2025's Most Underrated Towns In Arkansas

Away from the usual travel brochures or well-known tourist maps, Arkansas is dotted with many small but charming towns, most of which don't get the high-sounding accolades they deserve. Still, while many of these locations are content to live in the shadow of big names such as Eureka Springs, and in places where rivers sing past timeworn banks, a first-time visit will leave many wondering why they are woefully late to the party. In some of these towns, history lingers on almost every red brick, while entertainment can be modest but meaningful. Starting with Morrilton, discover 2025’s most underrated towns in Arkansas.

Siloam Springs

With a historic downtown that features several handsomely preserved buildings, its pristine setting with a touch of nature's brush, and its sweet and slow rhythm, Siloam Springs does not often get the accolades it deserves. Meanwhile, there is something magical about the downtown: the meandering presence of Sager Creek, a scenic waterway that adds a touch of rustic charm to an already beautiful place. With its rock-wall-lined banks, this river is certainly a hallmark of the town's beauty. Although Ziggy’s Downtown is closed, meaning you can't enjoy their delicious sausages and schnitzel, there is still the chance to sample the massive pancakes at Cathy's Corner. And while you will not get Vegas-level entertainment, places such as the Cherokee Hotel & Casino provide a top-tier experience. Outdoor pleasure points include Siloam Springs Kayak Park and the nearby Beaver Lake, one of the state's most famous attractions.

Jasper

Hidden in the Arkansas Ozarks, a pristine expanse of tranquility and beauty, is the small, charming town of Jasper, once named by American Cowboy magazine as one of their "Five Spots for Family Reunions.” The Buffalo, the nation's first national river, starts its noisy journey here. One can float down the river or stroll its banks, while admiring its tumbling rapids. A special mention goes to the Arkansas Scenic Byway 7, which offers drivers a spellbinding view as it cuts through the heart of the county. Coincidentally, it is the state's first national scenic byway. If you have a thing for rock climbing, the nearby Horseshoe Canyon Ranch provides an incredible experience. Just ensure you have firm and comfortable shoes.

Morrilton

With its peaceful environment and beautiful setting, Morrilton often feels like a discovery. Many people pass it on their way to Petit Jean State Park, not knowing that they are skipping a travel destination in its own right. With stand-outs such as Cedar Falls, and a landscape with a knack of stirring the heart at every turn, Jean State Park is deservedly one of Morrilton’s draws. That said, you will enjoy ambling through Downtown Morrilton and admiring it's quaint collection of historic buildings, sampling local food joints, such as Morrilton Drive-In, and tasting some delicious Southern comfort food, or catching a fantastic show at The Rialto Community Arts Center, an iconic property whose history goes back more than 100 years. Currently, it doubles up as the home of the Arts Council of Conway County.

Batesville

Batesville is in north-central Arkansas, about 90 miles northeast of Little Rock. It is beautifully backdropped by the Ozark Mountains, a feature that enhances its natural beauty and charm. Also, with the White River flowing through it, the enchanting impress of nature is hard to miss. You will want to catch a glimpse of Garrot House, an iconic property whose somber walls hold more than 180 years of history. Lyon College, whose history goes back to 1872, is also among the town's notable landmarks. Explore tidbits of interesting local history at the Old Independence Regional Museum, a building that was once a National Guard Armory. But there is something else: the town’s historic Main Street architecture.

El Dorado

A small and quiet community with a nice town square, El Dorado is often criminally overlooked, especially when driving to nearby Moro Bay State Park. As a first-time visitor, you will feel like you have stumbled on something big, especially as you start to appreciate its quiet beauty. The South Arkansas Arboretum, in the heart of El Dorado, has paved scenic walkways, gorgeous flowers, and plenty of shade. It is the perfect place to sip some calm and clarity as you relax and take in the views. It may not hold a candle to New Orleans or Bangkok, but El Dorado’s food scene is surprisingly awesome. Barefoot Bistro, for instance, with its warm, homey atmosphere, is a nice spot to grab a whistle-stop burger as you chat and mingle with locals. Of course, Moro Bay State Park is a jaunt away, as is the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge.

Pocahontas

Although it enjoys giving way to big names such as Eureka Springs and Hot Springs, Pocahontas is a diamond in the rough that is not half appreciated. You can pin it on many things, but Pocahontas is certainly among the state’s most historic towns and boasts one of the largest National Historic Districts in the entire state. It covers 17 square blocks and features beautiful Victorian-era buildings, such as the historic Old Randolph County Courthouse, an imposing two-story Italianate built in the 1870s. Keep in mind that the Davidsonville Historic State Park is just 10 miles from town, a tranquil space with a lovely lake for fishing expeditions. In the heart of town is the Eddie Mae Herron Center/Museum, one of the few extant physical reminders of racial segregation in the state.

Helena

Helena is a small, peaceful town with many Civil War sites. It is in eastern Arkansas, just 50 miles southwest of Memphis, Tennessee. So, what makes this laid-back town such a gem? First, Helena has been called the “cradle of the Delta blues.” The King Biscuit Blues Festival, which lights up the town every October, draws fans from around the world. Also, to the north of town is the Ozark-Saint Francis National Forest, a vast, beautiful green space speckled with oaks and hickory. It is named for the St. Francis River, which flows into the Mississippi River on the outskirts of the town. A mid-morning stroll at the Helena River Park River Walk, an hour at the Battery C Historical Park (to understand the historic Battle of Helena), and an afternoon at the Helena Museum of Phillips County are nice ways to experience this slow-paced town.

Murfreesboro

Although it does not have the thermal waters of Hot Springs or the heart-stirring Victorian architecture of Eureka Springs, Murfreesboro boasts one underrated appeal: It hosts the Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only non-commercial diamond mine in North America. Amateur and wannabe prospectors have been finding several carats of diamonds here since the early 1970s. But there's a catch. You need to pay a few dollars per day to prospect. The good thing is that with that, you get to keep any diamonds that you find. The only other thing you need to do is to pass by the Lovejoy Diamond Screens and rent any equipment you will need for your diamond mining. For all kinds of collectables, Caddo Antiques Gifts is clean, well-stocked, and immaculately organized. If you need a quick bite before you get started, Feed Bin Cafe serves delicious onion rings in a homey and rustic atmosphere.

The Takeaway

In some quiet Southern corner, sometimes secreted among the rolling hills that define the Ozarks, is a random curation of many beautiful Arkansas small towns, most of which will make one adorn the cap of a “discoverer.” Antique-filled downtowns, beautiful architecture, large historic districts, and an incredibly delicious food scene - interested to explore these and more? Grab your ticket for Morrilton, Siloam Springs, or Jasper, where the historic Buffalo River begins.