6 of the Quirkiest Towns in Arkansas
Arkansas, a landlocked state in the Southern United States, is a haven of mother nature’s beauty. Nicknamed “The Natural State” it boasts endless sprawling landscapes, scenic formations, and tons of good food. Tourists are drawn to the grandeur of its attractions, from the magnificent Ozark Mountains to the bustling city of Little Rock. Between the charm of these destinations, Arkansas has many quirky towns, each with a unique aura to adore. Filled with delicious food, radiant culture, and plenty of history, one can enjoy the fun without the unnecessary crowds.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a stunning town in Arkansas’s Ozark Mountains with a mix of history and nature. From the moment one arrives, the town exudes a rustic charm, which is palpable from the outstanding Victorian architecture all around. Stroll through the historic district for a trip to the past, filled with plenty of iconic landmarks. Visitors can spend the day at sites like Flatiron Flats, Rainbow Stairs, or the Historical Museum which exude culture. Moreover, the district is always full of life thanks to the live music and wine bars that line the streets. As night falls, adventurous souls can continue the historical journey on the Crescent Hotel Ghost Tour. Known for ghost sightings and stories, the 1886 hotel has an ominous experience that is sure to leave a chill down your spine.
Hand in hand with the past, Eureka Springs offers a fresh insight into the outdoors. Mountains, springs, and lakes abound, there are plenty of ways to have fun under the sun. For example, explore the local springs, which have a reputation for their ancient healing powers. With a total of 66 cold mineral springs, one can ease their mind and body from urban stress. For a more exciting experience, Beaver Lake awaits, providing scenic surroundings a few miles from town. Whether it is boating on the lake's tranquil waters or fishing for dinner, everyone can have a blast in Eureka Springs.
Calico Rock
One hundred fifteen miles east of Eureka Springs lies the historic boomtown of Calico Rock. Once a landing for steamboats, the town boasts more than 150 years of intricate tales. As of today, visitors interested in this side of town can head down to the Calico Rock Historic District. Resting atop a hill, it is one of the state’s finest districts on the National Register of Historic Places. Rustic buildings line the streets, creating a vibe similar to that of old mining towns. Take a deeper look into the past at Calico Rock Museum, which showcases the town's history, arts, science, and attractions.
Along with its intricate past, Calico Rock shares another feature with Eureka Springs, a haunted past. This is because the East Calico Historic District is famed for being a ghost town, with tons of ominous sightings. Choose from various tours such as the Main Street, Maggie Mine, and Schoolhouse which cover dozens of mysterious buildings. For example, the Maggie Mine takes one through old mines, engulfed by darkness and paranormal activity.
If you’re not in the occult, head in the other direction for a fun time at White River. Here, tourists enjoy fishing, sightseeing, and boating along the cascading waters. Sights like the City Rock Bluff and Calico Bluff offer panoramic views of the river and are wonderful places to relax.
Jasper
Jasper, a town in Newton County, is a great place to experience Arkansas’s allure. The town has a homely vibe with a population of less than 600 people, and it seems like everyone knows everyone. Despite its small size, Jasper is large on character. Wander through the maze of bustling streets to discover Jasper's quirky establishments and conversations. Most people spend the day in Court Street, where you can find places like Ozark Cafe, Ernie’s Ornaments, and Krispy Krunch Chicken.
In addition to its paved streets, Jasper is intertwined with nature and has an array of stunning sights. The Arkansas Grand Canyon stands out, showcasing a 180-degree view of the Ozark Mountains. Tourists can choose from hiking, biking, sightseeing, and more to take in the mystical surroundings. If that’s not enough, follow the sound of flowing water from the Little Buffalo River. This route boasts plenty of amazing parks, campgrounds, and motels so there is no end to the fun in Jasper.
Paris
Sharing its name with France’s capital, Paris is a taste of Europe in Arkansas. From its rustic charm to quirky bars, there are plenty of things tourists adore. Dive straight in with a trip to the historic district, which is seeping with exquisite architecture and iconic landmarks. Most people flock to the Logan County Courthouse and Union Assembly of God Church to learn about the town’s past. For a deeper insight, check out the Old Jail Museum or Coal Minters Museum which showcase dozens of exhibits on interesting times. The best part is that no matter how you spend your day, the town’s mountain backdrop follows along for a lovely image.
If the mountains seem enticing, why not check them out up close? Just drive 15 miles to Mount Magazine State Park, a 2,200-acre wellspring of outdoor charm. This park is a treat for adventurers, with tall peaks and verdant greenery as far as the eye can see. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park and there are dozens of trails throughout. Beginners can opt for the Benefield Loop Trails, a relaxing 2-mile loop with tons of flora and fauna for company. On the other hand, experienced hikers can challenge themselves on the Cove Lake Trail which rewards 10 miles of rigorous hiking with magnificent forests, camping spots, and swimming locations. If you’re lucky, you might spot a white-tailed deer or bobcat as they often roam the trails. After all the activities, stop by Cowie Wine Cellars and Vineyards for a delicious wine to end the day.
Tontitown
After Paris, opt for another European destination with a visit to Tontitown. This laid-back town in Washington County is reminiscent of an Italian village. This is because Italian settlers founded it in 1898, and it has since developed with a strong heritage. As a testament to its culture, Tontitown boasts some of the best grapes and wines in the state. No matter where you are in town, the aroma and flavor of delicious wine are sure to follow, tempting curious tourists. For the best experience, visit during the iconic Tontitown Grape Festival. Since 1898, locals have organized this event every year and filled it with tons of activities, food, and drink. From grape stomping to live music, there is no end to the fun! Even if you miss out on the festival, Tontitown Winery is open year-round, offering fresh wines made on-site. Along with the drinks, Tontitown boasts Italian restaurants, such as Mama Z’ Cafe and the Venesian Inn so there is no shortage of delicious food. After your meal, head into town to meet the 4,500 locals who are always up for a fun conversation.
El Dorado
This lively town will wrap you in its quirky aura from the moment you arrive. Once a hotspot for oil mining and chemical industries, El Dorado is now the county seat of Union County. It is a hub of culture, business, and tourism, attracting people from all over the region. Attractions line the streets, providing visitors with a range of ways to spend the day, from charming restaurants to grand stadiums. For example, football fans flock to Memorial Stadium, a 6,000-seat football stadium where El Dorado’s Wildcats play their home games. Often filled with fans, each touchdown erupts in a roar of cheer all around. After the match, cool off at Johnny B’s Grill which is always full of tasty food, chilled drinks, and fun conversations.
Among its many attractions, El Dorado has an abundance of options for cultural enthusiasts. For example, the Murphy Arts District showcases local artistic talents, with dozens of exhibits, performances, and works to adore. Similarly, sites like the 1840s Newton House and 1929 Rialto Theatre provide an insight into the past, with historic tours and tales of old. Every detail of these locations is a blast of vibrant culture, that tourists and locals adore. Beyond the physical sights, El Dorado is home to 18,000 lovely people, so there is always a smiling face for company.
No matter what you are into, these quirky towns in Arkansas have a range of interesting activities to keep tourists busy. Whether this is the healing springs of Eureka Springs or the aromatic wine in Tontitiotwn, there are plenty of ways to have a blast. Moreover, unique festivals, museums, and landmarks make sure every visitor has a unique story to tell. Put it all together and these towns are perfect for a quirky visit into Arkanas’s charm.
