14 Small Towns In Arkansas Were Ranked Among US Favorites
Picture Northwest, Arkansas: think of numerous limestone caves, and geologic formations that are beautifully hypnotic and mesmerizing in equal measure. Not to mention, not one but two mountain ranges reside in this state. In the fall, Arkansas becomes like a scene out of a movie; perhaps a Picasso painting. In terms of nature and scenery, the fact Arkansas is called “The Natural State” should give first-time visitors an idea about the incredible beauty of this Southern state. For those who desire to explore the home state of celebrated country music songwriter Johny Cash, the following 14 small towns in Arkansas were ranked among US favorites.
Van Buren
Van Buren is a tiny town of about 700 residents that reclines on the picturesque shores of the Arkansas River about 7 miles from Fort Smith. While originally named Phillips Landing, the city received a rebaptism a few years later to honor the memory of the eighth president of the United States and one of the founders of the Democratic Party, Martin Van Buren. Once a trading post for fortune-seeking settlers moving to the West, Van Buren today is a shopping mecca, especially for folks hunting for unique collectibles, original art, and one-of-a-kind crafts — all of which first-time visitors can sample at the cobblestoned Downtown Historic District. One of Van Buren’s attractions is the King Opera House, a late 19th-century architectural masterpiece that now serves as a popular venue for plays and concerts.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is hands-down among the prettiest small towns in the United States. For starters, its location, on a beautifully crafted landscape interwoven with rolling hills—is as photogenic as a place can be. Boasting a population of about 2,200, Eureka Springs is located close to the border with Missouri in the extreme north-western part of the Natural State. Its downtown area, featuring charming Victorian-style architecture, is delicious eye candy that often leaves first-time visitors completely blown away. If seeking an experience that strikes the sweet spot between fear and excitement, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa has been called "America's Most Haunted Hotel." Other Eureka Springs attractions include Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural icon designed by a one-time protege of Frank Lloyd Wright; Beaver Lake, and the more than 60 mineral springs around!
Batesville
Bounded by the White River to the south and by the rugged plateaus of the Ozark Mountains to the north, Batesville was settled in 1810 and is the oldest existing city in Arkansas—and the Natural State’s second oldest municipality after Georgetown. Batesville’s downtown area, and its scenic environments, especially along the beautiful shoreline of White River, are sure to delight all who visit. Lyon College, a feature of the town since 1872, is the state’s oldest independent college. Furthermore, the Old Independence Regional Museum is one of the most sought-after in Batesville and preserves the fascinating history and culture of 12 counties that were once part of Independence County. Finally, the Batesville Commercial Historic District is chockful of historic landmarks and sweetly feels like stepping back in time.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs is a vivacious small town that hosts about 7,500 residents about 40 miles south of Mountain View. It was founded as a health resort and was a popular destination for those seeking the healing properties of its many springs. Today, Heber Springs is a photogenic summer resort that provides access to a world of nature and outdoor adventure such as Sugarloaf Mountain, home to several trails with different degrees of difficulties; Greers Ferry Lake, an idyllic place for getting wet and a trout fishing paradise reputed to be among the state's five largest lakes, and the Little Red River, a blue-space gem that is stunning in its way, and which features decent camping spots on its shoreline.
Bella Vista
With its numerous parks and pavilions, an impressive number of golf courses, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, and up to seven lakes — all teeming with adventure opportunities — there is never a dull moment in Bella Vista. This Arkansas gem rests on the scenic Springfield Plateau of the Ozark Mountains about 37 miles north of Fayetteville. For hiking enthusiasts, spots such as the 21-mile Back 40 Loop trail that meanders through the lush valleys and heart-melting ridges across the east side of town will be of interest. For even more adventure options, Blowing Springs, in the southern part of Bella Vista, offers approximately six miles of natural surface trails you will enjoy burning your legs on.
