A Three-Day Winter Getaway in El Dorado
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Winter brings a quieter kind of adventure to the Timberlands, and El Dorado is the perfect place to start yours. Here, you can spend a crisp morning exploring wooded trails, an afternoon learning about the region’s history as an oil town and the evening enjoying live music, local dining and beloved holiday festivities. A welcoming downtown, plenty of nearby spots to explore and endless small-town charm make this corner of The Natural State the perfect destination for a winter getaway.
Day 1: Discover Downtown El Dorado
Ease into a winter morning with a warm cup of coffee and a fresh donut from a local favorite. Spudnut Shoppe is known for its light, fluffy donuts made with potato flour, and you’ll want to get there early – popular selections tend to sell out fast. Once you’re fueled for the day, head out to explore the history and art scene downtown.
Spend the afternoon strolling through the murals and public art you’ll find throughout downtown, or step inside the John Newton House, an 1849 Greek Revival home that offers a glimpse into a bygone era. You can also check the calendar at the South Arkansas Arts Center to see what upcoming plays, performances or exhibits are on the docket.
For the evening, see what’s happening at Murphy Arts District (MAD), a downtown entertainment hub where you can catch concerts, events and live performances throughout the year. Check the schedule for upcoming shows at First Financial Music Hall, or stop for dinner, drinks and live music at MAD House 101 Restaurant and Bar.
Day 2: Timberlands History
Head about 15 minutes north of El Dorado via AR-7 N to Smackover, where you’ll find a rare opportunity to step back in time. The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources lets you walk through the region’s rich history in oil, complete with a replica boomtown and exhibits on the discovery of oil in the Timberlands. It’s a good spot to spend a chilly winter morning, with plenty to explore indoors.
Continue up AR-7 N to Camden and explore even more history on the Camden Expedition Civil War Trail. The trail highlights some of the important sites from the 1864 Red River Campaign, and history enthusiasts can follow along the trail to learn more about the people and events that shaped this corner of Arkansas.
Round out your day of exploring Arkansas history with dinner at Arkansas’ oldest restaurant, the White House Café in Camden. The historic atmosphere and longtime place in the community make for a memorable meal before you head back to El Dorado.
Day 3: Quiet Outdoor Beauty
Balmier winter days are some of the best times to explore the outdoors in Arkansas, and the Timberlands are no exception. From El Dorado, hop on US-63 N for about 30 minutes and stop at Moro Bay State Park, where the Ouachita and Saline Rivers meet. Here, you can fish, boat or watch for wildlife along the shore while enjoying the quiet, crisp air of an Arkansas winter. The park’s cabins make for an excellent place to extend your stay if you’re after a serene lakeside retreat.
Continue your outdoor exploration about 40 minutes south of Moro Bay at Felesenthal National Wildlife Refuge, where wetlands, waterways and bottomland hardwood forests provide important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Winter can be an especially interesting time for birdwatchers, so bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for some of the seasonal visitors!
Make Your Winter Getaway a Holiday Escape
Visiting around the holiday season? El Dorado and its surrounding communities pile on the cheer. See the twinkling lights at Smackover’s Holiday Light Extravaganza or the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources’ Holiday of Lights, catch a seasonal production at the South Arkansas Arts Center or attend a special performance from the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Back in El Dorado, Santa on the Square brings family holiday fun to the heart of downtown. Check local event calendars for dates and details when planning your visit.
