Pivot Rock Park

9-25-20. Pretty neat place. $6 for adults Darrell Powers (Atlas Obscura User)

Over a century ago someone very smart discovered the astounding rock formations that are now known as Pivot Rock Park, and turned it into a delightful roadside attraction.

This vintage throwback takes advantage of the area’s strangely stacked natural rock formations. The titular Pivot Rock looks like an upside-down pyramid, right down to the stepped ridges on its edges. Other geological oddities on the grounds include the Natural Bridge, which looks just like it sounds, a naturally occurring stone bridge.

According to local Ozark legend, the park was home to the Jesse James gang of outlaws for a time. However, it’s true that most every place in the area claims this, so the claim to fame may be drummed up to help attract visitors. Either way, there aren’t too many of these classic roadside tourist traps left along the American byways, so stop by Pivot Rock Park to help support a century-long tradition of road trip culture.

Know Before You Go

The park is located just off of Highway 62 West in Eureka Springs. To get to the rock formations you must pass through the gift shop and pay a small fee, sort of like a touristy toll booth. Entry is $8 for adults and $4 for children. Dogs are welcome. From there, the formations are easily accessible via partly paved nature trails through the wilderness.