Just literally next to Walnut Ridge's Amtrak station is Cavenaugh Park, which has the Guitar Walk. It is also within walking distance from Beatles Park. It's really not much of a park but it's a giant guitar walkway that has several historical markers. The markers are about the legendary rockabilly/early rock and roll artists that have performed on the Rock 'n Roll Highway (or U.S. 67, the northeastern Arkansas portion). From the big-names like Elvis and Johnny Cash to the lesser knowns like Sonny Burgess, the musicians that paved the way for rock music are highlighted here. read more

I am contacting Atlas Obscura about this brief "walk" it's definitely worth seeing; especially if you find yourself waiting for an Amtrak train in the middle of the night. First of all, bring earplugs, this display is literally a few feet from a fully functioning freight rail line with engineers compelled to blow their horns at insanely deafening levels all the way thru town. THAT would explain why the audio displays here are unusually loud when played (no doubt a real treat for residents who live nearby, but definitely no match for the trains when they do arrive). The guitar walk makes me feel a bit sad. It feels desperate and kitsch but is literally visible from space thanks to Google maps! There is a very rich musical heritage here, sadly not much evidence of it is left. What happened here? I do wish there were more music events were promoted in the region to keep this tradition going. Why so much emphasis on the Beatles (who never performed here) when there are so many other local legends who did play the region? Without a doubt the Beatles are great, so why doesn't every city they performed concerts in set up a tribute? read more

This is one cool guitar. It's made from concrete and is 115 foot long. The Guitar Walk serves as a tribute to the early rockers who played along Rock n' Roll Highway 67 in the 1950's. Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty and more. Along the edge of the walk there are numerous plaques that serve as mini-museums for the artists and include photos of some of the original venues as well. The highlight of the Guitar Walk is the audio information on each plaque. Legendary Sun Studio recording artist Sonny Burgess tells stories about the days when Rock n' Roll was young and shares details about the artists he played with on Rock n' Roll Highway 67 in northeast Arkansas. No headsets required, just push the button and each plaque plays multiple stories and songs. This is a must see for the entire family. Opened September of 2012. It's FREE and be sure to see Beatles Park while you're there. It's a block away and an easy, safe walk. See the tribute to the only time The Beatles were ever in Arkansas. read more

Though it looks small and boring, the stuff you learn is pretty awesome. I knew nothing about the rock and roll highway until I made a stop at this park. The plaques have buttons you can press and hear different stories about famous artists like Conway Twitty, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Wanda Jackson, Elvis Presley, and more. Make sure you press the button more than once!! They have different things to say and a sample of each artist's music. All in all, this was a good place to stop on the trip back home. It also happens to be within walking distance of the Beatles park, some Mexican places to eat, a froyo place, the dark side coffee shop (they also serve salads and sandwiches), and Imagine, which is an artsy gift shop with locally-made pottery, trinkets, clothing, soaps, and mason jar goodies. read more