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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

Ginger's Flea Market

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

El Dorado, AR Flea Markets

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

Herb's Flea Market Park

Directions: Five Miles North Of El Dorado On 167

El Dorado, AR Flea Markets

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

South Arkansas Arts Center Theatre

207-seat auditorium hosts live productions and symphony concerts.

El Dorado, AR Theatres

Things to do near El Dorado, AR

Perot Theatre

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

Oakland Cemetery

The Confederate Section of this cemetery is the final resting place for more than 200 Confederate soldiers; over 150 years of...

Magnolia Murals

Six colorful murals the depict the history of Magnolia are located around the historic square; one is located in the lobby of...

Fordyce on the Cotton Belt car show

car and truck show judging on 100 point basis. Best of Show, Peoples Choice, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies. Contaci Phil 87...

Old Rondo Cemetery

Directions: Near Rondo United Methodist Church The tiny town of Rondo became the repository of some state records in 1864 ...