I am a strong believer that the small towns are the heart and soul of Arkansas. And the sleepy little towns have the best restaurants, boutiques, museums, and so much more. But do you know what else is special about the small towns in Arkansas? They are the birthplaces of incredible musicians, actors, authors, as well as athletes. That’s especially true for the small town of Hamburg Arkansas, which is the birthplace of the legendary Hall of Fame athlete Scottie Pippen. He’s one of the most famous people from Arkansas and we love that he has represented his hometown of Hamburg so well. After reading about his hometown, you’ll want to pack your bags and move there too.

Tucked away in the Southeast side of Arkansas about 120 miles from Little Rock is the small town of Hamburg.
Hamburg City Hall/Facebook
With just over 2,500 residents, the town is the host of the Armadillo Festival that attracts thousands of visitors every year. You read that right! It's a festival celebrating the small but mighty armadillo. Talk about charming.
Though tiny, this sleepy town has so much to offer. In the heart of the town’s Square, you’ll find the Hamburg Commercial Historic District, great restaurants, museums, and so much more.
famous people from Arkansas
Hamburg First United Methodist/Facebook
If you’re visiting, take some time to stroll through the historical district that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. You'll learn a lot about the town which is a great way to start your visit.
Another point of interest that you should consider is the Watson House aka Ashley County Museum. Built in 1918, this gorgeous Neo-Classical Revival style home, serves as a museum as well as a venue for various events.
Ashley County Museum/Facebook
As we're sure you can imagine, they do lots of weddings on this beautiful and historic property.
Aside from the festivals and historical landmarks, Hamburg is also known as the birthplace of legendary athlete Scottie Pippen.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
You might never have guessed he came from such humble roots!

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Chicago Bulls Scottie Pippen 1995
famous people from Arkansas
Copyright by Steve Lipofsky Basketballphoto.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This hometown hero came from right here in Arkansas.
Considered as one of the greatest small forwards of all time, he played 17 seasons and won 6 NBA championships along the way.
Nikolay Hetman, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
And the town of Hamburg was cheering him on the whole time.
As the youngest child of 12 siblings, he attended Hamburg High School, where he played basketball. From there, he moved on to the University of Central Arkansas, where he became a dominant player on his team.
Naperville Millers/Flickr
After hard work and dedication, he became the number 5 pick for the Chicago Bulls, and as they say...the rest was history. That high school basketball court just might be lucky.
Today, this former NBA player is a local as well as an international legend. And in his hometown of Hamburg, his name as well as images can be seen throughout the town.
Hamburg City Hall/Facebook
Be sure to check out the living mural in the town’s Square, just across from the local post office. There you’ll see Pippen holding down his spot on the beautiful artwork.

So, have you ever been to the small town of Hamburg? If so, did you know that Scottie Pippen, one of the most famous people from Arkansas was born there? Tell us in the comments below. We love to hear your firsthand accounts of these unique destinations and experiences. 

To learn more about this charming small town, be sure to visit the City of Hamburg website. You can start planning your trip right there! Also, check out this previous article about more famous celebrities from small towns in Arkansas. You might be surprised who else made the list. 

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Small Towns In Arkansas

CC | April 04, 2024

What are other famous small towns in Arkansas?

It’s hard to beat a legacy like that of Hamburg, but there is a lot of other charm to be found in small towns in Arkansas. These are the kinds of places you can go and feel like part of the family. Before your trip is out you’ll have made friends with half the town and you might have learned about some other famous residents while you’re at it.

  • Paris
  • Tontitown
  • Brinkley
  • Lake Village
  • Jasper
  • Heber Springs
  • Des Arc
  • Bull Shoals
  • Gentry
  • Elm Springs
  • Mountainburg
  • Ponca
  • Calico Rock

 

What are the best natural sites in Arkansas? 

Arkansas isn’t called The Natural State for no reason. This place is bursting with beauty at every turn. After visiting the town of this NBA legend, be sure to add these natural sites in Arkansas to your must see list.

  • Buffalo National River
  • Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome
  • Crowley's Ridge
  • Hot Springs National Park
  • Lake Chicot
  • Blanchard Springs Cavern, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest
  • Cedar Falls
  • White Rock Mountain
  • Lake Ouachita
  • The Crater of Diamonds
  • Onyx Cave
  • Mammoth Spring
  • Lee Creek Valley
  • Bull Shoals Cavern

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