6 Most Idyllic Small Towns in Arkansas
While Arkansas may fly under the radar of the top most visited states, there must be a reason it boasts the highest inbound percentage in 2021, with 44% more new residents than those who moved elsewhere from the Natural State. Ah, there it is: Arkansas's pastoral landscape makes up the largest and oldest grape-growing region in the southern US, with over 120 years of viticulture in its pocket and historical vineyards under the ownership of fourth and fifth generations.
So whether you are in for the grape juice, the fine reds, or the sparking whites, there are also plenty of sparkling blue lakes and turbulent rivers, as well as verdant state parks. Heber Springs, near Sugarloaf Mountain, flaunts a historic district with its Springs Park and the original underground mineral springs that put the town on the map. Jasper is a town in Newton County, where the first national Buffalo River starts its journey, and the state's first scenic byway stretches north and south of town.
Altus
Altus, a small Arkansas town with bountiful nature through the Arkansas River Valley, is a gateway to both Mount Magazine State Park and Fort Smith State Park. Featuring places like Artist Point, the breathtaking scenery comes with a rich agricultural heritage, literally steeped in historical vineyards. Visitors can enjoy great farm-to-table dining and discover its German-Swiss roots with historic architecture and vibrant heritage celebrations like the annual Grape Festival. Established in well-draining sandy soil and microclimate similar to that in Europe's great wine-growing regions, Altus is a viticulture destination to savor award-winning wines in the heart of Arkansas Wine Country.
Settled by coal mines in the foothills of the Ozarks, the surrounding valleys give way to the mountains, while Altus' pretty famous downtown features a historic center square with a beautiful city park to stroll and relax in the shade, a hop away from antique shops, local crafts, and restaurants like Kelts. Post Winery, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Mount Bethel Winery, Chateau Aux Arc, and Dionysus Wine and Brew each feature a tasting room and offer free tours, as well as select gift shops, a restaurant, an RV park, and a bed-and-breakfast inn, so you can't go wrong with any. The park features memorials to coal miners and veterans. Don't miss the Heritage House Museum and the 1902 Roman basilica-style church with paintings and ornate gold leaf work.
Batesville
Having played a big role in the Civil War, this small town along the White River stays humble under its historic ambiance despite the many accolades, like a famous native. Founded in 1812 by John Reed as a trading post, the historic center features buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, like the 1924 Wade Building, as well as a shopping and dining strip. Opened in the 1870s as an opera house and converted into a mercantile store, the Melba Theatre got a second chance at life; the renovated Art Déco building reopened its doors in 1940 as the state's first Cinemascope theater. Catch a brand new flick with the best popcorn in the evening after exploring some equally vibrant history at the Old Independence Regional Museum.
Having weathered a big storm in the early 1970s, Batesville's preserved pieces are a testament to local efforts, while the town is also home to the Arkansas Scottish Festival and aqua parks to discover on a well-rounded getaway this summer in the northeastern part of the state amid beautiful landscapes. The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce office building mimics the 1828 brick home of pioneer John Ringgold, while the new Lyon College campus nestles along the rolling hills in the east, making for a great day outing with a picnic in nature. Home to the Mark Martin NASCAR Museum, racing fans can drool over his trophies, uniforms, and other memorabilia while their little racers go ape around real racing cars on display.
Bella Vista
This town's idyllic surroundings match the Italian meaning behind its name, "Nice View." A retirement haven, but not only that, Bella Vista's amenities make it fun for every group and traveler on a journey to discover a new small town and perhaps find an idyl. The young city, incorporated as one in 2007, is home to around 33,000 locals who enjoy access to a public "Back 40 Trails" of that many developed miles for hiking through nature. Undergoing expansion, together with the Blowing Springs trails, the system attracts mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners from across the country, and soon, nearly 100 miles of singletrack will be within its limits.
More than just "nice," visitors have access to seven lakes and just as many scenic golf courses to enjoy this summer, along with tennis courts, an RV park, and a campground, with easy downtown access and notable establishments like Lakepointe Restaurant. In between the nature ventures, don't miss the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel and Bella Vista Historical Museum to learn how, in 1917, Bella Vista was established as a summer resort in Benton County, snug up against the border with Missouri. From Crystal Cave to the Sugar Bluffs Cave, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is an absolute must-visit for every art fan in the state, just south in neighboring Bentonville.
