El Dorado, AR

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Explore the historic downtown, browse a variety of boutiques and learn about the fascinating history of this Arkansas oil boomtown.

Despite its name, El Dorado is known for its bounty of oil, not gold. The city, which is nicknamed “Arkansas’s Original Boomtown,” is the seat of Union County. Discover its many attractions of historic sites, cultural events, fine dining and shopping.

In 1921, oil was discovered just west of El Dorado. People flocked to the city, resulting in a population boom that never quite died down. See beautifully preserved 1920s and 1930s architecture in Downtown El Dorado. Many buildings here have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Behind the turn-of-the-century storefronts, discover a variety of specialty shops, boutiques and fine dining.

While you’re in the downtown area, visit Oil Heritage Park. Walk among sculptures, artifacts and educational plaques that pay tribute to the city’s rich oil history. The park hosts several special events each year.

Enjoy nature at South Arkansas Arboretum State Park. Discover 12 acres (5 hectares) of trees and plants indigenous to Arkansas's West Gulf Coastal Plain region, along with azaleas, camellias and other flowers.

Check out the stately Union County Courthouse. The four-story Greek-revival building is surrounded by 40 freestanding ionic columns. Peek at the cavernous marble atrium inside. View public art in the adjacent square.

Discover El Dorado’s rich cultural offerings. See the latest dance recital or concert in South Arkansas Arts Center. Enjoy performances by the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and other visiting groups at the South Arkansas Symphony.

Delve into the history of southern Arkansas at the Newton House Museum. Explore the impeccably preserved two-story white-columned house. Built around 1849, it is the only house open to the public in El Dorado that predates the Civil War.

Find El Dorado in the heart of southern Arkansas. Drive north to Little RockOpens in a new window, the state capital, in just over 2 hours.

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham El Dorado

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham El Dorado

3 out of 5
2302 Junction City Rd, El Dorado, AR
The price is NT$2,416 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
NT$2,416
NT$2,773 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in El Dorado. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (409 reviews)
"Old, stained carpet in hallways. White paint chips all over bathroom floor. Liked shampoo, body wash, soap provided. Clean, new towels. Very friendly staff. Nice breakfast."

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham El Dorado
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, El Dorado, AR

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, El Dorado, AR

2.5 out of 5
2413 W Hillsboro St, El Dorado, AR
The price is NT$3,094 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
NT$3,094
NT$3,551 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Dorado. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (588 reviews)
Nice Hotel
"The hotel was clean and comfortable. The service by staff was excellent. Downside was that the pool was not ready when we arrived. I believe the 2nd day it was finally ready but a bit disappointing."

Reviewed on 2025/7/26

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, El Dorado, AR
Super 8 by Wyndham El Dorado

Super 8 by Wyndham El Dorado

2 out of 5
1925 Junction City Road, Junction of Hwy 167 & Hwy 82, El Dorado, AR
The price is NT$1,983 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
NT$1,983
NT$2,275 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Dorado. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (207 reviews)
"Property is a little aged"

Reviewed on 2025/7/9

Super 8 by Wyndham El Dorado
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
2 Mi to Downtown: Work & Play at El Dorado Getaway

2 Mi to Downtown: Work & Play at El Dorado Getaway

3 out of 5
El Dorado
Stay at this 3-star cottage in El Dorado. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions South Arkansas Arboretum State Park and South Arkansas ...
2 Mi to Downtown: Work & Play at El Dorado Getaway
Charming El Dorado Retreat Near Main Street!

Charming El Dorado Retreat Near Main Street!

3 out of 5
917 Ouachita, El Dorado, AR
Stay at this 3-star cottage in El Dorado. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions South Arkansas Arts Center and The Newton House Museum ...
Charming El Dorado Retreat Near Main Street!
Countryside Marion Retreat Near Fishing & Trails!

Countryside Marion Retreat Near Fishing & Trails!

3 out of 5
Marion
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Marion. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning.
Countryside Marion Retreat Near Fishing & Trails!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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