Top Five Favorite Car Movies From the 2010s

There’s nothing we love more than settling in with some hot, buttery popcorn and our favorite cold beverage to watch a thrilling car movie. Lots of us here at McLarty Daniel CDJR of Bentonville have a taste for high-speed chases, adding a dose of octane to the plot of our favorite action movies. In the spirit of that high-speed entertainment, we’d like to share our list of our Top Five Favorite Car Movies from the last decade. And if you feel the need for speed, durability and versatility, stop by McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville. We have one of the best selections of high-performance cars, including the incredible 2020 Dodge Challenger. Test-drive your favorite vehicle and begin your own adventure! Enjoy!
FORD VS. FERRARI (2019): Let’s start our list with the latest. Ford v.s. Ferrari is the real-life story of the partnership and friendship between legendary car designer Carroll Shelby (played by Matt Damon), and bold British race car driver Ken Miles (played by Christian Bale) as they take on the staid corporate attitudes at Ford Motor Company in order to design a concept race car for Ford that will beat out Ferrari at the 24 Hours of LeMans road race in France in 1966. The result is a great story about two racing legends, with enough heart and enough octane to go around.
CARS 3 (2017): Lightning McQueen and company are back with the third lovable installment of Pixar’s Cars franchise. In this computer-animated adventure, our race-car hero, Lightning McQueen, sets out again to prove he is still champion to the next generation of race cars. All your faves from the original film are back, including Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen and Larry the Cable Guy as the goofy tow truck, Tow Mater. This is a great family movie and the kids will love it.
LOGAN LUCKY (2017): Now here is the ultimate comedy heist movie that will stick with you. Featuring a hilarious script and an all-star ensemble that includes A-list stars Channing Tatum (Magic Mike), Adam Driver (Star Wars:The Rise of Skywalker) and Daniel Craig (the current James Bond), the story follows the hapless Logan brothers as they attempt a heist at the Charlotte Motor Speedway during a NASCAR race, and then evade the F.B.I. If you are wanting a night of laughter with plenty of high-speed thrills, this is the movie for you.
NEED FOR SPEED (2014): Starring Aaron Paul from the hit AMC TV series, Breaking Bad, Need For Speed is a sports action thriller focusing on street-racer Tobey Marshall (Paul) as he attempts to avenge the death of his friend by racing cross-country a rival driver who killed his friend and framed Paul’s character for the crime. You cannot go wrong watching this action-packed thriller, thanks to plenty of fast cars, a great plot, and Paul driving everything he climbs into like he stole it.
FAST FIVE (2011): Alternatively known at Fast & Furious 5, this high-octane film is the fifth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, starring the usual line-up including Vin Diesel, the late Paul Walker, and other familiar faces. Even though the plot departs from street racing that was the focus of previous films in the series, it is still action-packed, with the heist plot involving cars. Fast Five has the street-racing crew we’ve come to love as they attempt to steal $100 million dollars from a crooked businessman while being pursued by the Feds.
There is a slew of great car and road movies out there that we hadn’t touched, so feel free to find your own favorites of the past decade. And If you’re needing a new vehicle for the new year, come by and see your friends at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville for all your automotive needs. Have a great new year!

Guess who’s back on the road again in 2020? Jeep is returning the Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition to the SUV’s lineup. This time around, the Recon Special Edition is equipped with the efficient powerhouse 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine coupled with eTorque mild hybrid technology, the very first time eTorque is available for the most recent Jeep Wrangler model. The Recon edition is based on the Wrangler Rubicon, and equipped with an unique exterior and interior content for the ultimate comfort and capability on or off-road.
The new 2020 Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition features an all-out tough and bold presence. “We are excited to bring the Wrangler Rubicon Recon model back to the Jeep lineup as it represents the ultimate combination of Rubicon off-road 4×4 capability with a unique appearance package that will resonate with our most diehard off-road enthusiasts,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand.
The all-new Rubicon Recon has exterior features which bring out the boldness of the redesigned Wrangler Rubicon, including heavy-duty rock rails, LED headlights and taillights, gloss black grille with body-color surrounds and more. To give the Recon an even tougher look, the special edition sports awesome Recon fender badges, matte-black fender vent decals with the American flag, new 17-inch aluminum wheels with a black finish, as well as Rubicon gray grille throats and headlamp inserts.