Heber Springs
Founded as Sugar Loaf, a mid-19th-century health resort around underground natural springs, Heber Springs is ideal for those who seek mineral benefits, a relaxing soak, or other types of water pursuits. Being a gateway to both the Little Red River and Greers Ferry Lake, it is an ideal summertime recreation destination along the artificial 31,500-acre lake that President John F. Kennedy dedicated in 1963 while staying in this town. As one of the state's most popular lakes with great fishing waters, the lakeside camping, cabins, and world-class resorts encourage days-long recreation on beautiful waters, including paddleboarding, sailing, and boating.
The Little Red River, which flows from under the massive dam, has spawned officially record-breaking 40-pound, four-ounce brown trout, while both the lake and river are exemplary of environmental cleanliness. Visitors can browse the wealth of antique shops and stop at the museum in the charming downtown with a historic district, Heber Springs' heart, home to the stately county courthouse square, and a restored theatre for an evening show. The original mineral spring is also here at the Springs Park, which put "Sugar Loaf" on the map and made Heber Springs idyllic for nature lovers and fun under the sun, as well as hiking trails nearby on Sugarloaf Mountain.
Jasper
This quaint town in the foothills where the Buffalo River, the country's first national river, starts its journey, spoiled by the scenery of the Ozarks, defines an idyl. Packed with outdoor recreation in the fresh mountain air, or if relaxing is the pursuit of your visit, the banks of the first national river in the US stun with opportunity, and over half of the surrounding county is dedicated to parks and forestland. Whether you're in for the iconic trails like the Round Top Mountain Trail, on a hike, a mountain bike, or even horseback riding, there is canoeing, fishing, and kayaking in the pristine waters, as well as caving and rock climbing at the Arkansas Grand Canyon with views and a gift shop.
Welcome to the outdoor epicenter for fun, where you may run into some of the 450 elk roaming the Buffalo River corridor at Boxley Valley and surrounding areas. You are in Newton County, the Elk Capital of Arkansas, home to the state's first Arkansas Scenic Byway 7, north and south of town. The picturesque riverfront downtown is home to the annual Buffalo River Elk Festival in the last days of June, as well as shops and restaurants like the iconic Ozark Cafe right by the Little Buffalo River through the heart. The beautiful courthouse crowns the square with its gazebos, allowing you to appreciate the architecture and relax on the grounds, while other notable historic landmarks include the Dr. Hudson Sanitarium Agricultural Building and Bradley House Museum.
Van Buren
Despite being a larger small town in the state, Van Buren lets you escape the hustle and bustle of the city and back into the notable days in the history of Arkansas on a walk through its famous Van Buren Historic District. Among the wealth of landmarks and museums, including the 1836 Drennen Scott House, visitors can browse shops and restaurants like Colton's Steak House & Grill, browse local art galleries, and enjoy entertainment venues like a fine arts theatre. King Opera House is a beautiful building, while the Malco Van Buren Cinema is a top-rated, retro-style movie theater.
Van Buren, a window to the state's past, was established right on the Arkansas River in a naturally bountiful area in 1838 and incorporated seven years later, having served as a trading post and provisions center for the settlers headed west. Its steamboats, trains, and passageways are part of the Arkansas Heritage Trail systems, with glimpses at places like Louemma Lake, Fort Smith Park, and the Lee Creek Reservoir Recreation Area. Do not miss Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store on a hot summer day on your journey through history, a riverside stroll, or a day on the lake.
Arkansas, often overlooked among travel destinations, reveals its allure through towns like Altus, Batesville, Bella Vista, Heber Springs, Jasper, and Van Buren. Each features one-of-a-kind charms, from Altus's vineyard-laden landscapes to Bella Vista's scenic trails and golf courses. Batesville offers a blend of history and modernity, while Heber Springs intrigues visitors with its serene waters. Jasper's outdoor adventures and Van Buren's historic district complete Arkansas's tapestry of treasures, promising unforgettable experiences for those who venture beyond the beaten path.
