The Most Charming Small Towns Hiding Right Outside Fort Smith, Arkansas

A concrete T-Rex and a brontosaurus have been letting kids climb all over them in a tiny city park since 1980. That park sits about half an hour from Fort Smith, and it’s only one of the surprises nearby.

Not far off, a town proudly calls itself the Spinach Capital of the World. Another has an 1892 stone jail built from local mountain rock, with old inmate messages still scratched into the walls.

I like the idea of a day trip that doesn’t need a plane ticket or a packed suitcase. Western Arkansas makes that easy, with river towns, mountain roads, and old town squares within a short drive.

Some are so close you could be back home before dinner.

I’m all for a good mix of history, small shops, and a little silliness. So which one gets your first tank of gas?

1. Greenwood

Messages scratched by inmates more than a century ago are still visible on the walls of an old stone jail here. That’s a pretty memorable way for a town to tell its story.

Greenwood sits about 14 miles south-southeast of Fort Smith in Sebastian County. Roughly 9,500 people live here, and the town square is the heart of the place.

The Sebastian County Jail was built in 1892 from local Backbone Mountain stone. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and anchors the Old Jail Museum Complex.

The complex also holds the restored 1848 Vineyard Log Cabin. It’s believed to have served as a first-aid station during the Civil War.

You’ll also find the Ole Barn and the Redwine Pioneer Schoolhouse. The Coal Miner’s Memorial Park lists local miners’ names on a granite wall, honoring the town’s mining roots.

Plan ahead, because the museum opens May through October on Fridays and Saturdays. Appointments are also possible outside those times.

Downtown, Veterans Memorial Square features a bell tower with a bell cast in 1917. It’s dedicated to the victims of the 1968 tornado that struck Greenwood.

Around the tower runs the Patriots Walk, lined with memorial stones honoring veterans. Take a slow lap and read a few names.

Got kids with extra energy? Bell Park covers about 47 acres with playgrounds, a splash pad, a disc golf course, and four lighted pickleball courts.

There’s even a hammock park, which might be the smartest park idea around. A quarter-mile promenade leads to overlook areas and the City Walking Trail.

When lunch calls, Coker Street has options. Cucina serves Italian dishes and pizza, and El Palenque handles the Mexican food cravings.

Greenwood mixes serious history with plenty of play time. It’s a solid pick for families who want both in one afternoon.

Address: Greenwood, AR 72936

2. Mulberry

A town that shares its name with a scenic river usually knows how to keep things easygoing. Mulberry sits along the Mulberry River, and that riverside character sets the tone.

About 1,500 people live here, roughly 24 miles east-northeast of Fort Smith. That’s close enough for a spur-of-the-moment drive.

The Mulberry River is a big deal in Arkansas paddling circles. It carries a National Wild and Scenic River designation, which protects its free-flowing character.

Upstream, the river winds through the Ozark National Forest. Spring is a popular floating season, since water levels tend to run higher.

New to paddling? Go with an outfitter or an experienced friend, and check river levels before you launch.

Always wear a life jacket, even if the water looks calm. Rivers can change fast after heavy rain.

Fishing fans may want to pack a rod too. Just grab an Arkansas fishing license before casting a line.

Not a water person? The town still offers a quiet break from busier roads, and the countryside makes for a relaxing drive.

Mulberry also sits near Interstate 40, so it’s simple to reach. You can tie it into a loop with Alma, Ozark, or Charleston without much backtracking.

Bring a picnic, a good playlist, and a camera for the river scenery. Small towns like this are best enjoyed without rushing.

One practical tip: check the weather before heading out. Clear skies make river views even better.

Mulberry won’t overwhelm you with attractions, and that’s part of the appeal. Sometimes the best trip is just you, a river, and an open afternoon.

Address: Mulberry, AR 72947

3. Van Buren

Few towns get to brag that their whole Main Street made the National Register of Historic Places. Van Buren can, and its preserved Victorian downtown sits just across the Arkansas River from Fort Smith.

You’re only about 5 miles from downtown Fort Smith here. That makes it the easiest escape on this list, with no long drive required.

Start at the Drennen-Scott House on North 3rd Street. John Drennen, one of the town’s founders, built it in 1838 overlooking the river.