Loaded with Jeep’s legendary capability, the all-new Rubicon Recon features Dana front and rear heavy-duty axles and the Rock-Trac NV241 two-speed transfer case with an unbeatable 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. For great handling, the Rubicon Recon package also features electric front and a rear locking differential, unique disconnecting front and rear sway bars, plus 33-inch Falken Wildpeak Mud-Terrain tires providing optimal capability on and off-road.
To enhance its performance even more, the new 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is equipped with the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a hidden battery pack for an extra boost of low-end torque. This “mild-hybrid” system delivers acceleration and performance that matches the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine in an economical four-cylinder for much better fuel economy, for ultimate performance without burning your pocketbook when it comes time for a fill-up.
Help us welcome back a wonderful addition to the Jeep Wrangler line-up with the all-new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition, with high performance, fuel-sipping economy, and Rubicon Recon’s bold and sleek look. Stop by McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville and test drive a new 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon today!

The established publication, Popular Science, annually reviews thousands of new products and innovations to choose the top 100 products from 11 categories. The product or technology is a significant step forward in its category. In the Auto Category, the all-new Ram 2500 was named Popular Science Magazine’s 2020 Best of What’s New award recipient. The new 2020 Ram 2500 exemplifies this by setting the benchmark for power and capability, along with comfort, luxury materials, innovation and technology.
NEW FOR 2020: The 2020 Ram 2500 comes with all-new available options, making the model even more attractive to buyers. “The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty is among the Best of What’s New because its unique blend of tech makes it tough yet sophisticated,” said Joe Brown, Editor-in-Chief of Popular Science. New for 2020 are a slew of safety features, including Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Steering, as well as Blind-spot Monitoring features now available on all trim levels. These are just a few of a huge list of new features and options available with the new 2020 Ram 2500.
AWARD-WINNING FEATURES: With the new 2020 Ram 2500, Ram is setting the benchmark for power and performance. For your toughest days, choose the awesome 6.7-liter Cummins Standard-Output Turbo Diesel. This beauty produces 370 horsepower and 850 lb.-ft. of torque. With the 6.4-liter Hemi V8, the new Ram 2500 delivers best-in-class gas engine power, with up to 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque, due to VVT with Fuel Saver Technology cylinder deactivation. The Ram 2500 also sets the bar in comfort, luxury features, overall innovation and technology surpassing its competition.
RAW POWER: The raw awesome power of the new 2020 Ram 2500 is the perfect compliment to its superb handling performance. Class-leading ride and handling is accomplished via the available link-coil rear suspension system with optional rear air suspension, allowing the new 2020 Ram 2500 to deliver a maximum towing capability up to 19,780 pounds. Another attractive innovative feature only by Ram.
With a powerful combination of high-tech with tough capability, the new 2020 Ram 2500 sets the bar for heavy-duty trucks. With award-winning features and options available, the Ram 2500 pickup, is more attractive and cutting-edge than any other in its class. That is why the 2020 Ram 2500 won Popular Science Magazine’s 2020 Best of What’s New. See for yourself the stunning 2020 Ram 2500, come visit us at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville.

Introduced in late fall of 1969 for the 1970 model year, the Dodge Challenger made an awesome impression, establishing itself as a performance legend with a bold presence on the road. It still holds that reputation even today, 50 years later. To kickoff 2020 right, Dodge will start off by celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Dodge Challenger. With its resurgence, the lasting legacy of the Dodge Challenger definitely shows in the model’s record-breaking sales over the past two years. To celebrate, Dodge announced details about the 50th Anniversary Edition of the Dodge Challenger for 2020.
GOLDEN DREAM: Introduced with the Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition is the new Gold Rush exterior paint color, in addition to exterior paint colors like Frostbite, Hellraisin, Sinamon Stick, TorRed, F8 Green, and Go Mango. For the anniversary edition, the Shaker hood will be available on the R/T Scat Pack Widebody model and other trims. It will be the first Shaker scoop to come in body color, with the satin black hood that also comes with the new edition. The Shaker hood is available only for the V8 models. Another new exterior feature for all 50th-anniversary cars is the trim specific “Gold School” alloy wheels. They will change in design depending on which level of Challenger you choice. Models equipped with Brembo brakes will receive a new gunmetal finish on the calipers rather than the typical bright red.
