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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

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

South Arkansas Arts Center Theatre

207-seat auditorium hosts live productions and symphony concerts.

El Dorado, AR Theatres

Rialto Theatre

During its two years in operation, the local architectural firm of Kolben, Hunter, and Boyd designed this classical revival style red brick and decorative stone theater in response to oil boom demands for expanded cultural opportunities. At street level, the Rialto has been "modernized"

El Dorado, AR Theatres

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

El Dorado Downtown

Directions: U.S. 167 to Main Street Exit. Three miles to downtown. Boutiques and shops on historic square; walking tour of architecturally significant buildings, many financed by South Arkansas oil boom and the timber industry

El Dorado, AR Historic Downtowns

Things to do near El Dorado, AR

Drew County Historical Museum

Artifacts, antiques in a home built in 1909; two 1800s log cabins; guided tours, activity programs ...

Dexter Harding House Tourist Information Center

Built in 1850, this historic building was originally home of a grist mill; serves as area tourist information cemter with bro...

Perot Theatre

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

Crossett City Park

Park offers a variety of pavilions that can be used for birthday parties, reunions, parties ...

Grider Field Museum

The Pine Bluff School of Aviationwas established by the U.S. Army Air Corps and trained over 9,000 pilots for World War II. S...