Pack your bags and a light jacket for one of the oddest and best small towns in Arkansas! Gilbert is literally the coldest place in Arkansas as well as one of the coolest! This small town is a perfect start to your big adventures, especially if they involve the Buffalo National River. Let’s learn more about their cool quirks as we explore the wonderful things to do in Gilbert, Arkansas.

Everyone needs to spend a weekend exploring in and around Gilbert - it really is the coolest town!
Facebook/Searcy County Arkansas Chamber Of Commerce
This pleasant, middle-of-nowhere escape has a little bit of everything for every kind of traveler. Enjoy the local shops, rent a cabin, plan an outdoor excursion, and learn about their history!
Gilbert's tagline, "the coolest town in Arkansas," is true in the most literal sense.
Facebook/Buffalo Camping and Canoeing
Gilbert is officially cool! Part of this is because the National Weather Service recognizes Gilbert as one of the coldest towns in Arkansas. Now you won't magically cross into a tundra upon arrival, but Gilbert's weather does deviate from the rest of the state.
The record teeth-chattering temps have always been an anomaly compared to our naturally mild state.
Facebook/Searcy County Arkansas Chamber Of Commerce
The town historian's father, Eli Jordan, was Gilbert's first temperature observer for the weather service. One of the coldest days he recorded was in 1939 - the temp had dropped to -24°! In addition to the quirky temp drops, Gilbert also has the lowest temperature average during the winter. Arkansas' average for lowest winter temperature is around 28° whereas Gilbert's is 24°.

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The temperature certainly isn't the only thing that makes Gilbert cool though.
Google/Hannavas Eel
We love how the town preserves its history while also adding new attractions. Many of the buildings have been around for well over a century but newer businesses have kept the town thriving. The perfect example of this is Buffalo Camping & Canoeing. It's resided in the general store since the late seventies, but the building's history dates all the way back to 1901. Other living history sites include the Buffalo River Art Gallery and Mother Moore's Guest House.
Buffalo Camping & Canoeing can also assist in chilling out along the river.
Buffalo Camping and Canoeing/Facebook
Besides the quirky temperature, Gilbert's main charm is the Buffalo National River. Hike to see some of the prettiest views in the state or take a float trip! One of our favorite day trips is floating between Tyler Bend and Gilbert. Buffalo Camping & Canoeing can shuttle you between points.
This beautiful area is just one of the many cool adventures in Arkansas!
Facebook/Buffalo Camping and Canoeing
There are endless must-sees around the state but only Gilbert is truly the coolest!

Learn about the history of this town’s charming general store:

Have you been to Gilbert before? What do you think makes this place the coolest? Do you know of some other fun things to do in Gilbert, Arkansas? What towns have the best weather in Arkansas? Chill out with us in the comments!

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More to Explore

The Best Towns in Arkansas

William Suphan | March 23, 2023

What are the quietest towns in Arkansas? 

The quietest towns in Arkansas include:

  • Murfreesboro. With less than 2,000 people, this little town brings many tourists due to its Crater of Diamonds State Park.
  • Norfork. This town has less than 600 people and is next to the North Fork River and the White River. 
  • Lonoke. This town has kept its old-fashioned charm throughout the years and is known for farmers living off the land.
  • Jasper. This town is next to the Buffalo River and is surrounded by lush, green forests. It’s great for outdoor activities.

Find out more about the quietest towns in Arkansas. 

What are the most historic towns in Arkansas?

The most historic towns in Arkansas include:

  • Fordyce. This town’s Presbyterian church has 58 stained glass windows and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Powhatan. This town has a Historic State Park with a courthouse dating back to 1888.
  • Arkadelphia. This town’s Commercial Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and has buildings as old as 1870.
  • Camden. This town has buildings from the Civil War that were used by both sides during the Red River Campaign.

Learn more about the most historic towns in Arkansas.

What are the most charming towns in Arkansas?

The most charming towns in Arkansas include:

  • Morrilton. This town has the gorgeous Petit Jean State Park and many vintage boutiques as well as excellent fishing.
  • Mena. This is one of the most beautiful towns in Arkansas and everyone should take a drive along the Talimena National Scenic Byway. 
  • Eureka Springs. This town has a lovely historic district with Victorian buildings and has treehouse stays.
  • Wilson. This town has self-guided tours to admire its tulips, wine tastings, and quaint tea parties.

Discover more about the most charming towns in Arkansas.

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Gilbert, AR, USA