LASR.net Homepage




Menu

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

Herb's Flea Market Park

Directions: Five Miles North Of El Dorado On 167

El Dorado, AR Flea Markets

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

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

Things to do near El Dorado, AR

Garrison-McLain House

Directions: Stateline Avenue Exit off I-30; go south, then turn left on Seventh Street; turn right on Pecan Street; located a...

Ashley County Museum

Local history exhibits; carriage house; buggy collection; open by appointment. ...

Marks' Mills Battlefield State Park

Directions: Junction Ark. 8 East The site of an April 25, 1864 fight in which Confederate Calvary ambushed and captured a Un...

Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Historical Museum

Traces history from 1830 to present housed in a carefully restored Union Station depot; guided tours on request ...