8 Must-Visit Small Towns in Arkansas

On June 15, 1836, Arkansas became the 25th American state. The Land of Opportunity has been the birthplace of many significant American figures. The lengthy list includes entertainer Johnny Cash and former American president Bill Clinton. Arkansas is also known for its agricultural production. It is the largest producer of rice in the United States and a significant producer of Soybeans and Corn.

At 53,179 square miles, Arkansas is the 29th largest state in America. Its 3,063,152 residents also make Arkansas the 33rd most populous state. Arkansas is a state filled with stories and adventure. Each Locale has its unique culture, with festivals that unite people. Plenty of monuments have also been built that tell their piece of the story of Arkansas. These following small towns will prove, with evidence, that they are genuinely must-visit locations.

El Dorado

The town of El Dorado is situated in the Union County. Located 120 miles south of Little Rock, El Dorado is a town with a deep history. The discovery of Oil nearby in 1921 caused a rapid growth in the local population. El Dorado is also the birthplace of MLB Hall of Famer Lou Brock. 

The Newton House Museum is in El Dorado. Built in 1849, the former home of civic leader George Newton now serves as a preservation of that period. A portrait of former state congressman Albert Rust exists in the Museum. Rust was impactful in telling the Arkansas story. For 35 years, MusicFest has been an annual celebration in El Dorado. With great live music and food vendors, this is a great way to experience the town.

In 1910, the El Dorado Confederate Monument was first erected. The following words are engraved on the western section of the monument. "In Honor of the Confederate Soldiers/ Of Union County, ARK." The monument still stands today on the Union County Courthouse grounds. The Murphy Arts District Playscape is a local 2-acre playground. Visitors can let their kids have fun on the slides and tunnels. The playscape also features a giant slide and splash pad! 

The South Arkansas Arboretum has more than two miles of trails for visitors to traverse. As they walk along the pathway, they can note the species of birds, from Robins to Blue Jays to Chickadees. The park is also home to French Mulberry trees, often referred to as the "Beauty Berries."   

Eureka Springs

The town of Eureka Springs is situated in the Carroll County region of Northwest Arkansas. It is home to one of the largest outdoor dramas in the United States. 

Christ of the Ozarks is a sixty-seven-foot-high statue statue of Jesus Christ. It sits on Magnetic Mountain, overlooking the town of Eureka Springs. Completed in 1966, the statue serves as an attraction for the annual Great Passion Play. The Great Passion play is a production of the last week in the life of Jesus Christ. The first performance of this play occurred on July 14, 1968. Today, visitors can watch amongst the large crowds inside a 4000-seat amphitheater.   

A 7.2-mile drive northwest takes visitors to Onyx Cave. Opened to the Public in 1893, the region has been a tourist attraction for over a century. Upon arrival, take a self-guided tour of the caves, exploring the geological formations. Quigley Castle exists as the distinct vision of Miss Elise Quigley. The land is a four-mile drive south of Eureka Springs. It features 400 varieties of plants and over 100 rock sculptures. In 2003, the House became a part of the National Register of Historic Places

John Gaskins was amongst the First Pioneers in the region. By 1864, he completed a log cabin for his family to call home. Over a century later, the land is now a local steakhouse. Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse gives visitors a tasty meal and a great night out. The menu features a house special of Prime Ribs with a custom dill sauce. An exciting adventure in Eureka Springs is the Ozark Mountain Ziplines. With eight distinct zipline experiences, stop by and get a birds-eye view of the mountain region.  Visitors can reach heights of 275 feet.

Van Buren

The town of Van Buren lies within Crawford County, 7.2 miles northeast of the city of Fort Smith. The town was a famous stopping ground during the Gold Rush years. In 1849, the population size doubled, as 1,000 people traveled through on their way to California. Today, Van Buren is a lovely town with a beautiful historic district and a tremendous opera house. 

King Opera House presents customers with a night out in a theatrical setting. Operational since 1892, management several times throughout its century in operation. Today, the Opera House is in the hands of new management in Arts on Main. They are looking to bring a new sense of life into the environment. The 2024 calendar begins with a January 26 performance from the band "Simply Seager." 

The Drennen-Scott House is a historic site in Van Buren. It was the home of John Drennen, one of the founders of the town. The Drennen family passed down the house through generations. In 2005, the University of Arkansas- Fort Smith bought the house for research purposes. Today, visitors can explore the Drennen-Scott house with a guided tour of the premises. The premises include a 1740 grandfather clock and an 1860s Steinway Piano. Van Buren's Historic District encompasses several blocks of the town. The town began its rehabilitation effort in 1972 in an attempt to attract new commerce. Today, the district consists of around six blocks of restored historical landmarks.

Jasper

Jasper, Arkansas, is in Newton County along the Little Buffalo River. Jasper experienced an economic boom following the Civil War due to the timber industry. Today, the area is a lovely locale with many opportunities to explore nature.    

The Hillary Jones Wildlife Museum can be found in Jasper. Visitors can explore the Freshwater aquariums and woodland taxidermy exhibits. There is also a population of 500 elk and other wildlife. The Arkansas Grand Canyon is a 6.2-mile drive south of Jasper. Travel along and take snapshots of the view from one of several overlooks. The Canyon is one of Arkansas' most scenic experiences

The Newton County Historical Society operates the Bradley House Museum. Visitors can explore the premises, observing exhibits that preserve local history. There is a research room with archival material, a front room with tools to turn cotton into cloth, and more. Before leaving, Jasper grabs a bite at the Ozark Cafe. For 114 years, this restaurant has created memories for its patrons. Customers visit the cafe for its large portions. Whether it be an 8-10 inch order of pancakes or a 1/2 pound burger, the Ozark Cafe guarantees a full stomach. 

