These 9 Towns In Arkansas Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025
If you’ve been craving to explore somewhere new this year, Arkansas has more than a few towns that deserve a spot on your list. In fact, travelers have consistently ranked nine of them as America’s favorites for 2025, and once you see what they’re all about, you’ll understand why. These aren’t just “stop for gas and keep driving” towns — they’re the kind of places where you’ll want to linger, grab a bite, meet a few locals, and maybe even plan your next visit before you’ve left. From vibrant festivals and expanded art districts to carefully restored historic sites and outdoor adventures that are more accessible than ever, each town has something fresh to offer in 2025.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs sits in the folds of the Ozark hills with streets that twist and climb like a maze designed for wandering. Stately Victorian homes perch above the historic district, watching over a downtown filled with quirky shops, tucked-away cafes, and art galleries that beg you to step inside. This community isn’t the kind of place where you walk a straight line through town—you meander, follow the curves, and let each turn reveal another surprise.
One of the most iconic stops is the Thorncrown Chapel, a glass-and-wood masterpiece tucked in the woods. When the sunlight filters through the trees, the chapel almost glows, and it’s the kind of place where you naturally pause to reflect on the beauty of the Ozarks. Back in town, the Basin Park Hotel anchors the historic district with its storied past and ghostly legends. The surrounding streets are home to numerous art galleries, antique shops, and cozy eateries just waiting to be enjoyed.
If you’re an animal lover, the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is unforgettable. This sanctuary for rescued big cats offers a unique opportunity to see lions, tigers, and leopards up close while learning the powerful stories behind their rescues. And if you’re looking for a bit of culture, Eureka Springs delivers in spades with year-round festivals. In 2025, the buzz is especially strong around the town’s expanded May Festival of the Arts, which has added more outdoor exhibits, live mural painting, and interactive workshops than ever before. It’s become a true celebration of the creativity that pulses through this little mountain town.
Van Buren
Van Buren is the kind of town where history doesn't hide in a museum corner — it’s woven right into the streets. Stroll through the Historic Downtown District, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by 19th-century storefronts, brick sidewalks, and antique shops that seem to whisper stories of stagecoaches and steamboats. In 2025, this area has become even more vibrant, thanks to a wave of new cafés, boutiques, and art spaces that have breathed fresh life into the historic square.
One place that captures the spirit of Van Buren is the King Opera House, a Victorian-era theater that continues to host live performances. Sitting beneath its ornate balconies, you can almost imagine what it felt like to catch a show here 140 years ago. Just a few blocks away, the Drennen-Scott Historic Site opens a door to Arkansas’s frontier past. This 1830s home overlooks the Arkansas River and comes alive with tours that dive into the lives of pioneers, politicians, and even Civil War skirmishes.
When it’s time to eat, downtown’s The Vault 1905 Sports Grill is a must. Set inside a renovated bank building, the space blends historic charm with a relaxed, modern vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a hearty burger, settle in with friends, or watch a game while still feeling connected to the town’s character.
If the outdoors call your name, head a short drive north to Lake Fort Smith State Park. It’s a haven for hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the mountain views. Pack a picnic, rent a kayak, or take in the quiet — it’s a perfect balance to the energy of downtown.
Mountain View
Mountain View is one of those towns where music doesn’t just play in the background — it spills into the streets. Known as the Folk Music Capital of the World, this little Ozark town comes alive with pickers and strummers who gather in the courthouse square. On almost any evening, you can pull up a lawn chair and hear fiddles, banjos, and guitars blending into an impromptu concert. In 2025, the town’s Arkansas Folk Festival has grown even bigger, adding workshops, artisan showcases, and jam sessions that draw musicians from across the country.
A visit here isn’t complete without stopping at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where visitors can see artisans make traditional items by hand. Blacksmiths hammer iron, weavers work their looms, and herbalists share old remedies passed down through generations. It feels like walking into a living museum, but with plenty of interaction that makes it fresh and fun.
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, the Blanchard Springs Caverns are just a short drive away. With guided tours through glittering cave chambers, plus trails and waterfalls above ground, it’s a natural wonder that never fails to impress. If you want a genuine taste of the mountains of the Ozarks, Mountain View will make you feel right at home.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is famous for its steamy waters and colorful past, and the town still centers around Bathhouse Row, where historic bathhouses line the main drag. Some now serve as museums, while others function as spas; together, they preserve the tradition of “taking the waters” that drew visitors here for over a century. In 2025, new wellness programs and expanded spa services have made the baths more popular than ever, blending old-world charm with modern relaxation.
If history pulls you in, the Gangster Museum of America tells the fascinating tale of the town’s Prohibition-era underworld, when infamous names like Al Capone treated Hot Springs as a hideout. For a different kind of thrill, wander into Hot Springs National Park. With easy trails leading to overlooks, bubbling springs, and shady forests, it’s like having nature right in the middle of town.
What makes Hot Springs stand out in 2025 is its commitment to being more than just a spa town. The city has expanded its annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, now recognized as one of the most vibrant small-town film events in the country. Between the historic baths, lively arts, and a setting where nature is never far away, Hot Springs manages to be both refreshing and full of surprises — the kind of place you visit once and can’t wait to return.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs is the kind of town that makes you want to trade your schedule for a fishing pole and a good pair of walking shoes. Framed by Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. The lake is a playground for boating, swimming, and relaxing afternoons on the water, while the river is renowned worldwide for its trout fishing. In fact, anglers from across the country make pilgrimages here hoping to land a record catch.
