Magnolia, Arkansas travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Magnolia is a city in Timberlands region of Arkansas.

3 places to eat · 3 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Arcadia)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
ELD South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field, El Dorado — 25 mi away. Directions
TXK Texarkana Regional Airport (Webb Field), Texarkana — 45 mi away. Directions
DAL Dallas Love Field, Dallas — 211 mi away (major hub). Directions

Magnolia is located off HWY 79, southwest of Pine Bluff. Bounding south, at the intersection of HWY 79 and 82 E. you'll find Magnolia's business district. The closest major cities are Texarkana, TX; Little Rock, AR; and Shreveport, LA. These three cities are major not only for its commerce, but for its airports as well. The best way route of transportation is a motor vehicle, but If you need to fly in, you will need to come into one of these airport locations and then rent a car!

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Food for you

In addition to unique dining establishments, chains such as Dairy Queen, KFC and McDonald's are well-represented.

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Get in

Get around

Magnolia is pretty large in acreage, but the bulk of its commerce, residences, and other facilities are located radially from the court square. If you know North St., Jackson St., Vine St., Main St.(US HWY 371 S. and 82 E.), and US HWY 79 you can get anywhere and everywhere in the city. These streets take you to the churches, banks, eateries, shops, etc. the town has to offer. Not to mention, most of these streets take you to the historical Court Square!

See

Magnolia Trees Magnolia derives its name from the approximately one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old (per the Hester Brothers' best recollection) Magnolia trees that surround the downtown courthouse. The downtown area is clean, vital and features several murals chronicling Magnolia's history.
World Championship Steak Cook-Off, which has been featured on the Food Network. The festival takes place on the third weekend in May and is a popular stop for Arkansas politicians stumping for office.
Southern Arkansas University (SAU). SAU is known for its world-class rodeo team and agricultural business program.
Wilson Memorial Garden Just off the square. Magnolia is overflowing with its magnificent art and murals, but as a new structure, this garden is absolutely breath taking from the waterfalls to the vast collection of botanicles.