LIMITED EDITION: The Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition will be available on the GT RWD, R/T Shaker, R/T Scat Pack Shaker, and R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody trim levels. You better put your order in now if you hope to buy one, because Dodge is building only 70 examples of each model grade in each available color for a total run of 1,960 units, just like the original year of production for the first Challenger. For the 50th Anniversary Edition, each will have a dashboard placard with the car’s production number out of 70.
FINE INTERIOR : The interior of the special edition vehicles is furnished in black Nappa leather with Alcantara accents and Sepia accent stitching. Carbon fiber accents are featured throughout the cabin, too. The seats have heating and ventilation features, while the instrument cluster has a retro feel, with a yellow pinstripe around the gauge dials. Why bother with excellence? Dodge leaves the powertrain alone for this special edition. Each trim level comes with the same engine and transmission as the standard versions.
Bridging the past and present, the Dodge Challenger’s 50th Anniversary Edition encapsulates the Challenger’s status as one of the fastest and best-looking muscle cars on the road. The 2020 Challenger’s 50th Anniversary Edition is introduced with the new exterior paint color, Gold Rush and other awesome exterior tweaks. Come by McLarty And Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville, and check our vast selections of new and quality pre-owned vehicles. Let our friendly sales team assist you into the dream vehicle you deserve. Hope to see you soon!
12 DAYS OF A JEEP CHRISTMAS

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
A new Jeep under the tree!
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
3.6-liter Pentastar engine
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
4×4 capability
An EcoDiesel engine
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Five trim options
4×4 capability
An EcoDiesel engine
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Six utility features
Five trim options
4×4 capability
An EcoDiesel engine
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Seven-inch Display Cluster
Six utility features
Five trim options
4×4 capability
An EcoDiesel engine
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Eight-device connection
Seven-inch Display Cluster
Six utility features
Five trim options
4×4 capability
An EcoDiesel engine
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Nine-speaker system
Eight-device connection
Seven-inch Display Cluster
Six utility features
Five trim options
4×4 capability
An EcoDiesel engine
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Ten-inch subwoofers
Nine-speaker system
Eight-device connection
Seven-inch Display Cluster
Six utility features
Five trim options
4×4 capability
An EcoDiesel engine
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Eleven great interior features
Ten-inch subwoofers
Nine-speaker system
Eight-device connection
Seven-inch Display Cluster
Six utility features
Five trim options
4×4 capability
An EcoDiesel engine
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
12 wheel options
Eleven great interior features
Ten-inch subwoofers
Nine-speaker system
Eight-device connection
Seven-inch Display Cluster
Six utility features
Five trim options
4×4 capability
An EcoDiesel engine
Two drive-train options
And a new Jeep under the tree!
From your friends at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville, have a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!

November has arrived in full-force! Ready to enjoy family and friends, hearty food, and delicious desserts? Ready to get your turkey and dressing on? Not to fear, to get you in the season’s spirit here is a list of some great regional festivals happening around Northwest Arkansas in late November. Festivals you can enjoy with the family and burn-off the extra weight from the turkey and the trimmings. And if you need an excellent ride to get to these festivals, or you just want to give yourself or a loved one an early Christmas present, come visit us at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville, Arkansas. We have one of the finest selections of new and quality pre-owned vehicles. Have a wonderful Thanksgivings and hope to see you soon!
BENTONVILLE LIGHTING OF THE SQUARE
BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS
Get ready for the season with the traditional Bentonville Lighting Of The Square on November 23rd, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and finishing up at approximately 6:30 p.m. This wonderful event is hosted by Downtown Bentonville, INC. There will be fun activities for the children throughout the day. There will be ice-skating at Lawrence Plaza starting at 12:00 p.m.. Also, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., there will be pictures with the one and only Santa Claus. What a wonderful way to start off the season!