For a taste of nature without a boat, the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is a local favorite. It’s a short but rewarding hike that leads to panoramic views of the town, lake, and surrounding forests. If you prefer something a little gentler, the Collins Creek Trail winds through shaded woods with small waterfalls and pools where kids love to splash. Back in town, the historic Seven Springs in Spring Park offers a glimpse into why early settlers first believed the area’s waters had healing powers.
When it’s time to refuel, make your way to Cafe Klaser, perched on the banks of the Little Red River. Its big windows look out over the water, and the menu—filled with steaks, seafood, and hearty Southern sides—sets the stage for dinners that naturally linger into long conversations as the river drifts by.
Jasper
If you like floating down a gentle, lazy river, Jasper might be the perfect place for you. This little Ozark town has rugged cliffs, winding rivers, and dense forests. It also serves as the gateway to the Buffalo National River, one of Arkansas’s most celebrated natural treasures. Whether you’re paddling a canoe through tranquil stretches of water or hiking along bluff-top trails, the Buffalo River invites you to slow down and savor its wild beauty.
One of the can’t-miss experiences here is taking in the view from the Arkansas Grand Canyon, just a short drive south of town. The panorama of rolling hills and deep valleys is exceptionally breathtaking in the fall, when the foliage sets the whole landscape aflame with color. Closer to town, the Round Top Mountain Trail offers a more manageable hike with rewarding overlooks, as well as access to a small cave system that adds a dash of adventure.
Back in Jasper, you’ll find a small but welcoming downtown with diners and shops that feel straight out of another era. A favorite stop is the Ozark Café, a 1909 landmark where the burgers are big, the pie is homemade, and the stories flow as easily as the coffee. It’s the kind of place where you walk in as a stranger and leave feeling like part of the family.
Magnolia
Magnolia is one of those small towns built around a central courthouse square that feels like the heartbeat of the community. Lined with shops, murals, and shade trees, the square is where life gathers — especially during the Magnolia Blossom Festival. In 2025, this signature event has grown into its biggest year yet, blending live music, craft vendors, parades, and, of course, the famous World Championship Steak Cook-off. The smell of sizzling steaks drifts through downtown, and the festival draws food lovers from across the region to join in the feast.
Beyond festival season, Magnolia has plenty to keep you exploring. For a quieter moment, head over to Southern Arkansas University, where you can stroll the campus, visit the arboretum, or catch a Mulerider athletic event — a quirky mascot tradition that locals love to share with visitors.
When it comes to dining, Backyard BBQ is a must-try. Known for tender brisket, smoky pulled pork, and plates piled high with Southern sides, it’s the kind of place where you leave both full and happy. Pair that with sweet tea, and you’ve had a true taste of Magnolia.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista is a golf haven, and in 2025, it’s shining brighter than ever. With seven scenic courses spread across rolling Ozark hills, the town has become a destination for players who want variety as much as beauty. Each course has its own character, from wide fairways that invite a bold swing to tighter, tree-lined layouts that demand strategy. Recent course upgrades and expanded tournament play have firmly established Bella Vista on the map for traveling golfers seeking their next challenge.
But golf is only part of the story. Bella Vista is also home to several nearby lakes, with Lake Loch Lomond being the largest and most popular for boating, fishing, and summer afternoons on the water. For those who prefer two wheels or hiking boots, the town has steadily expanded its trail network. The Back 40 Trail and Little Sugar Trail systems connect riders and walkers to miles of wooded paths, streams, and overlooks, creating a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
When you’re ready to slow down, the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail offers an easy loop leading to a waterfall — a peaceful counterpoint to the day’s adventures. With its playful and adventurous spirit, Bella Vista is one of the Natural State's favorite places.
Ozark
Ozark sits gracefully along the Arkansas River, where vineyards, history, and small-town charm blend. Known as the heart of the Arkansas Wine Trail, this town has become a destination for anyone who appreciates a good glass of wine paired with rolling countryside views. In 2025, the wine festivals here have expanded, drawing larger crowds for tastings, live music, and tours of family-owned wineries that have been producing for generations. It’s the perfect excuse to sip, stroll, and savor the Delta-meets-Ozarks atmosphere.
A stop at Post Winery is a must, not only for the wines but for the history — it’s one of the oldest wineries in the region. Chateau Aux Arc, another local favorite, offers beautiful grounds and a tasting room where you can linger over bold reds or crisp whites. Together, these wineries showcase the legacy of grape growing that has made Ozark special for decades.
If wine isn’t your thing, the town offers plenty more. The historic Franklin County Courthouse, with its dome rising over the square, anchors a downtown filled with shops and restaurants. When it’s time to eat, Arkansas Brewing Company & Restaurant hits the spot with sandwiches, burgers, and Southern sides served in a casual, down-home setting. Whether you are sipping a nice wine or smacking your lips on great Southern specialties, Ozark is a tranquil place to unwind and enjoy life.
Whether you love to explore charming downtowns, be a part of cultural celebrations, or wander along trails that wind through unforgettable landscapes, these towns prove that you don’t have to travel far to find experiences that feel truly special. So, put some gas in the car, lace up your walking shoes, and let's get exploring these great small towns.
