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Van Buren, Arkansas: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

The Van Buren Downtown Historic District holds the preserved buildings from the whole of the 19th century out there. The Trail of Tears runs right through the town and the markers stand along the whole of it. Kopper Kettle Candies has been making the candy right there since the whole of the year 1925. The 13-foot-tall Lincoln head statue stands downtown out there. Walk it slowly.

Planning a trip to Van Buren, Arkansas and wondering what is actually worth looking at, here is the list. History, outdoor days, art and culture, or good food and shopping, this town carries a version of each.

Van Buren carries a long history and there are places here where you can stand in it. The Van Buren River Valley Museum sits in an old train depot and covers the town’s past across its exhibits. The Van Buren Downtown Historic District is the other, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and full of preserved 19th century buildings.

For outdoor days, Van Buren runs plenty. Hike or bike the Ozark Highlands Trail, which comes through the town with long views over the country around it. The Crawford County Speedway nearby runs car races through the year. And Lake Lou Emma Park runs bike and walking paths and picnic areas.

Key Takeaways

• Van Buren, Arkansas is a charming town with many historical attractions to explore.
• Outdoor adventurers will enjoy hiking and biking on the Ozark Highlands Trail and exploring the Crawford County Speedway.
• Foodies and shoppers will love the many dining and shopping options available in Van Buren.

Historical Attractions

History people are well served in Van Buren, Arkansas. The Drennen-Scott Historic Site through to the King Opera House, there is plenty to stand in front of. These are the historical attractions to get to.

Drennen-Scott Historic Site

The Drennen-Scott Historic Site is the one to make time for in Van Buren. It was once the home of a prominent family living here during the Revolutionary War Era. The University of Arkansas now manages it and it is open to the public for tours. You get the historic Drennen-Scott house up close, alongside some of the clearest views of the Arkansas River.

Trail of Tears

The Trail of Tears commemorates the forced relocation of Native Americans in the 1800s. It records what was done to the Cherokee people and other tribes. The trail runs through Van Buren. Several markers and monuments along it tell that story.

King Opera House

The King Opera House is a historic theater restored to what it was. Catch a show there or take a tour of the building. The theater carries a long history and has hosted many well-known performers across the years. Resident ghosts turn up in the stories.

Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves escaping to freedom in the North. Van Buren was an important stop on it. Several sites in this area carry that part of American history. The Crawford County Courthouse was used as a hiding place for slaves.

History person or somebody after a real afternoon in Van Buren, these attractions hold up. The Drennen-Scott Historic Site through to the Underground Railroad, all of it is still on the ground. Take the camera.

Outdoor Adventures

Van Buren works for outdoor people, with hiking, boating and fishing all here. These are the ways to take the outdoors in Van Buren.

Hiking on Lee Creek Trails

For a scenic hike, take Lee Creek Trails. This trail system runs miles of walking through forest and along the banks of Lee Creek. Wildlife turns up the whole way, deer and birds and the occasional snake. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow, so a first-time hiker will manage.

Boating in Arkansas River

The Arkansas River is where the boaters are, and Van Buren sits right on it. Rent a boat and work the river yourself, or take a guided tour for the history and the wildlife. Bald eagles turn up along it.

Fishing in Lee Creek Reservoir

Lee Creek Reservoir is where the fishing is, with bass, catfish and crappie in it. Fish from the shore or rent a boat and go out. Carry the fishing license and follow the rules and regulations.

Hiker, boater or angler, Van Buren has outdoor days for you. Pack the gear and get out into it.

Fun Activities

For things to do in Van Buren, there are plenty. These are the ones to try.

Great Escape Mystery Rooms

For puzzles, take the Great Escape Mystery Rooms. You and whoever you brought get locked in a themed room with clues and puzzles to work through. Beating the clock is the whole point. It works with friends and it works with family.

