If you follow Somewhere in Arkansas on social media, then you know that we spend a lot of time traveling around the state and staying at some of its most interesting and unusual properties.
We have slept in treehouses, safari tents, geodesic domes, A-frames, a houseboat and even an underground missile complex. We have also discovered properties with fascinating architecture, imaginative décor and settings that make the stay feel like part of the adventure.
Many of the places on this list are properties we have stayed in ourselves. We have visited or toured a few others, and there are a handful that are simply too unusual to leave off, even though we haven’t had the opportunity to stay there yet.
These are places that offer something genuinely different, whether that is unusual architecture, an unexpected history, a one-of-a-kind setting or an experience you probably won’t find at an ordinary hotel.
From a luxury tent and a floating house to an E. Fay Jones-designed cottage and a lodge built inside a natural cave, here are some of the most unique places to stay in Arkansas.
Compare the Most Unique Places to Stay in Arkansas
From an underground missile complex and a natural cave to luxury treehouses, historic hotels and a floating house, these unusual Arkansas accommodations offer very different experiences. Use this table to find the unique stay that best fits your trip.
| Property | Location | Type of Stay | What Makes It Unique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titan Ranch | Vilonia | Underground home | A former Titan II nuclear missile complex with a theater and private historical tour |
| Beckham Creek Cave Lodge | Parthenon | Cave lodge | A luxurious 5,800-square-foot lodge built inside a living Ozark cave |
| The Covey Tents | Hot Springs | Luxury safari tent | A true tent with a soaking tub, hot tub, heated outdoor shower and upscale amenities |
| 1886 Crescent Hotel | Eureka Springs | Historic hotel | A grand mountaintop hotel with a fascinating and famously haunted history |
| Planetarium Treehouse | Springdale | Treehouse | A stargazing retreat with an observatory tower, telescopes and dome ceiling |
| Hotel Hale | Hot Springs | Historic boutique hotel | A former Bathhouse Row bathhouse with thermal mineral water piped into each room |
| Little House on the River | North Little Rock | Houseboat | A floating home on the Arkansas River with views of the Little Rock skyline |
| Stoneflower Cottage | Heber Springs | Architect-designed cottage | An E. Fay Jones-designed retreat that feels like a combination of a cave and treehouse |
| Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast | Washington | Historic bed-and-breakfast | Eight renovated guest rooms inside a former jailhouse at Historic Washington State Park |
| In the Trees Resort | Hot Springs | Modern treehouse resort | Striking contemporary architecture, forest views and luxurious amenities |
| Ouachita Wilde | Mena | Safari tent | A boho-style tent retreat with mountain views, firepits and outdoor movies beneath the stars |
| Bentonville Underground | Bentonville | Underground vacation home | A partially underground home with a hidden 1920s-style speakeasy |
| White Tail and Pine | Fayetteville | Treehouse | A luxury treehouse suspended above Goose Creek between two centuries-old oak trees |
| YesterDaze | Heber Springs | Mid-century-modern home | Retro architecture and décor plus a swimming pool with an underwater viewing window |
| Starlight Haven | Hot Springs | Treehouses, domes and tents | A wooded resort offering several unusual lodging styles beside a bubbling creek |
Our Picks for the Most Unique Places to Stay in Arkansas
Titan Ranch (Vilonia, Arkansas)
Titan Ranch may be one of the most interesting and unusual places to stay in Arkansas.
This former Titan II nuclear missile complex has been converted into a 3,500-square-foot underground home complete with a luxurious primary bedroom and bathroom, a full kitchen, a theater and living room, and additional multipurpose spaces.
We brought friends with us when we stayed at Titan Ranch and had a fun movie-and-popcorn night in the theater room. It was definitely not an ordinary weekend getaway!
A private tour of the missile complex is included with an overnight stay. During the tour, you will learn about the history of the Titan II missile program, how the facility once operated and the enormous project involved in transforming it into a place where guests can stay.
Titan Ranch is more than simply a place to sleep. It is an experience unlike any other in Arkansas.
