7 Picturesque Small Towns in Arkansas for a Weekend Retreat
The South Central state of Arkansas sees an impressive 48 million tourists visit each year, many of them here for a fun weekend retreat. The big draw? While for many, it’s the lovely scenery or big city attractions in Little Rock, the state capital, those yearning for an authentic getaway experience will head to one or more of the many picturesque small towns in Arkansas.
From the charming Victorian-era streets of Eureka Springs to the folk music heritage of Mountain View, these towns offer unique insights into what makes the “Natural State” and its people tick. Find out more with this list of seven picturesque small towns in Arkansas for a weekend retreat.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is located in the northwest corner of Arkansas and is one of the best places to visit in the state for those looking for a unique weekend getaway. The fact this attractive town is located in the Ozark Mountains certainly helps, as does its well-preserved Victorian architecture and hilly, winding streets. The highlight of a visit is the Eureka Springs Downtown Historic District, which has more than 100 locally owned businesses to explore, many set in attractive old buildings dating from the late 19th century.
Among the town's most popular tourist attractions is the Crescent Hotel and Spa. Built-in 1886 and dubbed "America's Most Haunted Hotel," this historic 3-star accommodation, despite (or perhaps because of!) its friendly ghosts, makes for the perfect place to stay in Eureka Springs. From here, you’re only a short drive from Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural marvel of glass and wood that’s set in a peaceful woodland setting. The nearby Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for rescued big cats like lions and tigers, is also fun to visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Mena
Despite its small size (it has a population of just over 5000 residents), Mena’s location in the shadow of Rich Mountain in the Ouachita Mountains makes it a popular retreat destination. Top attractions near Mena include the Queen Wilhelmina State Park, nicknamed the "Castle in the Sky" for its location on Rich Mountain, Arkansas's second-highest peak. In addition to the superb views of the surrounding mountains, the park features comfortable lodge accommodations along with campsites, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
Mena also makes for a fun road trip destination as the Talimena National Scenic Byway starts here and stretches to Talihina in Oklahoma. This 54-mile route is especially popular during the fall when the foliage transforms the landscape into a spectacle of color. In-town accommodations worth checking out include the charming Janssen Park Place B&B and the Sassafras Inn.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs is the perfect Arkansas getaway destination for those who fancy a pretty lakeside setting. Set in the Ozark Mountains on the shores of Greers Ferry Lake, a vast body of water known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty, Heber Springs is perfect for watersport lovers with plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. Numerous marinas, campgrounds, and picnic areas ring the lake and offer ample opportunities for relaxation and adventure in one of the state’s prettiest natural settings.
Another notable attraction is the Little Red River, which flows out of Greers Ferry Lake. It’s well-known for its excellent trout fishing, boasting some of the best brown and rainbow trout fisheries in the country. Just a short drive from the town center, Bridal Veil Falls Park is another natural wonder to explore. Accommodation options worth considering include the Quality Inn & Conference Center and Heber Springs Resort.
Jasper
The quaint town of Jasper is another Ozark Mountains destination that’s fun to visit. Affectionately referred to as the "Elk Capital of Arkansas," it serves as a gateway to the Buffalo National River, one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Popular for its clear, flowing waters and rugged bluffs, Buffalo River is hugely popular for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing adventures, as well as wildlife spotting, particularly the elk herds that roam freely in the area.
Enjoy hiking? Jasper’s an ideal base for exploring the numerous trails that crisscross the surrounding Ozark National Forest, including the Lost Valley Trail, which leads to Eden Falls; and the Hawksbill Crag Trail, with its breathtaking views from one of Arkansas's most photographed rock formations. Make the most of your weekend adventure with some camping at Dogwood Springs Campground or a rustic stay in a cabin at Historic Little Switzerland.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs’s name likely needs little explanation. Situated in the picturesque Ouachita Mountain, it’s here weekenders will find Hot Springs National Park, a popular tourist destination since the 19th century for its famous thermal waters. The fun here revolves around Bathhouse Row, a collection of historic bathhouses along Central Avenue. One of the most interesting is Fordyce Bathhouse, which now serves as the park's visitor center and museum and features displays about traditional bathing rituals.
Visitors can even experience the thermal waters firsthand at operational bathhouses like Buckstaff and Quapaw, which offer modern spa services in a historic setting. Other attractions include Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which has panoramic views. Additionally, Magic Springs Theme and Water Park has rides and waterslides. Reputable accommodation options a plentiful and include the large Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa and the boutique-style The Waters Hot Springs Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
Mountain View
Mountain View is another attractive Arkansas town named after its most appealing characteristic: those stunning views over the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Known as the "Folk Music Capital of the World," it’s here you’ll find Ozark Folk Center State Park, a unique venue dedicated to preserving the Ozark heritage along with traditional folk music. In addition to live performances, visitors can partake in workshops and demonstrations of folk crafts. Musical genres covered include everything from bluegrass, gospel, and, of course, traditional folk music.
Blanchard Springs Caverns is another must-visit. This spectacular living cave system offers guided tours that reveal formations of stalactites and stalagmites, crystalline formations, and underground streams, while Blanchard Springs Recreation Area provides a picturesque setting for picnicking and. hiking. The town square of Mountain View is another big draw and can be easily visited with a stay at the Wildflower Bed & Breakfast On the Square or the Ozark Country Inn.
Magnolia
Located in southwest Arkansas close to the border with Louisiana, Magnolia was established in 1853 and named after the state’s southern magnolia tree, a fact it celebrates with its annual Magnolia Blossom Festival. Started in the 1980s, this popular art show also now features another great reason to stop in: it’s also home to the World Championship Steak Cook-Off.
Nearby Lake Columbia is another great excuse to visit Magnolia, which offers water-based activities, camping, and even an RV park. Other places to stay in Magnolia include Coachman’s Inn and Quality Inn Magnolia, both of which are located within walking distance of the downtown area.
Arkansas's most picturesque small towns offer an ideal excuse for a weekend getaway. Whether it’s with a significant other, with kids in tow, or even some solo rest and relaxation, towns like Eureka Springs, with its historic downtown or the lively folk-music scene of Mountain View, are worth including on your Arkansas travel itinerary. In short, each of these seven small towns in Arkansas presents perfect opportunities for a memorable weekend retreat.