FALL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
OZARK FOLK CENTER STATE PARK
MOUNTAIN VIEW, ARKANSAS
Get your guitars and banjos tuned up, and head out to Mountain View, Arkansas for the annual Fall Bluegrass Festival beginning on November 25th, at Ozark Folk Center State Park. It will be three fantastic days of authentic bluegrass music performed indoors in the Ozark Folk Center Auditorium. Admission prices range from $20 to $35. Get your yodeling ready for the time of your life. Yeehaw!!
FAYETTEVILLE ROOTS FESTIVAL PRESENTS
HISTORIC GUISINGER MUSIC HOUSE
FAYETTEVILLE, AR
On November 26th, head down to Fayetteville, Arkansas, for a night of extraordinary music at Fayetteville Roots Festival Presents with Fred Eaglesmith and Tif Ginn. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Roots HQ Listening Room. Tickets are limited, and concert proceeds support the educational outreach and free community programming of the Fayetteville Roots Festival in conjunction with the Folk School of Fayetteville. Enjoy an amazing night of great music and help support the local art community.
WINTER MARKET ON THE SQUARE
BENTONVILLE CITY SQUARE
BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS
To help transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, there will the wonderful 2nd annual Winter Market on the Square at the Bentonville City Square on November 30th, starting at 9:00 a.m. There will several handcrafted items, great for Christmas gift ideas. Also available will be the Kids’ Corner for children to make their own crafts to take home. There will be local food trucks, performers, and Pictures with Santa. What a great way to spend a Saturday!
Well there you have it, a great listing of things to do during and after the Thanksgiving season, and what a great opportunity to burn off the calories after Thanksgiving dessert. And if you need a quality vehicle to get you to these wonderful, local venues, come see your friends at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville. Let us assist you into the right vehicle you deserve. Hope to see you soon, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Do you want an SUV that comes standard with a turbocharged engine, offers more comfort and convenience than any other on the market? The brand new 2020 Jeep Cherokee is the vehicle for you then. McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville, Arkansas, has the finest selection of 2020 Jeep Cherokee models to choose from. Come visit us and let our friendly sales teams put you behind the wheel of the hottest mid-size SUV, or you can shop for your 2020 Jeep Cherokee on our website.
EXTRAORDINARY REFINEMENT: With the new 2020 Jeep Cherokee models, two new hot exterior paint colors are introduced: Sangria and Spitfire Orange. Also new, the Advanced Safety Group package available for the Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited and Overland models, The package includes Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, and rain-sensing wipers. All models have a refined front hood design and equipped with top-of-the-line LED headlamps and daytime running lamps as well. The interior is increased with rear cargo storage space along with redefined suspension packages for a lot smoother ride.
CAPABILITY BEYOND COMPARE: Contemporary and practical for the outdoor adventurer, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee features enhanced performance and fuel efficiency due to the advanced 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. You also have other powertrain options to choose from, including the 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder or 3.2-liter V6 engines. All three engines are matched up to the highly-efficient nine-speed automatic transmission, giving you even more capability. The 2020 Jeep Cherokee delivers the best-in-class fuel economy.
TECHNOLOGY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: 2020 Jeep Cherokee models feature advanced Uconnect touchscreen system, with user-friendly features and processing power. Each model is equipped with a high-resolution touch-screens displaying incredible graphics and with more efficient start-up time. Awesome features include the latest smartphone connectivity by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As for safety, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee offers over 80 available advanced safety and security features. What safety and utility!
Ultimate engine power, the latest in safety technology, this is just a few of the features with the brand new 2020 Jeep Cherokee. On-road or off-road, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee offers more than any other mid-size SUV on the market. This is the SUV for you! So come visit us at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville, Arkansas, and let us help you find the ultimate SUV experience. Or shop our full selection of 2020 Jeep Cherokee models at our website. Hope to see you soon!
BUY A 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA FOR SALE IN BENTONVILLE

For years, the Pacifica has been best-in-class thanks to its awesome features. The brand new 2020 Chrysler Pacifica continues with the tradition of top-notch features and state-of-the-art exterior and interior design. The 2020 Pacifica models out-perform and out-class the leading competition. Come to McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville, Arkansas, and test-drive the new 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. See yourself the style and performance that makes the Chrysler Pacifica stand out from the rest.
