Van Buren

1. 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. 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. 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. 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

5. 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. 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. 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