The 5 Most Haunted Places In Arkansas

In addition to its delicious soul food and apparent hospitality, the South can be home to some spooky things. Due to its long history that includes some tragic events such as the Civil War, the region is known for having some haunted locations. For instance, southern states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and even Louisiana are heralded for their supernatural activity.

Well, you’re in luck. Today, we will discuss the most haunted places in Arkansas, describing what types of haunting events occur, and if you’re able to go see them for yourself!

Why Are Haunted Places So Alluring?

So why are people so drawn to scary things? It may seem like an odd question, but when you think about it, it is rather strange that people love being scared so much.

One explanation for why people like going to haunted places is that it gives them an adrenaline rush. In most cases, haunted places are safe, because they are usually run by tour companies or on protected land. This allows people to get a safe space, which can be invigorating and exciting.

In addition to getting simple chills and thrills, getting scared at a haunted location can also be a cathartic experience. Letting yourself get scared and get rid of some energy can be stress-relieving, even if it sounds counterintuitive.

Lastly, a lot of people are simply interested in haunted locations due to their interest in the supernatural. As a hobby, ghost hunting has become more and more popular throughout the years, which makes exploring haunted places an increasingly common event.

The Crescent Hotel – Eureka Springs

The Crescent Hotel is one of the most popular haunted places in Arkansas. In addition to its spiritual activity, it still acts as a functioning hotel, spa, and event location. The hotel boasts its hauntings and advertises them as an attraction. Throughout the year, there are various ghost-hunting events held around the grounds, which are extremely popular amongst tourists and locals alike!

The hotel’s strange history supposedly began when it was built. During construction, a worker fell to his untimely death. It is said that he now resides in the famed room 218, where he can be heard yelling and reaching through the mirror.

In addition to this specter, many people claim to see figures wearing Victorian-era garments wandering the halls. Interestingly, the hotel was also used as a cancer hospital in its early years. About this, some guests have seen a man dressed in a doctor’s uniform, wheeling through the halls with a medical gurney.

The King Opera House – Van Buren

The King Opera House is another location known for its rich history. In its early years, the building was used as a restaurant and newspaper printing location. Soon after, it eventually began to be used to host artistic shows, including vaudeville acts, and eventually moving pictures. In the present, the theater still runs and can actually be rented out for large events such as weddings and concerts.

According to some, there was a time when an actor from the opera house fell madly in love with a local doctor’s daughter. After hearing about their plans to elope and run away, the doctor made devilish plans. In the dark of the night, he lured the actor to the port where the young couple was supposed to meet and he beat them to death.

Regardless of whether this local tale is true, workers and visitors of the opera house claim to see a man wearing old-time clothes and a top hat. In addition to his apparition, some even claim that he regularly turns the house lights on and off!

Eureka Springs Cemetery Tours – Eureka Springs

When you think of haunted places, cemeteries are probably one of the first places to come to mind. In Eureka Springs, you would be extremely correct with this idea! Some of the places on the Eureka Springs Cemetery Tours are claimed to be some of the most haunted places in Arkansas!

In fact, the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce understands the allure of its haunted charm, hosting regular spirit tours throughout the city and its various haunted locations. Of these locations, the City Cemetery is the most popular!

In comparison to some of the other haunted locations on this list, these tours are extremely organized and regular, meaning that you are sure to get a lively experience regardless of whether you see any spirits or not. Additionally, the tours combine mystery and intrigue with real-life history, which is always a treat.

The Allen House – Monticello

Like most haunted locations, the Allen House centers around a simple building that holds a lot of history!

The story of the Allen house begins with the Allen family on Christmas in 1948. In a bout of true mystery, one of the Allen children took their own life with cyanide. After the tragic incident, the room was supposedly sealed off for around 40 years!

After the whole family passed away, the house was divided and later used for apartments. Not long after this string of events, supernatural activity began.

Now on rare occasions, the house is regularly opened for public tours near Halloween so that everyone can get their fair share of fun and fright.

Crossett Lights – 425 Ashley Rd., Crossett

Just outside of Crosset County, Arkansas, there lay old railroad tracks from time gone by. Local legend differs depending on who you talk to. Some claim that spiritual activity is due to the death of a railway worker during construction. Others claim that it is caused by the deaths of passengers on a runaway train.

Regardless of its true origins, the railroad in Crossett experiences disembodied lights that float in the night. Depending on the account, the lights are a faint yellow or white color that floats roughly at eye level. According to legend, the train tracks have been credited as one of the most haunted places in Arkansas.

People claim that the lights slowly float through the night. Supposedly, when someone gets close to them, they fade away and reappear off into the distance.