These 8 Towns Are Arkansas's Best-Kept Secret

One of the most underrated hacks to vacationing is to skip the big names for small, little-known locations, especially if such locations are just as beautiful or nearly so. This means you will not contend with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, enjoy more authentic experiences, and above all, spend much less. A few visit-worthy towns in Arkansas can double up as best-kept secrets. But those that do will make you feel like you have made a huge discovery. So, which are these Arkansas beauties that pack a punch but are seldom in the spotlight? Keep reading to discover 8 towns that are Arkansas's best-kept secrets.

Jasper

Although the Elk Capital of Arkansas regularly pops up in travel circles, people still don't appreciate how much it packs in visit-worthy allurements. A top-notch hub for all kinds of outdoor adventure, Jasper is strategically positioned near the Buffalo National River, the nation's first national river. So if canoeing, fishing, and camping are all up your alley, start packing your gear. And in town, a picturesque downtown square with a beautiful courthouse will be waiting for its turn.

Pop inside the iconic Ozark Cafe, a neat little place known for serving delicious burgers and old-fashioned milkshakes. Meanwhile, Arkansas Scenic Byway 7, the first of its kind in the state, is a delightful drive that entails some of the most unforgettable views in Arkansas. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, a fun place for top-tier rock climbing, is just a hair out. The same holds for the Arkansas Grand Canyon, a lovely place to breathe and just forget about the world.

Washington

It may look unassuming, but Washington boasts a rich and storied history that makes it well worth exploring. It was once a crucial stop on the rugged Southwest Trail and was often used by pioneers traveling to Texas. Men like James Bowie, Davy Crockett, and Sam Houston, a hero in the Texas Revolution and at the consequential Battle of San Jacinto, are all known to have traveled through Washington. Moreover, a local blacksmith known as James Black is credited with creating the legendary Bowie knife in the area around Washington. The large fighting knife was for a while celebrated as a symbol of frontier survival and strength.

If that is not enough, Washington was the Confederate Capital of Arkansas from 1863-1865. Start with a buffet or some decadent peach cobbler at Williams Tavern, and then zigzag your way to the Historic Washington State Park, a 101-acre space featuring over 40 pioneer-era buildings. Check out the B.W. Edwards Weapons Museum, whose centerpiece is a re-creation of the first Bowie knife. After this, snap a pic of the Washington Magnolia Tree, a unique piece of living history that has braved more than 180 winters.

Winslow

A quiet retreat in the Boston Mountains, Winslow provides access to the Devil's Den State Park, a unique and beautiful attraction in Northwest Arkansas considered one of the best-preserved Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) park developments in the United States. Not just that, Devil's Den contains the largest sandstone crevice cave area in the United States. Lee Creek, which runs through the park, adds to its rustic charm. Keep in mind that Winslow sits along the Boston Mountains Scenic Loop, which is a separate adventure by itself. Other highlights in town include the Winslow Museum, a nice, off-the-beaten-path attraction that is rich in local history and artifacts. Mikey's One Stop, on U.S. 71, is a cool place to grab a drink and sink your teeth into some delectable pizza.

Powhatan

A river port time capsule, Powhatan has a steamboat-era feeling that many will find incredibly hypnotic. It is enticingly slow-paced and authentic, with nothing much in the way of velvet ropes and glitzy tourist traps. Instead, you will find beautiful historic structures, many of which sit on their original foundations. Powhatan Historic State Park, for example, which feels like stepping straight into the 1800s, is reminiscent of America that many have forgotten about.

It features six historic buildings, including the 1888 courthouse, which keeps interesting exhibits about the town's early years. Aside from the courthouse, this park also features a log house, a unique two-room schoolhouse, a church, and a jail. If you have enough time, check out the nearby Lake Charles State Park, a peaceful space with a swim beach, lovely trails for hiking, and excellent camp sites. As for food, Renee's Cafe in Black Rock is a classic little place that serves unbelievably delicious catfish.

