Source: https://top-list.co/top-best-small-towns-in-arkansas-v9057.html
Jasper
This tiny city has a population of about 500 people, but the number of scenic adventures and places to see make it a destination you’ll want to return to. If it isn’t already, making an annual trip to Jasper should be one of your family’s traditions. This sleepy town has plenty of beautiful nature, delicious food, and quaint shops to keep you entertained for the day or weekend. The drive alone is reason enough to plan a trip. Jasper is located on Highway 7, which was Arkansas’s first designated scenic byway. The Jasper Disaster is another scenic drive in the area. The name is quite the misnomer since it’s actually one of the most beautiful drives to take in the state.
You’ll be greeted by one picture-perfect scene after another even before you reach the center of town. The Arkansas Grand Canyon is located on the city’s southern outskirts. The vast canyon is not as deep as the one in Arizona, but it is no less beautiful. You could spend the night on the canyon’s rim by staying in one of the Cliff House Inn’s cabins. There is no shortage of good food in this small town. Natural wonders abound in the Ozarks, from natural bridges to the Buffalo. The nearby Koen Experimental Forest offers one of the more low-key hikes. This living laboratory has a family-friendly trail with tons of informative markers and gorgeous scenery.
Photo by Eelco Böhtlingk on Unsplash
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs frequently appears on lists such as Budget Travel’s 100 Coolest Small Towns in America and Smithsonian Magazine’s 20 Best Small Towns in America. The entire Victorian village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s really cool. It’s historic, charming, and full of things to do — but there’s something Arkansans know about Eureka Springs that the rest of the world may not. Eureka Springs is eccentric. This small resort town is similar to everyone’s favorite artsy sister. She’s effortlessly cool, full of music, art, and beauty, cooks the best food, and always knows how to make people feel welcome.
To begin with, the town has a trolley bus that will transport you anywhere. In fact, the entire town is adorably charming. The city’s vibrant buildings, residences, and businesses serve as visual proof of the city’s overall sunny disposition. There are many hip local businesses in the downtown area. Almost the official activity in Eureka Springs is window shopping! Numerous musicians and artists also reside in this distinctive small town in Arkansas. Eureka Springs, Arkansas is unlike anywhere else in the world. People adore it because there are delightful surprises around every corner, making it one of the most distinctive small towns in Arkansas.
Photo by MikeGoad on Pixabay
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
El Dorado
El Dorado, once an oil boomtown, is now a thriving south Arkansas city with a population of 18,491. By Arkansas standards, that’s a mid-sized city, but make no mistake: this is still a small town. El Dorado, located near the Arkansas-Louisiana state line, is not only in the proud Southern Natural State, but also about as far south as that state goes. El Dorado is the quintessential Southern city not only because of its location, but also because it has everything a Southern town should have friendly people, an adorable downtown area, a small-town atmosphere, and an incredibly picturesque setting.
Photo by RJA1988 on Pixabay
Heber Springs
Heber Springs has a population of around 7,000 people, but there’s plenty of fun to be had there. This small town is close to Sugar Loaf Mountain and serves as a gateway to both Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River. Heber Springs has world-class resorts, incredible water sports, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. You won’t want to miss out on this fantastic little town surrounded by some of the state’s best waterways. Heber Springs is a planned community that was formerly known as Sugar Loaf. This is due to its proximity to the breathtaking Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Just six miles north of Heber Springs is the stunning Greers Ferry Lake. The World Championship Cardboard Boat Races take place on Greers Ferry Lake every July. It’s cute to watch even if you don’t know any of the competitors. Incredibly beautiful Sandy Beach can be found at Greers Ferry Lake. At Greers Ferry Lake, a dam creates the Little Red River, which is essentially magical. This river has some of the best trout fishing in the world. The brown trout that holds the current world record was actually caught in the Little Red River. There are some secluded cabins, a lodge, a restaurant, and a marina. It’s not all lake, river, and resorts in Heber Springs; there’s also the Ellen Hobgood Gallery, where you can buy fantastic art by local artists. Heber Springs’ downtown district is a fantastic place to shop and eat.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Photo by 12019 on Pixabay
Magnolia
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is perhaps the best example of America’s Most Walkable Small Towns. While Eureka Springs is the quintessential small town, and it has been named the most walkable in the state, there is another city that deserves to be mentioned. Magnolia is the name of that town. It has one of Arkansas’ most charming town squares, and there are surprises around every corner. Take your most comfortable shoes and join us for a stroll through one of Arkansas’s most walkable small towns. Magnolia, founded in 1853, was named after the beautiful blooms that adorn the area around the historic town square.
Southern Arkansas University, the Magnolia Blossom Festival, and the World Championship Steak Cookoff are all located in this charming town. Despite being well-known for its college and festivals, the town square draws a sizable number of tourists each year. Restaurants, specialty stores, well-known murals, recognizable bakeries, and other establishments are scattered throughout. Therefore, it’s a fantastic destination for a day trip. But the best part is that it’s one of Arkansas’s walkable towns. If you enjoy art, you’ll probably enjoy taking some time to look at the vibrant murals painted all over the city. The historic courthouse that serves as the focal point of the square might be worth a visit.
Photo by Su puloo on Unsplash
Photo by Theo Bickel on Unsplash
Elm Springs
If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, consider Elm Springs in Northwest Arkansas. This sleepy little town in the Boston Mountains’ foothills is rich in history, surrounded by beauty, and brimming with charm. Let’s spend the day exploring this delightful Arkansas mountain town and taking in everything it has to offer. Elm Springs is a small town in the Ozarks located between the Boston Mountains and the Springfield Plateau. With a population of just under 2,500 people, this town is sure to be full of charm and southern hospitality. Elm Spring, founded in 1832, got its name from the town’s large elm trees and the spring that runs through it.
The town now takes pride in being one of the “oldest little cities in Northwest Arkansas” and in its rich history and culture. The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust currently oversees the spring, which has kept the surrounding area looking lovely. Additionally, it is situated inside the Steele Stevens Heritage Park, which hosts performances of historical drama, concerts, and reenactments. You can pack a lunch and enjoy a lovely picnic in the park while taking in the sounds of the springtime rhythms. The park is also a great place for a leisurely stroll. The quiet little town is the ideal setting for a day of relaxation because it is surrounded by nature. If you start your day in town, stop by the local general store for a bite to eat and a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Photo by George Stackpole on Unsplash
Photo by Bertrand Borie on Unsplash
Ponca
When you hear the phrase “tiny town”, you might imagine towns at least twice the size of Ponca. Ponca, you see, has a population of less than 100 people. There are only 91 souls living there, but the natural wonders are virtually limitless. Ponca is a beautiful part of the Ozarks and a gateway to the Buffalo National River, making it one of the most scenic towns in Missouri. Ponca is the ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in natural beauty. Inside Ponca’s city limits, you’ll find outfitters who can outfit you for your natural adventure. For example, the Buffalo Outdoor Center. The community is well-known for its proximity to the Buffalo National River, which draws many nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. Elk have also been seen passing through from the Boxley Valley.
Also available for rent nearby Ponca are charming cabins. In close proximity to Ponca is the breathtaking Boxley Valley. Boxley Valley is naturally close to Hawksbill Crag. The fields close to Ponca are known to be home to Arkansas’ sole herd of elk. There is even a location where you can go for completely free elk information. You won’t go out exploring near Ponca and decide the landscape is unattractive or uninteresting. In fact, Ponca offers a wealth of wonder, seemingly endless beauty, and exquisite opportunities for exploring the Natural State.
Photo by Zach Harrington on Unsplash
Photo by Garrett Vogele on Unsplash
