Tonight the HBO series True Detective wraps up its third season. It was filmed here in northwest Arkansas. I hope you have enjoyed the mystery. Devil’s Den State Park, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (the CCC) in the 1930s, is featured heavily in the first few episodes. The park offers camping and hiking in the Ozark Mountains. Come visit it when you can.
The interior of several local restaurants was used for some scenes. Hugo’s, just off the square in Fayetteville, the Inn at Carnall Hall, on the University of Arkansas campus, Herman’s in Fayetteville, Susan’s in Springdale, and the Waffle House in Rogers, across the street from the Center for Non-Profits, the old St. Mary’s Hospital building all opened their doors to HBO. Check them out when you can.
The interior of Herman’s was also used in Greater, a movie about Brandon Burlsworth, a walk-on at the University of Arkansas who became an all-American player. He died in a car wreck a few days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. This was April 28, 1999.
The nuclear plant in Russellville made a brief appearance. In later episodes, the Hanna’s Candle Company factory in Fayetteville became home to Hoyt Foods from the show. The former Shiloh Steel building in Springdale became the Arkansas State Police headquarters. The VFW post in Lincoln was used as well. The schoolyard in the show is in Mountainburg.
Our Lady of the Ozarks Shrine is near the top of Mt Gayler. It’s south of Winslow on US 71 and right next door to Ozark Folkways. This small Catholic church was the focus of one episode of the show. The Christ of the Ozarks statue in the opening credits is on the grounds of the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs. They perform Christ’s last days on weekends from May through October.
I’m sure I’m missing other local sites that were used during the filming of the show. I hope you get to explore some of these locations soon.
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What I’m Reading – Many readers I know like to inquire what their favorite author is reading. At the end of each blog post, I’ll let you know what book is open on my Kindle. I hope my choice of reading material inspires you to read a variety of authors and topics. Currently, I’m reading Moon Hunt by Michael W. Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear. It is their third story of Cahokia.
Bill’s Cajun House of Pleasure is available on Amazon, as an eBook, and in physical formats. It is also available on the Barnes and Noble website.