Crawford: Landscapes, History and Culture

Crawford County offers distinctive landscapes, historic buildings, and a range of outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Crawford, you can plan your trip around historic sites, events, or experiences in nature. The places and topics below show what the region has to offer.

Landscapes from the Ozarks to Lakes and Valleys

The northern half of Crawford County lies in the rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountains. The southern half includes gently rolling farmland, wooded ridges, individual mountains, and lakes. Visitors to Crawford County can also enjoy lakes, rivers, mountains, valleys, and scenic views. The two halves have visibly distinct landscapes: mountainous terrain defines the north, while the south also includes farmland and wooded ridges.

Historic Sites in Van Buren and Crawford County

Van Buren’s Main Street National Historic District spans six city blocks. It includes restored buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One house with its own architectural history is the Wilhauf House in Van Buren: it was built in 1838 and remodeled in 1847.

The history of the original section of the Crawford County Courthouse dates back to 1842. The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered the oldest continuously operating county courthouse west of the Mississippi. The UAFS Drennen-Scott Historic Site also has a historic connection to the Trail of Tears. The site’s house and its contents are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the site also hosts a monthly lecture series.

Cultural Activities and Performances

The extensively restored King Opera House hosts theater performances. Event and ticket information can help you plan; check performance dates for your travel dates.

Arts On Main is housed in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, built around 1912. Offerings include performances, workshops, art classes for adults and children, and special events. In addition to performances, the program features a variety of cultural activities, including classes and workshops.

Events and Getting Around

The Crawford County Fair takes place every September at Kirksey Park in Mulberry and has been a community tradition since 1920. If you’re planning your trip around the fair, check the specific event dates for your stay.

The Historic Main Street Trolley stops at the Van Buren train station, at the intersections of Main Street with 7th, 5th, and 3rd Streets, and at the Drennen-Scott Historic Site. As route details may change, check the information before your trip.

Hiking, Biking, and Paddling

The western terminus of the 240-mile Ozark Highlands Trail is located behind the visitor center at Lake Fort Smith State Park. The landscape along the trail at Lake Fort Smith includes waterfalls, ridges, and valleys. The state park also offers kayaking. The Boston Mountain Trail is a multi-use trail for mountain bikers and day hikers; the Mulberry River is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking. These options vary by activity, from a long trail to a route for cyclists and day hikers, as well as paddling on the river.

Discover more destinations: Natural Dam, Van Buren, Mountainburg, Union County, Boone County, Sevier County, Jackson County, Dallas County.

For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.