Beckham Creek Cave Lodge (Parthenon, Arkansas)
Although we have never had the opportunity to stay here, no list of unique places to stay in Arkansas would be complete without Beckham Creek Cave Lodge.
You may have seen this incredible property featured on Netflix or HGTV. It has also appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure and Garden & Gun.
Beckham Creek Cave Lodge is built inside a living cave in beautiful Newton County in the Arkansas Ozarks.
It is not cave-themed, y’all. It is literally inside a cave! There is even a natural, spring-fed waterfall trickling through the living room.
The massive 5,800-square-foot lodge has four bedrooms and accommodates up to eight guests. Every reservation includes the entire lodge as well as access to the surrounding 256 private acres.
Between the natural cave walls, luxurious interior, indoor waterfall and secluded Ozark setting, Beckham Creek is unquestionably one of the most unusual places to stay in Arkansas.
The Covey Tents (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
When you stay at The Covey Tents, you will find yourself immersed in luxury. This is unlike any tent you could possibly imagine.
The beautiful safari-style tent is completely insulated, heated and cooled, allowing guests to enjoy the experience of sleeping in a real tent without giving up comfort.
Some of the most decadent ways to relax include soaking in the large hot tub, enjoying the views from the deck, rinsing off beneath the heated outdoor shower or stretching out beneath luxurious bedding on the king-size bed.
There is so much more, including an indoor soaking tub, cozy robes, a fully stocked pond and a pizza oven with complimentary pizza fixings.
I was continually surprised and impressed by this tent during our stay. Every time I thought we had discovered all of the special details, we found something else.
1886 Crescent Hotel (Eureka Springs, Arkansas)
You don’t have to stay in a tent, treehouse or cave to have a truly unusual overnight experience in Arkansas.
Perched high above Eureka Springs, the 1886 Crescent Hotel combines grand historic architecture with one of the strangest, most fascinating and, honestly, creepiest histories of any hotel in the state.
Over the years, the building has served as a luxury resort, a women’s college and a hospital operated by notorious con man Norman Baker. Today, guests can stay in the historic hotel, take a nighttime ghost tour and even visit the former morgue.
Whether or not you believe the Crescent is haunted, spending the night here is definitely not an ordinary hotel stay.
Planning a trip to Eureka Springs? Check out our post about some of the best things to do in this charming mountain town.
Planetarium Treehouse (Springdale, Arkansas)
This unbelievable treehouse was one of the winners of Airbnb’s worldwide OMG! Fund contest. When you see it, you will understand why. The concept is amazing and has been executed incredibly well.
This treehouse property overlooks Beaver Lake and has an observatory tower with two telescopes and a clear dome ceiling for stargazing.
We loved our stay here enjoying the telescope, the awesome LED changing lights and the master bedroom which has a geodesic dome ceiling with a star projector and viewing windows!
There is a kitchenette, bathroom with star-mosaic tiles, and a wraparound porch with a grill and lounge chairs! Stargazing lovers, this is the spot for you!
Hotel Hale (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
Hotel Hale is an intimate, nine-suite luxury boutique hotel located on historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park.
There are two reasons Hotel Hale belongs on our list of the most unique places to stay in Arkansas. First, it occupies the historic Hale Bathhouse, which was built in 1892 and is the oldest visible structure on Bathhouse Row.
The second – and, in my opinion, the best – reason is that Hot Springs thermal mineral water is pumped directly into an oversized soaking tub in each guest room. Yes, you can “take the waters” in the privacy of your own room and your own huge tub!
Although every room at Hotel Hale is unique, they all blend the building’s rich historic architecture with modern comforts.
The spacious rooms retain original and historic details such as exposed brick walls, arched windows and Juliet balconies. Some rooms overlook Central Avenue and Bathhouse Row, while others look toward the trees and trails that run behind the hotel through Hot Springs National Park.
Hotel Hale is also home to Eden, an on-site restaurant located in a beautiful light-filled atrium.
