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Are you dreaming of a European getaway but staying close to home this year? Arkansas offers a surprising twist—towns named after famous European destinations!
Settled by immigrants who wanted to bring a piece of home with them to places that reminded them of European villages and landscapes, these towns carry names from across the Atlantic and offer a blend of history, local charm and fun attractions. Visiting these towns will give you a fresh perspective on Arkansas’ rich history, and the names might make you feel like you are across “the pond.”
6 Must-Visit Towns in Arkansas with European Roots
Paris – Essentially Paris!
Founded in 1873, Paris, named after the French capital, became a key transportation hub due to the expansion of the Little Rock and Fort Smith railroad. The town quickly developed around its railway depot, attracting settlers and businesses such as sawmills, general stores and hotels. At one point, it earned the title “Lumber Capital of the World” because of its thriving timber industry.
Things to Do:
- Mount Magazine State Park hosts Arkansas’s highest point, with stunning views and outdoor recreation.
- Eiffel Tower Park – A fun photo op on the town square with a 25-foot replica painted with the same paint as its French counterpart. Don’t miss the love lock wall.
- Logan County Courthouse Square – Historic buildings and charming local shops.
- Coal Miners Museum and Logan County History Museum – Learn about the town’s mining history.
- Sarber’s Drugstore – serving customers since 1896.
- Subiaco Abbey is a historic monastery offering insight into the area’s religious and architectural heritage.
Where to Eat: Skycrest Restaurant (for stunning mountain views), Cove Creek Supply Company or Dari-Delite for classic diner fare.
Stuttgart – The German Connection
Established initially as a small farming community built by German settlers with vast agricultural knowledge, Stuttgart quickly gained recognition for rice cultivation due to its fertile soil and ideal growing conditions. Today, Stuttgart is celebrated as the “Rice and Duck Capital of the World,” playing a vital role in the state’s agricultural sector and attracting hunters nationwide for its exceptional waterfowl hunting.
Things to Do:
- Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie – Explore the history of rice farming and agricultural innovation.
- Arkansas Arts Center of the Grand Prairie – Discover local art and cultural exhibits.
- Mack’s Prairie Wings is a must-visit for hunting enthusiasts, offering gear and supplies.
Where to Eat: Kibbs BBQ offers delicious Southern barbecue, while JJ’s Fish and Grill serves fresh, locally sourced seafood.
Tontitown – Italian Heritage in the Ozarks
Tontitown was founded in 1898 by Italian immigrants who began their journey in New York and quickly moved to Lake Village as migrant workers in cotton fields. However, after facing harsh conditions and exploitation, the group relocated to Northwest Arkansas, where they were able to establish a community on land that mimicked their home.
Tontitown is known for its rich Italian heritage, strong agricultural traditions, and close-knit community, which they honor through the annual Tontitown Grape Festival. Many descendants of the original Italian families still live in the area, operating local businesses, farms and vineyards.
Things to Do:
- Tontitown Winery – Located in the historic Taldo House, this winery offers tastings and a glimpse into the town’s winemaking past.
- Tontitown Museum tells the story of the Italian immigrants who founded the town.
- Flea Market & Antique Shopping – Hunt for treasures in Tontitown’s charming antique stores.
- Ozark Sportsman is a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking gear, supplies, and hands-on sporting experiences.
- Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center is one of 9 nature centers focusing on regional wildlife and foliage.
Where to Eat: Venetian Inn for authentic cuisine, Mama Z’s Café for homemade pasta, or Guido’s Pizza for classic Italian pizza.
Wiederkehr Village & Altus – The Core of Arkansas Wine Country
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Arkansas River Valley, Wiederkehr Village and Altus represent the heart of Arkansas’ wine country. Their roots trace back to the 19th century when Swiss and German immigrants introduced Old World winemaking traditions to the area. The fertile soil and mild climate proved perfect for grape cultivation, establishing vineyards that have thrived for generations, many built from native roots brought with the first settlers.
Things to Do:
- Winery Tours – Explore historic wineries like Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Post Winery, Chateau Aux Arc, and Mount Bethel Winery, each offering tastings and tours.
