8 Underrated Arkansas Towns Worth the Drive in 2026
Arkansas is a worthy recipient for a position on a list of must-visit places in the US in 2026. Known for its diverse landscape, comprising mountainous regions like the Ozark Mountains, and lowlands along the Mississippi River, the state is effortlessly beautiful. Plus, it is endowed with unique features, ranging from hot springs, long coveted for their healing powers, to a rare architectural style designed to be a natural part of its often wooded surroundings. Fortunately, these appealing features are mostly tucked deep in and around the state’s smaller towns, where they await to be discovered by off-the-beaten-path explorers. From Jasper to Pine Bluff, these towns may be underrated, but they are strong reasons why you have to explore Arkansas in 2026.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a unique town in the Ozark Mountains, located just 45 miles from Fayetteville. This town rewards travelers with its beautiful Victorian architecture and eye-catching winding streets overlooking the surrounding lush countryside. Established as a resort around the area’s healing springs, the town’s downtown makes for delightful strolls, particularly on Spring Street, which is lined with 19th-century structures. This includes the 1889 Rosalie, a stunning brick house combining Steamboat Gothic and Eastlake architecture. Meanwhile, it's impossible to stroll downtown Eureka without stopping at one of the local establishments, one of which is Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking. Situated in a Victorian home, this restaurant is a great place to dine on hearty servings of Italian food, from pasta to freshly baked bread, and more. Those hungry for some outdoor adventures will have plenty to enjoy in Eureka Springs, including the nearby Beaver Dam Site Park, which offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, camping, kayaking, and fishing. Notably, Eureka Springs is home to Thorncrown Chapel, a unique wooded structure that blends perfectly with the surrounding Ozark woodlands, and is the perfect place for a dream wedding.
Jasper
If nothing else, the Arkansas Grand Canyon is a big enough reason this tiny town is worth the drive in 2026, located roughly 90 minutes from Fayetteville. One of the most picturesque spots in Arkansas, characterized by deep valleys covered in lush vegetation, this canyon is a short southward ride from Jasper on AR 7. Moreso, Jasper is an adventurer’s paradise and a gateway to the Buffalo National River area and its attractions. This includes Parker-Hickman Farmstead, which features structures built in the 1800s, reflecting 19th-century farm life in the Ozarks. Some of the best trails in the Buffalo National River area are also easily accessible from Jasper, one of which is the Indian Creek Trail. One of the toughest adventures in the state, this 4.4-mile out-and-back trail is a worthy challenge worth traveling for, as it winds through a rocky creek and large, slippery rocks that require scrambling, with some areas requiring careful maneuvering along perilous bluff edges. The rewards on the trail include the sights of many waterfalls and a stunning rock formation known as the Eye of the Needle, carved by the Indian Creek. Moreover, Jasper is home to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, another spot for thrilling adventures, from zipline rides to mountain biking over 20 miles of trails, rock climbing, and camping in rustic cabins.
Hot Springs
As its name suggests, Hot Springs is located in the Ouachita Mountains, under an hour from Arkansas's capital, Little Rock. This town sprang up around the numerous hot springs, believed to have healing properties. Today, it remains a charming spa town and a true place to experience Southern hospitality and a life-changing natural retreat. Hot Springs National Park preserves most of the area’s original hot springs and is a worthy place to begin an unforgettable adventure here. In the park, one can hike over 26 miles of trails through lush forests and explore the Bathhouse Row, a series of bathhouses and other structures from the area’s spa heydays. The bathhouses date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and reflect various architectural styles, including neoclassical and Renaissance revival. Notably, Buckstaff Bathhouse, which dates to 1912, is still in operation and offers a traditional thermal bath, alongside body massages.
Beyond the mineral springs, this underrated town is sprinkled with more unique attractions, from the 216-foot Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which delivers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the town, to the architecturally stunning Anthony Chapel, which blends effortlessly with the dense woods. Notably, the Anthony Chapel is within Garvan Woodland Gardens, a 210-acre botanical garden featuring over four miles of Lake Hamilton shoreline, rocky landscapes, and an assortment of plants and flowers, including over 160 types of azaleas. And if you think that’s all, wait to learn about the nearby Lake Catherine State Park, which offers dozens of campsites and cabins, over 10 miles of hiking trails, and access to the lake for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Pine Bluff
The tenth most popular town in Arkansas, located just 44 minutes from Little Rock, Pine Bluff, located alongside the Arkansas River. It boasts several notable historic attractions, including the Arkansas Railroad Museum. Located in a building constructed in the 1880s, this museum offers an immersion into the state’s rich railroad history, with collections ranging from old railroad cars and engines, locomotives, and more, plus it is admission-free.
Meanwhile, Pine Bluff is a haven for art lovers, with unique attractions such as the James Hayes Glass Company, where one can see rare glassworks and learn the workings behind the art. Just as exciting, the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is right in town, featuring changing science exhibits alongside art displays from well-known local, national, and international artists. The center also offers year-round art classes and hosts the 232-seat Catherine M. Bellamy Theater, where one can catch live performances and get the full art experience. Notably, Pine Bluff is home to the Saracen Casino Resort, one of the best in Arkansas, with over 1,000 slot machines, table games, and a dedicated poker room. This is in addition to its three on-site restaurants, a vibrant sports bar, and an event center.
