6 Friendliest Towns to Visit in Arkansas in 2024
Officially dubbed the "The Natural State" in 1995 to promote its diverse scenery to tourists, Arkansas could just as well have been named 鈥淭he Friendly State鈥� for the hospitality of its residents. In fact, ask any Arkansan if the state鈥檚 a friendly one, and they鈥檒l more than likely claim to be as 鈥渟weet鈥� as their tea.
This friendly atmosphere is deeply rooted in that famed tradition of Southern hospitality, with Arkansans known for their politeness and their welcoming demeanor. And for those from out of state looking to experience a little of this warmth firsthand, you couldn鈥檛 do much better than spend time visiting some of Arkansas鈥� smaller communities. Find out more with this list of six of the friendliest towns to visit in Arkansas in 2024.
Eureka Springs
Let鈥檚 face it: Eureka Springs just sounds friendly. Set in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, the entirety of this captivating small town is included on the National Register of Historic Places. This is why visitors will receive an especially friendly welcome in the Eureka Springs Downtown Historic District, an area that has changed little since the town was established in the late 1800s. It鈥檚 especially nice to wander on foot, with highlights including the epic Flatiron Building that almost seems to split the downtown down the middle.
Other notable attractions to see here include the Thorncrown Chapel, a spectacular glass structure that鈥檚 a scenic 10-minute drive away and offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside. The Great Passion Play, an annual event that鈥檚 been held here since 1968 and which draws visitors from far and wide to witness an outdoor theatrical performance depicting the life of Christ, is another must-do.
Mountain View
Mountain View is another friendly Ozarks town that鈥檚 guaranteed to offer visitors a warm welcome. Famous as the "Folk Music Capital of the 海角社区," this quaint community is a big draw for music lovers and those interested in traditional American culture, with the Ozark Folk Center State Park being the main attraction. Open from spring through to the fall of 2024, live folk music, craft demonstrations, and heritage gardens are waiting to be explored here, with friendly staff on hand to share their knowledge.
Mountain View is also highly walkable, especially around its well-kept downtown area, with the park-like setting of the attractive Stone County Courthouse being the focal point. Serving as the town square, it鈥檚 also a good spot to catch an impromptu music gathering where locals and visitors alike enjoy some busking and a singalong.
Batesville
One of the oldest cities in Arkansas, Batesville was a welcoming site to traders and travelers when established in 1812 and retains much of that same feeling towards visitors to this day. Located along the banks of the White River, much can be learned about the town鈥檚 early years at the Old Independence Regional Museum. Set in an imposing former National Guard Armory dating from 1936, highlights include areas dedicated to pioneer times, as well as replicas of old shops and homes.
You鈥檒l also experience a warm welcome at top attractions like Batesville Motor Speedway with its thrilling race events throughout the 2024 race season; and the Arkansas Scottish Festival which this October celebrates Scotland鈥檚 heritage in its 44th year with music, traditional dances, and a Highland games component.
Heber Springs
A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, the big draw in Heber Springs is its proximity to Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River. Together, these water features offer plenty of excellent fishing and boating experiences, with the impressive Greers Ferry Dam serving as a stunning backdrop. Dedicated by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, this engineering marvel created the manmade lake that connects Heber Springs to a vast network of bays to explore.
Heber Springs also features an extremely walkable downtown area that鈥檚 lined with charming shops, caf茅s, and art galleries owned by friendly locals. The Cleburne County Historical Society and Museum is a must-visit and provides a glimpse into the area's history and heritage, while the adjacent Spring Park, with its natural springs, is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Siloam Springs
Siloam Springs is situated in northwest Arkansas near the Oklahoma border and, as its name suggests, is another popular spot to visit for those looking to experience some of the state鈥檚 most beautiful natural springs. The town's historic and friendly downtown area is a great place to start exploring, especially if you start at the Siloam Springs Museum. Set in an interesting old church building and founded in 1969, it continues to record local history and paints a fascinating picture of the townsfolk and their cultural heritage.
Other top attractions to visit in Siloam Springs in 2024 include City Lake Park, a popular spot for kayaking and fishing, and the John Brown University campus, a pleasant place for a stroll because of its beautiful architecture and scenic grounds.
Camden
Located in the southern part of the state, Camden is steeped in history. Known for its role in the Civil War, it was here that the Union Army鈥檚 final Arkansas campaign was conducted, with a popular self-guided tour taking in related sites like the nearby Poison Springs Battleground State Park. Another historic highlight is the McCollum-Chidester House Museum, built in 1847 and housing exhibits and artifacts from the Civil War period.
Those who enjoy a good stroll should visit the Camden River Walk. Set along a former railway line, this paved and shady two-mile trail is also popular for cycling. Other highlights of a 2024 visit include the nearby Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, with its fascinating history of the state's oil and brine industry.
The Final Word
Arkansas' many friendly small towns deserve to be visited and provide a delightful escape for travelers seeking a fun day trip, a weekend getaway, or even a longer summer vacation. From the Victorian-era appeal of Eureka Springs to the folk music traditions of Mountain View (and a few stops in between), these lovely communities epitomize everything that鈥檚 good about the Natural State. Whatever your interests, visiting these six welcoming towns in 2024 promises a warm and memorable experience.
