Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
UNIQUE STAYS
Travelers can rest their heads at out-of-the-box locations
Adventurous folks can find more than typical hotels in Arkansas. From a former nuclear missile base turned into a bed-and-breakfast to castles, tree houses, yurts and even old jailhouses, The Natural State offers several unusual places to spend the night. Here are just a few interesting locations to hit the hay.
87GETAWAY TREEHOUSES AND CABINS
Visitors can unleash their inner child at 87Getaway Treehouses and Cabins in
Mountain View, which offers unique tree houses, cabins and a rustic roadhouse. The surrounding woods offer plenty of privacy and natural scenery to visitors, who can spend evenings relaxing outside and observing wildlife after a day of music, history and art in downtown Mountain View. Learn more at 87getaway.com.
BECKHAM CREEK CAVE LODGE
Situated in a natural cavern within a bluff in the Ozark Mountains, Beckham Creek Cave Lodge in Parthenon provides luxurious accommodations in a rugged
environment. The four-bedroom, four-bath vacation home includes a honeymoon suite that has a round queen bed nestled in naturally formed stalactites; a living room that has a natural rock-formation waterfall; and modern amenities such as a gourmet kitchen, a smart TV and Wi-Fi. The cave is 12 miles from the Buffalo National River, and visitors can participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and kayaking. Learn more at beckhamcave.com.
DIAMONDS OLD WEST HOTEL/CABINS
What better way to spend the night after digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park than by hanging your hat at Diamonds Old West Hotel/Cabins in Murfreesboro? Situated on 40 acres in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, the facility takes visitors back in time to a frontier town. Co-owner Misty Wilson said there are plenty of local attractions, but guests can also have fun without leaving the establishment.
“We have been called an adventure in itself because there’s so much to do on our property from all of our activities.
Each room is themed, so it’s a oncein-a-lifetime experience,” she said. “We find that people don’t need electronics, nor do they want them. It gets them back to the basics of spending quality time with their family in a safe environment.”
She added that the facility has plenty of games and activities for children and offers sensory amusements that are especially appealing to children with special needs. The facility also provides bonuses such as jetted tubs and massage beds for couples. Learn more at diamondscabins.com.
EUREKA SPRINGS TREEHOUSES, CAVES, CASTLES & HOBBITS
Fantasy fans can count on an enchanting experience at Eureka Springs Treehouses, Caves, Castles & Hobbits. Situated near plentiful outdoor activities and unique attractions in Eureka Springs, the facility provides a selection of tree houses — including some that look like castles — as well as grottos and caverns. Those who love Harry Potter should be sure to check out the Hogsveil Cottages, and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien might enjoy the Hobbit houses.
“We wanted to build a different type of place to stay, where people could come and get away from it all and have
a unique, magical experience,” said Dawn Harden, owner. “Growing up by Disneyland, I loved all the magical parts of being there and wanted to build a little magical place for people to enjoy.”
The facility does not provide tours to the public. Learn more at estreehouses.com.
JAILHOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST
It would be criminal for anyone interested in history to miss out on a stay at the Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast at Historic Washington State Park. The original 1873 jail — a one-story structure with four cells — was replaced in 1918 by the two-story, six-cell jail that became the bed-and-breakfast. After touring the state park, visitors can spend the night resting where criminals once slept. The park chronicles an important stop on the Southwest Trail and offers the state’s largest collection of 19th-century buildings, including a courthouse, a blacksmith shop, a weapons museum, a print museum and the Williams Tavern Restaurant. Learn more at arkansasstateparks.com/articles/jailhouse-bed-and-breakfast-historicwashington-state-park. arkansasstateparks.com/articles/ jailhouse- bed- and- breakfast- historicwashington-state-park.
TITAN RANCH
History buffs can have a blast when they stay at Titan Ranch in Vilonia,
which is situated in a decommissioned Titan II Missile Complex, which housed the country’s largest intercontinental ballistic missiles from 1962 until about 1985. GT Hill purchased the Vilonia complex in 2010, and the structure is now available as an Airbnb, as well as a destination for private parties and corporate events. Visitors can also learn about Cold War history by touring the launch control center, blast lock and cableway. Learn more at titanranch.com.
YURTS
In addition to lodges, cabins and primitive campsites, many Arkansas State Parks offer Year-round Universal Recreational Tents, or YURTs. The round, high-walled structures are ideal for those who are new to camping but would like to experience a night under the stars. The structures provide electricity, wood floors, windows, furnishings, an outdoor fire-pit area and a door that locks. Visitors can rent a YURT at DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Bismarck, Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Springs, Lake Charles State Park in Powhatan, Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton and Daisy State Park in Kirby. Learn more at arkansasstateparks.com/ articles/tour-yurt.