Things to do in Van Buren

Catch a ride on the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad in a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century passenger car from Van Buren’s historic Old Frisco Depot. This scenic excursion train travels through the foothills of the Ozark Boston Mountains through a quarter mile tunnel and over a series of high trestles overlooking the rugged forest.

Gracing Main Street for well over a hundred years, the beautifully-restored King Opera House is a beautiful venue for theatrical offerings. It’s also rumored to be haunted. More arts can be experienced at the Van Buren School District Fine Arts Center, a 1,500 seat concert hall featuring state-of-the-art performing arts technology designed to provide the best environment for all genres of music enjoyment. The center also features two art galleries, which display both school exhibits and those of professional artists. The Center for Art & Education hosts art and cultural exhibits and events, promotes art education, and provides a venue for local artists.

Nearby, the 1838 restored Drennon-Scott House Museum is open to the public and also serves as a working laboratory for students at UA Fort Smith.  The structure is linked to the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War. 

Surrounding parks and recreation areas, including Lee Creek, afford many opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking and golfing.