Greenwood Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, best outdoor adventures, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations of Greenwood, Arkansas.


Greenwood is a charming city located in the River Valley of Arkansas, in the southern part of the United States of America. The city features a mix of stunning natural beauty, historical landmarks, and exciting outdoor adventures. This comprehensive guide will take you through the top attractions, best outdoor adventures, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations of Greenwood, Arkansas.

Introducing Greenwood

Located at the foothills of the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains, Greenwood boasts a rich history and stunning natural beauty. Established in 1851, the city has a strong agricultural heritage, serving as a hub for cotton, soybean, and poultry production. The city has grown rapidly over time and is now home to over 10,000 residents, making it one of the largest cities in Sebastian County.

List of Places to Visit in Greenwood

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or an adventure seeker, Greenwood offers something for everyone. Here’s a list of the top attractions to visit in the city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Greenwood is home to several museums and historical places that provide great insights into the city’s rich history and culture:

  • Greenwood Historical Downtown: A must-visit destination that takes you back in time with its vintage shops, boutiques, antique stores, and lovely cafes.
  • Fort Smith National Historic Site: A historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the city’s frontier past, including a fort, historic courtrooms, and barracks.
  • Sebastian County Historical Museum: A treasure trove of interesting artifacts, photos, and documents that tell the story of Sebastian County’s history.

Natural Attractions of Greenwood: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Greenwood is also home to several natural attractions that promise exciting outdoor adventures and breathtaking views:

  • Chaffee Crossing Trails: A network of scenic trails that offer a great opportunity for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
  • Lake Jack Nolen: A serene lake that provides great opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
  • Mount Magazine State Park: The highest point in Arkansas, the park boasts stunning views of the surrounding valleys, waterfalls, and dense forests.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Greenwood

Greenwood offers several options for hiking and biking enthusiasts:

  • Chaffee Crossing Trails: A network of trails that spans over 15 miles, with six different loops of varying difficulty levels.
  • Jack Creek Recreation Area: A scenic trail that is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Best Things to Do in Greenwood: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Greenwood also offers other exciting activities to indulge in during your visit:

  • Touring the Historic Downtown: Take a leisurely stroll through the charming downtown area to check out the vintage shops, boutiques, and antique stores.
  • Fishing on Lake Jack Nolen: Rent a boat or bring your own and enjoy a relaxing day of fishing on the beautiful lake.
  • Horseback Riding: Enjoy the serene beauty of the Chaffee Crossing Trails on horseback.

Week-Long Itinerary for Greenwood

If you’re planning to explore Greenwood for a week, here’s a suggested itinerary to ensure you make the most of your trip:

Day Activity
1 Explore the downtown area and check out the historic shops and restaurants.
2 Visit the Fort Smith National Historic Site and the Sebastian County Historical Museum.
3 Enjoy a hike or bike ride through the Chaffee Crossing Trails.
4 Take a fishing trip to Lake Jack Nolen.
5 Relax by the pool at one of the local hotels like the Greenwood Inn and Suites.
6 Take a guided horseback ride through the Mount Magazine State Park.
7 Visit the local farmers’ market in the morning before departing for your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Greenwood

Greenwood is famous for its southern-style dishes, and here are some must-try dishes to sample:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Chicken
  • BBQ Brisket
  • Chicken and Dumplings

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea
  • Strawberry Lemonade
  • Local Beers and Ales

Where to Stay in Greenwood: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Greenwood has several lodging options ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels:

  • Greenwood Inn and Suites: A comfortable and affordable hotel located just a few miles from downtown.
  • Baymont Inn and Suites: A great option for budget-conscious travelers, this hotel provides modern amenities and great service.
  • Jenny Lind House Bed and Breakfast: A charming lodging option that offers a cozy, home-like atmosphere.

What to Buy in Greenwood: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Greenwood offers several unique souvenirs and local products that are perfect for remembering your time in the city:

  • Cotton Clothing and Accessories: Browse the vintage stores in the downtown area for unique designs and styles.
  • Local Handcrafted Pottery: Look for hand-painted pottery crafted by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Greenwood

Greenwood is known for its friendly, welcoming people and warm southern hospitality. It’s always polite to greet people with a smile and engage in small talk. The city also has a strong agricultural heritage, so it’s not uncommon to see locals wearing boots and hats.

Best Time to Visit Greenwood

The best time to visit Greenwood is between March and May when the weather is sunny and mild, and the city is in full bloom. The fall season from September through November is also a great time to visit as the leaves on the trees change colors. Additionally, October is an excellent time to visit Greenwood as the city organizes several fall festivals and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Greenwood

Do:

  • Try the local dishes and beverages.
  • Explore the downtown area and seek out the local shops and antiques.
  • Be respectful of the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash on the trails or in the parks.
  • Be loud or disrespectful in public areas.
  • Park in restricted areas or areas designated for handicapped parking.

Safety and Health

Safety in Greenwood

Greenwood is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, it’s always best to take standard safety precautions such as locking your doors and windows and not leaving valuables in your car.

Health in Greenwood

There are several hospitals and medical clinics located in the city that offer quality healthcare services. It’s essential to carry personal health insurance when traveling to the United States.

Getting to Greenwood: Transportation Options and Logistics

Greenwood is easily accessible from different parts of the country via several transportation options:

Airports Near Greenwood

  • Fort Smith Regional Airport: Located just 15 miles away from the city, this airport offers several daily flights to major cities in the United States.
  • Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport: Located approximately 80 miles away, this airport offers several daily flights to major destinations in the country and beyond.

Bus Stations Near Greenwood

  • Greyhound Station: Located in Fort Smith, this bus station is just 15 miles away from Greenwood and provides regular bus services to different parts of the country.

Other Options

  • Car rentals
  • Taxi services

How to Get Around in Greenwood

Greenwood is a small town that can easily be explored by foot or bike. However, if you prefer to drive, car rentals are readily available.

Where to Go Next from Greenwood: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Greenwood is situated in the heart of River Valley and serves as a perfect base for exploring nearby destinations such as:

  • Mount Magazine State Park
  • Ozark National Forest
  • Fort Smith National Historic Site

Conclusion

With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and exciting outdoor adventures, Greenwood is a must-visit destination in the southern part of the United States. Plan your trip with the help of this comprehensive guide, and you’ll be sure to have a memorable time in this charming city.