10 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Arkansas This Summer
Arkansas is a lovely state in the middle of the United States, made more wonderful by the lovely small towns to visit this summer. From the bountiful gifts of nature in Heber Springs and Eureka Springs to culture-defining destinations like Magnolia and El Dorado, these vivacious villages are sure to keep you roaming merrily in the Natural State. This summer, cool down in mountainous, high-altitude towns like Batesville and Jasper in the Ozark Mountains, or get yourself pumped for exploration and adventures in Bella Vista and Russellville. Let your curiosity lead you to the lovely small towns to visit in Arkansas this summer.
Batesville
Batesville, the seat of Independence County, is a wonderful little town about 95 miles northeast of Little Rock. Where the White River nourishes the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Batesville is located in an old Osage Native American territory before the land was given to the United States in a treaty in 1808. These days, travelers can saunter and gallivant at the Polk (or Poke) Bayou Park found on the White River. There is an especially pristine swimming location called “The Rocks” that you ought to try. Moviegoers might be interested in watching vintage movies at the Melba Theater, one of Batesville’s oldest structures remodeled in the Art Deco style.
Historic markers and trails are in high abundance along the Arkansas Heritage Trails System in Batesville. Furthermore, the Mark Martin NASCAR Museum highlights the livelihood of NASCAR racing star Mark Martin. Should you wish to see more of Batesville, consider the Ramada Inn, The Royal on Main, or Hampton Inn Batesville as optionable lodgings.
Bella Vista
Deriving its name from the Spanish word for “beautiful views,” the town of Bella Vista does not disappoint newcomers. With its impressive elevation of 1,033 feet, travelers are entertained with endless vistas of the Ozark Mountains as well as the distant state border of Missouri. Nature lovers, hikers, and bikers will fall in love with the Tanyard Creek Trail and Bluebird. Both of these awesome routes lead down to Lake Windsor and Lake Ann, where you can go kayaking and swimming in their opulent waters. The most unique attraction in Bella Vista is the Gothic-arched Cooper Memorial Chapel, an avant-garde masterpiece marrying human ingenuity with the splendors of nature. Pay homage to US soldiers at the Veteran Wall of Honor, and appreciate more of Bella Vista’s Indigenous history at the Museum of Native American History. At the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, see the cultural aptitudes of the people in the Ozarks. Only 15 minutes away from Bentonville, make yourself feel safe and relaxed while staying in The Victoria Bed & Breakfast.
Eureka Springs
Spring out of the water while crying “Eureka!” in the enlightening town of Eureka Springs, one of the hottest destinations in Arkansas. A legend among the Native Americans claims that the town’s spring waters are sacred healing places for those wishing to cleanse themselves of worries and woes. Certainly, there are a number of destinations and attractions in Eureka Springs that will heal your weariness. Whether you are traipsing freely through the Ozark Mountains or strolling and swimming on Beaver Lake, you will feel revitalized in the lovely town of Eureka Springs with the Christ of the Ozarks Statue watching over everyone.
However, expect excitement when exploring the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. As home to a plethora of bears and big cats, such as lions, tigers, and cougars, it's especially fun to have a guide with you. But if you prefer below ground to above, then go spelunking in the “living” caves and caverns of the Onyx Cave Park. If you do get exhausted from all the traveling, recharge yourself at the Osage Creek Lodge, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, or the Basin Park Hotel.
Russellville
As a town situated halfway between Little Rock and Fort Smith, and with its location on the majestic Arkansas River, Russellville is a small town of modern delights. It is home to the only nuclear power plant in Arkansas called the Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO). The ANO power plant is one of the safest in the US, so safe that nearby parks and playgrounds such as Lake Dardanelle, Mount Nebo, Mount Magazine, and Petit Jean are perfectly comfortable and lovable areas for you to relax. One can appreciate the Arkansas Tech University Museum, which further embodies Russellville’s influence in local science and technology. For those of you eager to explore more of what Russellville has to offer, do book a room at either the Courtyard by Marriott Russellville, Clarion Inn & Suites, or La Quinta Inn & Suites.
Jasper
The simple, lackadaisical beauties of Arkansas come alive in the lovely town of Jasper. One can experience all sorts of trekking and hiking adventures in the vast Buffalo National River, which is affectionately referred to as the Little Buffalo River. Neighboring this beautiful forest is the Koen Experimental Forest, a haven for new species of flora and fauna uncommon in Arkansas. For an unspoiled and unparalleled view of the Ozarks, consider ascending the challenging Round Top Mountain. And for a 40-mile view of a great swathe of Arkansas, stand atop the lookout tower of Scenic Point, which even allows you to see most of Missouri. Tour the estates of two Bradley-named destinations such as the Bradley House Museum and Bradley Park. Last but not least, book a room at the Arkansas House, Riverview Motel, or the Little Buffalo Terrace.
