12 Ghost Towns In Arkansas [MAP]
Last Updated on August 26, 2022 by Urbex Underground
If you’re searching for ghost towns in Arkansas, we’ve got you covered! Below are 11 different ghost towns you can explore across Arkansas along with their status and exact GPS coordinates.
We rate ghost towns in Arkansas based on their status. Here’s how our system works:
- Abandoned: Is abandoned with ruins and structures in a decayed state. Great for urban explorers.
- Historic: Preservation efforts have been made and sometimes plaques installed. Great for everyone.
- Barren: Almost nothing remains of the town. Ideal for metal detectorists.
- Commercial: Is commercially owned with amenities, restaurants, and stores. Great for families.
- Semi-Abandoned: Abandoned areas with a small population in the area.
- Privately Owned: Tours might be available but not open to the general public.
History:
Kicking off our list of ghost towns in Arkansas is Bruno. The town was established in 1885 and never grew to become a large boom town like many other ghost towns. Not much is documented online, but we believe the town was abandoned sometime around the 1950s.
What’s Left?
Today the post office and old cemetery. Fun fact, the cemetery had to be moved due to extreme flooding caused by a three-day long storm!
2. Eros
36.18123, -92.84941
Status: Abandoned
History:
The community was once the site of the Daily Lumber Company and a post office. In 1887, the town was called Melon, presumably after what they grew a lot of. The town was later renamed Eros.
What’s Left?
In Eros, you can visit a school building, cemetery, and general store. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the best ghost towns in Arkansas for casual exploration.
3. Moscow
34.14648, -91.79513
Status: Abandoned
History:
The ghost town of Moscow is a small unincorporated community in Jefferson County, Arkansas. It is located near the intersection of U.S. Route 65 and Arkansas Highway 199, approximately 13 miles east of Pine Bluff. Originally, Moscow was known as Mount Tabor, and the town consisted of a church and a few other buildings.
What’s Left?
Today, the only buildings in the town remain are the church and old cemetery. While there are certainly more fascinating ghost towns in Arkansas, Moscow definitely stands out for its unique name.
4. Mount Tabor
34.70759, -93.33796
Status: Abandoned
History:
Before the community was abandoned, Mount Tabor was a busy farming community. It had a church and other buildings. The quaint farming town thrived throughout the early 1900s but slowly declined as people moved to larger towns with railroad access.
What’s Left?
The only remaining structure is a church that was built in 1932. Today, no one lives in the town. However, you can still visit the ruins of this former farming community.
5. Rush
36.13256, -92.57106
Status: Historic
History:
When you think of a ghost town, you may think of an old mining town that has long since closed its doors. That’s exactly what the town of Rush once was. Once the second largest city in the state, Rush stands near ruin in the Ozark Mountains.
As the market for goods shriveled, mining towns do not last long. While the demise of this town has nothing to do with natural disasters, the sadness is palpable. Over the years, residents slowly left in search of better fortunes.
What’s Left?
Today, Rush is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Arkansas.
6. Calico Rock
36.11717, -92.14212
Status: Abandoned
History:
Calico Rock was established in the early 1900s, and was one of many boomtowns of its time. The town quickly grew, and along with its growth gain a reputation for being a rough and tumble town. The town was primarily built around the cotton industry, and when demand for cotton fell, so did the population of Calico Rock.
What’s Left?
Today the ruins of old Calico Rock can still be found near the river and in the local museum nearby. The town has grown over the years mostly away from the river banks due to historic flooding.
7. Monte Ne
36.28635, -94.06919
Status: Abandoned
History:
The history of Monte Ne is fascinating. It was a community in the Ozarks, located in the White River valley east of Rogers on the shore of Beaver Lake. The town was developed as a health resort and ambitious planned community.
Monte Ne was planned as a health resort in the Ozark Mountains, but its development came to an abrupt end after the town was dammed in 1960.
What’s Left?
Today, much of the community is underwater. However, Monte Ne did have some potential, and it is now an excellent fishing town. Explorers can still explore the ruins of the amphitheater and take in the riverfront views.
8. Graysonia
34.12704, -93.4399
Status: Barren
History:
The town’s economic downfall began during the Great Depression, with the lumber company’s “cut and move” mentality. As the economy crumbled, it became more difficult for local businesses to survive. After the Great Depression struck, the lumber company decided to move operations to more profitable regions.
In 1931, the town’s mill remained open, but the mill closed after only a few years. The lumber company tried to stay in Graysonia during the depression, but they were unsuccessful and were forced to close the mill in 1931. By 1951, the last resident moved away. Now, the only things left of Graysonia are its foundations.
What’s Left?
Graysonia is one of the most isolated ghost towns in Arkansas situated on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere, halfway between the cities of Alpine and Arkadelphia.
9. Sneed
35.87285, -91.11401
Status: Barren
History:
If you are looking for an eerie and intriguing place to visit on a day trip from Little Rock, consider checking out Sneed. It was left in ruins by a tornado in 1929, which destroyed the entire town and forced the residents to flee to safety.
What’s Left?
The only remnants of Steed left are a few sparse ruins and an old cemetery located right off Jackon City road.
10. Arkansas Post
34.02371, -91.34373
Status: Historic
History:
Arkansas Post was established in the mid-1800s and was one of the first European settlements along the Mississippi River. The town was primarily a trading post but was under a barrage of attacks from the natives. It was almost the capital of Arkansas in 1819 but was looked over in favor for Little Rock.
What’s Left?
Today there are a few historic markers, an old canon, and a few ruins scattered around the area.
11. Bolding
33.08373, -92.2293
Status: Semi-Abandoned
History:
Bolding was once a small farming community but slowly declined due to improved railways and the widespread use of the automobile.
What’s Left?
Urban explorers can find a few concrete ruins amongst the sprawling farmland that has taken over the town.
Go out and explore!
That concludes our list of ghost towns in Arkansas but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to find. Take the back roads, follow train tracks, and find some places for yourself. There are plenty of places I kept off this list so get out there and explore.
If you’re having trouble finding ghost towns be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Abandoned Places, or explore other ghost towns across the country.
