Updated: December 9, 2025
Sometimes the best roadside discoveries happen when you’re not even looking for them—you just follow your curiosity and see where it leads. That’s exactly how we discovered the Mr. Peanut statue in Fort Smith, Arkansas—standing proudly on Planters Road.
This particular adventure was part of what we call our Mystery GPS Tours. The concept is simple: I plan a route to something quirky or unusual, but Zach has zero context about where we’re going. He just follows the turn-by-turn directions like a human GPS, no questions asked, until we arrive.
On this trip through Fort Smith, Arkansas, Zach was dutifully following directions when we turned onto Planters Road. Then he caught the unmistakable smell of roasted peanuts wafting through the air. He paused mid-turn and said, “Wait… is this about the peanut guy?”
And there he was: a magnificent 30-foot-tall Mr. Peanut statue standing proudly outside the Planters tree nut packaging plant, complete with his signature top hat, monocle, and cane.
The Historic Mr. Peanut Statue Fort Smith Arkansas
This isn’t just any roadside attraction—the Mr. Peanut statue Fort Smith Arkansas displays has an incredible rescue story behind it.
Originally, this iconic sign stood at a Planters store on Route 1 in Peabody, Massachusetts. By the late 1960s, the store had closed and the sign was repurposed for the Half Dollar Bar. When that bar closed in the 1980s, the beloved mascot faced an uncertain future.
Planters came to the rescue in 1988, saving their iconic mascot and restoring him to his former glory. According to a plaque at the base, he got a facelift in 1990 by artisans Larry Lessley, Thomas Goodin, Victor Steffen, and Ron Vail, ensuring this piece of advertising history would continue to delight visitors for years to come.
Visiting the Mr. Peanut Statue Fort Smith Arkansas – The Details
Standing 30 feet tall in all his distinguished glory, this Mr. Peanut statue looks exactly like the classic mascot we all know—complete with top hat, monocle, white gloves, spats, and cane.
And here’s a fun bonus: it actually smells like roasted peanuts when you drive by, adding another sensory layer to this roadside adventure. That smell was Zach’s first clue about where we were heading, and honestly, it made the reveal even better.
He’s positioned at the visitor entrance alongside two smaller Mr. Peanut statues and a large copper-colored sit-with-Mr.-Peanut photo-op that’s perfect for those Instagram moments.
Why This Mr. Peanut Statue Fort Smith Arkansas Stop Matters
What makes the Mr. Peanut statue Fort Smith Arkansas preserves so special isn’t just its impressive size or classic design—it’s the story of preservation and rescue. In a world where so many vintage advertising icons disappear, Planters made the effort to save this piece of Americana and give it a permanent home where travelers can continue to enjoy it.
Our Mystery GPS Tour discovery perfectly captures why we love spontaneous detours and planned surprises. Whether you stumble upon it accidentally or seek it out intentionally, this towering mascot delivers that perfect mix of nostalgia and roadside charm.
How to Visit the Mr. Peanut Statue in Fort Smith Arkansas
📍 Location: 4020 Planters Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas—right off I-540 at exit 12 to US Highway 71 south
🚗 Access: Easy access from the employee parking lot, completely free to visit
👃 Bonus: It smells like roasted peanuts when you drive by
📸 Photo Ops: The large copper-colored sit-with-Mr.-Peanut statue is perfect for photos
Whether you’re chasing roadside Americana, planning your own Mystery GPS Tour, or just need a weirdly delightful photo-op, this 30-foot-tall mascot delivers. Just follow your nose—or in our case, follow the turn-by-turn directions until the smell of roasted peanuts gives away the surprise.
More Quirky Stops in the Area
While you’re exploring Fort Smith, don’t miss the World’s Largest Christmas Pickle for more roadside fun. And if you head to nearby Alma, you can visit Popeye’s Garden and the World’s Largest Spinach Can, plus the Henry D Humphrey Memorial honoring the deputy who encountered Bonnie & Clyde. All of them make easy add-ons for a day of quirky Arkansas adventures.