When it comes to the best small towns in Arkansas, it’s hard to choose just one. After all, we have plenty of them. And of course, towns like Eureka Springs are downright magical and at the top of the list. But don’t overlook Mountain View, a quaint and historic town known for its preservation of Ozark folk music. With antique stores, art galleries, great restaurants, and picturesque landscapes, this delightful town is the perfect day trip destination in Arkansas. Let’s spend the day in Mountain View exploring all that it has to offer.    

Tucked deep inside the heart of the Ozark Mountains is the charming town of Mountain View. And this mountain town will delight you in the most magical way.
best small towns in arkansas
Mountain View Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Established in 1873, the town is known for its rich history as well as for its preservation of folk music and Ozark culture.
As the Folk Music Capital of the World, it offers yearly festivals that attract thousands of visitors from all over the country.
Mountain View Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Additionally, folks gather weekly to enjoy the strumming of local artists at the town square.
While folk music is the main attraction in Mountain View, the town has a lot more to offer.
best small towns in arkansas
Brandonrush/ CC BY-SA 4.0 / via Wikimedia Commons
The gorgeous downtown square is filled with antique stores, art galleries, incredible restaurants, and more. It is a great day trip destination in Arkansas.
For a bite to eat, stop by the most adorable cafe on Main Street in downtown. PJ’s Rainbow Cafe is the perfect blend of down-home cooking mixed with southern charm.
Kenneth R/TripAdvisor
It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you can expect country favorites like chicken fried steak, chocolate gravy and biscuits, as well as liver and onions.
Tim Shreffler/Google
Locals also love the juicy, mouthwatering burgers, so don’t overlook that.

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Music and art lovers, Mountain View is your slice of heaven. From the Dulcimer Shoppe to the Arkansas Craft School to art galleries to the Mountain View Music store, you’ll find something to love.
Arkansas Craft School/Facebook
There is even a drive-in movie theater that the entire family will enjoy. For the antique collector, you’ll love the quaint shops on Main Street with their one-of-a-kind collections.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. There are waterfalls, caves, hiking and biking trails, rivers, and so much more.
Monica Hilton/Google
You’ll find Blanchard Springs, Mirror Lake, and Sycamore Creek, as well as the Ozark Folk Center State Park, which has lots of fun activities for the entire family.
Due to its proximity to the White River, trout fishing is huge in the area, so if you’re an angler, you’ll love spending the day fishing on the river.
Billy Bob Bain/Flickr
Of course, there are lots of museums as well as historical landmarks for you to explore.
At the end of your day, if you’re exhausted, have no worries.
best small towns in arkansas
Brandonrush/ CC BY-SA 4.0 / via Wikimedia Commons
There are many charming bed and breakfasts in town waiting to be at your service.
After one visit to Mountain View, you’ll be delighted by this quaint Ozark town.
Ozark Folk Center State Park/Facebook
Not only is it an incredible town with rich musical history, but it’s also a paradise for art lovers as well as outdoor enthusiasts alike, making it the perfect day trip destination in Arkansas.

So, are you ready to spend the day in one of the best small towns in Arkansas? If so, visit the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce website. Or follow the Mountain View Facebook page to start planning your trip.

Also, if you’re searching for some outdoor adventure, here’s an enchanting hiking trail in Mountain View that you will love.

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More to Explore

Arkansas Small Towns

Melanie J. | February 03, 2024

Aside from Mountain View, what are some more enchanting towns in Arkansas that are great for a getaway?

We all know that Eureka Springs is another historic and enchanting town in Arkansas that is perfect for a day trip, but it’s not the only one. Here are some more towns in Arkansas that are equally notable: 

  • Hardy, Sharp/Fulton County
  • Mena, Polk County
  • Jasper, Newton County
  • Wilson, Mississippi County
  • Prairie Grove, Washington County
  • Paris, Logan County
  • Siloam Springs, Benton County
  • Searcy, White County
  • Arkadelphia, Arkansas
  • Ozark, Franklin County
  • Elm Springs, Benton/Washington County

Read our previous article to discover more historic and enchanting towns in Arkansas that are great for a getaway.

What are some of the best day trip ideas in Arkansas?

Whether you’re searching for outdoor adventure, great antique shops, or historical places, these are some of the most incredible day trip ideas in Arkansas that we recommend: 

  • Mount Magazine State Park, Paris
  • Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park, Kingston
  • Mid-America Science Museum, Hot Springs
  • Dickey - Stephens Park, North Little Rock
  • Arkansas Peddlers Antique Mall, Greenbrier
  • Blanchard Springs Caverns, Fifty-Six
  • Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
  • Blue Spring Heritage Center, Eureka Springs
  • The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, North Little Rock
  • Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, Hot Springs
  • Crystal Bridges Museum Of American Art, Bentonville

Here’s an article with more incredible day trip ideas in Arkansas. 

What small towns in Arkansas have the most charming Main Street. 

There are so many small towns in Arkansas that have adorable Main Streets filled with cute boutiques, restaurants and more. These are a few of the Main Streets that we like the best: 

  • El Dorado, Union County
  • Eureka Springs, Carroll County
  • Leslie, Searcy County
  • Blytheville, Mississippi County
  • Magnolia, Columbia County
  • Lincoln, Washington County
  • Piggott, Clay County

Discover more by reading our previous article telling you all about the small towns in Arkansas with charming Main Streets. 

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