Russellville
You may want to kickstart your Russellville adventure by sitting down to a plate of delicious pancake combo at the Old South Restaurant, a popular eatery where Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Elvis Presley all once patronized. The bad news is that the iconic building went up in smoke. The good news, however, is that the brand has found a new home at 105 East Harrell Drive and is positive about opening soon. After enjoying a hearty and healthy breakfast, it will be time to explore what Russellville, a picturesque river valley town nestled about an hour from Little Rock, has to offer. If you visit in May, you will notice the town is light-spirited and bubbles cheerily with an infectious air of fun and excitement. No worries. It is the season for Balloons Over Russellville, an epic event where participants get airborne on balloon rides while the incredible beauty of this Arkansas gem passes over their eyes like a dream. This festival also features a chainsaw carving competition displaying awesome handcrafted woodwork, helicopter rides, live music, and other fun-filled activities. Then again, about 29,700 residents call Russellville home and enjoy the outdoor experiences around the town, especially along the picture-perfect shoreline of Lake Dardanelle.
Jasper
Jasper, a gemstone itself is mythologized for its healing virtues, but is also one of the most gorgeous small towns in Arkansas was named after. Jasper, Arkansas, is a sweet mountain town tucked away about an hour south of Branson, and boasts a population of just about 500 residents. Thanks to its scenic setting, smack in the middle of the heart-melting Ozark Mountains, and its elk herds, this Arkansas treasure is known to punch above its weight. There are several spots to soak in the beauty of the area, including from the summit of Mt. Judea — and at the observation tower at Scenic Point. Besides, Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome will be waiting in the wings to reveal the subterranean beauty of the Natural State and will be a good use of your time. Lastly, the Little Buffalo River murmurs right through town, imbuing it with a rustic look and beautiful vistas.
El Dorado
Once believed to be a hidden city in the New World where gold lay in heaps, the legend of El Dorado (and the desperate quest for it) has claimed lives, consumed an unimaginable amount of resources, and worn out the energies of fortune-seeking explorers. Yet, unfortunately, no one has ever found El Dorado, a mythical city whose king was rumored to be covering himself with gold dust before plunging into a lake, as part of a mysterious ritual. While the legendary El Dorado has not been found to date, this idea of heaven on earth lives on in an Arkansas nature-wrapped bastion featuring a delightful array of attractions. El Dorado is a town of about 16,700 residents and is best known for its place in the 1920s South Arkansas oil boom. Because it was the heart of this economic upturn, it has been called Arkansas's Original Boom Town. Attractions within the town include the Murphy Arts District, a vibrant entertainment hub that features a concert hall, several casual restaurants, and a farmers market. Besides, publications such as Golf Weekly have ranked El Dorado's Mystic Creek Golf Club as the best course in the state.
Mountain View
If landscapes interwoven with rolling mountains are among the most picturesque, a town called Mountain View is sure to pique the interest of an adventurer. Mountain View, Arkansas, is a picture-perfect town of about 2,900 that is curled up approximately 40 miles from Heber Springs deep in the Ozarks. It is best known as the Folk Music Capital of the World. This is because of its rich folk music heritage. For a taste of the town's folk music legacy, the Ozark Folk Centre State Park curates fascinating factoids concerning Mountain View's music heritage while serenading visitors with live folk music—and wowing them with beautifully made traditional crafts. For those who want to fill their lungs with the fresh, crisp air of the outdoors, adventure opportunities abound in the surrounding Ozark Mountains—whose regal majesty and gasp-inducing beauty are the stuff of postcards. You can enjoy the thrill of floating down the Buffalo River on a balmy summer afternoon or, for some solitude, savor the serenity of the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.
Lake Village
Any town along the Great River Road Scenic Byway should be worth checking out. This is because of the captivating landscapes and heart-warming vistas along this popular stretch. It happens that Lake Village — not only sits along the Great River Road Scenic Byway —but also hugs the shimmering waters of Lake Chicot. And this is quite a potent combination. If you want to enjoy some fun on the water, amid refreshing splashes, Lake Chicot will come in handy. This blue-space gem is inside the park it lends its name to, a facility that provides other adventure options you will want to explore, including birdwatching. If you want a more intimate experience, however, watching the stars twinkle and the moon gleam, amid some rustling of the leaves, this park boasts several rustic cabins — as well as peaceful campgrounds you can access at a small fee. Other attractions within Lake Village include Jack R. Rhodes Lakefront Park right within the town and Lakeport Plantation, a wonderfully maintained artifact of the country's history.
