9 Cozy Arkansas Destinations To Visit In 2025
Arkansas is renowned for its natural beauty, historic sites, and natural springs. The Natural State has diverse landscapes. It is known for its park, wilderness areas, and the rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountain range. The small towns dotting the landscape are framed within this beautiful scenery and filled with Victorian architecture, traditional storefronts, and warm and friendly communities.
These cozy towns exude the best characteristics of the Natural State with their romantic ambiance, natural wonder, and artificial attractions. They have a vibrant cultural scene from galleries to theaters, and the compact downtowns provide an excellent way to spend an afternoon window shopping.
Mountain View
Mountain View has cemented its place in the musical landscape by preserving and maintaining folkways and traditional music. The legacy started when neighbors gathered on their neighbor's porches on Saturday night for "pickin'." The scenic location was a logical setting for creating the Arkansas Folk Festival in the early 1960s.
The Ozark Folk Center State Park opened in 1973. Its primary focus is preserving this unique brand of American music. Music shops, as are local eateries such as Jo Jo's Catfish, Kin Folks Bar-B-Q, and Tommy's Famous Pizza, are plentiful. Don't be surprised to find a group of locals picking strings at one of the parks in town. Visitors are encouraged to attend, an ideal way to immerse yourself in the local culture. For lodging, consider The Inn at Mountain View or Wildflower Bed & Breakfast.
Eureka Springs
Downtown Eureka Springs is one of the most coveted districts to visit in Arkansas. Virtually every inch is historic, and there are many landmark structures, like the Flatiron Flats, where Central and Spring Streets converge. The best way to explore the area is on foot, and several guided walking tours, like the Underground Eureka Walking Tour, will take you through the underground passages.
These underground passages were constructed in the late 19th century to address street elevation issues. Several springs are underneath the district, and eclectic restaurants show off this unique feature. The Grotto has a spring in the dining room, and if you enjoy the underground experience, dine at the Mud Street Cafe. The 1888 building is down a flight of stairs and serves coffee drinks and cocktails on a turn-of-the-century oak bar. There is even a glass floor where guests can view the stream, which gave the cafe its name. Both restaurants embrace the funkiness and luxury of downtown Eureka Springs. For a stay, book a night at 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa or The Basin Park Hotel.
Hot Springs
The resort town of Hot Springs became famous in the late 19th century and is still one of the most attractive towns in the Ozarks. It is at the base of the Ouachita Mountains and is famous for its natural hot springs, many of which are found at Hot Springs National Park. Bathhouse Row is the landmark section of town, with some of the bathhouses built in the 1800s.
Bathhouse Row is where you go when you need a mini spa vacation. The eight bathhouses, constructed between 1892 and 1923, are on the National Register of Historic Places and adjacent to the Grand Promenade. The opulent bathhouses feature different architectural styles, such as the Quapaw Bathhouse with Native American motifs and a domed roof. You will find them on Central Avenue, which forks off into Fountain Street and is the heart of this cozy town. For accommodations, consider The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa or Lookout Point Lakeside Inn.
Van Buren
Van Buren is a naturally beautiful town overflowing with historical sites in the Ozark Mountains. The Van Buren Downtown Historic District has six blocks of historic architecture from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, centered around Main Street. A landmark historic site is the Drennen-Scott House. The home overlooks the Arkansas River and today is a working laboratory for the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
The charming town was a transportation hub during the 197h century for the Butterfield Overland Mail Company. The trails are part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System. Cultural attractions include the landmark King Opera House, featuring annual art productions. For a comfortable stay, check into Hampton Inn Van Buren or Best Western Van Buren Inn.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista is a paradise for nature lovers, with over 100 miles of biking trails and an activity-driven community. It became a travel destination in 1917 as a resort town for outdoor activities. The first resort offerings were a dance hall, swimming pool, and underground nightclub inside Wonderland Cave. Today, a primary attraction is the Back 40 Trails, forty miles of natural trails for mountain biking.