The home has ties to the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War. Inside, look for a grandfather clock from the 1740s and an 1860 Steinway piano.

It’s run by the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and opens April through November. Check the days before you go, since hours are limited.

Next, stroll Main Street and peek at the King Opera House. It has stood there for over a century and still hosts theater productions.

Book lovers can browse Chapters on Main, a bookstore paired with a coffee shop. Antique fans should save time for Fisher’s on Main, a vendor mall in a historic building.

Want something bigger? The Arkansas and Missouri Railroad runs a three-hour, 70-mile round trip from Van Buren to Winslow.

Restored passenger cars from the 1920s to the 1950s roll over valley trestles. The ride even passes through the 1,700-foot Winslow tunnel.

Trips leave from the old Frisco train station, now the visitors center, from April through mid-November. Grab a window seat and soak up the Boston Mountains scenery.

Hungry after all that exploring? Pasta Grill on Main Street serves Italian dishes made with fresh, homemade ingredients.

Van Buren works for a quick afternoon or a full Saturday. Either way, you’ll head home with a few stories and maybe a new book.

4. Alma

Popeye would feel right at home in Alma. The town proudly calls itself the Spinach Capital of the World, and it isn’t shy about it.

You’ll find Alma about 15 miles northeast of Fort Smith along Interstate 40. Fewer than 6,000 people live in this corner of western Arkansas, so the pace stays easy.

The spinach title comes from the town’s canning history. Alma leaned into the nickname with a Popeye statue that makes a fun photo stop.

Bring the kids and challenge them to strike their best Popeye pose. Grownups are allowed to flex too, no judgment here.

Alma’s location makes it handy for road trippers. Sitting right on I-40, it’s an easy stop when you’re heading east or north toward the mountains.

That interstate access doesn’t erase the rural feel, though. Step off the main roads and things turn quiet and countryside pretty quickly.

Small towns like this reward curiosity. Check the city calendar and see what’s happening on the weekend you plan to visit.

Alma also pairs nicely with nearby stops on this list. Van Buren sits just down the road, and Mountainburg is a short drive north.

So you can build a full day around the area. Start with Victorian storefronts, swing by spinach country, then chase mountain views.

Want a little advice? Pack snacks and a camera, and leave room in the schedule for wandering without a plan.

And yes, you should probably eat something green while you’re here. It just feels like the polite thing to do in the Spinach Capital of the World.

Alma may be small, but it has a big sense of humor about itself. That alone makes it worth the stop.

Address: Alma, AR 72921

5. Charleston

A small town east of Fort Smith quietly made national history. After the 1954 Brown v.

Board of Education ruling, Charleston became the first school district in the former Confederate states to integrate.

A small monument marks that moment in front of Charleston Middle School. It’s worth a respectful stop and a few minutes of reflection.

About 2,500 people live in Charleston, roughly 22 miles east of Fort Smith along Highway 22. Farmland surrounds the town, and Main Street keeps things calm.

The drive itself sets the mood. Open fields roll past, and the city noise fades long before you reach town.

Curious about local roots? The Belle Museum, founded by lifelong residents, celebrates the heritage of Charleston and Franklin County.

Its collection includes artifacts and family histories from the area. The museum opens on Saturday mornings, and private tours can be set up by appointment.

Timing your trip helps here. The Charleston Fair usually happens in early fall, typically in September, and it’s a big community tradition.

Then October brings the Potato Hill Festival and Music Festival. Fall is clearly when this town likes to throw a party.

Need a bite before heading back? Del Sol Mexican Restaurant offers a range of Mexican dishes for a casual meal.

Charleston is a good choice for history buffs and anyone who likes quiet back roads. It also pairs well with a loop through nearby Arkansas River Valley towns.

Bring questions, a little patience, and an open mind. Small museums and local festivals tend to share their best stories with folks who slow down.

Few places this size can claim such an important first. That’s reason enough to point your car east.

Address: Charleston, AR 72933

6. Ozark

Say Aux Arc Park out loud, and you’ve basically said the town’s name. That riverside park is a fitting welcome to a town that loves its spot on the Arkansas River.

Ozark sits about 36 miles east of Fort Smith in the Arkansas River Valley. Around 3,500 people call it home, and the historic downtown overlooks the water.

