Need a historic small-town getaway with charm and natural beauty? Head to Van Buren! Located on the Arkansas River near the Oklahoma border, Van Buren offers a beautifully preserved Main Street, rich frontier history, and access to the Ozark foothills. Whether you’re into train rides, antiques, or outdoor adventures, Van Buren delivers a welcoming and nostalgic Arkansas experience.
Van Buren, AR Highlights:
- For Families: Walk the Van Buren Historic Main Street – Explore 19th-century storefronts filled with boutiques, antique shops, and cafés.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike in Lee Creek Park – Enjoy riverside trails, fishing spots, and beautiful natural scenery.
- For Kids: Ride the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad – Take a scenic train journey through the Boston Mountains with vintage railcars.
- For an Adventure: Visit Devil’s Den State Park – Hike rugged trails, explore caves, and admire stunning rock formations in the nearby Ozarks.
- For Shoppers: Browse antique stores on Main Street – Hunt for treasures and local crafts in historic downtown.
Best Time to Visit Van Buren, AR
The best time to visit Van Buren is in spring and fall (April–May, September–November), when mild weather makes it ideal for walking tours, outdoor activities, and local festivals. Summer is warm but great for river adventures, while winter offers a peaceful small-town atmosphere.
How to Get to Van Buren, AR
- If you are traveling by car: Located off I-40, Van Buren is about 10 minutes from Fort Smith, 2 hours from Little Rock, and 1 hour from Fayetteville.
- By Train: The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad offers scenic excursions starting in Van Buren.
- By Air: Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) is the nearest airport, just 15 minutes away by car.
Where to Stay in Van Buren, AR
- Hampton Inn Van Buren – Comfortable hotel with a pool, free breakfast, and easy highway access.
- Best Western Van Buren Inn – Affordable option with classic amenities and a convenient location near downtown.
- The Inn at the Mill – A boutique, historic inn offering a charming, romantic stay (located nearby in Springdale).
Best Things to Do in Van Buren, AR
1. Walk Through Arkansas History at the Drennen-Scott Historic Site
The Drennen-Scott Historic Site overlooks the scenic Arkansas River and is the originally the home of John Drennen, the Revolutionary War descendant, and his family.
Today, the site is used by the University of Arkansas as a “working laboratory,” as students work to recreate the historic home. The Drennen-Scott site is also connected to the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and the Trail of Tears. Constructed back in 1838, the over a century year old house was occupied continuously by the Drennen family up until 2005 when the university acquired the home. It’s a large single-story house with antebellum furniture.
Drennen-Scott Historic Site, 221 North 3rd St, Van Buren, AR 72956, Phone: 479-262-2750
2. Catch a Show in a Gilded Gem at the King Opera House
The King Opera House graces Main Street in the Historic Downtown District of Van Buren, Arkansas. The Victorian-era opera house is more than a hundred years old and was extensively and beautifully restored in 1979.
The building sets the stage for vibrant theatrical performances and is listed among other historical sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Built originally back in the late nineteenth century, the King Opera House hosts many performers and plays today and includes a balcony for additional seating. It is believed to be haunted backstage by a once intrepid and earnest actor still in search of work.
King Opera House , 427 Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956, Phone: 479-474-2426
3. Hike, Explore, and Unplug on the Scenic Lee Creek Hiking Trails
The Lee Creek Hiking Trails at the Lee Creek Reservoir offer more of a unique hike than many other area hiking trails. Lee Creek can be found at the very end of Gelly Road in Surprise. The Crack in the Rock and the Homestead trails can be reached from the parking lot’s northwest corner. The Homestead Trail is a loop trail of 3.3 miles featuring scenic overlooks of the reservoir at the top.
Following along the Blue Trail, hikers will find rock formations for a bit over a mile leading to the Crack in the Rock, an interesting geological feature.
Lee Creek Hiking Trails, Gelly Dr, Van Buren, AR 72956
4. Get Lost in Pages and Community Spirit at Chapters on Main
Chapters on Main is a locally owned and operated bookstore in Van Buren where customers will find a plethora of new and used books from many different genres. There are also many classic and rare books for book lovers looking for some treasures. The Kids Loft offers children of all ages a place where they find stories to fill their hearts and minds.
Book series found in the Kids Loft include CS Lewis books, Harry Potter, Nancy Drew, and the Hardy Boys among other books for children and young adults. Guests can also grab a cup of coffee at the coffee bar.
