7 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Arkansas

Arkansas is known as the Natural State for its untamed wilderness and natural beauty. While it's the 29th largest state, it's home to a diverse range of landscapes, like the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains. Furthermore, it harbors lush forests, scenic lakes, and beautiful towns that attract 48 million visitors annually. With its charming small towns, vibrant cultural scenes, and numerous outdoor activities, Arkansas is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This article will uncover the seven prettiest towns to visit in Arkansas.

Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is a lovely destination hidden away in the Ozark Mountains. Most visitors start their adventure in the downtown area, which is considered one of the top attractions. Here, one can take a leisurely walk to shop and dine, tour art galleries, and visit the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. This museum is located inside the stunning 135-year-old three-story Calif House and exhibits permanent and rotating artifacts, as well as an art gallery that showcases paintings, pictures, and sculptures.

A short drive away lies Beaver Park, a human-made reservoir with nearly 500 miles of shoreline, offering pristine blue water for swimming and boating. Another outdoor hotspot is the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can witness some of the most exotic wildlife on the planet, including Chief, a majestic 17-year-old lion known for running around and playing.

Hot Springs

Surrounded by the breathtaking Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs offers outdoor lovers an idyllic escape for thrilling hikes, mountain biking, and exciting wildlife encounters. However, before exploring the outdoors, visitors should stop by Bathhouse Row to immerse in hot spring water and dissolve any stress. The complex houses eight individual bathhouse buildings showcasing beautiful architecture from the 1800s. Afterward, nature beckons with plenty of options, such as the Garvan Woodland Gardens, ideal for a trek amidst soaring trees and rocky cliffs with soothing streams.

For art fans, Hot Springs offers many events throughout the year, including Arts & The Park, a 10-day festival with exhibitions, live performances, and interactive workshops. While Hot Springs is a safe and touristy settlement today, this was only sometimes the case back in the day—it was an epicenter for gangsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, who frequented the city. Explore this fascinating history at the Gangster Museum of America, which offers guided tours and a gallery to relive the city's past.

Mountain View

Mountain View is nicknamed "Folk Music Capital of the World" and offers some of the best bluegrass music in the country. For those that don't know, bluegrass music is a genre that originated exclusively in the Appalachian region during the mid-20th century, blending traditional country music, jazz, and folk. Encounter this genre at the Mountain View Bluegrass Festival, hosted this November from the 7th to the 9th.

Less than half an hour from the city is the Blanchard Springs Cavern, where visitors can witness mysterious crystalline geological formations on paved paths. Conclude your trip at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, open from mid-April to October, where you can observe artisans working on locally themed crafts, music, and other cultural traditions.

Bentonville

Bentonville is a bustling town and the county seat of Benton County. It is most popular with history lovers thanks to multiple museums that retell the past. Among many museums worth exploring, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is notable and free to attend. Furthermore, it has permanent collections encompassing five centuries, from early American pieces to more contemporary works. Alternatively, attend the Walmart Museum Heritage Lab to learn about the early history of what is now one of the largest corporations worldwide, whose beginnings started in none other than Arkansas. Less than two minutes away is the Slaughter Pen Trail, a popular area in the cycling community, offering exhilarating paths to test your skills and break a sweat. Benton also provides a variety of boutique shops and farmers markets, with dozens of stores to choose from.

Heber Springs

Heber Springs is a historically charming town, founded way back in 1881. Visitors can learn about the area's past and explore the Ruland Junction Train Museum and Cleburne County Historical Society. Another prominent attraction nearby is the Sugar Loaf Mountain Nature Trail, offering 360-degree views of scenic landscapes while observing local birds and wildlife.

For more nature, Heber Springs sits by Greers Ferry Lake, an enormous lake with a surface area of over 40,000 acres. The lake is famous for large fish, and interestingly, some of the largest walleye and bass ever recorded have been caught here, including a walleye that weighed 22 pounds. In addition to fishing, the lake is a popular spot for tourists to swim and jump off cliffs into the lake, where it's safe to do so.

Van Buren

Van Buren was a key town amidst the Gold Rush as voyagers acquired wagons, steeds, and other essential supplies to help them on their way to the West Coast. To this end, the local heritage is palpable throughout, with the Van Buren Historic District featuring many iconic landmarks. Namely, the 1842 Crawford County Courthouse and 1908 Hebe Fountain attract tourists with their interesting tales of old.

Additionally, Van Buren serves as another gateway to Lake Fort Smith State Park, providing endless opportunities for water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. At night, it is a hotspot for stargazers; the remote location and minimal light pollution make it an ideal area to gaze into the sky to spectate stars and planets, so be sure to bring your telescopes.

Siloam Springs

Smithsonian Magazine listed Siloam Springs as one of the best small towns in America in 2012. This is thanks to the mix of attractions available in town, attracting all sorts of tourists from across the country. In terms of history, Siloam Springs was inhabited by Native Americans before European settlers arrived in the 1830s and quickly morphed into a tourist town. You can explore the town's storied history through guided walking tours and exhibitions, such as the "Industries of Siloam Springs" exhibit and the "Sager Family and Pioneer Life" exhibit. Each showcases a unique side of the town, from historic businesses to life in the 1800s.

At present, Siloam Springs remains a famous tourist town, offering visitors several attractions to experience, including the City of Siloam Springs Kayak Park, The Family Aquatic Center, and the 165-acre City Lake Park by a scenic lake. This outdoor haven offers fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as trails for running and biking.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Arkansas offers endless pretty towns where tourists can get fresh outdoor air this summer and enjoy outdoor fun. Whether you're inclined to attend music festivals, countless museums, or outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, these Natural State towns are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Each town's unique charm, historical significance, and natural beauty ensure that visitors of all interests will find something to love and remember. So, pack your bags and explore Arkansas's diverse landscapes and vibrant communities.