| City/Town: • Dover |
| Location Class: • Disappearing Town |
| Built: • 1961 | Abandoned: • 2004 |
| Status: • Abandoned |
| Photojournalist: • Michael Schwarz • Eddy Sisson |
Table of Contents
Welcome to Booger Hollow: A Forgotten Gem Along the Scenic 7 Byway
Nestled in Pope County, Arkansas, Booger Hollow once stood as a beacon of local charm and whimsy along the Scenic 7 Byway. Though today it may be quieter, the Hollow’s legacy as a popular tourist stop continues to capture the imagination of those who pass by.
Booger Hollow: A Name That Sticks
The story of Booger Hollow starts in the early 1800s, as travelers journeyed through Bull Frog Valley, an area flanked by two old cemeteries. The peculiar name “Booger Hollow” was derived from an old Southern term for a spooky or strange place, adding an intriguing layer to the area’s allure.
The Birth of a Tourist Haven
In 1961, the Booger Hollow Trading Post sprang up, not on the original site but ten miles away on a mountaintop, enhancing its quirky appeal. It quickly became a roadside favorite, with signs humorously counting down the miles until travelers reached this small but memorable community. The trading post was a hub of activity, offering everything from local delicacies like honey and sorghum to novelty items that celebrated the area’s unique culture.
The Famous Two-Story Outhouse
Perhaps the most photographed feature of Booger Hollow was its two-story outhouse. This unique structure added a practical yet playful touch to the site. While the lower level was functional, the upper level famously remained closed, with a cheeky sign about its non-operational status, adding to the site’s whimsical character. Though Booger Hollow wasn’t the only place to boast such an outhouse, its scenic backdrop made it a favorite among tourists seeking a perfect photo opportunity.
End of an Era and Hope for the Future
The trading post closed its doors in 2004 and has remained shuttered since. Despite this, the spirit of Booger Hollow hasn’t faded. It remains a poignant symbol of how even the most overlooked places can foster community, laughter, and memories. It stands as a testament to the idea that a building’s story doesn’t end with its abandonment; there is always potential for more.
Today, as travelers continue to explore the Scenic 7 Byway, Booger Hollow serves as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times and the enduring charm of Arkansas’s roadside attractions. It invites modern explorers to take a moment, explore its grounds, and imagine the lively days of a place that once brought smiles to many. Whether it’s through memories or photographs, Booger Hollow continues to be a part of Arkansas’s rich tapestry of stories.
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Saw a pic years ago after it had closed. I went there as a child on vacation. Something made me look it up to see if it was still there. The pic on the website I was on was similar to the main bldg pic on here. It was scrollable from one room to the next. You could pull the pic out or zoom in in every little nook and cranny I saw a display case of crystal rocks all busted and the glass still everywhere The back room had a door leafing outside . But in that room there… Read more »
Great Post. Thanks for sharing.
Is it for sale?
Can you ghost hunt there?
This would be amazing for an airsoft place
This would actually be a great stop if you take the hog trail on the way dog patch. passed it when we went there last year but didn't stop
Loved the place! I proposed to my wife while we were visiting there and I used a little pink stoned ring I bought there as the engagement ring.
Does anyone know if the buildings are repairable ? Who owns this place?
Never drove past that we didn't stop as I grew up. It was always such a special treat. And now it is just a special memory (same as Dogpatch) that I wish I could share with my children and grandchildren. Makes me sad to see such special places lay in ruin.
We have a place deep in Clark County we called Booger Holler growing up! Lol
We drove by there Sunday on the way home. Pretty sad. I bought a lot of junk in there. Still have most of it…
my grandma used to work in the gift shop there when I was a kid
I was one of the last two people to work there….. I managed it up until the last 6 months it was open…… it was still doing very good buisness 4 months out of the year….. The guy that had the lease on it was short sighted and thought it should make money 12 months out of the year he had no understanding that it was a seasonal operation……. Very sad to see what became of the place since it closed 10-11 years ago………………
They've moved the road so close to it now…surprised it's still there!
The name "Booger" has never been an attraction, I'm fairly certain.
Hey Now that was a cute little place the grocery store ,post office,gas,mail,doctor and vet all in the same building
I miss that place n my Moms hamburgers she use to cook there! They seemed better than the ones at home n I don't know y but they did.
You used to be able to get the best whole dry cured hams there…
Interesting to read about this. I made the rocks for many many years. Mom made lye soap and my sister made some things also. When we moved down here from Kansas, I made crafts and took some hand painted clothespins to the store and the owner asked me if I would start painting rocks for him and that is how it all started.
When I was young and still live in Texas we would come get my grandma and aunt and we would go up 7 and stop there and I always loved it and they had wonderful fudge