Skip to Main Content

Tri-State Spook Light publication.

Tri-State Spook Light aka Hornet Spook Light

Field review by the editors.

Quapaw, Oklahoma

One of the few consistently performing mystery lights in the U.S., glowing since 1881, and named the Hornet Spook Light (after a now defunct town). Investigated without satisfaction by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1946, which declared it a "mysterious light of unknown origin."

The orbs are visible at night (when they choose to appear) along a four mile stretch of the gravel Oklahoma East 50 Road, also called the "The Devil's Promenade" and "Spook Light Road." Current explanations blame it on lights refracted through the woods from nearby highways, or escaping subterranean gas, or piezoelectric energy created by quartz crystals rubbing together underground. Or ghosts.

At one point in its history there was a local general store maintaining a Spook Light Museum, but that has been closed for decades.

Also see: Mystery Spots | Creatures Guide: Spook Lights

Tri-State Spook Light aka Hornet Spook Light

Address:
E 50 Rd, Quapaw, OK
Directions:
I-44 exit 4 in Missouri. Drive south on MO-43 for four miles. Turn right (no stoplight or sign) onto Gum Rd/CR-6. Drive west 3.5 miles to a T. Turn left onto State Line Rd, and then you'll see a small house on the left (the only building around). Just past the house turn right onto E 50 Rd, known locally as "The Devil's Promenade" and "Spook Light Road." The orb travels from east to west along a four mile stretch, frequently spotted between 1.5 and two miles in.
Hours:
Most often reported between 10pm and midnight. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Stand on Three States: Kansas, Missouri, OklahomaStand on Three States: Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Quapaw, OK - 4 mi.
Bonnie And Clyde's ShotgunBonnie And Clyde's Shotgun, Galena, KS - 9 mi.
License Plates American FlagLicense Plates American Flag, Galena, KS - 9 mi.
In the region:
Kneeling Miner, Webb City, MO - 16 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Oklahoma

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Oklahoma.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Save Cool Vacation Destinations! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Oklahoma Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings

Favorite Quirky City Sights