Begin at the Ozark Area Depot Museum on East River Street. It’s housed in an early 1900s Missouri-Pacific depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Inside, you’ll find local history and railroad relics. Outside, the views stretch to the Lock and Dam and the Historic River Bridge.

Picnic tables sit nearby, so pack a lunch. The museum opens Tuesday through Saturday.

Next, head up to the historic Courthouse Square. Antique and gift shops, local eateries, and murals about the town’s heritage line the streets.

Treasure hunters should stop at River Street Market, just off the square. Look for antique furniture and homeware, Tuesday through Saturday.

Visiting in summer? The Bank OZK Stage downtown hosts a free Summer Concert Series during the warmer months.

Fall brings the Ozark Square Gathering, usually in October. Expect food vendors, handmade goods, fresh produce, and a chili cook-off.

Then there’s the Hillbilly Pie-Palooza and the Ultimate Hillbilly Contest. Honestly, those names alone deserve a spot on your calendar.

Back at Aux Arc Park, the river offers boating, fishing, and plenty of room to relax. It’s a calm way to wrap up the day.

For dinner, Roma’s Italian Restaurant is one of the dining options in town. Grab a plate and let the evening roll in.

Address: Ozark, AR 72949

7. Mountainburg

Two concrete dinosaurs guard a city park in Mountainburg, and yes, you’re allowed to climb them. The T-Rex and brontosaurus have been there since 1980.

A local resident created them, and they’ve been a roadside surprise ever since. Not bad for a town of about 550 people.

Mountainburg sits in the Boston Mountains, roughly 25 miles northeast of Fort Smith along Highway 71. The drive alone is a nice warm-up for the day.

Dinosaur Park sits next to City Hall downtown. Along with the giant reptiles, you’ll find a playground, basketball courts, a picnic area, and a running trail.

Snap your photo, then head about 8 miles north to Lake Fort Smith State Park. The park hugs a 1,400-acre reservoir in the Boston Mountain Valley.

Anglers can try for bass, catfish, and bream. Canoes, kayaks, and boats are welcome on the water too.

Hikers, take note. The park is the western trailhead of the Ozark Highlands Trail, a long-distance hiking route through the Ozark Mountains.

You don’t have to hike the whole thing, of course. A short stretch still gives you a taste of Ozark forest scenery.

Planning to stay longer? The park offers campsites, cabins, and group lodges, plus a seasonal pool from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Stop by the visitor center for exhibits and lake views. It’s a smart first stop for trail and fishing info.

Along Highway 71, Artist Point offers mountain views, a gift shop, and a cultural center. It’s a handy spot to stretch your legs and browse local crafts.

Craving a classic? The Dairy Dip serves its famous Mountainburger, a fitting name for a meal in this town.

Mountainburg proves small towns can still surprise you. Where else does a mountain drive come with dinosaurs?

8. Lavaca

Lavaca once had its very own berry. The Lavacaberry, a hybrid developed and planted in the 1940s, helped boost the local economy.

A few crops still grow in the area today. Not many towns can say they have a fruit with their name on it.

About 2,400 people live in this close-knit Sebastian County town. It’s roughly 14 miles east of Fort Smith, an easy drive for an afternoon trip.

History lovers should visit the Military Road Museum on South Main Street. It’s also called the Lavaca Museum.

The museum explores the area’s link to the historic Military Road. Around 1827, that route was an important connection between Little Rock and Fort Smith.

Exhibits share stories of Lavaca and nearby communities. Bring your questions, because local history is the main event here.

Need some fresh air afterward? Lavaca City Park offers pet-friendly walking trails and shady spots for a picnic.

Kids will spot the pirate-themed jungle gym right away. The park also hosts outdoor community events through the year.

Now for the tastiest part. Steffey’s Pizza is a family-owned spot on West Main Street with homemade dough and sauce.

Pizzas get smoked provolone and a trip through a brick oven. They also make signature pizza subs, which feel like a fun twist.

Lavaca keeps things simple, and that’s the charm. You come for a museum, a park, and a pizza, and you leave relaxed.

Want to round out the trip? Pair it with Charleston or Greenwood for a full day of small-town exploring in western Arkansas.

Who knew a berry, an old road, and a brick oven could add up to such a satisfying day? Lavaca makes a sweet final stop.

Address: Lavaca, AR 72941