When I think about college towns in Arkansas, Fayetteville is at the top of my list. After all, it’s home to the prestigious University of Arkansas and the infamous Razorbacks. Wooooooooo. Pig. Sooie!!! And while the town is rich in college traditions, there is another college town in Arkansas that I recommend that you visit. Located just 95 miles southeast of Little Rock is the town of Monticello, and it could arguably be the most charming college town in Arkansas. Featuring incredible dining and shopping opportunities, museums, local events, and more, it’s the perfect town for a day trip adventure.
Our quest to explore small towns in Arkansas has brought us to the college town of Monticello.
This charming town is home to the University of Arkansas Monticello, and it's "the heartbeat of Southeast Arkansas."
With its adorable downtown square lined with colorful buildings, it's easy to see why this town is so appealing.
Be sure to walk through the square to check out the local antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, and more.
Whether you're a college student at UAM or just visiting for the day, you'll find lots to do in the area.
The historic university has been around since 1909 and it's one of the best in Arkansas. Of course, you'll want to visit the campus to check out the Turner Neal Museum of Natural History as well as the Pomeroy Planetarium.
No college town is complete without good restaurants and coffee shops. And here in Monticello, you'll find every cuisine that you can think of.
From Thai to Italian to Mexican to American favorites like burgers, pizza, and BBQ, there’s something to satisfy any appetite.
The Monticello Coffee Company is a favorite hangout for locals and college students alike. Stop by for a cup of delightful latte or a delicious pastry.
It's very likely that you'll run into a few of the college students here.
While in town, you'll want to explore the Drew County Historical Museum to learn about the rich history of the area.
With its collection of antiques, historical artifacts, and exhibits, this museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Drew County.
Another point of interest is the Allen House, which is known for having some haunted tales to share. This gorgeous Victorian-style home is open for tours by appointments only.
One of my favorite things about Monticello is the Market In The Park. It's a farmers market where you can find local produce, homemade, as well as handcrafted products.
If you're searching for a unique gift, this is the best place to find it.
If you're looking for some outdoor adventure, Lake Monticello will provide just what you need. At the end of the day, it's a great spot for a leisure stroll to watch the sun go down.
Whether you're searching for incredible shopping, dining, or historical sites, Monticello is perfect for a day trip.
So, have you visited Monticello before? If so, what did you like best about this charming college town in Arkansas? Tell us in the comments below.
Also, if you would like to extend your time in the town, here are a few lodging options in Monticello that we recommend.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!