Discover Harrison

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark mountains, Harrison, Arkansas, offers breathtaking natural beauty and a welcoming community. With its rich history and modern amenities, Harrison is a destination for visitors and a hospitable home for its residents.

 

Harrison blends Southern hospitality with outdoor adventure, making it a perfect place for families, vacationers, retirees, and business owners.

 

Life moves at a relaxed pace and there’s never a shortage of things to do! From community events and cultural experiences to outdoor recreation, the north Arkansas town offers something for everyone looking to enjoy a peaceful yet active lifestyle.

 

Whether visiting, investing, or planning to call Harrison home, this guide has everything you need to know about this charming Ozark town.

 

History of Harrison, Arkansas:

Harrison is the county seat of Boone County, which spans nearly 592 square miles of land and 10.6 square miles of water. In 1870, the county’s population was just over 7,000, growing to approximately 38,500 residents by 2023, with Harrison home to about 13,400 of them.

 

Harrison is named after Marcus LaRue Harrison, a Union Colonel during the Civil War. After the war, he played a key role in Reconstruction projects across northern Arkansas before shifting his focus to the railroad industry as a surveyor and government lobbyist.

 

Local real estate promoters enlisted his help in planning a new town, offering to name it after him in return. This agreement led to renaming the local post office, officially establishing the city of Harrison on March 1, 1876.

 

Outdoor Activities near Harrison, Arkansas:

Buffalo National River: Less than 15 miles from Harrison, the Buffalo National River offers 135 miles of free-flowing, undammed waters perfect for kayaking, camping, and hiking. With breathtaking Ozark Mountain views, it’s an outdoor adventure you won’t want to miss!

 

Bull Shoals Lake: Arkansas’s largest and most popular lake offers 1,050 miles of shoreline and 74 square miles of water! Whether you’re tubing, wakeboarding, boating, or fishing, this beautiful lake is a must-see.

 

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest: Spanning 1.2 million acres of hardwoods and pines, the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest offers some of the best outdoor recreation in Arkansas. Located about 30 miles south of Harrison, visitors can enjoy camping, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing.

 

Creekside Community Center: Located at 515 S. Pine Street in Harrison, Creekside is the area’s premier sports and recreation facility. This state-of-the-art center features a 10-lane competition pool, lap swim area, kid’s pool, and diving board. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy three full-size courts for basketball, volleyball, or pickleball, while gamers can take advantage of the esports room with Xbox, PlayStation, and PC consoles. Creekside also offers a golf simulator, a game room with tabletop games for all ages, and meeting spaces.

 

Elk Watching: Driving south of Harrison, you’ll often see cars lined up along the curvy country roads as wildlife lovers spot elk while relaxing in lawn chairs. Join in on the fun by starting your elk-watching adventure! The elk herd in Arkansas has grown to an estimated 650, thanks to efforts from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and the National Park Service to restore the population.

 

Caving: Are you ready for an adventure in the dark? North Arkansas is part of the Ozark Plateau, home to over 4,500 known caves. Explore beautiful formations, learn about north Arkansas’ rich history, and discover fossils around the Harrison Area!

 

Biking and Hiking: The perfect pair for outdoor fun in Harrison! Just like its western neighbor, Bentonville, the area is packed with miles of scenic trails, making it a top destination for those looking to stretch their legs. North Arkansas College offers dedicated mountain biking trails that wind through wooded terrain, providing an exciting ride for both beginners and experienced cyclists.

 

Cultural Hotspots in Harrison, Arkansas:

Lyric Theater: A historic venue built more than a century ago, the Lyric Theatre offers a unique setting for live performances, concerts, and plays. Owned by the Ozark Arts Council, it has hosted arts and cultural events since 1999.

 

Boone County Heritage Museum: Showing the rich history of Harrison and the surrounding areas, The Boone County Heritage Museum offers exhibits covering Native American history, the Civil War, the Missouri & North Arkansas Railroad, and the founding of Boone County.

 

Cultural Events: Harrison offers a variety of fun, family-friendly events such as the Fire in the Sky, a 4th of July celebration, the Crawdad Days festival, and the Arkansas Hot Air Ballon State Championship.

 

Cities and Locations Near Harrison, Arkansas: 

Harrison is centrally located in northern Arkansas, making it a great place to explore the Ozarks. The town is within a two-hour drive to several cities:

 

• Branson, Missouri – 33.6 mi, or a 37-minute drive
• Fayetteville, Arkansas – 73.8 Mi, ort an hour and 29-minute drive
• Springfield, Missouri – 76.9 miles, or an hour and 22-minute drive
• Russellville, Arkansas – 81 miles, or an hour and 49 minute drive

 

For those looking for closer trips, there are plenty of options nearby, with charming local towns offering a variety of activities:

 

• Jasper, Arkansas: Known for its proximity to the Buffalo River, Jasper offers cozy cafes, art galleries, and beautiful views of Arkansas nature, including the first official national river!
• Alpena, Arkansas: A small town known for its art galleries, flea markets, and more!
• Lead Hill: Another small town with a big heart! Located on Bull Shoals Lake, it’s an excellent spot for recreational water activities.

