7 Towns in Arkansas With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
The heart and melting pot of activities in any town is in its main street or downtown district, where dull moments are rare, and there is always something for every kind of traveler to indulge in. These downtown districts are sprinkled across the small towns of Arkansas, serving as ideal landscapes for visitors to shop, wine, dine, immerse in unique cultures, and make memories. They feature art galleries, malls, murals, elegant restaurants, museums, boutiques, antique stores, and other commercial establishments that make them lively. From Eureka Springs to Ozark, these seven towns in Arkansas have some of the most remarkable downtown areas worth visiting in 2024.
Magnolia
Magnolia is the County Seat of Columbia County, where visitors are promised unique experiences as suggested in its motto that reads - Discover the Difference. Staying true to this promise, the downtown district is not just a combination of storefronts and commercial activities but a visual treat as it is lined with thought-provoking murals. Across six buildings, these murals beautifully highlight the town's history, culture, and heritage.
For more history, visitors are invited to the Columbia County Courthouse in Court Square, near the downtown murals, for a trip back in time. Meanwhile, Lefty’s On The Square is within Court Square, standing as a top contender for Magnolia's best restaurant. Stop by this restaurant for a taste of the roaring 20s in a speakeasy-inspired setting. Afterward, head to the Cecil Taylor Wilson Garden to relax and admire the beautiful fountains and colorful plants.
El Dorado
History, arts, culture, entertainment, and commerce combine to make El Dorado’s downtown one of the most vibrant in South Central Arkansas. While here, start with some culinary adventures at top dining spots like Barefoot Bistro, Fayrays, Laredo Grill, and Main Street Pizza. Next, art lovers can proceed to the Murphy Art District (MAD) for prime music and entertainment. The remodeled Rialto Theater is also in downtown El Dorado for more entertainment, including movies and live shows.
For history buffs, Union County Courthouse sits majestically in the heart of the downtown area, reflecting the town’s storied past and its roots in the oil industry. Elsewhere, nature lovers can head to the 12-acre South Arkansas Arboretum to walk paved trails and admire its exotic native plants.
Ozark
Ozark is a beautiful town on the southern edge of the Ozark Mountains, along the Arkansas River. This town features a historic downtown lined up with landmarks, highlighting the town's gloried past, and history buffs can have a field day exploring them. Some top attractions to check out while strolling through the area include the Ozark Area Depot Museum, Historic Methodist Church, Old Franklin County Jail, and Old Franklin County Courthouse.
Meanwhile, keep an eye out for the murals that adorn the main street while exploring, and when hungry, stop at Roma Italian Restaurant, Zack’s Place Pizza, or the Thai Steak House. Visitors in the mood for adventures can start by admiring the steel bridge over the Arkansas River from the river banks before delving into the water for boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddling. Ozark Lake is an alternate outdoor recreational area along the Arkansas River for water sports and hiking. In addition, a short trip outside the town will have insatiable outdoor buffs kayaking and fishing in the gracefully flowing Mulberry River.
Blytheville
Blytheville is a town in Mississippi County, with a downtown district comprising 150 shops, restaurants, boutiques, and other commercial buildings that keep it alive with activities. To get the best out of this vibrant part of town, visitors can start with unforgettable dining experiences at McAdoo Steak & Lounge or Yanks Famous Barbeque before shopping for some jewelry at The New York Store.
History lovers can proceed to learn about the town's past via exhibits, programs, and artifacts at the Delta Gateway Museum. The Mississippi County Courthouse is another historic highlight in the downtown worth a visit as it is an example of Colonial Revival architecture. To wrap up, head to any of the town’s parks, like - Cypress and Nelson Parks, to enjoy recreational activities. Otherwise, head to the nearby Mississippi River to fish, kayak, boat, and enjoy a riverboat cruise.
Siloam Springs
Siloam Springs is a distinctive town by the spring-fed Sager Creek in Benton County with one of the best downtowns in the country. First off, the area is home to the Siloam Springs Museum, where history buffs can explore the town’s storied past, including Native American culture and Pioneer life. Crown Hotel is another famous historic attraction in downtown Siloam Springs, representing the town’s oldest building. For mouthwatering treats, the downtown offers Fratelli’s Wood-Fired Pizzeria, The Café on Broadway, and AM Eats & Treats, among other great options.
Art lovers will also have a splendid time at Olive and Opal, featuring local artworks and exotic wines. Elsewhere, the Siloam Springs Kayak Park is a prime destination for kayaking, floating, tubing, and rafting adventures on the charming Illinois River, just four miles from the town. Memorial Park is another outdoor destination to chill out with family, featuring green spaces, a water feature, a gazebo, and the Chautauqua Amphitheater for shows and events.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a town in Carroll County, with a historic downtown framed by the colorful forest of the Ozark Mountains and brimming with activities year-round. The Eureka Springs Historical Museum is one of the prime attractions in this downtown area, featuring photographs and exhibits of the town’s origin. While exploring the downtown, dine at Grand Tavern or Main Street Café. Basin Spring Park is also a great spot in downtown Eureka Springs to visit, as it represents the town’s founding spot and features historic springs and hiking trails. Next, visitors can make a detour to Thorncrown Chapel on Highway 62 West and be dazzled by the 48-foot structure with 425 windows and 6,000 square feet of glass.
Away from downtown Eureka Springs, wildlife lovers should visit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to see bears and big cats like tigers, cougars, and lions. Next, enjoy the great outdoors at Lake Leatherwood Park, featuring an 85-acre spring-fed lake for swimming, fishing, camping, and picnicking. Before leaving, see Christ the Ozarks Statue, standing at 67 feet and representing the largest statue of Christ in North America and the second largest in the world.
Batesville
Batesville prides itself on being the oldest town in Arkansas, with its main street embedded in the National Register of Historic Districts. This main street is lavish, with so much to see and do, and visitors can start by exploring stunning artworks at the Batesville Area Arts Council gallery. The restored Melba Theater is a great next stop as it offers interesting shows, movies, music concerts, and more. Downtown Batesville also features Maxfield Park - a recreational area where families with children can have fun.
After exploring the downtown, cool off at Riverside Park, along the White River, featuring an amphitheater and picnic pavilions. Kennedy Park is another lovely outdoor destination along the South Shore of White River, where visitors can boat on the river, take photographs on a sand bar, and admire the sunset. For history lovers, check out the Old Independence Regional Museum to learn about the history of the region, Independence County, and the town through various exhibits and programs.
Downtowns are the hearts of any settlement. These sweet spots draw the most attention, especially as they have everything from boutiques to museums, restaurants, shops, theatres, galleries, and hotels, among others. But not all downtowns are created equal. Some, such as those on this list, are more exciting as they feature a mix of natural, historic, and commercial attractions. Most even feature the backdrops of spectacular forests and mountains sliced through by springs and rivers, making visitors feel in the heart of nature as they stroll through. Visit these towns in Arkansas today and get lost exploring some of the best downtown areas in America.
