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El Dorado, Arkansas

El Dorado, Arkansas

El Dorado lived up to the promise of its name when oil was discovered a mile west of the city in 1921. The resulting gush of population and prosperity led to an architectural boom still reflected in a self-guided walking tour of the city's restored downtown, now filled with shopping and dining opportunities. Downtown also includes the Rialto Theater, Arkansas's only working art deco theater, and the historic John Newton House, which hosts the annual Mayhaw Festival. Two other popular El Dorado events are Showdown at Sunset, the reenactment of a 1902 gunfight on the Union County Courthouse square, and MusicFest, which features a variety of national and local musical acts. The arts are served in the city by the South Arkansas Arts Center. Visitors who want to know more about the South Arkansas oil boom will find exhibits, films and a park with full-size derricks and other oilfield equipment at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources in nearby Smackover.

Outdoor recreational opportunities in the El Dorado area include the South Arkansas Arboretum State Park, Moro Bay State Park, and the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

El Dorado Confederate Monument

Directions: Union County Courthouse Lawn Open stone monument, four pillars; general descripton on front; Confederate Soldier on top; flower bed inside stands about 10 feet tall

El Dorado, AR Monuments

John Newton House

Restored 1849 historic home; only house open to the public in El Dorado that was built before the Civil War; decor reflects the time period; tours by appointment;

El Dorado, AR Historic Homes

Ginger's Flea Market

Directions: Business Hwy 82, Turn Left On Washington Antiques, glassware, furniture, jewelry, collectibles, coins, tools

El Dorado, AR Flea Markets

South Arkansas Arboretum State Park

Covered picnic area, five miles of walking trails; Arkansas native flora; Tour Guides may be available with advance request

El Dorado, AR State Parks


Things to do near El Dorado, AR

White Hall Museum

Directions: Located Behind The Police Station. Displays local historic materials including a classroom, dolls, documents, ...

Bradley County Veterans' Museum

For over 140 years, Bradley County's sons and daughters have served their country in times of peace and war. Their stories an...

Perot Theatre

Built in 1924 and originally known as the Saenger Theatre, this fully-restored Italian Renaissance theatre has hosted such pe...

Camp White Sulphur Springs Confederate Cemetery

Used as a campground by a number of Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana units between late 1861 and early 1863. Many soldiers died ...

El Dorado Confederate Monument

Directions: Union County Courthouse Lawn Open stone monument, four pillars; general descripton on front; Confederate Soldier...