Siloam Springs
Situated in the far Northwest corner of Arkansas, Siloam Springs is an underrated community located under an hour from Fayetteville. The natural beauty of the Ozarks complements the town's charming downtown featuring Victorian-era structures and cozy local establishments. An unhurried stroll through the heart of town is a recommended first thing to do here, if only to admire notable buildings like the 1881 Crown Hotel, and enjoy authentic southern cuisine at Park House Kitchen + Bar. Siloam Springs Kayak Park can be the next stop for a pleasant experience on the Illinois River. This park is set on a stretch of the river, ideal for kayaking, with rapids often between Class I and II, making it perfect for everybody. The park also features walking trails, boulder-climbing, and the river is open for fishing and swimming. More adventures can be enjoyed at the 165-acre City Lake Park, which boasts trails winding through wooded areas, a pump track, and Siloam Springs Lake, which offers excellent fishing and paddling opportunities. Moreover, the Sugar Creek Mountain Bike Trail on the John Brown University campus stretches five miles along Sager Creek, offering an even more thrilling biking experience.
Bella Vista
Often overlooked for larger neighbors like Bentonville, Bella Vista has something for everybody, including lovers looking to tie the knot in a unique setting. This town is the proud home of Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, one of the coolest wedding venues in Arkansas, with its Gothic arches and glass walls. And, like a true Ozarks town, Bella Vista is drenched in natural beauty, best witnessed on the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail. This trail is only a 2.2-mile loop, but it winds through woodlands and across a bridge as it leads to a beautiful waterfall. Elsewhere, Blowing Springs Park invites travelers to enjoy the area’s natural allure by camping, as it features RV sites with hookups, cabins, and primitive sites. The park also boasts six miles of multi-use trails. Perhaps even more thrilling, Bella Vista is home to Back 40, a trail system winding through the surrounding ridges and valleys, making it a worthy place for bikers to test or hone their skills. And notably, Bella Vista is a paradise for golfers, with several courses, including the Bella Vista Country Club Course, one of the state’s highest-rated, offering a challenging round of golf and beautiful scenery.
Harrison
Endless outdoor adventures and picturesque scenery await in this adorable town located an hour and 30 minutes from Fayetteville. One of the state’s most underrated towns, it is situated on Crooked Creek and serves as the headquarters of the Buffalo National River Park. So from this town, one can easily explore some of the park’s top attractions, including Cecil Cove Loop Trail, one of the most exciting day hikes in Arkansas. The loop is approximately seven miles and leads through Cecil Creek, mountains, bluffs, historic homesteads, and scenic wooded areas. The Paige Falls and Broadwater Hollow Falls trail is also near Harrison, offering an easier hike to two beautiful waterfalls. For antique lovers, the town hosts a couple of delightful spots, including Junk-Shun Barn Flea Market, where over 150 vendors display cool collections of vintage treasures. And at the end of a satisfying vacation in Harrison, one can hit the Ozark Moonshine Run for a scenic drive along picturesque mountains and through dense forests en route to Jasper, a classic Ozarks adventure.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs is a worthy Arkansas town to include in a list of must-visit places in 2026, for lovers of lakeside pleasures and scenery. This town is located about an hour and 15 minutes from Little Rock, right on Greers Ferry Lake, one of the largest in Arkansas, and a haven for water sports and camping. For access to the lake, one can head to the Dam Site Recreation Area, which features a swimming area, dozens of campsites with hookups, and a boat ramp and marina, setting the stage for boating, jet skiing, fishing, scuba diving, and sailing. A little west of this recreation area, Sandy Beach is another attraction on the lake and a great spot to unwind on a sunny afternoon. The beach is ideal for swimming, plus it hosts a pavilion and picnic areas with plenty of shade. Beyond the lake, hikers have several trails to enjoy in Heber Springs, from the 1.2-mile out-and-back Collins Creek Trail, which leads to beautiful cascades, to the Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail, which follows a bluff and through hardwood forests, overlooking the Little Red River. In the meantime, it’s always a pleasant experience to stroll through downtown Heber Springs, which is home to the Ruland Toy Train Museum, a unique attraction worth visiting, especially for families with children. This museum features two floors of train memorabilia, toys, and vintage finds.
There’s always something to love in the beautiful state of Arkansas, especially in these towns where raw natural beauty meets southern culture and rich Victorian architecture. Often overlooked for larger nearby towns, these towns boast surprisingly pleasant experiences, including classic Arkansas adventures, like a road trip through lonely roads where the scenery speaks volumes and a full-body dip in a thermal spring. All of these come without having to pay the high price of dealing with crowds. With that said, take the drive to these towns in 2026 and you’ll wish time could stand still.