The Bella Vista POA is an all-inclusive stop for active visitors. It contains a golf course, walking trails, tennis courts, and other amenities. Suffragan cultural and dining options, such as the Lakepointe Restaurant and Event Center, will make you want to return. For lodging, try The Inn at Bella Vista or Greens One at Bella Vista Village.
Jasper
Jasper is renowned for its many attractions, such as the Arkansas Grand Canyon, Parker-Hickman Farm Historic District, and Emma's Museum of Junk. The Grand Canyon is one of the finest biking loops in Arkansas and includes Rotary Ann Roadside Park with panoramic views of the Ozark Mountains. Parker-Hickman Farm Historic District encompasses 195 acres and over a dozen agricultural buildings. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987 and provides an outstanding study of the regional history of Jasper.
Emma's Museum of Junk is housed in a traditional storefront in the compact town. It features "junk" from the area and is a quirky place to visit. The historic Arkansas House is one of the best lodging options for those wishing to immerse themselves in the local culture. Located on the Buffalo National River on Scenic Highway 7, the charming inn, loaded with amenities like a bookstore and gallery, is only minutes from the Ozark National Forest.
Siloam Springs
Siloam Springs borders Oklahoma on the northwest border of Arkansas. It has immense scenic beauty, like Sager Creek, with its rock-wall banks flowing through the middle of town. The banks are framed by stately parks with gazebos and green, grassy spaces. The city the creek runs through is charming and embraces the friendly and rustic spirit of the state.
Boutiques like Beautiful Lives and eateries like Cafe on Broadway and Greenfield Coffe flank the historic district. Main Street Siloam Springs has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987. The Main Street initiative program has carefully preserved the district to maintain its original charm, much of which can be interpreted at the Siloam Springs Museum. For accommodations, book a stay at Inn at the Springs or Quality Inn Siloam Springs.
El Dorado
El Dorado, in the southernmost portion of Arkansas, is framed by natural wood lines, creeks, and rivers. Travel journals consistently rank it as a top cultural destination in America for its abundance of historic districts and points of interest. The Mahony Historic District centers around the two-story Neo-Classical Emon O. Mahony Home (1898).
The Murphy Arts District is a significant draw for many and holds several events throughout the year in hopes of making El Dorado the "Festival City of the South." Historic and cultural sites are denoted with signs, and artifacts are stored at the South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society facilities and the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources near Smackover. The El Dorado Historic Commercial District has 68 brick and masonry structures from the late 1800s to the 1920s and offers a glimpse into the town's economic past. Stay at Union Square Guest Quarters or The Haywood El Dorado, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs started as a resort town in the 19th century and was initially called Sugar Loaf because of its proximity to Sugarloaf Mountain. Today, the scenic town is famous for being the gateway to Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River. The historic downtown has many preserved structures, including a stately courthouse.
The Cleburne County Courthouse, ca. 1915, is in the Heber Springs Historic Commercial District. Other notable structures include the oldest surviving building, the Morton Building, built in 1895, and historic structures that line Main Street. The district was started in the late 19th century and continues to be a cozy economic hub with an inviting atmosphere, shops, and locally owned restaurants. For lodging, check into Lindsey’s Resort or Red Apple Inn & Country Club.
Embrace the Warmth of Arkansas's Hidden Treasures
Arkansas is a stunning state for a road trip. Booking a stay in one of these cozy towns should top every traveler's list. Many of the towns have natural springs, a hallmark of the state, and some, particularly Hot Springs, offer resort-style bath houses. This small resort town, along with Eureka Springs, is often visited for a pampering weekend.
Mountain View is steeped in musical history, which makes up the cultural fabric of Arkansas. Though all the towns stand independently, each has a unique and distinctive atmosphere that will make you want to visit again. These cozy towns offer the state's best features, and the welcoming communities make the towns feel like home.
