeing apparitions many times over the years. The 1905 Basin Park, sister hotel to the Crescent, is also reportedly haunted. Both hotels offer daily ghost tours.

Forrest City’s 1906 Rush-Gates House has had its share of paranormal occurrences. Now the St. Francis County Museum, it hosts “A Night at the Museum” periodic tours. Monticello’s Allen House is an impressive 1906 structure with its own frightening tales. Bestandworst.com calls the home the “Most Haunted House in America.” The owners of this private residence offer tours by appointment year-round and special events in October.

Gurdon and Crossett are famous for legends about mysterious lights — tales about railroad workers who were beheaded while working the rails. Witnesses claim the spirits use lanterns to search for their severed appendages.

The historic King Opera House in Van Buren has been adopted by the ghost of a young actor who was killed at the train depot a few blocks away. According to experts, “ghosts have a tendency to drift back to what anchored them to earth.” Group tours are offered by appointment.

Calico Rock offers the unique opportunity to visit the only ghost town, Peppersauce Bottom, located within a living community. Don’t miss what may be the best-known Arkansas ghost town, the old zinc mining town of Rush on the Buffalo National River.

Try spotting the White River Creature and Fouke Monster, celebrated in Arkansas folklore. The White River Creature has been described as “a gigantic sea serpent-like beast.” The Fouke Monster has been depicted as “a hairy, ape-like creature that haunts the swampy river bottoms in Miller County.”