7 Cutest Small Towns In Arkansas For 2025
Arkansas is known as the Natural State, in part due to the beautiful Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, which run through the state. Among its other natural wonders are many naturally occurring springs, which draw in thousands of visitors annually. Within these beautiful environments, travelers will also discover a multitude of cute towns. These adorable towns offer 165-mile trails, a church hidden in the forest, natural hot spring baths, hidden spring caves, and much more. Here are 7 of the cutest small towns in Arkansas.
Van Buren
Named after the U.S. President Martin Van Buren, this small town sits along the Arkansas River and is rich in history. Due to its location by the river, Van Buren is a wonderful place for all sorts of water sports and fishing. The nearby Ozark Lake is particularly popular for catching bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. The cutest part of Van Buren is its historic downtown area. Here, visitors can see both the exquisite and the humble structures, like the 1891 King Opera House in Main Street and the one from Albert Pike schoolhouse with a well-manicured garden. The most intriguing site in Van Buren is the Drennen-Scott House, an 1838 home with connections to the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
Ozark
Named after the great mountain range, Ozark sits within the Arkansas River Valley. It is the epitome of small-town Southern living, complete with cute shops and relaxing spots to go fishing or walking. For example, visitors can access the Arkansas River by a boat ramp at the Aux Arc Park, which also has a campground. For hiking, the Ozark National Forest is close by, and it has 130,000 acres of forest to hike, bike, or go horseback riding. Speaking of hiking, the 165-mile Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail cuts through the small town. In the downtown area, Ozark has multiple locally owned shops like Buze Bee Flowers & Gifts and Riverview Antiques to grab a little treat to bring back home.
Mountain Home
For those who want to make their homes in the mountains, Mountain Home can't be beat. This Ozark Mountains small town sits between multiple bodies of water, including Norfork Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, White River, and North Fork River. Mountain Home is a water resort paradise with a number of fun activities. For example, at the Bull Shoals-White River State Park, there are more than 100 campsites with access to trails, trout streams for fishing, and a dock. Visitors can go golfing at a world-class facility at the Big Creek Golf and Country Club or explore a historical re-creation of an 1890 mountain town in Mountain Village 1890 in nearby Bull Shoals. This rural town also offers fresh berries, vegetables, corn mazes, and more at the family-owned Mountain Home Berry Farm.
Paris
No, we aren't talking about France. Paris lies in the heart of rural Arkansas. It also happens to be one of the cutest towns in the Southern United States. Visitors love to take pictures of the 25-foot model of the Eiffel Tower within Eiffel Tower Park. This park keeps a bit of that French romance alive with the Love Lock Fence, a spot where couples can steal their love with a padlock, which is a popular French custom. This quaint town holds a Farmers Market right in the Eiffel Tower Park, which houses locally produced goods and live music. Paris is also home to another unique establishment: the Prestonrose Farm & Brewing Co., which sells both organic food and beer at its restaurant. To get some hiking in, consider one of the 14 miles of trails at the nearby Mount Magazine State Park.
Hot Springs
Among stunning Arkansas small towns, Hot Springs is one of the very best. It is the home of the Hot Springs National Park, essentially the very first national park to be created in 1832. This park sits right in the middle of town, making it easy to access and see its nine historic bathhouses, as well as hike up mountain trails. Although visitors can't get in the thermal water outdoors, they can enjoy it at the 1912 Buckstaff Bathhouse and the Quapaw Bathhouse. Bird watchers will enjoy checking out the diverse species of birds in the park, especially at the Grand Promenade. Hot Springs itself has many fun activities for everyone. These include the Pocket Community Theatre, offering live performances, the Riley Art Glass Studio, and the American Art Gallery.
Eureka Springs
Eureka is a word that means a sudden spark of discovery or inspiration. Visitors are sure to be inspired by this historic town of Eureka Springs. It was first founded in the 1850s when Dr. Alvah Jackson claimed that the spring water had curative powers. Many of these springs are available right in the downtown Basin Spring Park. At this park, there's the Grotto Spring, which is contained within a beautiful cave with an arched entrance, along with many other springs to see. Just outside of town is Lake Leatherwood City Park, an 85-acre spring-fed lake with spots for hiking, an artificial waterfall, and a quirky Bigfoot statue. Lastly, everyone has to see the Thorncrown Chapel in the woods, a wooden structure with 425 windows letting in the light from all around it, creating a wonderful impression.
Magnolia
Located a few hour's drive from Little Rock, Magnolia was modeled after its sister town of Oxford, Mississippi. Magnolia is the home of Southern Arkansas University, which itself contains the Agricultural and Horticultural Farm, a popular spot to tour. Within the town and nearby, there is a mixture of cute historic buildings and relaxing outdoor recreation. For example, the Columbia County Courthouse is a blond brick 1905 Renaissance Revival building that is the ideal place to start one's downtown adventure, see historic murals, and visit outdoor recreation stores like Steve's Outdoor Sports. Speaking of outdoors, Lake Columbia is the closest place nearby to go fishing, swimming, or camping. In fact, it's one of the largest Arkansas Game and Fish Commission impoundments. Lastly, the town hosts the marvelous Blossom Festival every May, which makes the springtime a great time to visit.
It's easy to see why residents are proud of living in these cute towns. After all, they have a lot to show off, from replicas of the Eiffel Tower to natural springs and bathhouses. Residents maintain a variety of art galleries, small businesses, and farmers' markets for everyone to enjoy in their communities. With the mountains and rivers crisscrossing these communities, everyone will find something to do outdoors. The next time you are in Arkansas, consider visiting these 7 cute towns.
