6 Most Overlooked Arkansas Towns For 2025
Arkansas, sometimes called The Natural State for its wide array of outdoor attractions, sits west of the Mississippi River, influencing the region's foundations of history and culture. For centuries, the state has welcomed diverse groups of people from the American South and the American West. Arkansas became a US state in 1836, and these days, the state's tradition as a site of welcome draws visitors to its small, sometimes overlooked towns and places.
For a true taste of Arkansas life beyond larger cities like its capital, Little Rock, or business-friendly Bentonville (the headquarters of retail giant Walmart), these towns showcase the man-made and natural marvels that Arkansas calls its own.
Dardanelle
In western Arkansas, on the Arkansas River, a small place called Dardanelle is a sportsman's heaven. Set by the Ouachita Mountains, popular local activities include fishing, hunting, birding, and boating. Mount Nebo State Park displays works from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a Depression-era government labor program, thereby bringing together history and nature in a beautiful place. The CCC site features cabins, miles of trails to walk and hike, and even a number of hang-gliding launch points.
Back in town, Dardenelle's restaurants aim to please diverse palettes. Front Street Grill gives a view of the Arkansas River, where you can eat by the water. Fowlers Restaurant offers American comfort food, while La Casa Del Sol has large Mexican meals for everyone.
Greenwood
Not far from Arkansas' western state line with Oklahoma, petite Greenwood calls itself "a small town with big ideas." Town attractions here share an all-American theme, such as the downtown memorial to U.S. Armed Forces veterans. History students of all ages congregate at the Old Jail Museum, a part of the Sebastian County Jail, constructed in 1892. The site is one of Greenwood's oldest buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For a look at local arts and handicrafts, the Crooked Creek Quilt Shop draws experts and amateurs of quilting and similar sewing styles. The shop's owners are recognized master quilters, specifically in the style known as trapunto. Greenwood's active types participate in the Greenwood Golf Tournament at Vache Grasse Country Club, a local course, where locals and out-of-towners vie for awards and recognition.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs, founded as a health resort by the name of Sugar Loaf, took its current form in 1963, with the formation of man-made Greers Ferry Lake. President John F. Kennedy came here the same year to mark the project's completion. Fans of quaint small-town vibes should head downtown, where a stately courthouse, traditional town square, and fun shops await discovery, and a photo or two.
For outdoor fans, Greers Ferry Lake offers ample fishing, boating, or both. Hikers can take the Jeff Anderson Trail, which offers a short workout and the chance to spot local wildlife. Heber Springs Park, just outside the city limits, has majestic natural beauty and a campground for overnight stays.
Magnolia
Magnolia, in the state's southwestern corner, stands as one of the state's loveliest college towns. As the home of Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia brings together college students, families, and Arkansas-style hospitality. Meanwhile, Magnolia RV Park welcomes road warriors and provides convenient, budget-friendly accommodations.
Southern Arkansas University, for its part, runs a regular schedule of campus tours, especially for its agricultural and horticultural department. The nearby Lake Columbia offers respite by the water. For some caffeine and a look at a vibrant local business, stop by JavaPrimo Coffee House for fresh coffee, espresso, and snacks. For a full meal, Wade's Burgers and Fries is a popular local spot, serving milkshakes, chili fries, and various kinds of sandwiches.
Mountain Home
In north-central Arkansas, Mountain Home sits inside the Ozark Mountains. Famed for its lovely wilderness hikes and small-town pace of life, this town is ideal for a weekend getaway for fun and relaxation. Camping and fishing enthusiasts like Bull Shoals State Park, a few miles outside town, with options for outdoor adventure in a rugged natural setting. The park is also celebrated for its top-notch trout fishing.
For a day on the links, Big Creek Golf & Country Club offers an upscale outing alone or with friends. After a day in the woods or on the fairway, Rapp's Barren Brewery satisfies with an all-American menu of burgers, beer, and other favorites.
Siloam Springs
In northwest Arkansas, pressed against the Oklahoma border, Siloam Springs waits to welcome the out-of-town guest. The town first gained fame when a local physician found health benefits in the local spring water. Shortly after one man's discovery of the water's restorative properties, several local resorts and spas opened, sparking a local industry. Still today, Siloam Springs' downtown includes 19th-century sites and remnants of the old town. For a deeper dive into local history, the Siloam Springs Museum is a required stop.
Families and other visitors will enjoy lunch or dinner at Fratelli's Wood-Fired Pizzeria. Those traveling with children may want to head straight to the Pure Joy Ice Cream, as a reward for kids cooped up during a long drive. These and other food and drink options concentrate around Broadway Street, giving Siloam Springs a vibrant town center and a place for a pleasant stroll.
Arkansas' Best Towns Are Sometimes Overlooked
As these towns suggest, smaller Arkansas towns are pleasant, visitor-friendly, and strangely overlooked among the state's diverse attractions. Dardanelle offers fine, natural Arkansas surroundings, with a CCC site that lends some local history to a visit there. Heber Springs and Mountain Home offer fishing, time around lovely lakes, and a chance to relax in beautiful settings. For those who like to treat themselves, golf in Greenwood, or a spa day (or weekend) in Siloam Springs, guarantee the trip will be worthwhile. After a visit to any of Arkansas' towns like the ones above, the traveler will leave wondering how long before they can visit again.
