Plan A Visit To Wilson, Arkansas, One Of The Best Small Towns In The U.S.      

Talk about a comeback! Wilson, Arkansas, went from a prosperous agricultural community to a near ghost town to one of the best small towns in the U.S. Definitely worthy of the recognition, Wilson’s got a little bit of everything – from a unique English-inspired town square to quarterly concerts.

Home to about 1,000 residents, Wilson is a small town with a BIG reputation.

Most recently, it was named one of the best small towns in the U.S. by Country Living. And not long ago, Southern Living highlighted Wilson, calling it a "cultural epicenter." We 100% agree on all counts!

A lot has changed in Wilson, since its establishment in 1886.

During its heyday, Wilson was a booming agricultural town. For many years, it was a top producer of timber and cotton…and then came the Great Depression. As work became scarce, people began to move away, and by the 1950s, Wilson was a far cry from the prosperous community it once was.

In 2010, things in Wilson began to change again, but this time, for the better.

Efforts to revitalize Wilson began in 2010. The intent was to not only restore Wilson to its former glory but to re-brand it as a cultural hub.

Today, Wilson is a destination not to be missed! There’s so much to love about the town, starting with its historic town square surrounded by Tudor-style buildings.

A unique appearance isn’t all the town square has going for it, though. It also boasts quintessential small town businesses, including a market and post office.

And there’s, of course, a great restaurant.

No small town would be complete without a brag-worthy restaurant – and in Wilson, that restaurant is The Wilson Café, which is located in the town square. Make sure to save room for dessert. The café is famous for its sweet potato pie.

Wilson’s charming façade doesn’t waver beyond the town square, either. The entire town is filled with charming stops, including White’s Mercantile.

Described as a “general store for the modern-day tastemaker,” the mercantile is stocked with a treasure trove of merchandise.

A community garden only adds to the town’s charm.

Started in 2014, Wilson Gardens grows fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs. The farm not only supplies locals, but restaurants as well.

Even the school in Wilson is unique.

Far from typical, the Delta School focuses on hands-on learning, so instead of conventional classes in standard classrooms, students are taught via interactive programs in greenhouse-style rooms.

And like many small Arkansas towns, Wilson boasts an amazing attraction – Hampson Archeological Museum State Park.

A must-visit for history buffs, the museum houses a nationally renowned collection of artifacts.

Community-wide events are another perk of Wilson.

Throughout the year, the town plays host to a variety of events, which run the gamut from mixology classes and wine tastings to line dancing and quarterly concerts showcasing local talent.

Ready to pay a visit to Wilson, Arkansas? Check out the town’s website or Facebook page to learn more and start planning your visit.

So, did you know about Wilson? Ever visited this lovely locale in the Natural State? If so, do you think it’s worthy of being deemed one of the best small towns in the U.S.? Tell us!

This is just one of the small towns in Arkansas that makes a perfect day trip destination -- this is one of the coolest small towns in the state, and it might just become your new favorite place!