El Dorado
As mystical and magical as the fabled City of Gold, the lovely village of El Dorado is widely regarded as “Arkansas’s Original Boomtown” when the oil boom of the 1920s was at its apex in El Dorado. El Dorado was also the site of an infamous shootout between the Tucker and Parnell families in 1902, which a periodic reenactment called the “Showdown at Sunset” illustrates every Saturday evening in the summer. The John Newton House and the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources are two excellent locations to review El Dorado’s black gold mining past. Furthermore, the South Arkansas Museum of African-American History showcases the triumphs and tribulations of the African-American people in Arkansas. For leisurely activities, head to the 13-acre paradise called the South Arkansas Arboretum. For lodgings, look to Haywood El Dorado Tapestry, El Dorado Inn, and Candlewood Suites El Dorado for accommodations.
Mountain View
Mountain View, as the name implies, gives visitors an excellent view of Arkansas’ foreboding mountains. Specifically, one can enjoy the sights of the Ozark Mountains, where one can tune in to banjos and traditional folk dancing in the Ozark Folk Center State Park. In addition to lively music, the Ozark Cultural Resource Center hosts a number of musical and theatrical performances, as well as crafts and trinkets you can purchase at your leisurely. Travelers can brave the deep dark of the Blanchard Springs Caverns, go hiking through the Ozark National Forest, or journey through the Hell Creek Natural Area. March and November are perfect times to visit Mountain View when the Mountain View Bluegrass Festival is in full swing. You might also be interested in attending or participating in the annual Beanfest & Championship Outhouse Races in October. If you are not interested in camping out in the wilderness, you can always find a room at the Knotty Squirrel, the Dogwood Motel, or the Bunk House at the Broom Factory.
Paris
The town of Paris—an elegant town approximately 45 minutes away from Russellville—was so named after the capital city of France, Paris. Naturally, travelers can take pictures of the Eiffel Tower in the town, although it is only 18 feet tall compared to the much larger Eiffel Tower in real Paris. Even so, there are many more wonders to see in Paris, especially with panoramic views of Arkansas from the slopes of Mount Magazine and the Ouachita Mountains. Every year, the Butterfly Festival welcomes the bloom and arrival of hundreds of butterflies in the Mount Magazine State Park. Meanwhile, the Logan County “Old Jail” Museum gives visitors a glimpse of this historic space. For those of you wishing to spend more time in Paris, first find accommodations in the Paris Inn.
Heber Springs
Originally called Sugar Loaf in the 19th century as a reference to the nearby Sugarloaf Mountain, the town of Heber Springs has evolved into a thriving health resort for those seeking respite from the summer heat and the city pandemonium. As a tourist destination about 50 minutes from Mountain View, Heber Springs entreats visitors to the towering spires of Sugarloaf Mountain, which was once the town’s first name. One might also be invested in swimming and kayaking along the pristine Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River. At Eagle Bank Park and Spring Park, savor a little picnic with your friends and family or even just by your peaceful lonesome. At Sandy Beach and Bridal Veil Falls, experience more watery, recreational fun with no fear or worries of getting soaked. Perhaps take photos of the impressive dam in Heber Springs, which regulates the flow of water in the Greers Ferry Lake. Most of all, lounge in your comfortable little room at the Heber Springs Resort.
Magnolia
Situated on the West Gulf Coastal Plain between Texarkana and El Dorado, the riveting town of Magnolia blossoms with a cornucopia of cultural and natural amenities. So named after the native Arkansas plant, the southern magnolia (laurel) tree, Magnolia has been the home of the prestigious Southern Arkansas University, where its Agricultural and Horticultural Farm has hosted many local and yearly events for newcomers and residents alike. Lake Columbia, one of the largest Arkansas Game and Fish Commission impoundments at 3,000 acres, challenges fishers with a dazzling display of fish species to catch. Logoly State Park, on the other hand, is an environmentally friendly paradise for travelers near and far. Every May, thousands of visitors flock to Magnolia for the Magnolia Blossom Festival, which includes the presentation of the World's Largest Charcoal Grill and the World's Championship Steak Cook-off. But many stay thanks to the wonderful necessities found in Coachman’s Inn, one of many lodgings to enjoy in Magnolia.
A long time ago, Arkansas was once the home of the proud Quapaw Native Americans who called the land after the Algonquin term for “south wind.” Today, these same southerly winds endlessly guide travelers far and wide toward the lovely small towns to visit in Arkansas this summer. Strike your own version of gold in the town of El Dorado. Watch fierce competition in Magnolia or see the unchanging vastness of the Ozarks from Mountain View. Travel to the miniaturized version of Paris and appreciate the Natural State in Jasper. Wherever you go, let the south wind blow you away with the lovely small towns of Arkansas.
