These 10 Towns In Arkansas Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024
Slide into your soft, comfy sneakers, get enough gas, and explore Arkansas towns ranked among U.S. favorites. There's a good reason Arkansas is called the Natural State. There are areas, especially in Northwest Arkansas, whose mountainous allure can make one think they are in Switzerland. Start with Eureka Springs or Hot Springs — or the other springs. In some of these places, one does not need to carry a bottle of water. You can have it cool and fresh and free. Amble through beautiful downtown areas — all speckled with historic red-brick buildings. Some of these buildings were already up when George Washington was sworn in as the United States' first president. Ready for the adventure? Discover below ten towns in Arkansas often ranked among U.S. favorites.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is among the prettiest small towns in the world. It is also unique in several ways. Built on hills and valleys, Eureka Springs does not have stoplights or crossroads — and you don’t get that often. Look out for the eye-catching rock walls and the winding streets, unique for how they seem to carry pedestrians onwards and upwards. No wonder it used to go by the name of "Stairstep Town." Beautiful red-brick Victorians line the streets, many of which have been handsomely restored. Of course, the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa has a fame that cuts across the nation and should come top of a to-do list. But there’s the Thorncrown Chapel as well, snugly tucked into a leafy, wooded area. Spend some reflective moments here before exploring other attractions, including Quigley's Castle, where a lush garden awaits, filled with whimsical rock sculptures. Afterward, you can always grab a bite at Chelsea’s Corner Cafe, known for its eccentric vibe and live music.
Mountain Home
Mountain Home is refreshing Neverland with a rustic, laid-back look. Water is a huge attraction here since the town provides access to Norfolk Lake to the east — and Bull Shoals Lake to the west. Bull Shoals spans more than 45,000 acres and stretches across the border into Missouri, making it one of the largest lakes in Arkansas. One can reel in a yummy catch at any of the fresh-water lakes, float down the Buffalo River, or hit up the trails that meander across the Bull Shoals-White River State Park. For example, the Gaston Wildflower Garden Trail is a picturesque loop that meanders through heart-stirring fields of wildflowers. Back in town, CRUSH Studio, located close to Rapp's Barren Brewing Company, is a magnificent little place with amazing decor and atmosphere. It has a speakeasy-themed backroom that serves premium wines in a romantic setting.
Jasper
From its comfortable rocking chairs to its Buffalo River Elk Festival, Jasper deserves a spot among Arkansas towns ranked among U.S. favorites. Buffalo River Elk Festival, held every year during the last weekend of June, celebrates the reintroduction of elk to the area. It features music and dancing — along with several Ozark crafts. Backdropped by the austere grandeur of the Ozark Mountains, the views around Jasper cannot be exchanged for the world. Before paddling the Buffalo River, enjoy fried mushrooms at the Ozark Cafe, an Americana-filled hangout whose history predates the First World War. Moreover, Bubba's Buffalo River Store has souvenirs that will help you remember your trip and, hence, should not be skipped either.
Mountain View
Spotting a beautiful downtown square, unique for how its original buildings are constructed using native stone, Mountain View is known to leave first-time visitors completely blown away. This is the Folk Music Capital of the World, meaning music roots run long and deep. Plan to experience the Mountain View Bluegrass Festival held the second weekend of March and November. It often features some of the best bluegrass bands in the United States. Still, speaking to its music history and heritage, Ozark Folk Center is right in town — and is the nation's only facility that preserves the heritage of the Ozarks mountain people, of course, including folk music. Travel back in time and wander through shops that show the many trade skills once practiced in the area. Keen on outdoor fun? Mountain View provides access to Mirror Lake, Blanchard Springs Caverns, and the White River for endless opportunities.
