Talk about a comeback! Wilson, Arkansas, went from a prosperous agricultural community to a near ghost town to one of the best small towns in the U.S. Definitely worthy of the recognition, Wilson’s got a little bit of everything – from a unique English-inspired town square to quarterly concerts.
Home to about 1,000 residents, Wilson is a small town with a BIG reputation.
Visit Wilson, AR/Facebook Most recently, it was named one of the best small towns in the U.S. by Country Living. And not long ago, Southern Living highlighted Wilson, calling it a “cultural epicenter.” We 100% agree on all counts!
A lot has changed in Wilson, since its establishment in 1886.
Thomas R Machnitzki/Wikimedia During its heyday, Wilson was a booming agricultural town. For many years, it was a top producer of timber and cotton…and then came the Great Depression. As work became scarce, people began to move away, and by the 1950s, Wilson was a far cry from the prosperous community it once was.
In 2010, things in Wilson began to change again, but this time, for the better.
Visit Wilson, AR/Facebook Efforts to revitalize Wilson began in 2010. The intent was to not only restore Wilson to its former glory but to re-brand it as a cultural hub.
Today, Wilson is a destination not to be missed! There’s so much to love about the town, starting with its historic town square surrounded by Tudor-style buildings.
Visit Wilson, AR/Facebook
A unique appearance isn’t all the town square has going for it, though. It also boasts quintessential small town businesses, including a market and post office.
Visit Wilson, AR/Facebook
And there’s, of course, a great restaurant.
Arkansas Tourism/Google No small town would be complete without a brag-worthy restaurant – and in Wilson, that restaurant is The Wilson Café, which is located in the town square. Make sure to save room for dessert. The café is famous for its sweet potato pie.
Wilson’s charming façade doesn’t waver beyond the town square, either. The entire town is filled with charming stops, including White’s Mercantile.
Visit Wilson, AR/Facebook
Described as a “general store for the modern-day tastemaker,” the mercantile is stocked with a treasure trove of merchandise.
Visit Wilson, AR/Facebook
A community garden only adds to the town’s charm.
Arkansas Tourism/Google Started in 2014, Wilson Gardens grows fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs. The farm not only supplies locals, but restaurants as well.
Even the school in Wilson is unique.
The Delta School/Facebook Far from typical, the Delta School focuses on hands-on learning, so instead of conventional classes in standard classrooms, students are taught via interactive programs in greenhouse-style rooms.
And like many small Arkansas towns, Wilson boasts an amazing attraction – Hampson Archeological Museum State Park.
Arkansas Tourism/Google A must-visit for history buffs, the museum houses a nationally renowned collection of artifacts.
Community-wide events are another perk of Wilson.
Visit Wilson, AR/Facebook Throughout the year, the town plays host to a variety of events, which run the gamut from mixology classes and wine tastings to line dancing and quarterly concerts showcasing local talent.
Ready to pay a visit to Wilson, Arkansas? Check out the town’s website or Facebook page to learn more and start planning your visit.
Visit Wilson, AR/Facebook
Most recently, it was named one of the best small towns in the U.S. by Country Living. And not long ago, Southern Living highlighted Wilson, calling it a “cultural epicenter.” We 100% agree on all counts!
Thomas R Machnitzki/Wikimedia
During its heyday, Wilson was a booming agricultural town. For many years, it was a top producer of timber and cotton…and then came the Great Depression. As work became scarce, people began to move away, and by the 1950s, Wilson was a far cry from the prosperous community it once was.
Efforts to revitalize Wilson began in 2010. The intent was to not only restore Wilson to its former glory but to re-brand it as a cultural hub.
Arkansas Tourism/Google
No small town would be complete without a brag-worthy restaurant – and in Wilson, that restaurant is The Wilson Café, which is located in the town square. Make sure to save room for dessert. The café is famous for its sweet potato pie.
Started in 2014, Wilson Gardens grows fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs. The farm not only supplies locals, but restaurants as well.
The Delta School/Facebook
Far from typical, the Delta School focuses on hands-on learning, so instead of conventional classes in standard classrooms, students are taught via interactive programs in greenhouse-style rooms.
A must-visit for history buffs, the museum houses a nationally renowned collection of artifacts.
Throughout the year, the town plays host to a variety of events, which run the gamut from mixology classes and wine tastings to line dancing and quarterly concerts showcasing local talent.
So, did you know about Wilson? Ever visited this lovely locale in the Natural State? If so, do you think it’s worthy of being deemed one of the best small towns in the U.S.? Tell us!
