Recreational hotspot that wrestles with reputation
Inside Arkansas, the city of Harrison is known for its historic downtown, laidback vibe and access to the Buffalo River, one of the state’s premier attractions. Outside of the state, however, this small town of about 13,000 is mostly known for its complicated history with racism. A little more than 100 years ago it was the site of race riots that effectively pushed African Americans out of Boone County for decades and paved the way for white supremacist groups to take root. Since then, it has been the subject of news reports from outlets like ABC and CNN that portrayed the city in a negative light. In recent years, the city and its race relations task force have been battling with a small group of white supremacists to improve Harrison’s reputation.
“I don’t think people outside of Harrison understand our community,” says city native Tina Farmer, genealogist at the Boone County Library in Harrison. “They might see a bad headline, but they’re not seeing the second and third generations of people living here. We’re a welcoming community. Those others are a very small minority.”
Harrison is a growing community with plenty of opportunity.
Fishing, walking, running and cycling are popular activities around Lake Harrison.
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Continuing fight to change the city's image
The Harrison Community Task Force on Race Relations was created in 2003 to address the city’s image. Unfortunately, white supremacists living in the area soon began attending its public meetings. The task force was originally intended to be a six-month project, but it has become a staple of community activism more than two decades later. In 2012, it hosted the Non-Violent Youth Summit organized by the state’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. In 2013, when racist billboards began appearing and once again put a negative national spotlight on the city, the task force began a years-long fight to have them removed. One billboard on private property remains, but the task force continues its efforts to take it down. In 2022, Harrison native Ebony Mitchell was crowned Miss Arkansas. A woman of color, she has since used her platform to work with the task force on its mission to promote the city as accepting of all, regardless of race.
Harrison is home to the 2022 Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell.
A colorful mural greets visitors to downtown Harrison.
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Buffalo River is at heart of region's tourism
The Buffalo River winds its way through rural northern Arkansas just 20 minutes south of the city. It was designated as a national river in 1972 and has become a destination for outdoors enthusiasts. The river is surrounded by the picturesque bluffs of the Ozarks, making it especially popular for canoeing, hiking and camping. “I’ve been here since it was just a regular river that locals used,” Farmer says. “The tourism industry here has grown so much.”
Lake Harrison, located just outside the city’s historic downtown, is surrounded by a 3-mile walking trail and is a prime spot for fishing and kayaking. Equity Bank Sports Complex is the city’s premier recreational destination. Its baseball and softball fields host local, regional and national events. The Creekside Community & Aquatics Center is a popular new addition. “We’re still a community that is active with all age groups,” says Farmer, who compares Creekside to a YMCA facility. The Anstaff Soccer Complex hosts several large-scale events, including the Fire in the Sky Fourth of July celebration and the annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship. Golfers can hit the links at Harrison Country Club, part of the community since 1924.
The Buffalo River is a unique national park a short drive outside Harrison.
Residents enjoy the shade of a large tree at the Wonder Willa Playground.
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Low cost of living in convenient rural setting
The median sales price of $200,000 is about 20 percent lower than the state median. Anchored by its attractive housing prices, the city’s cost of living is nearly 25 percent lower than the national average. “People come here to be close to Branson and Northwest Arkansas, but they want to be outside of the larger cities and have a country feel,” Farmer says. Ranch-style homes on spacious lots are common throughout the city. Small older homes are among the cheapest options, while large acreage homes are the city’s most expensive. Contemporary homes in subdivision settings are built with brick construction to make them energy efficient. Winters in the mountainous regions of north Arkansas are cold and often snowy. Summers tend to be hot and muggy. Harrison also experiences its share of severe weather, including the occasional tornado.
Ranch style homes line a residential street in Harrison.
A stately Mansard style home brings architectural variety to Harrison.
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Historic downtown home to Lyric Theatre, quaint collection of shops and eateries
Downtown Harrison is home to a collection of retail shops, independents businesses, quaint eateries and cultural attractions. The heart of the historic district is known as the square, whose central attractions include the Lyric Theatre. The performing-arts venue, which opened in 1929, was renovated by the Ozarks Arts Council in 1999. The Hotel Seville, which also opened in 1929, and the Boone County Heritage Museum, which is housed in the original Harrison High School building, are additional downtown attractions. More shopping and dining options, including an array of restaurants that feature everything from steaks to sushi, are concentrated along U.S. Highway 65, the city’s primary thoroughfare.