Little House on the River (North Little Rock, Arkansas)
We loved waking up directly on the Arkansas River at Little House on the River. It is such a fun place to stay, especially with the Little Rock skyline visible from the porch.
This is an adorable houseboat that floats on the Arkansas River at the Rockwater Marina in the lovely community of Rockwater Villages in North Little Rock.
From the porch of the home you can enjoy the skyline of downtown Little Rock, as well as the glow of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets reflected on the water of the Arkansas River. Be sure to use the provided binoculars to see the waterfowl swooping and soaring.
The one-bedroom houseboat is a perfect way to get away without being too far from wonderful restaurants and city amenities.
Stoneflower Cottage (Heber Springs, Arkansas)
Stoneflower Cottage may be one of the most architecturally interesting vacation rentals in Arkansas.
Designed by renowned Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones and completed in 1965, this unusual cottage is tucked into the trees on Eden Isle near Greers Ferry Lake.
From the outside, Stoneflower looks almost like a cross between a treehouse and a cave. The lower portion of the cottage is built into natural stone, creating a grotto-like living area, while the upper level rises into the trees with warm wood, large windows and a deck overlooking the wooded surroundings.
The cottage was originally designed as a weekend retreat for landscape architects Bob Shaheen and Curt Goodfellow. They even supplied boulders and salvaged wood that Jones incorporated into the design.
We will be staying at Stoneflower soon, and I cannot wait to experience this remarkable property for myself. This is not simply a vacation rental. It is a piece of Arkansas architectural history where you can actually spend the night.
Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast at Historic Washington State Park (Washington, Arkansas)
Historic Washington State Park is one of our favorite historic places in Arkansas. Walking through the quiet streets and exploring the park’s beautifully preserved buildings feels a little like stepping back in time.
You can make the experience even more memorable by spending the night in the park’s former jailhouse!
The two-story jail was built in 1918 and has since been renovated into a bed-and-breakfast with eight guest rooms. Each room has its own private bathroom along with modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi and satellite television.
We have visited the Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast while exploring Historic Washington, although we have not stayed overnight ourselves. The setting is wonderfully quiet and peaceful, especially in the evenings after the daytime visitors have left the park.
A simple continental breakfast is included with your stay. For something more substantial, Williams Tavern Restaurant is located inside the park and serves lunch Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant also offers a breakfast buffet on select weekend mornings, but be sure to check the current schedule before your visit.
Sleeping in a former jailhouse in the middle of one of Arkansas’s most fascinating historic communities definitely qualifies as a unique place to stay!
In the Trees Resort (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
In the Trees is one of the most luxurious and architecturally striking places we have stayed in Arkansas. We have stayed here several times since the resort opened, and it is one of our favorite properties.
These are not rustic little treehouses. They are sleek, modern structures that sit perched along a wooded hillside with huge windows that make the beautiful Ouachita Mountain scenery feel like part of the interior.
The treehouses vary in size, with options for couples, families and larger groups. Inside, you will find thoughtful details such as gourmet kitchens, comfortable king-size beds with luxury linens and even heated bathroom floors.
Each treehouse also has a spacious private deck with a hot tub, firepit and expansive forest views. Although In the Trees feels quiet and secluded, it is only a short drive from downtown Hot Springs and close to the Northwoods and Cedar Glades mountain biking trails.
We have enjoyed every stay at In the Trees, but it is the combination of unusual modern architecture, beautiful views and complete comfort that makes this property truly memorable.
Planning a Hot Springs getaway? Take a look at our ultimate guide to the “Spa City!”
Ouachita Wilde (Mena, Arkansas)
Ouachita Wilde is a glamping paradise! There are four different tents on 27 acres so you will have plenty of privacy during your stay.
We stayed in the treehouse safari tent which is the largest of the tents on the property. We absolutely loved it. The tents are beautifully decorated with a boho-chic feel.
Although these are tents, they do have heat and A/C so you won’t have to worry about being too hot or too cold! It was chilly while we were there in early fall, but we were perfectly comfortable.