AWESOME DESIGN: Chrysler redefined the minivan when it introduced the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The 2020 Pacifica is newly re-designed with an all-new platform, making for an exceptional ride and handling, with dramatically-reduced vibration and road noise. In addition, the body structure of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is more responsive, with lower levels of body roll and advanced agility to respond to changing road conditions.
ENJOY THE RIDE: The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica features the latest in infotainment technology, making it one of the best purchases in its class. The 2020 Pacifica offers the exclusive Uconnect Theater entertainment system, with two 10-inch seatback touchscreens with high resolution displays. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica also features a seven-inch full-color driver information display for easy visual access. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard, while also available is 4G Wi-Fi, plus a bundle of more features.
ADVANCED DRIVING TECHNOLOGY: The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is equipped with the latest in advanced technology with more than 90 standard and available safety and security features. Standard on every 2020 Pacifica is the 360-degree Surround View Camera. And for those tricky parking situations, the 2020 Pacifica is equipped with ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist. When on a long road trip, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Forward Collision Warning-Plus will help you get to your destination safely and that’s what counts.
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is innovation, quality, and offers the most advanced features in its class. Come check out the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville, and test-drive the minivan of the future. You can also shop our inventory online at our website. Hope to see you soon.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY DEALERSHIP

The Chrysler Pacifica has been the most awarded van over the last three years, with the model earning more than 120 industry awards and accolades. The Pacifica Hybrid, alone, is among the top five best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the industry. In 2020, Chrysler introduces the next step in customized appearance: the Pacifica Red S Edition. The gasoline-powered versions of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Red S Edition are now available for order, with ordering for hybrid models available soon.
Chrysler knows its customer, recognizing that drivers want more versatility and style from a minivan. Chrysler has done that, and upped the stakes in the minivan industry in doing so. The hot new Red S Edition injects customized attitude and stylish features into the new 2020 Pacifica, extending the popularity of the Pacifica S model by adding ever more sharpness and contemporary features. This package includes a more customized tone inside and out, including top-of-the-line audio systems, stylish leather, advanced safety specs and much, much more. This is the next step for the award-winning Chrysler Pacifica
Part of the package is a brand new look with a flash of color, allowing you to make a bold statement out on the open road. The unique Red S interior features superb Nappa leather two-tone seats in Rodeo Red, accented with a light charcoal gray stitching and piping. A “S” logo is placed perfectly on the seat-backs. Brushed metal enhances the instrument panel and door trim. For the latest in safety technology, the Pacifica Red S Edition features Advanced SafetyTec, with as many as 100 standard and available safety features, plus a top notch 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio package.
The exterior of the Red S Edition package parallels the interior in style and sleekness. Exterior details include a Red S liftgate badge and Black Noise Chrysler wing badges with Velvet Red inserts, plus 20-inch wheels (18-inch on Pacifica Hybrid) with a Black Noise finish. The Red S Edition is available in six exterior colors, including the brand new Ceramic Gray Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Bullet Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, and Maximum Steel Clear Coat.
With the award-winning Chrysler Pacifica models, the standard of quality was set. Yet, Chrysler blew the roof off with the brand new 2020 Pacifica Red S Edition, featuring all the sleekness and contemporary quality an owner would want in their minivan. From two-town Nappa leather to the premium Harman Kardon audio package, Chrysler takes its awarding winning Pacifica and makes it better with the new 2020 Red S Edition package.
Want to separate yourself from the minivan herd? Come visit us at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville to order the brand new Chrysler 2020 Pacifica with the Red S Edition package. Or take a test-drive in the Chrysler 2020 Pacifica and witness the award-winning quality of Chrysler. Hope to see you soon!
All Arkansas state parks are beautifully preserved for their natural beauty and splendor, and some even hold historical significance. As the sun sets, the family typically heads home, along the way, sharing with each other how they enjoyed the day. Children excitedly talking about the family adventure and wanting to go back, talking about it throughout the night. Meanwhile, as families sleep in their beds, the nightlife of the parks takes hold, not only with nocturnal animals but with what some say is paranormal activity!
