8 Most Scenic Small Towns in Arkansas
With forests accounting for 56% of Arkansas, tourists from all over the country flock to appreciate the state’s scenery. Life within the towns seems to move at a different pace as well.
In Mountain View, for example, hearty folk music sounds throughout the town’s spaces. In Russellville, residents are surrounded by natural gems such as lakes, wetlands, and forests. Eureka Springs sits mere miles from over 60 hot springs. Luckily, outside visitors have the chance to experience this beauty as well. Discover Arkansas' enchanting towns below, where natural beauty and community spirit unite to offer visitors an unforgettable blend of scenic wonder and cultural charm.
Mountain View
Sitting in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Mountain View is a scenic, natural oasis. Arriving at the quaint downtown, visitors will be greeted by an array of music shops, antique shops, and restaurants. Some of the most impressive cave systems in the country are in the surrounding areas of the town. Blanchard Springs Caverns, for example, is well worth the visit. For those who enjoy art and music, Ozark Folk Center State Park is a great place to listen to live Southern Mountain Music and buy local craft items like copper jewelry, pottery, and candles. Mountain View has a state-wide known Annual Folk Music Festival as well that dates back to the 1870s. Visitors can appreciate the great outdoors by visiting the beautiful L Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, where they will see an impressive waterfall. The White River that flows nearby is great for trout fishing and swimming as well.
Russellville
Nestled along the Arkansas River, Russellville is surrounded by outdoor activities and has various historical sights to see. Ozark National Forest has something for everybody -- visitors can fish, hike, camp, kayak, or even go horseback riding. Lake Dardanelle State Park is an impressive 34,300-acre reservoir and offers a boardwalk, hiking trails, areas to fish and swim, and five aquariums in the visitor center. Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary contains interesting ecosystems, having low woods and wetlands. For history fanatics, the Russellville Train Depot is a historic centerpiece in the town. Russellville hosts a Quarterly Downtown Art Walk and an annual Chili cookoff, so check your calendar to see if you will be around!
Batesville
Situated by the White River, Batesville is a must-see for history lovers, being the oldest existing city in Arkansas. The Old Independence Regional Museum offers insights into the county’s history by exhibiting various well-preserved historical artifacts. Visitors who go at the right time of the year will be able to attend the Arkansas Scottish Festival, where there will be piping competitions, crafts, and food.
For golfers, visiting Batesville Municipal Golf Course is recommended. Riverside Park, centered around the White River, is a beautiful natural area in the town that is home to native wildlife, including bald eagles! The park also has a light display around Christmas, movie showings in the summer, and fireworks on the fourth of July.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs has many surrounding creeks, falls, and rivers to visit. Hikers will want to visit Collins Creek, which provides a great place for hiking and nature-watching. It even has a catch-and-release trout zone for fishers. While the hike through Cornelious Falls is short, hikers will have the opportunity to see multiple waterfalls during their venture. Sugarloaf Mountain is another well-known natural attraction. At 690 feet (210 meters) tall, hikers have a view extending miles at the top of the climb. The nearby Red River offers a multitude of hiking trails, fishing spots, and resort villages for those wanting to be immersed in nature. Within this river are three trout varieties; some visitors may even spot otters, eagles, deer, and songbirds. Lastly, the Red Apple Inn Country Club & Resort, ranked as one of the most scenic 50 golf courses in the US, should be on every golfer’s itinerary.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista has a little bit of everything for travelers who like a varied itinerary. Tanyard Creed Nature Trails, for example, although only two miles long, contains an impressive variety of waterfalls and creeks. Old Spanish Treasure Cave has a fascinating history and an incredible collection of large, underground caverns. Legend has it that Spanish Conquistadores hid treasure in the cave! Continuing with the cave sights, War Eagle Cavern, although it is a 45-minute drive from Bella Vista, is well worth the trip. It is one of the largest cave entrances in the state and contains large domes within. Lucky visitors may even see bats or salamanders. Heading back into the city limits, the Mildred B Cooper Chapel is one of a kind, surrounded by flora and fauna, standing at 50 feet tall, and having 15 beautiful gothic arches. Bella Vista is full of museums as well. Check out The Museum of Native American History, The Bella Vista Museum, and The Veterans Wall of Honor to get a glimpse into the town’s past.
Eureka Springs
Take a walk through Eureka Springs’s downtown district to admire the Victorian-style architecture and stop by the local shops and restaurants. Eureka Market and Myrtie Mae’s Cafe will not disappoint. To get around the town, take advantage of the historic Eureka Springs Trolley Service. Architecture admirers will want to visit the Thorncrown Chapel, a 48-foot-tall chapel with 425 windows, surrounded by nature, that has won architectural awards for its beauty. One cannot say that they have visited Eureka Springs without visiting its hot springs. Eureka Springs is home to over 60 hot springs nearby. Check out, for example, Basin Spring, Crescent Spring, and Magnetic Spring. Lastly, although the Annual Festival of the Arts in Eureka only takes place once a year, it is very worth the wait. Try to plan your agenda around this festival, if possible.
Siloam Springs
Although Siloam Springs is a bit off the beaten path, it has a variety of attractions that make it a worthwhile visit. Siloam Springs Kayak Park, for example, is home to a collection of rapids that is great for kayakers. It also has a swimming area, a picnic area, a boulder for climbing, and more. Additionally, for any visitors who are planning their trip in the summer months, visiting the Siloam Springs Farmers Market on Saturdays is recommended. The 165-acre City Lake Park offers activities for everyone, from hiking, fishing, and biking to bird watching. For those who don’t mind a short drive, taking a short trip across the state border to Oklahoma to visit Natural Springs State Park will allow visitors to see a stunning 77-foot waterfall!
Van Buren
Van Buren is yet another highly recommended town with beautiful Victorian architecture on the main street, great restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries. In the downtown area, visitors should also stop by the Crawford County Courthouse and the Crawford County Bank Building to marvel at the historical structure. The King Opera House deserves a special mention as well, as it has been functioning since 1891 and is an excellent example of the Victorian-style architecture that Van Buren boasts. Leaving the urban sites and heading into nature, the Lee Creek Hiking Trails is the town’s largest park and overlooks creeks, streams, and a grand reservoir. Within this park sits the Cemetery Loop Trail, where hikers can see grave markers over 100 years old. For visitors arriving in the fall, the Junk Fest in September, where vendors sell antiques, vintage clothes, and jewelry, is an interesting event. The October Fall Festival is worth a visit as well.
In summary, these towns in Arkansas offer a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the lively rhythms of Mountain View to the historic charm of Batesville, each destination contains unique treasures. Whether it be outdoor adventures in Russellville or architectural marvels in Eureka Springs, there is something for everyone to discover in these enchanting Arkansas towns.