 

These towns are known for their cozy cafes, rural living, and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a big-city adventure or a peaceful rural getaway, Harrison is conveniently located near it all!

 

Dining in Harrison, Arkansas:

Harrison doesn’t lack good places to eat! There are a few local favorites that stand out, but don’t be afraid to explore and find your hidden gem, your new favorite could be just around the corner!

 

DeVito’s Restaurant, Italian: A Harrison favorite since opening in 1986, DeVito’s serves Italian dishes alongside fresh rainbow trout from their nearby trout farm. This family-owned restaurant has been serving generations of locals and visitors with delicious meals and warm hospitality.

 

Jamie’s local flavor, Comfort food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and more! Jamie’s Local Flavor serves it up hot with a vast menu, so even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy, no matter the time of day.

 

The Ranch House Restaurant: Located at 805 US-62 in Harrison, The Ranch House Restaurant has been a local favorite for over 50 years, serving up hearty American comfort food. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., they offer a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including their famous burgers and healthy menu choices.

 

Town House Cafe, Southern: Town House prides itself on great food, great service, and an unbeatable atmosphere! Featuring southern dishes and delicious coffee, you’re sure to find comfort at Town House.

 

 

Shopping in Harrison, Arkansas:

If you think Harrison’s dining is good, wait until you explore the local shopping scene! With so many unique businesses, from flea markets to antique shops and more, you’ll always discover something new.

 

Frenzy of Harrison is a locally owned boutique offering stylish women’s clothing in sizes small to 3XL. Located in downtown Harrison, it features a variety of apparel, shoes, accessories, and gifts, creating a fun and unique shopping experience for all.

 

Rust, Dust & Wanderlust: An antique and flea market, Rust, Dust, & Wanderlust offers 23,000 square feet of space packed with paintings, antiques, quilts, and more!

 

Luxe on Rush: is a boutique in Harrison, Arkansas, offering a curated selection of women’s apparel, accessories, and gifts. Their mission is to provide unique, hand-picked clothing that is functional, high-quality, beautiful, and timeless. They aim to bring big city fashion to their small town, ensuring every woman feels confident in her outfit.

 

The Tacky Cactus Boutique offers a fun mix of Small Town Western Fashion for both women and men in sizes Small to 3X. From unique apparel to statement pieces, it’s the perfect spot to shop for something fresh and stylish!

 

In addition to the unique local shopping options, Harrison also offers a variety of well-known national retailers, including Hobby Lobby, Maurices, Hibbett Sports, and Dunham’s Sports. For those in need of a quick pick-me-up, 7 Brew provides delicious coffee and beverages to fuel your shopping adventure. Whether you’re looking for home decor, fashion, sporting goods, or a refreshing drink, Harrison has something for everyone.

 

Real Estate Market in Harrison, Arkansas:

As of December 2024, there were 181 homes for sale in Harrison, with 24 sold last month. According to Rocket.com, Harrison is considered a neutral housing market, meaning prices are reasonable, and homes stay on the market for an average amount of time.

 

With so many options available, you can find a home that fits your needs in Harrison. Whether you’re looking for a historic property, plenty of land, modern homes in the suburbs, or a summer retreat, Boone County has something for everyone!

 

Schools in Harrison, Arkansas

Harrison schools are part of the Harrison School District, known for its strong academic and extracurricular programs.

 

Harrison also offers private and religious charter schools, giving families several options for their child’s education. Harrison has something for everyone if you’re seeking top-notch public schooling or a faith-based learning environment.

 

The Harrison Public School District includes a preschool, kindergarten, two elementary schools, one middle schools, and a high school. This year, many of the schools in the district ranked in the top 10% of the state for academic excellence.

 

North Arkansas College offers degree programs, trade school training, and community courses for higher education, making it a great resource for students getting a bachelor’s degree or developing their skills.

 

Top Employers in Boone County, Arkansas

The primary industries in Boone County are manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and education. Also, small businesses do well in Harrison due to tourism, a supportive community, and a great location.

 

According to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the five largest employers for Boone County include:

• Fed-Ex Freight, Inc.
• North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
• Harrison School District
• Pace Industries, inc
• Walmart Stores, Inc.

 

The Harrison Walmart is store #2, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history. Opened in 1962, it was the second-ever Walmart location, following the first store in Rogers, Arkansas. Sam Walton’s vision for affordable, everyday products began to take shape with this store, helping lay the foundation for the retail giant we know today. The Harrison Walmart’s early success played a key role in the expansion of Walmart throughout the country.

 

Why Choose Harrison, Arkansas:

Harrison is a hidden gem in Arkansas. Its stunning surroundings, welcoming community, and affordable living make it an ideal place to invest your money, your time, and your life.

 

Its convenient location near cultural hotspots and large cities, combined with its small-town charm and big-town amenities, offers the best of both worlds!

 

Harrison shines with its culture, with annual events like Crawdad Days, bluegrass festivals, and annual holiday celebrations. This allows anyone to get involved with their community, especially when the natural beauty, murals, and museums Harrison offers is considered! In other words, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

 

Ready to experience Harrison? At Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, we have the realtors to make your move seamless.