Given that it’s almost Halloween, we can’t think of a better way to spend an October evening than with a visit to one of our Arkansas State Parks where legend has it that things go bump in the night. Seen below, check out three purportedly haunted Arkansas state parks you can visit throughout the state. And if you need a quality new or used vehicle to get you on the road to visit these parks, come visit your friends here at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville. We won’t bewitch you with nonsense! Let our personable sales team get you into the vehicle you want. Have a safe and happy Halloween!
PEA RIDGE BATTLEFIELD
15930 E. HWY 62, GARFIELD, AR
The site of the Civil War conflict known as the Battle of Pea Ridge is a 4,300 acre national military park located near the town of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. The battle itself was one of the pivotal Civil War battles west of the Mississippi River. Between March 7-8 1862, over 23,000 soldiers, Union and Confederate, battled for the fate of Missouri. After much blood was spilled, the Union prevailed, changing the tide of the Civil War in the west. Today, the Pea Ridge National Military Park features driving tours, hiking trails, a bike path, and a horse trail for riding. Throughout the years, visitors leaving the park late in the afternoon have reported hearing ghostly marches of soldiers and phantom skirmishes in the trees. The local residents, meanwhile, have reported hearing muskets firing out across the old battlefield late into the night, with the smell of gunpowder sometimes lingering in the air. Witnesses have seen the apparitions of Civil War soldiers wandering down through the treeline at the back of the park, and heard phantom military-drum signals. Dare you join their ranks?
PETIT JEAN STATE PARK
1285 PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN ROAD MORRILTON, AR
Petit Jean State Park is one of the most popular spots in the Arkansas State Park system. It is also the site of Petit Jean Mountain, a gorgeous peak near Morrilton, Arkansas, with scenic views of the Arkansas River. From Interstate 40 traveling west out of Little Rock, you can see the old mountain perfectly in the distance. If you love the outdoors, Petit Jean State Park is the perfect destination, with its beautiful waterfalls, scenic cliffs, and hiking trails. At the very top of the mountain is the rocky-cliffside grave of an individual named Petit Jean. The more romantic legends claim Petit Jean was a young French girl who, disguised as a cabin boy, stowed away on a ship bound for the New World in the early 19th Century. While traveling along the Arkansas River through what would become Arkansas, she fell in love, but soon contracted a fever and died. She was buried on top of Petit Jean, with the girl lending her name to the mountain. Other legends claim that Petit Jean was a French trapper who took advantage of and betrayed his partner. In retaliation, the partner murdered Petit Jean leaving him to die on the mountain. The body was found later by other trappers and buried on top of the mountain. For decades, it’s been reported strange zig-zagging lines of huge, bright orbs can been seen among the cliffs in the proximity of Petit Jean’s fenced grave. Witnesses also report seeing a ghostly figure that suddenly appears on the narrow back roads, or who is seen roaming the main road coming down Petit Jean Mountain. Either way, sightings of the mysterious figure are often followed by the pungent smell of rotting meat. Some say it is the ghost of Petit Jean, searching for anybody who might help the forlorn spirit get off the mountain.
LOUISIANA PURCHASE STATE PARK
AR HWY 362 BRINKLEY, AR
Located in the vicinity of the small community of Brinkley, Arkansas in the eastern part of the state is Louisiana Purchase State Park. A significant place in United States history, the National Historic Landmark preserves the initial starting point of all the land surveys of properties acquired from the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. There are exhibits along the boardwalks displaying historical information as well as biological information about the native flora and fauna of the area. As for ghosts, local legend has it the park is haunted by the spirits of several men who died during the expedition due to the environmental conditions and wetland-associated diseases. From the boardwalks, visitors have seen hands reach out of the shallow water as if needing help, while others have reported the ghastly sounds of ghosts calling back to each other from across the park as if trying to find one another, or to warn about the presence of visitors. Visitors have experienced the sensation of being followed when no other people are around. On the boardwalk, visitors sometimes feel the vibration of someone or something running up right behind them. When the startled visitor turns around, no one is there.
We hope these spooky tales got you into the spirit of Halloween. Whether you believe them or not, it is great to know that there are many beautiful, fun, and informative state and national parks right here in Arkansas.
If your vehicle is about to give up the ghost before you strike and explore Arkansas, come visit your friends at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bentonville, Arkansas and let us assist you into a great new or pre-owned vehicle. Hope to see you soon, and have a safe and happy Halloween!

