Booger Hollow and the Double-Decker Outhouse
Nestled within the verdant landscape of Pope County, Arkansas, once stood a captivating roadside attraction known as Booger Hollow. Situated along the picturesque Scenic 7 Byway, this quirky destination, though now a "ghost attraction" in a state of closure and abandonment, continues to beckon travelers with its unique charm and historical intrigue. While its doors may be shuttered, the enduring appeal of Booger Hollow lies in the wealth of photographic opportunities it presents, particularly its centerpiece: a remarkable two-story outhouse, a testament to the region’s offbeat humor and ingenuity.
Although some Arkansans might prefer to distance themselves from the stereotypical portrayal of "hillbilly" culture, places like Booger Hollow and the now-defunct Dogpatch, USA, located further north, undeniably contributed to this enduring image. Despite their present state of inactivity, the spirit of these attractions lives on in other ventures, such as Chiggar Hollow, a more recent addition to the state’s quirky tourism landscape, and similar establishments scattered throughout the region. The inherent appeal of these attractions lies in their lightheartedness, offering visitors a glimpse into a world where humor and simple pleasures reign supreme.
The term "hollow," often referred to as "holler" in local parlance, designates a narrow valley nestled between hills and mountains. Intriguingly, a geographically defined area named Booger Hollow exists approximately ten miles south of the former tourist attraction. To understand the origin of this unusual name, one must delve into the etymology of the word "Booger." Derived from the ancient Welsh term "Bwg," meaning "to scare," the word evolved over time, giving rise to variations such as "Boo," "Bogus," and "Booger." While each variation carries slightly different connotations, they all share a common thread: an association with something frightening, unknown, or unsettling.
The name Booger Hollow took root in the early 1800s when the road leading from Harrison, Arkansas, traversed Bull Frog Valley to reach the present-day geographic location of Booger Hollow. The presence of two cemeteries on either side of the hollow fostered a local belief that the area was haunted by the spirits of the deceased. This perception of the supernatural led to the enduring designation of the area as Booger Hollow, a name that has resonated through the generations.
Interestingly, the phenomenon of "Booger Hollows," or ghost valleys, is not exclusive to Arkansas. Similar locales exist in other states, including Tennessee and Kentucky, suggesting a broader cultural fascination with haunted or mysterious places. Furthermore, the town of Boozeville, Georgia, was once known as Booger Hollow, underscoring the prevalence of this evocative name in various parts of the country.
In 1961, the Booger Hollow Trading Post was established, marking the beginning of the area’s transformation into a tourist attraction. Although not situated on the original geographic site of the hollow, the trading post adopted the name, adding to its unique character. Positioned atop a mountain approximately ten miles away, the trading post operated for over four decades, attracting visitors with a series of strategically placed roadside signs that announced the distance to the attraction, such as "Booger Hollow Ten Miles," "Booger Hollow Nine Miles," and so on. Upon arrival, visitors were greeted by a sign proclaiming that Booger Hollow was home to a mere seven residents and a coon dog, further enhancing the area’s quirky and rustic appeal.
The Booger Hollow Trading Post comprised several distinct elements, each contributing to the overall experience. The trading post itself was a treasure trove of hillbilly-themed trinkets, handcrafted items, antiques, and local goods, such as honey, sorghum, and lye soap. At one point, the trading post also housed a post office and sold bait, catering to the needs of both locals and travelers. Adjacent to the trading post was a restaurant known as the Chuckwagon, which served up a menu of themed fare, including the "boogerburger," "boogerdog," and other dishes inspired by the region’s culinary traditions. On the opposite side of the trading post was a small store specializing in cured hams, a local delicacy.
However, the undisputed star of the show was the two-story outhouse, a whimsical addition designed to entice travelers along the scenic highway to stop at the trading post. While the lower level of the outhouse was functional, the upper level remained perpetually closed, with a sign humorously stating that it was "upstairs closed til we figure out plummin’." This clever concept proved remarkably successful, drawing in sight-seeing tourists eager to capture a photograph of this unusual structure. The tourist stop proudly proclaimed its main attraction as the "World’s Only" Double-Decker Outhouse. In reality, Booger Hollow shared this distinction with several other locations, including Nevada City, Montana; Gays, Illinois; Silver City, Idaho; and various other sites across the country. Nevertheless, the two-story privy at Booger Hollow arguably stood out as the most memorable, particularly in terms of photographic appeal. The mere mention of the name Booger Hollow was often enough to prompt passing motorists to slam on their brakes and make a hasty stop along Arkansas’ Scenic 7 Byway.
In 2004, the Booger Hollow Trading Post was sold and subsequently never reopened, marking the end of an era for this beloved roadside attraction. Despite its closure, the site remains a point of interest for those traveling along Scenic Byway 7 north of Dover, Arkansas. The legacy of Booger Hollow endures as a testament to the power of quirky attractions and the enduring appeal of offbeat humor in the American landscape.
© Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated July 2023.
Also See:
Arkansas – The Natural State
Arkansas Photo Galleries
Quirky and Off-Beat Roadside Attractions
United States Destinations