9 Most Eccentric Towns in Arkansas
The Ozark Mountains have attracted rugged, creative, and free-loving people for thousands of years, and still do today. Arkansas has many small mountain towns that genuinely reflect this characteristic, as evidenced by the funky Eureka Springs downtown and the Popeye statue in downtown Alma. Surrounded by natural springs and unparalleled beauty, it is easy to see why many people happily call Arkansas home.
In a region known for its uniqueness, here are nine of the most eccentric towns in Arkansas, from public bathhouses in Hot Springs to Victorian architecture and train rides in Van Buren. In an age of amusement parks and a faster pace of life, these essential destinations transport travelers to a simpler, some would say better, time while remaining modern. That is a rare combination that binds these cities together, making them the best in the state to visit.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs may be the most fun town in the Ozarks, with a vibrant downtown area centered around the landmark Flatiron Flats building on Spring Street. The iconic corner building now houses flats and condos with a coffee shop on the first floor, within walking distance of many sites, a notable feature of the downtown area. One of the best ways to see the district is to take the original walking tour, Hidden Eureka: A Downtown Walking Tour.
The informative tour guides guests through Victorian streets, public murals, and the underground, reliving the stories surrounding the fascinating tunnel system. Afterward, continue the education by dining at the cozy Grotto, named for the cave in the dining room, around which the restaurant was built. Downtown also has a vibrant nightlife scene at local favorites such as the Rowdy Beaver Den on Spring Street, featuring live music and an artsy vibe.
Mountain View
Mountain View is known for preserving American folkways and traditional music, a tradition that began in this friendly neighborhood, with neighbors jamming on each other's porches. The Arkansas Folk Festival started in the 1960s, and the Ozark Folk Center State Park opened in 1973 to preserve the genre in the American vernacular. The community is also outdoors-focused and offers everything for outdoor enthusiasts, including the 50-mile Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail.
The International Mountain Biking Association designates the trail as an "Epic Ride," a designation held by only 37 US trails. Mountain Views' diversity makes it a top destination, and its down-home culinary scene blends seamlessly with the culture. JoJo's Catfish Wharf is a local favorite and a great place to get a feel for the friendly community after a day of biking the renowned trails nearby.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs was an original resort town at the turn of the 20th century, and it has not lost its appeal since. Once the public bathhouses opened, a bustling village emerged, blending the beauty of Hot Springs National Park with the artsy Uptown right next door. The 5,500-acre park features 26 miles of trails, mountains, and the iconic Bathhouse Row, eight bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923, which have been a National Historic Landmark District since 1987.
Uptown offers another side of scenic Hot Springs, with vintage motor courts, Victorian bed-and-breakfasts, and direct access to downtown. The artsy district has been described as the original Sin City and showcases artistic flair through the Wednesday Night Poetry Reading and the monthly Gallery Walk. Hot Springs offers something for every taste, from natural settings to a funky artistic hub, making it one of the most unique towns in Arkansas.
Texarkana
Texarkana's name is derived from the states of Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas. It borders Texas near Louisiana, allowing people to stand in two states at once. The State Line Post Office and Federal Building is the only one in the nation located in two states, and this is just one quirky aspect of the fun-loving town. Attractions include the Four States Auto Museum, a favorite among car enthusiasts, featuring more than 20 vintage vehicles and exhibits showcasing the region's automotive heritage.
The Rail Yard Entertainment District occupies five blocks in the walkable downtown and includes landmarks such as the Front Street Caboose, a nod to the town's railroad heritage. The entertainment hub features bars and restaurants like Hopkins Icehouse and 1923 Banana Club for an exciting night in town. Another take on the city is The Gallery at 1894, featuring regional artwork in a renovated historic 1894 City Market building, exhibiting the range of cultural and entertainment venues in downtown Texarkana.
