8 Of The Most Welcoming Towns In Arkansas
Bordered by the US States of Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma, Arkansas is a spectacular landlocked state in the south-central region of the Southern United States. From the stunning Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges to the densely forested Arkansas Timberlands region and the lowlands of the Mississippi River and Arkansas Delta, the Natural State is acclaimed for its varied landscape. Sprinkled all over this diverse terrain are some idyllic small towns that perfectly capture the essence of this enchanting state. Although urban metropolises like Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Springdale grab much of tourist attention, the state’s welcoming small towns are ideal getaways far away from the bustling cities.
Eureka Springs
Initially referred to as the “Little Switzerland of the Ozarks,” this quaint Carroll County town is situated in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas near the state boundary with Missouri. Eureka Springs’s historic commercial downtown features carefully maintained Victorian buildings constructed using local stone, besides the numerous shops, art galleries, boutiques, bed & breakfasts, and restaurants lining the narrow winding streets. The Blue Spring Heritage Center, Intrigue Theater, Crescent Hotel & Spa, Lake Leatherwood Park, Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, Christ of the Ozarks statue, Eureka Springs Historical Museum, and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge are some of the town’s prominent attractions. Merrymakers can participate in annual celebrations like the May Festival of the Arts, Eureka Gras Mardi Gras Extravaganza, and Eureka Springs Food & Wine Festival.
Batesville
Christened in honor of Judge James Woodson Bates, this seat of Independence County is located at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains along the shores of the White River, about 80 miles northeast of Little Rock. In addition to being the state’s oldest existing city, Batesville serves as Northeast Arkansas and the Ozark Mountains region’s manufacturing and distribution center. The town’s notable points of interest such as the Old Independence Regional Museum, Garrott House, Mark Martin Museum, Cook-Morrow House, and Melba Theater draw heritage buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike. Batesville’s City Park, Maxfield Park, Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park, Riverside Park, West Splash Pad Park, Kennedy Park, etc., offer astounding views of the majestic White River as well as various outdoor recreations. The town also hosts annual events like the Arkansas Scottish Festival & Homecoming, Ozark Foothills Film Festival, Artoberfest, and White River Wonderland.
Mountain View
The administrative center of Stone County, Mountain View has been named after its location in a scenic valley bounded by the Ozark Mountain’s Blue Mountain Range. Home to 2,877 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, the town is renowned for its uniqueness, laid-back lifestyle, hospitality, tourism, and local events, all of which aptly uphold its nickname the “Folk Music Capital of the World.” Innumerable hotels and restaurants in Mountain View cater to travelers visiting the neighboring Blanchard Springs Caverns, Stone County Museum, and Ozark Folk Center State Park or partake in camping, mountain biking, and camping activities at Ozark National Forest and some world-class trout fishing at the White River. Visitors are also entertained by live music shows like the White River Hoedown and impromptu folk music jam sessions around the Courthouse Square. Every year, thousands of revelers head to Mountain View to get a taste of Ozark Mountain culture and attend festivals like the Arkansas Folk Festival, Arkansas Bean Fest, Great Championship Outhouse Races, Mountain View Bluegrass Festival, an old-fashioned Fourth of July festivities, Mountains Music & Motorcycles, and an annual Christmas tree lighting event.
Magnolia
Named after the native southern Magnolia tree, Magnolia is situated in Southwest Arkansas north of Columbia County’s center, roughly 135 miles south of Little Rock. A cotton, farm production, and marketing town in its early days, Magnolia gradually developed to be home to Southern Arkansas University and other noteworthy points of interest like the South Arkansas Heritage Museum and the Columbia County Courthouse Square. As an ideal getaway away from the buzzing cities, the town welcomes visitors to browse numerous shops and eateries in its charming downtown area and to witness the colorful murals on the buildings around the courthouse square. Thousands of partyers flock to the town every May to take part in the Magnolia Blossom Festival’s World Championship Steak Cookoff. The neighboring Lake Columbia, Lafayette Wildlife Management Area, and Logoly State Park also offer plenty of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ozark
One of the two seats of Franklin County, Ozark is situated in the Arkansas River Valley along the Arkansas River on the southern end of the Ozark Mountains, about 38 miles east of Fort Smith. Occupying the heart of Arkansas Wine Country and surrounded by undulating hills and astounding natural scenery, Ozark boasts a distinctive small-town charm. Vacationers must walk down the downtown area and discover the various antique stores, gift shops, murals, and cozy diners, besides the Old Franklin County Jail, and Old Missouri Pacific Depot. Ozark is also the southern access point for the 19-mile-long Pig Trail Scenic Byway which meanders through the rolling mountain country, past rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and the Mulberry River favored for kayaking and canoeing activities. Ample fishing opportunities are offered by the Ozark Lake on the Arkansas River, whereas the tree-shaded Aux Arc Park provides campsites, boat-launching ramps, playgrounds, and other facilities.
Siloam Springs
This Benton County town sits atop a plateau in the Ozark region at the western extremity of the Northwest Arkansas Metropolitan Area. Originally established in 1882 as a resort town, Siloam Springs is best known for its amazing natural beauty, the picturesque campus of John Brown University, and the perennial Sager Creek flowing through the downtown area. Plenty of coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, antique stores, and award-winning restaurants line the downtown streets in addition to the Siloam Springs Museum, and outdoor hotspots like Siloam Springs Kayak Park, and Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area. Siloam Springs also hosts the Dogwood Festival, Light Up Siloam Christmas Parade, Siloam Springs Rodeo, City Fireworks Presentation, Homegrown Festival, and Siloam Springs Music Games.
Van Buren
Crawford County’s seat, Van Buren is situated along the Arkansas River directly northeast of Fort Smith, at the meeting point of Interstate 40 and Interstate 540 highways. Tourists visiting this town named in honor of US President Martin Van Buren must stroll the Van Buren Historic District which comprises several pre-1920 Victorian and Italianate properties including the Crawford County Courthouse, Albert Pike Schoolhouse, Van Buren Confederate Monument, and the old Frisco Train Depot. Cultural aficionados can enjoy a variety of events and theatrical performances at the King Opera House, while history buffs should tour the Drennen-Scott Historic Site to learn more about the history of the Old West. The Lee Creek Hiking Trails provide opportunities to witness fascinating geological sites along with incredible views of Lee Creek.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista, a paradise for outdoorsy types and nature enthusiasts, is located on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozark Highlands in the northern portion of Benton County. Initially a summer resort destination, the town became a retirement community in 1965 and then a well-known tourist destination. Hidden among Bella Vista’s lush forests are seven pristine lakes: Lake Ann, Loch Lomond, Lake Brittany, Lake Rayburn, Lake Norwood, Lake Avalon, and Lake Windsor, where only community members and their guests are permitted to water ski, fish, or take a dip. The Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, Bella Vista Museum, Museum of Native American History, and Veterans Wall of Honor are some of Bella Vista’s must-visit sites. Outdoor lovers are welcome to play a round of golf at any of the town’s five 18-hole and two 9-hole golf courses or explore the extensive trails like the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, Back 40 Trail, Lake Bella Vista Trail, and the Little Sugar Trail system that crisscrosses the area.
From the musical heritage of Mountain View to the picture-perfect Eureka Springs, the small towns in the nation’s 29th largest and 34th most populous state are waiting to be discovered. With eye-catching natural sceneries, vibrant cultures, fascinating attractions, inviting locals, and kind Southern hospitality, these underrated vacation destinations are worth adding to your itineraries.