This is just one of the small towns in Arkansas that makes a perfect day trip destination — this is one of the coolest small towns in the state, and it might just become your new favorite place!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Wilson, AR 72395, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wilson, Arkansas September 23, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other charming towns in Arkansas? There’s an abundance of charming small towns in Arkansas! Let’s start with one of our favorites: Eureka Springs. With its iconic Victorian architecture and winding streets, you’d be hard-pressed to find a town as incredibly charming as this Natural State gem. The entire city of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making this mountain town a favorite for historians, too. Of course, that’s not to discount the outdoor recreation in this area; Eureka Springs has everything from ziplining, cave tours, and boat excursions to scenic hikes and adventures in the awe-inspiring Arkansas Ozarks. Another town in Arkansas that we adore is Jasper. Another gem in the Ozarks region, Jasper is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, and its quaint downtown is home to old-fashioned diners, historic landmarks, and quirky attractions. Most notably, Jasper is home to the Arkansas Grand Canyon, one of the most scenic places in the state. The Arkansas Grand Canyon offers a 180-degree view of the Ozarks that’s nothing short of jaw-dropping! Of course, these towns are found in the northwest part of the state, but there are so many more charming small towns to explore in the other regions of Arkansas, too! Blytheville is a beautiful little community found in the northeast corner of Arkansas; it is an official Main Street Arkansas community, which means great care is taken to preserve and promote its downtown. In the southwest corner of Arkansas, Magnolia is a beautiful treasure of a small town. Proud of its roots, the buildings around the square are adorned with colorful murals that tell the story of the town’s heritage. For an extra special treat, visit in May, when the town hosts its namesake fest, the Magnolia Blossom Festival.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wilson, Arkansas
September 23, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other charming towns in Arkansas? There’s an abundance of charming small towns in Arkansas! Let’s start with one of our favorites: Eureka Springs. With its iconic Victorian architecture and winding streets, you’d be hard-pressed to find a town as incredibly charming as this Natural State gem. The entire city of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making this mountain town a favorite for historians, too. Of course, that’s not to discount the outdoor recreation in this area; Eureka Springs has everything from ziplining, cave tours, and boat excursions to scenic hikes and adventures in the awe-inspiring Arkansas Ozarks. Another town in Arkansas that we adore is Jasper. Another gem in the Ozarks region, Jasper is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, and its quaint downtown is home to old-fashioned diners, historic landmarks, and quirky attractions. Most notably, Jasper is home to the Arkansas Grand Canyon, one of the most scenic places in the state. The Arkansas Grand Canyon offers a 180-degree view of the Ozarks that’s nothing short of jaw-dropping! Of course, these towns are found in the northwest part of the state, but there are so many more charming small towns to explore in the other regions of Arkansas, too! Blytheville is a beautiful little community found in the northeast corner of Arkansas; it is an official Main Street Arkansas community, which means great care is taken to preserve and promote its downtown. In the southwest corner of Arkansas, Magnolia is a beautiful treasure of a small town. Proud of its roots, the buildings around the square are adorned with colorful murals that tell the story of the town’s heritage. For an extra special treat, visit in May, when the town hosts its namesake fest, the Magnolia Blossom Festival.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There’s an abundance of charming small towns in Arkansas! Let’s start with one of our favorites: Eureka Springs. With its iconic Victorian architecture and winding streets, you’d be hard-pressed to find a town as incredibly charming as this Natural State gem. The entire city of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making this mountain town a favorite for historians, too. Of course, that’s not to discount the outdoor recreation in this area; Eureka Springs has everything from ziplining, cave tours, and boat excursions to scenic hikes and adventures in the awe-inspiring Arkansas Ozarks.
Another town in Arkansas that we adore is Jasper. Another gem in the Ozarks region, Jasper is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, and its quaint downtown is home to old-fashioned diners, historic landmarks, and quirky attractions. Most notably, Jasper is home to the Arkansas Grand Canyon, one of the most scenic places in the state. The Arkansas Grand Canyon offers a 180-degree view of the Ozarks that’s nothing short of jaw-dropping!
Of course, these towns are found in the northwest part of the state, but there are so many more charming small towns to explore in the other regions of Arkansas, too! Blytheville is a beautiful little community found in the northeast corner of Arkansas; it is an official Main Street Arkansas community, which means great care is taken to preserve and promote its downtown. In the southwest corner of Arkansas, Magnolia is a beautiful treasure of a small town. Proud of its roots, the buildings around the square are adorned with colorful murals that tell the story of the town’s heritage. For an extra special treat, visit in May, when the town hosts its namesake fest, the Magnolia Blossom Festival.