You will not have a bathroom inside your tent. However, there is a very nice bathhouse nearby with showers, tankless hot water and real flushing toilets.
There are so many little extras that make Ouachita Wilde special. They have fire pits and twinkle lights at every tent site along with comfy chairs to relax in while enjoying beautiful mountain views.
They will even set up an outdoor movie for you on a projector! Watching a movie cuddled under a blanket with the stars overhead was simply magical.
Speaking of stars, the stargazing here is unreal! This is the perfect spot if you want the feel of camping but with all the luxuries.
Want to explore more of Mena? Check out our guide to this interesting little town.
Bentonville Underground (Bentonville, Arkansas)
Bentonville Underground is a partially underground home with a hidden speakeasy tucked behind a bookshelf. It is a perfect setup for entertaining, pouring drinks, and having great conversation.
The whole home is decorated with a 1920s speakeasy vibe, and is adorned with velvet furnishings, jewel tones, vintage furniture finds, and Gatsby-esque chandeliers!
While you will feel worlds away, you are actually only a four-minute drive to downtown Bentonville and half a mile from world-class biking trails.
There are four bedrooms and three large bathrooms, and the property can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Emily stayed here on a girls’ getaway and thought it was great for that. However, it could also be a great choice for a family trip or a vacation with a group of friends.
Planning a trip to NWA? We have a post about the best things to do in Bentonville.
White Tail and Pine (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
White Tail and Pine offers a whimsical but luxurious treehouse experience! This has been one of our favorite romantic stays in recent years. This treehouse is situated in the branches of two centuries-old red oak trees and is suspended 25 feet above the bubbling Goose Creek.
At this unique destination you will find a rejuvenating getaway complete with the sights and sounds of nature, yet near the best restaurants and attractions of Fayetteville.
The treehouse is cozy and comfortable with luxurious bedding and linens. The modern bathroom has a huge soaker tub and a rain shower.
There is a wood-burning stove inside for a cozy winter stay. For the ultimate in relaxation you will find a wood-fired hot tub on the spacious outdoor deck. The location and the interesting amenities make this one of the most unique places to stay in Arkansas.
Looking for a romantic getaway with your special person? We have a list of some more romantic places to stay in Arkansas!
YesterDaze (Heber Springs, Arkansas)
YesterDaze is such a cool mid-mod home located in gorgeous Heber Springs, Arkansas. If you are a fan of mid-century modern architecture and design then this is a place you will LOVE!
The interior is so fun, but our favorite part of this home was the swimming pool with an underwater window. This was so fun for the kids but also allowed the adults who wanted to stay dry to still feel like part of the excitement.
This amazing home has the perfect blend of retro vibes and modern comfort. The home has been completely renovated, but it still retains all of its fun retro personality.
It is spacious with plenty of seating for larger groups of people. There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms and the house can sleep 14 people. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to make a delicious meal.
The location in the middle of Heber Springs is within walking distance of a grocery store, shops, and restaurants, but it is also only a ten-minute drive to the nearest marina so that you can enjoy the beautiful Greer’s Ferry Lake!
Going to the lake near Heber Springs? Here are the best things to do in the area!
Starlight Haven (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
Starlight Haven is one of the most relaxing places to stay in Arkansas. One of the things that makes the property unusual is the variety of accommodations. Guests can choose from luxury treehouses, geodesic domes and safari-style glamping tents.
We have stayed in both the geodesic domes as well as the treehouses.
No matter which you choose you will enjoy the beautiful and quiet location. It is a perfect place to enjoy nature but be near the city.
We especially loved our stay in the geodesic domes with a skylight. Each dome has its own private hot tub on the deck, a comfortable bed, an equipped kitchenette and a spacious bathroom.
Arkansas has an incredible variety of unusual places to stay, and this list continues to grow as we discover new properties around the state. Whether you want to sleep in a cave, treehouse, historic hotel or luxury tent, the place you stay can become one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
You might be interested in checking out more stays in Arkansas!