Bella Vista

The town of Bella Vista, Arkansas, sits in Benton County, within the Ozark Plateau region of the state. Bella Vista is known as a land of adventure, with plenty of opportunities for recreational activities.   

From the Revolutionary War to the war on terror, over 4,500 names grace the Veterans Wall of Honor. Erected in 2004 in Bella Vista, they wanted to commemorate the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The Bella Vista Country Club course is an 18-hole par 72 experience. It provides players with plenty of obstacles, from the long fairways to trees. Completed in 1968, the course is a fun experience for those old and young alike. 

Tanyard Creek offers a 2.2-mile venture taking travelers to an overlook of the Tanyard Creek Falls. The Creek is a short 1.1-mile drive West of Bella Vista. The Mildred B Cooper Memorial Chapel is a tribute to brilliant architecture. Its primary architect, E. Fay Jones, received the AIA Gold Medal for his masterpiece. The building is a dedication to the life of Mildred Borum Cooper. Cooper built her legacy through a life of charity, impacting everyone she came across.

Lake Loch Lomond is a 6.3-mile drive west of Bella Vista. The region gives visitors plenty of space for a day of fishing. The lake is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and other fish species. So plan your day, rent a boat, and relax in the outdoors.  

Searcy

Searcy, Arkansas, is a city located in White County. The town got its name from former Arkansas circuit Judge Richard Searcy, one of the early settlers in the state. 

Harding University is a private, post-secondary institution, in Searcy. The University Football team has had tremendous success in recent years. In 2023, they qualified for the Division 2 National Championship Game. The Searcy Gallery is free for all visitors to attend, with six major yearly exhibits. These exhibits showcase the work of local aspiring artists.

Pioneer Village is the vision of businessman Oran Vaughn. The intent was to preserve the memory of his grandparents and the way of life from that period. Today, the village offers self-guided tours of its historic buildings. The Fall Festival is an annual Pioneer Village celebration. They supply attendees with kettle corn, square dancing, and pioneer activities.

Riverside Park is a city-managed region. There is plenty of forest land and several miles of trails for hiking. Visitors can explore the region or relax at the picnic areas. Every year, the people of Searcy come together for the Get Down Downtown Festival. The multiple-day event includes fun activities and live entertainment.

Tontitown

Tontitown is a small Arkansas town lying within Washington County. It is situated in the Northwest part of the state. Tontitown was named after the Italian Henri De Tonti, who helped early regional explorers. 

The Tontitown Historical Museum opened its doors on August 10, 1986. The original settlers of the town were sisters Mary and Zelinda Bastianelli. They spent their lives, the sisters collecting historical memorabilia. Today, the Museum serves as a monument, with exhibits preserving the local history.  For 30 years, the Tontitown Flea Market & Antique Mall has serviced the needs of its patrons. The store vendors house a variety of local treasures.

The Once Upon a Time Bookstore is a family-owned operation in Tontitown. Customers can scroll through the online itinerary or browse the shelves for books. It is here that people can find that book they have long desired. Since 1923, the Tontitown Winery has passed down its wine-making traditions. Visitors can enjoy one of their many wine selections. Their Wine list includes a lovely White Chardonnay or a Red Concord. The Tontitown Grape Festival has brought the people together for over a century. These celebrations commemorate the town's Italian Heritage. There are carnival rides, a grape stomp, and live music every August.

Batesville

Batesville, Arkansas, is located in Independence County, within the north-central part of the state. Situated along the White River, Batesville is a town with centuries of history, as fur traders would commonly stop at this settlement to offload cargo. Lyon College is a local liberal arts college, founded in 1872. Over the years the College has developed its academic reputation. In 2023, the College President announced the addition of Lyon's first master's program. Starting Fall 2023, students could enroll in a Master of Arts in Teaching.

Polk Bayou is a popular tourist attraction. Visiting here can lead to playing in the park or canoeing out on the water. The region is also known for its picturesque imagery. Since 1940, the Melba Theatre has been the place for cinematic entertainment. This Christmas, customers can see classic Christmas films like the Polar Express. The Tomahawk Chop Company is a recreational environment in Batesville. The family-owned operation offers friendly axe-throwing competition for their clients.  

Batesville is the home of NASCAR legend Mark Martin. A member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, in 1998, Martin was listed as one of their 50 greatest drivers. Today, visitors can learn his story while visiting the Mark Martin Museum. They can walk across the displays and exhibits that highlight his career. The White River Wonderland is an annual Christmas Celebration. Each year, Batesville proves why it is the Christmas Capital of Arkansas. The festivities involve decorating Riverside Park with Christmas lights. Other activities included are carriage rides and a Ferris wheel. People make the trip from afar to experience this lighting display.

Discover Arkansas

Each Arkansas town offers a distinct local flavor. The Grape Festival in Tontitown is a celebration of their Italian roots. Also, the White River Wonderland in Batesville highlights the Christmas spirit in the community with the award-winning architecture of the Mildred. B. Cooper Memorial Chapel and breathtaking outdoor attractions, plenty of memories await you. So book your tickets now for an unforgettable experience in the state of Arkansas.