Roller Skating at Wheels in Motion

For roller skating, take Wheels in Motion. Beginner or experienced, you get an afternoon going around the rink working out what you can do. They also run special events, glow-in-the-dark skating and roller derby matches among them. Exercise arrives without you noticing.

Golfing in Van Buren

For something slower, try golf. Van Buren runs several good courses, the Cedars Country Club and the Eagle Crest Golf Course among them. Seasoned or beginner, you get the round and the scenery with it. It is a good way to spend a day outdoors.

Whatever you are into, Van Buren has a version of it. Take whoever you came with and give this Arkansas town the day.

Art and Culture

Van Buren carries real art and culture, across galleries, bookstores and plenty else.

Arts on Main Gallery

Art people should not miss the Arts on Main Gallery. This gallery shows the work of local artists and the pieces on display change constantly, so you do not know what is on the wall. Paintings and sculptures through to mixed media. It sits in the heart of the Van Buren Downtown Historic District, so the rest of the cultural stops are a short walk away.

Chapters on Main Bookstore

Readers should take Chapters on Main Bookstore. This cozy bookstore is where you sit down with a book, and the selection holds up. Bestsellers through to local authors. The staff know the stock and they will find you something.

Art person or reader, Van Buren carries plenty. Take the Arts on Main Gallery and Chapters on Main Bookstore for the cultural side of the town.

The Crawford County Courthouse out there was used as a hiding place for the slaves escaping north. The Trail of Tears runs right through the middle of this town and the markers are still standing. The Drennen-Scott house was lived in during the whole of the Revolutionary War Era. All of it is still there.

Food and Dining

Van Buren eats well. Italian through to Asian, fast food through to fine dining, there is a table for you. These are the places to eat in Van Buren.

Restaurants in Downtown Van Buren

For a meal in Van Buren, Downtown is where to be. Frank’s Italian Restaurant is the one to book. The room is cozy and the cooking earns the reputation. The Fettuccine Alfredo is the order.

Pasta Grill is the other one in Downtown Van Buren. This Italian and Steakhouse room is known for its pasta, alongside steaks and seafood. The room is cozy and it works for an evening out.

Kopper Kettle Candies

With a sweet tooth, take Kopper Kettle Candies. This candy shop has been running since 1925 and it is known for homemade candy. Chocolates, fudge and plenty else. Take the peanut brittle before you leave.

Van Buren carries more food than a town this size should. Italian, Asian or something sweet, it will not let you down.

Shopping

Van Buren is where antique people end up. The antique shops here run deep and you will not exhaust them. Vintage clothes through to antique furniture, it is all on those shelves. These are the shopping stops in Van Buren.

Antique Shops in Crawford County

Crawford County holds some of the strongest antique shops in Van Buren. Antique people will do well here. These are the ones to work through.

Shop Name	Address	Description
Main Street Mall	813 Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956	This mall has over 30 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.
The Emporium on Main	312 Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956	This shop has a wide range of antiques, including furniture, glassware, and vintage jewelry.
The Vintage Emporium	610 Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956	This shop has a great selection of vintage clothes, accessories, and home decor.
Crawford County Antique Mall	105 N 3rd St, Van Buren, AR 72956	This mall has over 20 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.

These antique shops carry items that exist nowhere else. You do not know what is on the back shelf. Take your time in them.

Antique furniture or vintage clothes, Van Buren has it. Put the walking shoes on and work through the shops in town.

Accommodation

Looking for a bed in Van Buren, Arkansas, there are plenty. These are the hotels in Van Buren.

Hotels in Van Buren

Hampton Inn Van Buren

This hotel runs comfortable rooms, a fitness center and a breakfast that sets the day up. It sits near the Van Buren Historic District, so the history is on the doorstep.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Van Buren-Ft Smith Area

The rooms here are spacious and the staff are friendly, which makes it a solid base in Van Buren. It also sits a short drive from the Crawford County Speedway for the races.

