Monticello, AR

Travel Guide

Visit this easygoing city during your Arkansas explorations to discover a city that offers striking architecture, museums and shopping malls.

Explore a picturesque downtown district and lively university campus in Monticello, a gateway to the Arkansas Delta Byways. Established in 1849, Monticello was built to serve as the seat of Drew County, went on to witness a number of small battles during the Civil War and later grew to become one of the Arkansas Delta’s most significant agricultural, commercial and educational centers.

At the heart of Monticello’s city center is the Historic North Main Street, featuring a collection of more than 20 Victorian-era houses. One example is Allen House, which is open for guided tours and ghost experiences. Just a minute’s walk north is the First Presbyterian Church, founded in 1860. Step inside to admire its series of stained-glass windows.

Head south along Main Street to pass the picturesque Monticello Square and the art deco Drew County Courthouse. Nearby is the Drew County Historical Museum, home to displays of 19th-century antiques and artifacts. Go to Oakland Cemetery to see the Monticello Confederate Monument, dedicated to Drew County’s Confederate soldiers.

Spend some time browsing the antique stores, boutiques, independent fashion outlets and thrift shops of Monticello’s center. The Marketplace is an Aladdin’s cave of cowhides, furniture and pottery, among other heritage items. Satisfy your taste buds at the city’s many restaurants, which range from classic America dishes to Asian, Italian and Mexican cuisine.

A 10-minute drive south from the city center is the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Here, the Turner Neal Museum of Natural History has displays of amphibians, fossils, reptiles and mammals. Gaze at galaxies, planets and stars in the Pomeroy Planetarium and watch concerts and theater productions at the Fine Arts Center.

On a pleasant day, visit the enormous Lake Monticello to boat, fish for bass and relax with a picnic. About a 1-hour drive away is Moro Bay State Park. This riverside recreational area has a boating lake, campsites, picnic areas, playgrounds and walking trails.

Monticello is 190 miles (306 kilometers) southwest of Memphis International Airport. Rent a car and explore the Arkansas Delta Byways, which showcase the cultural and geographical diversity of Arkansas. Nearby is the Arkansas Great River Road National Scenic Byway and the Arkansas Delta African-American Heritage Trail.

Holiday Inn Express Monticello by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Monticello by IHG

2.5 out of 5
146 Dearman Dr, Monticello, AR
Fully refundable
$97 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$111 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Monticello. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (419 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Monticello by IHG
Hampton Inn Monticello

Hampton Inn Monticello

2.5 out of 5
480 Hwy 425 N, Monticello, AR
$106 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$122 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Monticello. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Town Square Park and Western Pine Park are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (389 reviews)
We shall return!
"My ranking of 4-stars is as high a ranking as I ever give for a bargain price chain hotel. The bed was comfortable, the room was clean, and the bathroom was nicely appointed. Evening tea and coffee service was not good. The hot water provided to make tea was barely warm, and the tea selection included ..."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Hampton Inn Monticello
Super 8 by Wyndham Monticello AR

Super 8 by Wyndham Monticello AR

2 out of 5
306 Highway 425 N, Monticello, AR
$55 nightly
The price is $63 total per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
$63 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Monticello. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Town Square Park and Southeast ...
7.2/10 Good! (285 reviews)
"It was quiet and very affordable, we love super 8 motel"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Monticello AR
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.
Turn On Inn

Turn On Inn

3 out of 5
3768 US 65 & 82, Lake Village, AR
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Lake Village. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attraction Stuart Island is located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
"It was such a cute get away. I definitely will be booking again."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Turn On Inn
Red Leaf Cottages

Red Leaf Cottages

3 out of 5
4589 US-82, Lake Village, AR 71653, 09, Lake Village, AR
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Lake Village. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attraction Harlow's Casino Resort & Spa is located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
A small Slice of Heaven
"Are stay was very enjoyable. I did not give completely five stars because the furniture, sofas, in the cabin were not comfortable to sit in at all. And there was black mold on the patio floors out front. Would I Stay again? Absolutely I would! Thank you for allowing us to keep our service dog with ..."

Reviewed on May 10, 2025

Red Leaf Cottages
Lake views in family sized cabin for up to 9!

Lake views in family sized cabin for up to 9!

2 out of 5
Lake Village
Stay at this vacation home in Lake Village. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Stuart Island is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Clean and a lot of room."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025

Lake views in family sized cabin for up to 9!
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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