Chapters on Main, 816 Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956, Phone: 479-471-9315
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Handcrafted Goodness at Kopper Kettle Candies
Kopper Kettle Candies is a candy shop in Van Buren that offers confections and fine chocolates. Only the freshest and highest quality ingredients are used in the sweets made by the shop, using recipes that have stood the test of time since the year 1925. The ensure that customers are receiving the best chocolates and other candies possible. Kopper Kettle Candies is owned and operated by the Greer family, who always makes sure quality it the top priority in their products. Visitors can come to the factory and watch the confections being made right before their eyes.
Kopper Kettle Candies, 6300 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR 72956, Phone: 479-474-6077
6. Crack Clues and Beat the Clock at Great Escape Mystery Rooms
Great Escape Mystery Rooms in Van Buren, Arkansas provides an engaging, entertaining, and fun escape room experience rights in the heart of the historic downtown area. Each escape room is designed to be intriguing and bring out each person’s inner detective as they try to find a way to free themselves from the room.
Friends, families, and co-workers can join together for a challenging experience, searching for clues and solving puzzles to conquer the escape room, stop the ticking clock, and escape to freedom in only one hour. Great Escape is open for drop ins on Fridays and Saturdays, and by reservation Sunday through Thursday.
Great Escape Mystery Rooms, 505 Main St, Van Buren AR, 72956, Phone: 479-689-9120
7. Take Aim and Sharpen Skills at THOR Elite Firing Range and Gun Club
THOR Elite Firing Range and Gun Club in Van Buren, Arkansas aims to handle all of its customers’ shooting needs, and is a good place to go for any gun enthusiast. The team at the firing range consists of NRA-certified and professional staff, working hard to ensure safe operations at the range. The Pro Shop offers everything someone may need for shooting, from targets to suppressors to firearms. Gunsmithing is offered seven days a week at the THOR Elite Firing Range and Gun Club as well. Guests can also rent guns to use at the firing range.
THOR Elite Firing Range and Gun Club, 1206 Knesek Ln, Van Buren, AR, 72956, Phone: 479-474-3434
Where to Eat in Van Buren, AR
- Frank’s Italian Restaurant – Classic Italian-American fare in a cozy, old-school setting.
- Colton’s Steak House & Grill – Family-friendly spot for hearty steaks, ribs, and Southern sides.
- Papa’s Pub & Pizzeria – Casual hangout for pizza, sandwiches, and local beers with live music nights.
If you are interested in local events:
- Old Timers Day Festival (May) – Celebrate local history with parades, crafts, food vendors, and live entertainment downtown.
- Van Buren Farmers Market (Spring–Fall) – Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, and local specialties on Main Street.
- Christmas on Main Street (December) – Holiday lights, carriage rides, and festive downtown events.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Van Buren, Arkansas:
- Fort Smith National Historic Site (15 min) – Explore frontier history, preserved fort buildings, and the Trail of Tears site.
- Devil’s Den State Park (30 min) – Hike stunning rock formations, caves, and forest trails in the Ozark foothills.
- Lake Fort Smith State Park (30 min) – Enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and beautiful lake views.
- Natural Dam (20 min) – Visit a scenic natural rock dam and waterfall, perfect for a photo stop.
- Fort Chaffee Historic District (20–25 min) – Tour military history sites, WWII buildings, and Elvis Presley’s famous Army haircut location.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Question: What makes Van Buren, Arkansas a unique destination?
- Answer: Van Buren, Arkansas has become a destination for those searching for difficult to find collectibles, unique gifts, local Ozark crafts, original art, and much more.
- Question: What can visitors expect to find in Van Buren’s Historic Downtown District?
- Answer: The Historic Downtown District features six blocks of historical attractions, restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Hampton Inn Van Buren – A comfortable stay with modern amenities.
Explore Lake Lou Emma Park – Enjoy a picnic and scenic walking trails.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor adventures.
Best Western Van Buren Inn – A budget-friendly stay with easy highway access.
Ride the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad – Experience a historic train journey through the Ozarks.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and beautiful autumn foliage.
The Courtyard at The Corner – A charming boutique bed & breakfast.
Stroll through Historic Downtown Van Buren – Visit antique shops, local cafés, and historic buildings.
Winter (December-February) – Cool temperatures with holiday events.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Van Buren – A cozy and convenient option for travelers.
Visit Drennen-Scott Historic Site – Learn about Civil War history and enjoy stunning views of the Arkansas River.
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