8 of the Most Charming Towns in Arkansas
Arkansas, one of the 50 constituent states in America, is surrounded by states like Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. This beautiful state has a diverse landscape; the north and the west are occupied by the Ozark and Ouachita mountains, while the eastern part is laced with rich agricultural lands. Most of the rivers in the state flow from the north to the south. From amazing outdoor adventure to state-of-the-art museums, historic escapes, and delectable food, this state has lots to offer its visitors. Explore eight of the most charming towns in Arkansas!
Jasper
Jasper is one of the most quaint and scenic towns in Arkansas, situated in Newton County. Surrounded by the Little Buffalo River, the country’s first-ever national river, the town has several exciting outdoor opportunities to offer to both locals and tourists. These include hiking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and caving, among others. One of the most fun things to do in Jasper is to rent a raft, canoe, or kayak and explore the beauty of the Buffalo River.
Tourists love viewing and clicking pictures of the Rocky Mountain Elk and count it as one of their best wildlife experiences in the state. For those who enjoy fishing, the Buffalo National River is a great place to catch some Catfish, bass, and Perch. With all its facilities and excellent hospitality, the Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is one of the best venues to rent a cabin in Jasper.
Batesville
Batesville, a quaint little community in northern Arkansas, is located on the banks of the beautiful White River. The second oldest town in the state, Batesville is a hub of history. One can expect to find a plethora of antique stores, art galleries, music shops, and law offices in the town’s downtown district. One of the interesting buildings to explore is the Melba Theater, which was built in 1875 to host opera shows. In just a couple of years, it was converted to accommodate a mercantile store.
Batesville is home to a 112,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Community Center & Aquatics Parks, where tourists can indulge in some water therapy. The town also hosts a popular event known as the Ozark Foothills Film Festival every spring. The Old Independence Regional Museum is also one of the highlights of Batesville. One of the best things about Batesville is that it is located close to the Ozark Folk Center and Mountain View, so one can always plan a few side trips!
Mountain Home
Mountain Home in Arkansas is located within the beautiful Ozark Mountains. It is surrounded by the North Fork and White Rivers, Bull Shoals Lake, and Norfork Lake. Bull Shoals-White River State Park is known for its 105 campsites, several playgrounds, picnic areas, and trails. Additionally, the park hosts tours, nature programs, and other events all year round.
While canoeing is considered to be the most popular activity in Mountain Home, visitors also enjoy warm-water fishing and hiking in the town. This town was among the first water resorts in the state of Arkansas, where people could indulge in activities like fishing, outdoor recreation, and water sports. Mountain Home is also known for its historic attractions, natural beauty, and local golfing. The Big Creek Golf & Country Club is the town’s exclusive golf course association that is well-maintained all year round. The charming downtown of Mountain Home has several historical buildings as well.
Heber Springs
Originally referred to as ‘Sugar Loaf’ in the 19th century, the beautiful town of Heber Springs in Arkansas provides access to the Little Red River and Greers Ferry Lake. The latter is a popular spot for water recreation and fishing activities and is surrounded by camping sites, world-class resorts, and cabins for lodging. For those who like hiking, Sugarloaf Mountain has some spectacular trails to explore.
Heber Springs has a historic downtown area that is home to a stately courthouse, antique shops, a museum, Spring Park, and a restored theater. Art lovers must visit the Ellen Hobgood Gallery to see beautiful art pieces such as sculptures, pottery, hand-painted ornaments, paintings made with oils, watercolors, and acrylics, as well as sculpted jewelry, among other things.
Camden
Camden, known for its rich history of the Civil War, is situated on a cliff that overlooks the Ouachita River. It is about 50 miles away from Louisiana. One of the main attractions of the town is the McCollum-Chidester House, which was once the Union headquarters for federal troops occupying the town. This was during the time of the Red River Campaign.
Another site worth seeing is the Battle of Poison Springs, located at the Poison Springs Battleground State Park. Tourists also like visiting the Camden Visitors Center and Museum, which has exhibits associated with two well-known Camden products-the Grapette soft drinks and Camark pottery. The museum also has relics of the railroad and Civil War. The town hosts two popular events each year; these are the BPW Barn Sale (autumn) and the Camden Daffodil Festival (spring).
Van Buren
Van Buren is located in the western part of Arkansas in Crawford County. It lies across Fort Smith on the famous Arkansas River. Over the years, this town has developed into a shopping hub, particularly for one-of-a-kind collectibles, unique gifts, local crafts, extraordinary antiques and home decor among other things.
The beautiful Victorian Main Street is a must-visit since it is home to the famous Van Buren Downtown Historic District. Some exciting options for entertainment include the King Opera House (it hosts several theater productions), exploratory train rides and gala annual events.
The Drennen-Scott House Museum, which was restored in 1838, is open for public viewing and also operates as a lab for the students of UA Fort Smith. One can also explore the beauty of the surrounding parks and areas like Lee Creek, while enjoying all kinds of recreational activities like golfing, hiking, boating and fishing.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is often referred to as the world’s rice and duck capital. This is perhaps because it is located within the Arkansas Grand Prairie, which was the hub of commercial rice production in 1904. The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie showcases the prairie’s natural history while narrating the tales of all the pioneers who farmed it.
Art enthusiasts must visit The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie, which exhibits the works of local and regional artists while also hosting concerts and theater productions. Close to Stuttgart are other tourist attractions, such as the Great River Road National Scenic Byway and the White River National Wildlife Refuge. Some of the popular lodging options in the town include Crossheirs Retreat Center, Tru by Hilton, and Overnight at the Ice House.
Magnolia
Located at a short distance from Little Rock, Magnolia is a quaint charming town in the southwest part of Arkansas. It is known for its archaic courthouse square, which has buildings with vibrant murals, showcasing the heritage of the town.
Lake Columbia, which covers an area of approximately 3,000 acres, is among the largest Arkansas Game and Fish Commission interments in Southern Arkansas. It is popular among both outdoor enthusiasts as well as anglers. May is a great time to visit Magnolia since the town hosts events like the World's Championship Steak Cook-off and the Magnolia Blossom Festival.
In close proximity to the town is the Logoly State Park, which is a unique environmental-education park, popular among scout troops and school groups.
With its prolific mountains, rivers, and lakes, Arkansas is rightly called the ‘Natural State.’ In fact, it is popular across the United States for its breathtaking natural beauty as well as its charming small towns. So, make a note of these spectacular small towns and make sure to visit them on your next trip to Arkansas!
