Want to get a taste of wine country? Or, maybe you’ve been dreaming of a European adventure? Well, you’re in luck. There’s a place right here in Arkansas where you can experience both (and a whole lot more) – and it’s Altus!
Southern charm and old world charm collide in Altus, a small rural town known for its German-Swiss heritage, coal mining roots, and abundance of wineries.
arkansas.com
Start your visit to Altus at the Heritage House Museum, where you can learn all about the region’s history.
City of Altus/Facebook
As you make your way through Altus, you’re sure to notice a trend – Alpine-style architecture – and that’s no coincidence.
Sonia Polston/Google Altus is proud of its German-Swiss heritage and has taken great care to preserve it.
Wineries and vineyards are also abundant in Altus – and that’s no coincidence, either.
Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards and Winery/Facebook Each year, thousands of visitors trek to Arkansas Wine Country to savor award-winning wines and tour wineries – and Altus is right in the middle of it all!
During your visit, spend some time exploring one (or all) of Altus’ four wineries – Post Winery, Mount Bethel Winery, Chateau Aux Arc, and Dionysus Wine and Brew.
Anna/Flickr
Two more wineries, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars and Neumeier Winery, can be found in the nearby Wiederkehr Village.
Wiederkehr Weinkeller Restaurant/Facebook
All of the wineries offer tours and operate tasting rooms, and some boast extra amenities, like a gift shop, inn, and full-fledged restaurant.
Wiederkehr Weinkeller Restaurant/Facebook
Like most small towns, Altus features a town square surrounded by shops and eateries. The city park lies at the center of the square. Make sure to stop by and check out the coal mining memorials.
City of Altus/Facebook
St. Mary’s Catholic Church is another must-see while in Altus. Dating back to 1902, it’s revered for its paintings and ornate gold leaf work.
LRD615/Flickr
If you decide to extend your stay beyond one day, consider exploring areas outside of Altus. In nearby Paris, there’s Cowie Wine Cellars and the Arkansas Historic Wine Museum.
LRD615/Flickr
Mt. Magazine State Park, the Ozark National Forest, and the Mulberry River are some other great visits within an hour’s drive from Altus.
Barbara M/TripAdvisor
For an extra special treat, coordinate your visit with Altus’ annual Grape Festival, which is always the last Saturday of July.
Doug Wertman/Wikimedia
arkansas.com
City of Altus/Facebook
Sonia Polston/Google
Altus is proud of its German-Swiss heritage and has taken great care to preserve it.
Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards and Winery/Facebook
Each year, thousands of visitors trek to Arkansas Wine Country to savor award-winning wines and tour wineries – and Altus is right in the middle of it all!
Anna/Flickr
Wiederkehr Weinkeller Restaurant/Facebook
LRD615/Flickr
Barbara M/TripAdvisor
Doug Wertman/Wikimedia
Well, what do you think? Are you ready to plan a trip to Altus? Check out the state of Arkansas website to learn more about the unique little town and all it has to offer.
So, did you know about Altus? Ever visited? If so, what’d you do during your visit? Tell us!
This isn’t the only Arkansas town that’s perfect for a day trip. Click here to read about a tiny town with a BIG reputation.
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Address: Altus, AR, USA