Paris
For those who thought that the Eiffel Tower was in France, Paris, Arkansas, begs to differ. Its 25-foot-tall replicated landmark is the focal point of any visit, located on the west side of the town square. It was donated to the Eiffel Tower Park in 2014 and painted with the same paint as the original in France. The monument is associated with the annual Spring Time in Paris Festival in May.
Many downtown commercial buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Logan County Courthouse, a classic government building with regal columns and a dome. It is surrounded by historic monuments like the Paris-Logan County Coal Miner's Memorial. Self-guided history tours reveal prominent structures such as the corner building, once Hotel Paris, now Union Bank, that add a down-home feel to Paris.
Van Buren
Van Buren is known for its Victorian downtown, natural beauty, and as a gateway to scenic train excursions on the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. The downtown historic district covers six blocks and includes notable structures such as the Crawford County Bank Building and the elegant King Opera House. The theater, circa 1800s, still hosts performances throughout the year, providing an entertaining way to visit the area.
Kopper-Kettle Candies is a tasty way to discover the neighborhood. It has been a community staple since 1956 and features over 100 kinds and over 200 types from other manufacturers. The Arkansas River flows beside Van Buren, making it a popular stop for steamboats in the 19th century. The passageways are now part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System, and viewing the landscape connects one to the past in a way that only Van Buren can.
Siloam Springs
Historic Siloam Springs is the archetypal Southern town where everybody knows everybody, a fact the community is proud of. It is surrounded by the Ozark Mountains and the Illinois River, adding natural grace and beauty to the charming hamlet, which guests can explore at places such as Siloam Springs Kayak Park. The park features a 1,200-foot-long channel off the Illinois River that offers paddlers the thrill of whitewater rafting in a safer environment.
The historic district is just as fun, with many community events like Cookie Palooza and Shoptober Saturdays that encourage people to get out and enjoy this eccentric town. Landmark buildings like the 1881 Crown Hotel give the district a sophisticated air, offering a glimpse into the town's evolution from health resort to the exciting destination it is today. It was the city's first brick building and the oldest surviving edifice, underscoring the community's commitment to historic preservation.
Alma
One of the most unique sites in Alma is its Popeye Statue, surrounded by fountains, a fun celebration of the town's status as the Spinach Capital of the World. The community also hosts the annual Spinich Festival in April, providing a great way to rub elbows with the locals. The community also has an artistic side, evident at the Skokos Performing Arts Center, a cultural center for western Arkansas, and other live events.
Alma Music and Arts Festival, held every Labor Day, features live music and art vendors showcasing the best of the region's craftsmanship. Eccentric eateries include local favorites such as 46 Steakhouse, which features comfort food in a casual atmosphere. The eatery reflects the laid-back nature of the residents and is a great way to experience the down-home feel of Alma.
Ozark
Ozark is in the Arkansas River Valley, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and other natural elements. The Main Street Community has a classic Court Square at the center of the historic district, where several buildings, such as the 1910 First United Methodist Church, form the fabric of the community. The area also has a "pocket park" with a Veterans Memorial Display for a deeper look at local history.
As pedestrians pass the town square and park, they cannot help but notice the Ozark History Mural, a sand-carved mural celebrating the area's history. The artwork depicts a bridge, a locomotive, and Victorian buildings, vividly illustrating the region's evolution into its current state. After exploring downtown, stop at the Arkansas Brewing Company for a craft beer in a comfortable atmosphere to reflect on the unique offerings Ozark has to offer.
Arkansas is home to quirky destinations, and these are the nine most eccentric. From the vibrant artistry in Eureka Springs to the natural wonders surrounding the resort town of Hot Springs, the area is both creative and naturally beautiful. The two elements often converge, like in Hot Springs, where its Old Town artsy district is next door to a national park. The Popeye monument in Alma reflects the community's sense of humor, while the Eiffel Tower in Paris highlights its cultural significance. Both pull back the curtain to different sides of this unique region, especially during events like the annual Paris Festival every April. It is hard to resist standing in two states at once in Texarkana, another quirky aspect of visiting this Southern state.
