Arkansas wears its past on the landscape: abandoned storefronts, old mills, and quiet streets that once hummed with river trade and timber work. These remnants tell local stories and make for interesting day trips if you enjoy history, photography, or low-key exploration.
There are 5 Ghost Towns in Arkansas, ranging from Arkansas Post to Old Washington. For each, you’ll find below County,Country,Coordinates (lat, long) so you can see where they sit and plan visits or research with ease — you’ll find below the full list and details.
Are these ghost towns safe and legal to visit?
Most sites can be viewed from public roads and are safe during daylight, but many are on private land or ecologically sensitive areas; always check ownership, local rules, and access notices before going, and respect signs and property boundaries.
How reliable are the coordinates and place names?
Coordinates and names come from historical records and modern mapping; they’re generally accurate for locating sites, but small discrepancies can occur, so cross-reference maps, local sources, or land records if precision is critical.
Ghost Towns in Arkansas
| Name | County | Country | Coordinates (lat, long) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davidsonville | Randolph County | United States | 36.39, -91.32 |
| Old Washington | Hempstead County | United States | 33.79, -93.75 |
| Monte Ne | Benton County | United States | 36.36, -94.20 |
| Arkansas Post | Arkansas County | United States | 34.22, -91.39 |
| Napoleon | Desha County | United States | 33.82, -91.13 |
Images and Descriptions
Davidsonville
Once a busy frontier river town abandoned by the 1830s when trade routes shifted. Foundations, a cemetery and archaeological remains sit in Davidsonville Historic State Park; interpreted trails and public access make it easy to visit safely.
Old Washington
19th-century county seat largely vacated after the railroad and county-seat moves mid-1800s. Many preserved buildings and a cemetery remain as Historic Washington State Park; freely accessible to visitors, with museums and seasonal programs on site.
Monte Ne
Early 1900s resort complex abandoned mid-20th century by its founder; concrete ruins and a collapsed “Wonder” resort remain, some submerged by Beaver Lake. Ruins visible at low water; access varies between public shorelines and private property—check local access.
Arkansas Post
One of Arkansas’s earliest European settlements, largely abandoned by the 20th century. Archaeological traces and reconstructed exhibits are preserved at Arkansas Post National Memorial; visitor center and public trails make it straightforward to explore.
Napoleon
19th-century Mississippi River town erased by channel migration and floods mid-1800s; the townsite is largely gone or underwater with only historical records and scattered artifacts. The former location is accessible only by river or archaeological study, not a public park.