- Altus Miner Memorial – A tribute to the coal miners who played a crucial role in the town’s early economy.
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church – A stunning 1902 Gothic Revival-style church.
- Arkansas Wine Trail – A scenic drive through vineyards and rolling countryside, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Where to Eat: Weinkeller Restaurant serves authentic Swiss and German cuisine in a charming, old-world setting.
London – A Bit of Britain in Arkansas
London shares its name with the bustling capital of England, but its charm is distinctly Southern. Established in the late 19th century, London attracted early settlers drawn to the fertile land along the Arkansas River. Over the years, London became a small yet vibrant community, with agriculture and timber playing significant roles in its early economy. Nestled between multiple River Valley state parks, the area offers opportunities for nature enthusiasts to hike, fish, and camp.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Piney Bay Recreation Area – A beautiful spot for fishing, hiking and camping.
- Lake Dardanelle State Park – Great for boating and picnicking.
- Mount Nebo State Park – Scenic overlooks and hiking trails.
- Potts Inn Museum – A preserved stagecoach stop from the 1800s.
- Ozark-St. Francis National Forest – Stunning landscapes and outdoor adventure.
Where to Eat: Fat Daddy’s BBQ – A local favorite for smoky, delicious barbecue.
Other European-Inspired Towns Worth the Stop
While many of these towns may not be attractions in themselves, they serve as excellent stops during your travels through the area or on a road trip. Take the time to discover the nearby communities and slow down as you head to a lake, a sports tournament, or enjoy a leisurely Sunday drive. Each location is perfect for a family exploration day or finding new scenery. It’s time to get in the car and explore.
Athens | near Dierks
This small rural community was initially known as Venetian Grove and has a history of natural springs, the Athens-Big Fork mail trail, and Caddo Indians, who used native novaculite from this area for cultural tools.
Things to do nearby:
- Albert Pike Recreation Area | Mena
- Cossatot River State Park | Wickes
- Daisy State Park | Daisy
- Lum & Abner Museum | Cherry Valley
- Kadoha Village and Diamond Mining | Murfreesboro
Where to Eat: Athens Deli & Fried Pies or Sweet Peas
Genoa | Near Fouke
Although there were bright stories, the first summer showed that Texarkana had a different climate from Genoa, Italy. The hope was that the people attracted to agriculture and rural settlement would remain in the region, but they moved with neighbors to Tontitown.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Monster Mart | Fouke – home to the Fouke Monster and Boggy Creek legends
- Four States Museum | Texarkana
- State Line Post Office | Texarkana
- 1894 Gallery | Texarkana
- Texarkana murals
Where to Eat: Naaman’s BBQ| Texarkana
Hamburg | Between Monticello and Crossett
Founded in the 1840s, Hamburg emerged as a significant agricultural and commercial hub in Ashley County. Its economy has historically been fueled by the timber, farming, and railroad industries.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge | Crossett
- Turner Neal Museum of History | Monticello
- WWII Japanese American Internment Camp | McGhee
- Lake Chicot State Park | Lake Village
- Lakeport Plantation | Lake Village
Where to eat: Hoots BBQ in McGhee
Oxford | Near Calico Rock
Oxford, named after Oxford, Mississippi, grew as a small farming community supported by agriculture, local businesses, and the railroad. Oxford, Mississippi, received its name from the town’s settlers, who hoped their recently acquired Chickasaw land would become the site of a university.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Calico Rock History Museum | Calico Rock
- Jacob Wolf House | Norfork
- Norfork Lake | Mountain Home
- Sugar Loaf Mountain Lookout Tower | Norfork
- Blanchard Springs Caverns | Fifty-six
Where to Eat: Cooper’s Hawk Nest Restaurant | Melbourne
Arkansas may not have the Louvre or the Colosseum, but we have the Eiffel Tower, natural gemstones, and public art. These towns with European roots offer history, culture, and charm for a unique road trip adventure across the Natural State.
Unless otherwise noted, images used with permission from Arkansas Departments of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
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