Best Western Van Buren Inn

This hotel runs a pool, a hot tub and free breakfast alongside the rooms. It sits near several of Van Buren’s attractions, the Drennan-Scott Historic Site among them.

Whichever hotel you take, Van Buren works out. Pack the bags and get down to Arkansas.

Budget-Friendly Options

Visiting Van Buren, Arkansas does not need much money. There are plenty of cheap options here, from free parks through to affordable hotels. These are the ones to consider.

Free Parks in Van Buren

Van Buren runs several parks that cost nothing and put you outdoors. These are the ones to check.

Park Name	Description
Van Buren Municipal Park	This park has something for everyone, including a playground, walking trails, and picnic areas.
Freedom Park	This park is dedicated to veterans and features a memorial wall, a gazebo, and a walking trail.
Bluff Hole Public Use Area	This park is located on the Arkansas River and offers fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities.

Budget Hotels

For affordable rooms in Van Buren there are several options. These are the budget hotels to consider.

Motel 6 Van Buren – This motel offers basic rooms at an affordable price. It’s located close to several restaurants and shopping areas.

Quality Inn & Suites Van Buren – This hotel offers comfortable rooms and amenities like free breakfast and Wi-Fi. It’s located close to several attractions, including the Van Buren Historic District.

Super 8 by Wyndham Van Buren/Ft. Smith Area – This hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. It’s located close to several restaurants and shopping areas.

Whatever the budget, Van Buren works. The parks or a cheap hotel, the trip still lands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to explore Van Buren, Arkansas without breaking the bank?

Start with a walk through the Van Buren Downtown Historic District. The old buildings are the reason and it costs nothing. Then take the Van Buren River Valley Museum, in an old train depot, which covers the history of this area and lets you in for nothing.

What are some hidden gems in Van Buren, Arkansas that tourists often miss?

For something off the usual route, take the Crawford County Speedway. It is a dirt track running races on Saturday nights through the summer. The other one is the Drennon-Scott House Museum. It is a restored house linked to the Trail of Tears and the Underground Railroad. It is worth the visit.

Where can I find the most delicious food in Van Buren, Arkansas?

For barbecue, take Big Jake’s Cattle Co. The brisket and the ribs there are among the strongest in town. For something different, take the pizza at Papa’s Pizza and their toppings, which do not turn up elsewhere.

What are some fun activities to do in Van Buren, Arkansas with kids?

Take the children to the Van Buren Aquatic Center for the pool and the water slides. For something more educational, take the King Opera House, which runs a children’s theater program.

What is the weirdest attraction in Van Buren, Arkansas?

The Giant Head of Abraham Lincoln. It is a 13-foot-tall statue of Lincoln’s head standing in a park in downtown Van Buren. It is worth going to look at.

Can you recommend a good souvenir shop in Van Buren, Arkansas?

Take the Old Town Merchants Association. They run a range of shops selling antiques through to handmade crafts. Something in there will come home with you.

Frequently asked questions about Van Buren, Arkansas

What is inside the Van Buren Downtown Historic District in Van Buren, Arkansas?

The Van Buren Downtown Historic District sits on the whole of the National Register of Historic Places. The preserved buildings along it out there date right back to the whole of the 19th century. The Van Buren River Valley Museum sits inside an old train depot right out there as well now. Free.

Where does the Trail of Tears run through the town of Van Buren, Arkansas?

The Trail of Tears runs right through the middle of the whole of the town of Van Buren out there. It marks the forced relocation of the Native Americans right through the whole of the 1800s. Markers and monuments stand along the whole of that route out there as well now. Cherokee.

Which of the trails near Van Buren, Arkansas is the one worth hiking?

Lee Creek Trails out there runs the miles of the walking through the forest and along the whole of the creek. The trails out there are well maintained and they are easy enough to follow along them. The Ozark Highlands Trail comes right through the town of Van Buren as well. Snakes.

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