Evander Jones
The Arkansas River Valley is home to towns that feel like they’ve been forgotten by time. Surrounded by stunning scenery and rich in history, these places offer a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. If you’re looking to explore somewhere quiet and full of character, these towns are worth discovering.
Oark: Home To Arkansas’s Oldest Store
Deep in the Ozarks, Oark is about as remote as it gets, but that hasn’t stopped travelers from making the trek for one big reason—the Oark General Store. Opened in 1890, it’s the oldest continually operating store in Arkansas, serving up legendary burgers and pies.
Watalula: Tiny Town With Big Wine Country Vibes
With a population barely scratching 100, Watalula might seem like a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it place, but it’s got something unique—wine. The town is home to Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, one of the oldest wineries in the country, where a slow afternoon with a glass of local wine just makes sense.
Snowball: Where The Buffalo River Runs Wild
Snowball’s population had dwindled from around 500 residents to just four families by the 1970s. Sitting on the edge of the Buffalo River, it offers easy access to waterfalls, caves, and stunning river bluffs, making it a haven for kayakers and hikers wanting to avoid crowded tourist spots.
Pelsor: The Jumping-Off Point For Arkansas’s Most Scenic Drive
Pelsor, little more than a dot on the map, is the gateway to the scenic Highway 7 drive traversing some of the most stunning parts of the Ozarks. The town itself is home to a few cabins, a general store, and miles and miles of hiking trails.
Tilly: A Farming Community Frozen In Time
Want to see what rural Arkansas looked like a century ago? Tilly comes pretty close. This small farming community sits far from major roads, surrounded by rolling fields and thick forests. The slow pace of life here is no accident—residents prefer things that way, and it’s not changing anytime soon.
Kingston: A Hidden Getaway With Big History
Kingston may be small, but it has a rich past dating back to 1834. Once a bustling trade center, it’s now a quiet retreat with an old-school town square and general store. It’s also a gateway to the Buffalo National River, where outdoor lovers can hike and camp.
Ben Hur: A Ghost Town With Stories To Tell
Once a thriving lumber town, Ben Hur now sits nearly forgotten in the Ozark National Forest. Only a few scattered buildings remain, and the post office shut down decades ago. What’s left is pure solitude—except for the occasional hiker passing through on their way to the famous Falling Water Falls.
Pettigrew: The Town That Time Forgot
At its peak, Pettigrew was a booming timber town with a railroad, schools, and a busy main street. Now, only a handful of buildings remain, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Even its old general store still stands! For history buffs and solitude seekers, Pettigrew is worth visiting.
New Blaine: Fishing Paradise On Lake Dardanelle
New Blaine might not have a bustling main street, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in fishing. Sitting on the edge of Lake Dardanelle, it’s a dream spot for anglers looking for bass and crappie, making for some of the best fishing in the state.
Chimes: A Hidden Pocket Of The Ozarks
Chimes is a tiny community where nature does the talking. It’s a starting point for hikes leading to hidden caves, waterfalls, and some of the most untouched parts of the Ozarks. If you want a spot where cell service disappears and the only sounds come from the woods, this is it.