Siloam Springs
Once a popular summer resort in the late 19th century, Siloam Springs has a long history of attracting visitors from across the nation. At the time, what brought visitors to Siloam Springs was the abundance of springs, as its name suggests, then believed to contain healing properties. The popularity of Siloam Springs as a wellness destination is now firmly in the past. However, this Arkansas gem has rebranded itself and is now among the best-ranked small towns in the state. Its pedestrian-friendly downtown area plays host to a delightful array of restaurants such as Awesome Occasions as well as specialty shopping options such as the one-of-a-kind 2 Gals Junk. Besides, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a pointer to the number of buildings of historical significance. With Sager Creek meandering right through the town, and up to 28 natural springs burbling from different spots, the Sylvan splendor of this little town often leaves first-time visitors completely blown away.
Paris
There is something ethereal about Paris, best known as the gateway to Mount Magazine State Park, that often leaves visitors in complete awe. And it is not the name. Though the name itself would pique the curiosity of any well-traveled tourist. For starters, Mount Magazine State Park, the area's defining landmark, soaring at 2,753 feet above sea level, is the highest point in the Natural State. Visitors often enjoy gasping at the lush scenery around its inhaling vistas that invariably trigger the onset of goosebumps. Aside from Mount Magazine, the Cove Lake Recreation Area plays host to a scenic 160-acre lake, providing several opportunities for getting wet. Among the activities visitors enjoy on and around the lake include fishing, camping, and swimming. While the town itself is home to a population of just about 4,000, its bucolic allure and idyllic settings will leave you mesmerized.
Mountain Home
“My Sweet Mountain Home.” According to some accounts, that is how slaves often referred to their plantation home situated around the spot where this Arkansas favorite now sits. Before this however, this community was known as Rapp's Barren to honor the man reputed to have built the first home in the area: Simeon "Rapp" Talburt. Today, this little town of about 13,300 residents is a water lover’s paradise perfect for a summer expedition. To give you an idea, Mountain Home is sandwiched between Norfork Lake, which boasts 550 miles of shoreline, and Bull Shoals Lake, whose shoreline is nearly twice that of Norfolk Lake. Besides, Mountain Home provides access to the White and North Fork Rivers, two waterways that offer numerous water-based adventure options. Here is the truth. For fishing and boating, few Arkansas towns can hold a candle to Mountain Home. The White River itself—is known for some of the best trout fishing in the world.
Alma
Rounding off this list is Alma, Arkansas—a small town in the Natural State’s northwest corner—nestled close to the junction of Interstates 40 and 49. Because Alma is close to both the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, its outdoor adventure options are almost unmatched. If you enjoy walking through the woods, the Lake Alma Hiking Trail, often strewn with moss-covered boulders, boasts great tree coverage and is pretty much a flat walk throughout. If you are looking to experience concerts or plays in a beautiful building that features great sound quality, comfortable seating, and an awesome atmosphere, you must check out the Alma Performing Arts Center, the area’s premier venue for live performances located at 103 E Main Street. Finally, do not forget to snap a picture of the Alma Popeye Statue, a bronze statue that commemorates Alma’s claim of being the Spinach Capital of the World.
The Takeaway
Too often eclipsed by its southern neighbors, Arkansas is nonetheless chockful of surprises that often come as a revelation to first-time visitors. And while all parts of the Natural State feature scenes that can astound the eyes and wow the senses, the Northwest corner of the state is particularly stunning. If you want to taste the incredible beauty of a state reputed to be the leading producer of rice, small towns such as Alma, Jasper, Paris, and Mountain Home have frequently been ranked among U.S. favorites, making any little adventure here a blast.
