10 Most Neighborly Towns In Arkansas
Arkansas takes great pride in its large natural wonders, such as diamond mines, hot springs, and the iconic Ozark Mountains, and look a little closer and visitors will find numerous neighborly, welcoming towns. The sense of community in towns like Eureka Springs, a National Historic Place with beauty and heritage on every block, or Pine Bluff, where local acts hope to one day make it to their Entertainers’ Hall of Fame, is palpable even for visitors. These 10 towns welcome all visitors to share their experiences and create new ones.
Eureka Springs
Towns like Eureka Springs ensure that residents and visitors will have no shortage of adventures. Natural springs are abundant in the area, including Sweet Spring, with beautiful stone steps and a bench, Magnetic Spring, the best local picnic area, and Crescent Spring, named for its unique crescent-shaped rock outcropping. The town’s motto, “Where the Misfits fit,” is an invitation and a promise to all those who have experienced difficulty fitting in. They won’t have that problem in Eureka Springs, dancing to regional music and discovering local artists during the Ozark Folk Festival, coming up on its 79th year.
Every street corner is like a canvas thanks to its Victorian architecture, and the entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But one of the more contemporary, and stunning, architectural triumphs in Eureka Springs is Thorncrown Chapel, designed by E. Fay Jones and constructed in 1980, based on the Prairie School of architecture. This wood-and-glass chapel in the woods evokes a quiet and powerful serenity, inviting anyone to contemplate nature and spirit. Eureka Springs is not just a stop on a tour. It is the destination.
Russellville
Tourists will find incredible views in Russellville overlooking the 34,000-acre Lake Dardanelle and Arkansas River. The town houses 23 parks, including a skateboard park and memorial parks, while the Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary is 186 acres of wetlands and woodlands.
Despite the natural wonders surrounding Russellville, the real gem lies in the heart of the town. The Russellville Downtown Historic District houses blocks of several dozen buildings developed between 1875 and 1930, including the Pope County Courthouse, dominating downtown since its 1888 reconstruction. It is a great place to just explore, take photos, grab an artisan gift at Garden Sass, taste a latte at Retro Roasts, and bask in the history of the town while meeting locals and seeing the businesses they've developed and cultivated for generations.
West Memphis
West Memphis is the place that gave birth to the "electric blues" with pioneering radio station KWEM radio station, launching the careers of iconic acts like B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley, solidifying the "Memphis sound". Today, that radio station still unifies the town in its pride around the Memphis Sound, playing the same style of music that made it famous.And it doesn't get more welcoming than the Arkansas Welcome Center, also located in West Memphis. This souped-up rest stop has plenty of info on things to do in Arkansas, as well as its history, cultural touchstones, and heritage. West Memphis is also committed to the future, with initiatives like "Reclaim & Renew" which transforms delapidated or vacant homes into new living options.
With so many historic pathways and bridges connecting the town, such as Big River Crossing, the Harahan Bridge, built in 1916, and Memphis-Arkansas Memorial Bridge, appropriately renamed as the “Old Bridge,” West Memphis is a beautiful maze that visitors want to lose themselves in. Connections everywhere!
Bella Vista
Bella Vista is a world-class mountain biking destination, with the Back 40 Trails, Blowing Springs trails, and plenty of natural-surface systems for hikers and runners. Loch Lomond Trail even has a dog park. Bella Vista was entirely a retirement community until 2007, when a vote resulted in the formation of a new city government. As a result, Bella Vista is very tight-knit, and civic services are in top-notch shape.
It may be a fantastic place to live, but it is also a great place to spend a week. The Campfire Ranch Little Sugar is the best base for starting your adventures, a small and idyllic within easy reach of the Historical Museum and plenty of nature trails. Golf is a local pastime at the Highlands Club and local country club, inviting visitors to challenge each other and the local pros. Beyond the web of trails, Bella Vista houses some remarkable historic buildings, like the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, towering 50 feet into the tree line, with 15 Gothic arches in its own little curated oasis.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs first evolved around 47 thermal springs, earning its name, and soon became a great resort destination with events like the Gallery Walk and a farmers’ market bringing locals and tourists together. Now this community energy is bolstered by national attractions like the Mid-America Science Museum, a great destination for familes, with over 100 exciting, hands-on exhibits that delve into the wonders of energy, matter, and life in the universe. For history a little closer to home, the Gangster Museum of America focuses on the 1920s-40s era of Hot Springs, when infamous gangsters, such as Al Capone, visited the town, along with many professional baseball players like Babe Ruth.
