Visit Batesville, AR | Experience Independence

Lyon College Bluff Trails

Batesville Motor Speedway

Batesville Community Center

Arkansas Scottish Festival

Endless Adventures

Poke Bayou

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Upcoming Events

Independence County knows how to do summer right. When the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, there are plenty of reasons to head outdoors. Stroll through downtown with a cold drink, then swap the sidewalk for a trail, the water, or a scenic drive.

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Experience Builder App

Get the all-new Experience Builder app, designed to revolutionize how residents and visitors explore everything the area offers. This comprehensive tool allows users to build a fully customized experience. The app is the go-to tool for discovering local attractions, planning weekend getaways, or finding the best dining and shopping spots. Users can create personalized itineraries that cater to their interests with just a few taps, making every visit unique and memorable.

Explore like a Local

Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park

Places to Visit

Independence County is a destination for those seeking one-of-a-kind experiences. Find eclectic shops, restaurants, and lodging in every corner of our tree-dotted county. Batesville is a vibrant college town with a unique history, award-winning parks, a thriving historic district, and family-friendly festivals. Explore places and see why HomeSnacks called Batesville “one of the best places to raise a family in Arkansas.”

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Shop Here

If a little retail therapy is what you need, find it in our wide variety of shopping destinations. Batesville is the region's retail hub with numerous national retail stores and local boutiques. Find your new dress for the next event or a UTV to take on our miles trails.

Shop Local

Good Eats

Independence County is a destination for foodies seeking one-of-a-kind dining experiences. We have your every taste bud covered with a collection of chains and local restaurants. Looking for something different? Visit one of our food trucks.

Try Local Faves

Stay Awhile

Independence County is the lodging hub for the Ozark Gateway region. The area provides several hotels and RV parks to meet any price range, conveniently near must-see attractions and dining destinations. Use our excellent lodging facilities as the launching pad for your next adventure!

Kick Back and Relax

Life's an Adventure

Batesville is a vibrant college town with a unique history. It’s the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™, the dirt-racing capital of the South, home to NASCAR legend Mark Martin, and the home of our state-of-the-art 112,000 sq. ft. Community Center & Aquatics Parks. The area is known for its outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, caving, climbing, scenic photography, and fishing. Batesville is the ultimate basecamp for your next adventure.

Experience Independence

Plan Your Event

Batesville is the premier destination for your next meeting, event, or conference. With a variety of venues, locations, accommodations, and amenities to choose from, we have the space and expertise to fit your needs. Check out our spaces and see why Independence County is the easiest place to plan your event.

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Christmas Capital of Arkansas®

Every winter, Arkansas's oldest city, Batesville, transforms into the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®. Visitors flock to this town to enjoy millions of dancing lights throughout our 35-acre Riverside Park. But the magic doesn't stop there—enjoy carriage rides, ice skating, a parade, a Ferris wheel, free movies, and much more!

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Upcoming Events

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Insider Info

The Insider’s Guide is the go-to publication for new and potential residents of Independence County. With sections focusing on recreation, shopping, dining, banking, real estate, healthcare, and much more. The Insider’s Guide is your road map to figuring out what it truly means to Experience Independence.

Batesville & Independence County Insider's Guide

Experiences

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Can't-Miss Things To Do In Batesville

Batesville is a vibrant college town, the dirt-racing capital of the South, and home to endless summer adventures. Check out this can't-miss things.

Sweet Treat Trail

Independence County is a destination for foodies seeking one-of-a-kind experiences. Add these sweet treats to your bucket list.

A Lodging Experience Unlike Any Other

The Royal on Main, a luxury boutique hotel located on Main Street in Batesville, Arkansas, is the only lodging available in Historic Downtown Batesville.

A Launchpad to the Ozarks

Batesville, Arkansas, is a destination. A historic yet vibrantly progressive community nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Batesville has something to offer every traveler.

Our Great Outdoors

Independence County offers anabundance of options for the most seasoned outdoorsmen, as well as for folks from the big city looking to get back in touch with nature.

College or Adventure Park?

Is it a college campus or an adventure park? That question may run through your head when you discover what the campus of Lyon College has to offer, not just to its students but to the public.

Fastest Place on Dirt

For almost 50 years, dirt track racing has been a part of the culture of Independence County.

Comfort Suites is Ready When You Are

It is no misstatement to say that the economic disruption by the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak has severely crippled the travel industry, including the tens of thousands of our nation’s hotels.

A Very Melba Christmas

There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than watching your favorite Christmas movie.

From Eyesore to Destination

The story of Maxfield Park centers around what makes the Batesville community great, its people.

The Historic Melba Theater roars back to life (again)

The iconic Melba Theater, located in historic downtown Batesville, has been the crown jewel of the local entertainment scene since its restoration was completed in August 2016.

A Place to Call Home

Independence County is a great place to visit, but it’s an even better place to live. Residents don’t have to look far for a place to live.

Public Safety Trendsetter

Batesville’s recent acknowledgment with the Trendsetter Award for Public Safety comes after several years of increased attention for local and state-wide outreach in public safety.

Making an IMPACT in Downtown Batesville

Downtown Batesville has come roaring back to life in recent years.

Forward in Education

Independence County prioritizes children, families, and growth at all stages.

Award-Winning Healthcare

Accessible, first-rate medical care in Independence County has elevated the quality of life for residents.

Creating the Green Standard

Batesville has taken bold action to invest in the future by turning to innovative technology and strategic, long-term planning for infrastructure.

Christmas Lights + Festive Nights

Each winter, Riverside Park transforms into the shimmering wonderland that earned Batesville the title Christmas Capital of Arkansas®. This year, the tradition continues with new attractions, expanded displays, and a reimagined layout designed to make the 2025 season the most magical yet.

Batesville Experience Builder App

Experience Independence County like an Insider with the all-new Experience Builder app.

White River Wonderland Returns to Riverside Park

Nov. 4, 2022 — Each winter, the light display that earned Batesville recognition as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™ takes over Riverside Park for locals and visitors to experience a magical holiday season on the White River

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A&P Comission

The City of Batesville Advertising and Promotions Commission determines the use of the city A&P funds generated by a 3% lodging tax for accommodations within the city limits of Batesville, Arkansas.

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Event Grants

The City of Batesville’s A&P Commission is proud to make Event Grants available to promote tourism and increase hotel stays within the city limits of Batesville.

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