Hot Springs
A fantastic spot to go hiking the many panoramic trails that traverse the area — or sit down somewhere with a water view and a gorgeous sunset — the draw to Hot Springs, however, is right there in its name. You will enjoy wandering through historic rows of early 20th-century bathhouses at the Hot Springs National Park, the smallest in the United States. Pass by Superior Bathhouse Brewery for the only beer in the world brewed with water from a thermal spring. Plus, this is the only brewery located in a National Park. Your next stop should be the Gangster Museum of America, where you will immerse yourself in the history of gambling, a criminal underworld, and bootleggers who used to run the show. Names like Al Capone feature prominently. You cannot grasp it on a page, but the view here is sweet and mountainous, especially considering the town is handsomely backdropped by the Ouachita Mountains.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista, or “Beautiful View,” is a mountain biking paradise with a charming downtown speckled with lovely antique shops. For bikers, there are nearly 100 miles of mountain bike trails, including the popular Blowing Springs Park Extended Loop, a multi-use beauty that provides spectacular views of bluffs and electrifying fall foliage. If golfing is up your alley, Bella Vista hosts seven golf courses. Bella Vista Country Club, for example, with its immaculate greens, sprawls over a vast expanse of rolling hills. On the other hand, there is the Cooper Memorial Chapel, whose many arches tower 50 feet high. It is on a luxuriant, tree-clad area along Lake Norwood.
Batesville
The White River flows along the southern edge of Batesville and imbues it with a sweet, rustic look many often find enchanting. You will find Miller Creek and Poke Bayou as well, and spots for water viewing and outdoor adventure. Yet, Batesville's inner core is not to be overlooked. A first-time visitor will enjoy ambling through a National Register Historic District with awesome architecture. A hearty breakfast at Whistle Stop Cafe should pave the way for an hour at Old Independence Regional Museum, which is housed in quite a gorgeous building. The exhibits here are informative and nicely curated. There is the River Haunt as well, in case you fancy testing your nerves and don’t mind endless spooks and screams. As the sun begins to climb down, work your way to the River & Sandbar, especially to wash down your meal with delicious Blueberry Mojito.
Marshall
Just outside Marshall is one of the most photographed barns in the Ozarks, Smith Barn. It spots a swoon-worthy countryside backdrop and is a peaceful spot for seeking calm and clarity. In downtown Marshall, there are several spots to hit, including the Buffalo River Historic Jail & Museum, a great little spot to glimpse into the area's history. If you want to graze your way through town, check out Los Locos, especially for the most delicious salsa and fajitas in anyone’s recent memory. Catch a show at the budget-friendly Kenda Drive-in before spending the night at the nearby Tyler Bend Campground, right next to the Buffalo River.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs is a small, lovely town in the foothills of the Ozarks known for spectacular fall views and natural beauty. The aptly named Sandy Beach is a great spot to swim or swing — and comes with outdoor showers to wash off the sand. Breakfast at Peggy Sue’s Place is invariably delicious and satisfying — and can give one the spark to jumpstart the adventure. After a meal, one can have more outdoor fun at Greers Ferry Lake, a playground for all kinds of water sports. Or, for a different experience, opt for the uniquely tiered Bridal Veil Falls and Collins Creek Trailhead, which features a short walk to the Little Red River. That said, adrenaline junkies will want to head to Damp Site Campground, close their eyes, and jump into the water.
Roland
Rounding off this list is Roland, a charming town secreted north of Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Imagine you are in the countryside, sniffing fresh, playful air and casting your eyes on a beautiful, rolling landscape. That's gorgeous, Roland, and more. The nature lover will particularly be spoilt for choice. The Arkansas River flows on the eastern side of the town, and the well-maintained Arkansas River Trail is often the site of enjoyable lung-filling adventures. You can float on Lake Maumelle and inhale its shimmering views — or admire the demure beauty of daffodils at Moss Mountain Farm, a lush, expansive garden that hugs the Arkansas River. To crown the experience, enjoy a slow-paced evening while sipping wine at the River Bottom Winery, a fantastic spot loved for its relaxed atmosphere.
The Takeaway
Arkansas is dotted with several beautiful towns, most of which are small, hence appreciably intimate and authentic. Admire the awesome architecture and coastal views as you take breaks for fresh oysters or other local delicacies. Some museums are unique treasure troves and can easily steal a whole day. For example, tourists have in mind the Gangster Museum of America. Moreover, there are pristine lakes to paddle and wooded trails to wander through. Some towns — such as Hot Springs — are loved for thermal waters believed to contain healing properties.