Tourists looking to stretch their legs can of course venture beyond the downtown district to explore the 210-acre Garvan Woodland Gardens, or mountain bike through the intricate systems of the Northwoods Trails. The Woodland Gardens, located on a peninsula along the Ouachita River, features a children's garden, a cafe, and even a peaceful Prairie Style wood and glass chapel, for quiet contemplation. It's an easy place to make a friend, whether human or plant!
Benton
When visiting Benton for the first time, there is no better place to start than the heart of the town. The inviting, dense town square is the perfect place to begin your journey, then branch outward from there. The 24-acre Tyndall Park is the typical spot for families, with basketball courts, batting cages, and skate parks. It’s one of the main attractions for families looking to move to Benton, or tourists looking to give their kids a weekend full of activities.
The Gann Museum of Saline County, the only structure in the world constructed of bauxite, features artifacts of the town’s history and a collection of Niloak Pottery, made in the early 20th century with unique swirling patterns. The Royal Theatre, built in 1948, is now on the National Register of Historic Places and presents stage productions to this day.
Jasper
Jasper sits in a corner of the Ozark Mountains and is the home of waterfalls and wildlife, with remarkable hiking paths, such as the Round Top Mountain Trail. While the mountain landscape is the perfect place for wanderers and explorers, Jasper’s downtown is as peaceful, quiet, and friendly as any small town. Bradley Park is a perfect destination for families looking to picnic, swim, fish or stroll along the Little Buffalo River.
The historic Newton County Courthouse and lawn features shaded gazebos that encourage use as a social town square. Visitors can find fine jewelry at The Turquoise Buffalo Mercantile or wake up to eggs and sunshine in the Overlook Bed & Breakfast. The Buffalo River Elk Festival is a great way to meet new people and create lasting memories with loved ones while participating in the elk-calling contest or grabbing a bite to eat at the Dutch cook-off.
Paragould
Tourists visiting Paragould for the first time will find most of the town’s wonders in its downtown district. Spanning over 30 blocks, the entire district now sits on the National Register of Historic Places list. There is no better place to spend time with the locals and embed yourself into their community, grabbing a sweet treat at the appropriately named Something Sweet shop, or visiting Batten’s Donuts for even more delectables.
Even after a century, the Collins Theatre still hosts productions and events. The Historic 1888 Courthouse building is just as old as its name claims. And those who can’t travel to New York can see the second oldest Statue of Liberty in the country at the Paragould War Memorial. Plan your visit accordingly to take part in the annual Loose Caboose Festival, which features light shows, live music, a petting zoo, a carnival, photo booths, and one more reason to connect with loved ones and meet fresh faces.
Pine Bluff
There’s always music in the air in Pine Bluff, thanks to its rich musical heritage and dedication to promoting modern artists. Exploring Pine Bluff is a treat for music enthusiasts or those looking to learn a little about the industry, especially when riding the Trolley Hop every Thursday. The Arkansas Entertainer’s Hall of Fame honors entertainers and individuals with Arkansas connections, such as Johnny Cash and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
The Delta Family Adventure Trail features activities for the whole family, combining exploration with education concerning Pine Bluff’s history with music and Civil Rights. Beyond downtown, Pine Bluff still offers lots of natural wonders, such as the starting point of the Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world, flowing over 350 miles. While tourists can explore these landmarks and destinations, the residents of Pine Bluff benefit from many constructive programs such as "Home Again," which uses local workforces to restore neighborhoods and help families in need of new homes.
Siloam Springs
In the summer, outdoor enthusiasts have no shortage of activities like hiking, fishing, water skiing, and biking. For as many outdoor adventures as Siloam Springs offers, the downtown encourages an equal level of exploration and dedication. Siloam Springs respects and honors its history and those in town who will make it someday. The Siloam Springs Museum preserves the town’s history dating back to 1839. The town originally experienced a boom in population thanks to the medicinal qualities of the springs it houses. To this day, Siloam Springs can be a truly calming, healing visit.
The Berry Performing Arts Center and Sager Creek Arts Center celebrate modern artists and performers. Residents and tourists can get to know their neighbors at community events like the Dogwood Festival, housing over 200 booths of handmade arts and crafts, and the Light Up Siloam Springs program, bathing the town in color during the holidays.
Arkansas Towns Worth Exploring
Beyond the famous Ozark Mountains, beyond the seemingly infinite tapestry of flowing rivers and hiking trails, Arkansas houses friendly, inviting towns with vibrant downtowns just waiting for fresh eyes to see them. Join Siloam Springs’ community celebrations or visit a science museum in Hot Springs. If you need directions, just ask a local. These residents want to share their towns’ experiences. One stop leads to the next, with something new to learn or discover around every historic and preserved corner.
