Arkansas
Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

This Roadside Attraction In Arkansas Is The Most Unique Thing You’ve Ever Seen

The Natural Bridge of Arkansas offers a unique roadside attraction featuring a historic log cabin, a moonshiner's cabin, and a stunning sandstone bridge.

Updated Feb 16, 2023

Written by 

J.B. VanDyke

Cabins, moonshine, and an enormous sandstone arch...if that isn’t a combination worth exploring, I don’t know what is. At the Natural Bridge of Arkansas, you’re going to find more than just an enormous natural bridge. From a moonshiner's cabin to an impressive geological wonder, this natural wonder in Arkansas is a roadside attraction unlike any other.

You'll start off at this natural wonder in Arkansas by entering through a log cabin that was built in 1871.

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Tripadvisor/RushCubFan

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that this roadside attraction in Arkansas is super neat. In fact, even the fireplace is charming.

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Tripadvisor/Michelle L.

You’re going to experience the natural bridge by walking down a lovely trail. There’s a second 19th-century cabin fairly close to the first.

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The second cabin looks like what it used to be—a former haven for moonshiners.

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There’s even a wagon from the era along the trail.

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Tripadvisor/Upzeedaisy

You’ll have a ball exploring the natural beauty on the hike that will lead you to the Natural Bridge of Arkansas.

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Tripadvisor/jewelianne1

This roadside attraction in Arkansas is an incredible wonder of geology, and you can see that from a distance.

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At 120 feet long and 12 feet off the ground, the solid sandstone bridge is unlike most other natural bridges, making it a true natural wonder in Arkansas.

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Most natural bridges are arch bridges, but the Natural Bridge of Arkansas is a compression bridge, buttressed by two enormous stones at either end.

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Tripadvisor/Michelle L.

There is an admission fee to see this attraction, but this roadside attraction in Arkansas is well worth it.

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Flickr/Jason Schultz

The trails are gorgeous, the cabins are cool, and the natural bridge is absolutely stunning.

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Head to the website for the Natural Bridge of Arkansas for the most up-to-date information about visiting.

Have you ever been here? What is your favorite roadside attraction in Arkansas? Tell us in the comments!

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Looking for more strange places to stop? Check out these roadside attractions in Arkansas.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

The Incredible Church In Arkansas That Has Been Left In Ruins

Published Mar 28, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

If you've driven through Helena at the corner of York and Columbia Street, chances are you've seen the Centennial Baptist Church. This gorgeous church was once a prominent place for community members to gather and worship. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, this church is now in ruins. However, the legacy of this abandoned church in Arkansas still lives on. Here at OIYS, we love to cover historical places and tell the stories of Arkansas' rich history.

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Built in 1905, the Centennial Baptist Church is a gorgeous Gothic-style Revival that reflects architectural excellence. The brainchild of Henry James Price, a church parishioner, it's the only building in Arkansas designed by an African American architect.

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Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Starting in 1879, with the leadership of renowned Pastor Elias Camp Morris, this historical church became a prominent place for the community to worship. As pastor, Morris grew the congregation to more than 1,000 members and remained pastor until his death in 1922.

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Dave Wilson/Google

Eventually, it became the headquarters for the National Baptist Convention, USA, which was an organization established by Morris.

The church was eventually abandoned in 2003, and in 2020, tornados passed through the area and as you can see, a big chunk of the church suffered significant damages. Of course, this didn't help with chances of restoration.

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Courtvonderhaas, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

While efforts were being made to preserve the structure, the storm was a major setback. No repairs have been done since, so the church still sits with the gaping hole and left in ruins.

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Dave Wilson/Google

It's sad to see this legendary church in the state that it's in. Thankfully, due to its significance, it was placed on the National Historical Places in 1987 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003.

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Dave Wilson/Google

Over the years, nature has reclaimed the space. But I find something quite beautiful seeing this Gothic building adorned with the growing vines.

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The next time you find yourself driving through Helena, be sure to stop by this abandoned church and think about its rich history and the incredible legacy it has left behind.

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Did you know about this abandoned church in Arkansas? If so, share with us what you know. Learn more about Centennial Baptist Church by visiting the Preserve Arkansas website.

Love to explore abandoned places? Here's a road trip featuring some more abandoned places in Arkansas.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/abandoned-ar-road-trip/

Or check out this website with some historical places in Arkansas that are worth visiting.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

Crossing This 150-Year-Old Bridge In Arkansas Is Like Walking Through History

Published Feb 1, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

As the oldest remaining iron bowstring truss bridge in Arkansas, you can only imagine the amount of history tied to the Springfield-Des Arc Bridge. Built in 1874 to link Springfield to the steamboat hub of Des Arc, this 150-year-old relic has stood the test of time. And after flooding, fires, vandalism, and more, this bridge has lived on to tell its story. Let’s head to Beaverfork Park Lake in Conway to stroll across this historic bridge in Arkansas.

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From a distance, this well constructed arch bridge sitting over Lake Beaverfork looks pretty normal. But what you may not know is that this bridge is the oldest of its kind in Arkansas.

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Johnny Hooper, GRI/Google

Originally built in 1874 over Cadron Creek in Faulkner-Conway County, the Springfield-Des Arc Bridge has experienced a lot throughout its 150+year history.

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Taft, Louise T.Related names:King, ZenasKing Bridge Manufactory and Iron WorksPreston, George B, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The bridge was constructed to connect Springfield to the steamboat port on the White River. So, of course, it became a popular route for folks traveling in the area.

However, from the time it was constructed until 1982, the bridge was damaged by extreme flooding. Attempts were made to save the bridge, and it was even added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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Valis55, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Shortly after restoration efforts were made in 1991, the bridge began to decay and was eventually vandalized with graffiti and fires. Luckily, in 2011, Faulkner County Historical Society and Workin' Bridges of Grinnell Iowa coordinated efforts for a final rescue of this significant bridge.

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It was restored and relocated to Beaverfork Lake Park in Conway, where it is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

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Conway, Arkansas, City of Colleges/Facebook

Today, fully renovated and used only for pedestrian traffic, this historic bridge has a lot of life left in it. And if you ask us, it's worth a visit.

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So, plan a day trip to Beaverfork Lake Park, where you can enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming, and more. And while you're there, stroll across this timeless relic and read about its tumultuous but fascinating history.

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Tammie Hunn/Google

The Springfield-Des Arc Bridge is truly one of Arkansas’ treasured gems.

So, what do you think about this historic bridge in Arkansas? Have you had a chance to stroll across this 150-year-old relic? If so, tell us about it in the comments below.

And if you plan a trip to see the bridge, we found a great hotel in Conway that's less than 10 minutes away from the park.

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