Gilbert

While hordes of tourists love trooping to big names like Eureka Springs, Gilbert’s untouched beauty remains unexplored. The town is a quiet outpost beautifully backdropped by densely wooded hills and several other beautiful natural landmarks, all of which curate a storybook scenery worthy of a Norman Rockwell autograph. There's the Buffalo River, whose clear, spring-fed waters hum through limestone cliffs, gravel bars, and thick bottomland forest.

The Tyler Bend area, within the Buffalo National River Park, is an incredibly photo-worthy spot with panoramic views on almost every side. Rent a sturdy canoe from the highly rated Gilbert General Store (and taste some ice cream), then proceed for top-tier canoeing adventures down at the Buffalo River. If spending the night, Gilbert RV Campground & Cabins is a well-groomed space with peaceful river views and rustic scenery. Check out the nearby Red Bluff Overlook as well, although you will need shoes with a good grip.

Helena

Helena reclines along the banks of the Mississippi River and during the Civil War years, held a strategic location between Memphis and Vicksburg. Consequently, it was the site of a bloody battle over the waterway that ended with nearly 2,000 soldiers dead, mostly Confederate troops. Today, historians credit the Battle of Helena with securing the Union stronghold on the Mighty Mississippi. But Helena is not all about bloody battles.

The town has deep ties to the Delta Blues, one of the earliest-known styles of blues. The Helena Blues Trail winds through downtown and highlights sites connected to legendary musicians who once entertained music lovers in the area. The Delta Cultural Center explores this aspect of Helena's heritage and is among the town’s most famous attractions. The trick is to start with some melt-in-the-mouth briskets at the Delta Que & Brew, then spend some time at the Helena River Park, a scenic space that features gorgeous views of the mighty Mississippi River.

Murfreesboro

You don't have to be an aspiring rock hunter to visit the Crater of Diamonds State Park, one of Murfreesboro’s most sought-after attractions. You may just want a once-in-a-lifetime experience with diamonds, the mineral of romance and prestigious wedding rings. Crater of Diamonds could be the nation’s most unique state park, especially because anything you find here, diamond or dirt, is yours to keep. And these are not just Cowboy-era stories. As recently as May 2025, someone found a 3.81-carat brown diamond.

Today, the park is one of the few in the world where anyone can access and search for diamonds. You only need to first pass by Lovejoy Diamond Screens on Washington Avenue to rent the equipment you will need, especially screens. If you feel like you can eat an elephant, work your way to the Feed Bin Cafe at the Courthouse Square, especially if the thought of delicious onion rings makes your mouth water. Keep in mind that Diamond Classics &Rock Shop has a great selection of rough and polished crystals, as well as attendants who are incredibly knowledgeable about diamonds and the process of mining them.

Monticello

It doesn't always grace the cover of glossy travel magazines, but Monticello is a vibrant college town with awe-inspiring natural scenery in its environs. The University of Arkansas at Monticello, whose history dates back to 1909, holds the distinction of having the only school of forestry in Arkansas. The university is home to the Turner Neal Museum of Natural History as well as the Pomeroy Planetarium. Monticello has an adorable downtown square speckled with colourful buildings, some of which have defined the cityscape since the 1800s. Swing by Chefs, whose country-style dining area is invitingly warm and comfortable. They are known for hamburgers, but there's no harm in trying their other menu items. Outdoor spots include Lake Monticello, a cool place to sip yummy waterfront views, and Monticello Country Club, which boasts what could be the best 9-hole course within a 100-mile radius.

The Takeaway

Instead of joining the beeline to touristy places where people are breathing down your neck, look for spots that are just as beautiful but slightly under the radar. You will have spellbinding attractions all to yourself, enjoy a more relaxed experience, and spend way less. Most of these locations have something attractively unique about them, whether it is the stillness of a high mountain overlook, an environment that looks like stepping straight into the 1800s, or a one-of-a-kind state park with something you can't find anywhere else. Fortunately, Arkansas has these kinds of locations by the dozens, each of which will make you feel like you have won a lottery.