Downtown Harrison is filled with historic architecture.
Harrison residents frequent locally owned restaurants like Boba Joes.
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Harrison School District earns an A-minus from Niche
The Harrison School District comprises two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. It serves more than 2,700 students and is rated A-minus by Niche.
Harrison Middle School is part of the Harrison public school district.
Harrison High School is home to the Goblins.
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Easy access to Boone County Regional Airport, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
U.S. Highway 65, which bisects this car-dependent city, provides easy access to local travel. Nearby U.S. Route 412 provides direct access to Mountain Home and more outdoor adventures about 50 miles east. North Arkansas Transportation Service offers public transportation for personal needs. Medicare will reimburse the cost of trips for medical purposes. Harrison is home to the Boone County Regional Airport and the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center.
Crime in Harrison
Per statistics from the Harrison City Police Department, property crime dropped 11 percent between 2023 and 2024, while violent crime rose 12 percent during the same time period.
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Photography Contributed By
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Video By
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WOW!! Country living just minutes from town! And that back porch! This newly remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on 4 acres just off a paved road for easy access. The property also includes a separate heated and cooled 1-bedroom, 1-bath tiny home featuring a tankless water heater. Perfect for guests or multi-generational living. Major updates include a new roof, HVAC system, septic system,
Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled in one of Harrison’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Featuring newer LifeProof flooring, this home offers both style and durability throughout the main living spaces. The windows, just a couple of years old, allow natural light to fill the home while adding to its efficiency and comfort. The layout is both practical and inviting,
Welcome to this well-maintained home in a highly desirable neighborhood, tucked away on a quiet street yet conveniently located near major employers, the airport, and shopping. This 1,170 sq ft, 3-bed, 2-bath home with a 2-car garage sits on a spacious ¼-acre lot and offers the ease of single-level living no stairs to worry about. New roof (2022) New central gas heat (2024) New 2.5-ton HVAC
Ten minutes. That’s all it takes to leave town behind. One minute you’re in Harrison... the next, you’re turning down your drive, watching the world quiet down around you. No noise. No rush. Just 28± acres of space to breathe.Mornings start slow here—coffee on the wraparound porch, mist rising off one of four ponds, deer moving through the distance. Evenings feel the same way... quiet,
Ten minutes from Harrison—but it feels like a different pace of life. You pull in, the noise fades, & suddenly everything slows down. Just 5+/- acres of your own space—enough to breathe, spread out, & actually enjoy. Mornings start on the wraparound porch with coffee & quiet. Evenings end the same way—watching the light fade, no rush to be anywhere else. This is the kind of setup that gives you
Tucked at the end of the road between Harrison and Mountain Home, this tranquil, peaceful retreat offers privacy on just over 18 wooded acres. This 3-story cabin-style home features 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, with year-round Clear Creek frontage and views from the entire back of the home. A thoughtfully designed waterfall feature, blooming flowers, and lush surroundings create a setting that
Looking for pasture to run livestock or a place to build with privacy and a view? Come take a look at this 70 acre parcel of mostly pasture, all fenced, electric and water available, 1/2 mile of seasonal creek to enjoy.
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-3!!! Fresh, updated, and move-in ready! This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home on Glines Ct has been refreshed where it counts, featuring fresh paint, new laminate flooring, and new carpet in two of the bedrooms. The updated kitchen offers a clean, modern feel with plenty of workspace for everyday living. You’ll love the convenience of a separate laundry area and the
WOW!! Country living just minutes from town! And that back porch! This newly remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on 4 acres just off a paved road for easy access. The property also includes a separate heated and cooled 1-bedroom, 1-bath tiny home featuring a tankless water heater. Perfect for guests or multi-generational living. Major updates include a new roof, HVAC system, septic system,
3BR 2BA home on nice corner lot, partial basement with possible 4th bedroom or hobby room, workshop area in the basement, large rock fireplace with gas logs. Open floor plan with a large kitchen area with plenty of cabinets and counter space, newer gas range. New vinyl plank flooring, large deck on the back and fenced yard for the kids and pets.
Neat 2BR 1 BA cottage overlooking the Harrison skyline. Landscaped yard, beautiful wood floors, original wood trim, kitchen and bath have been updated in the past, rooms are nice sized, and the house exudes the romance of yester year. Double carport with storage is accessed from the alley at the back of the house. New roof on the house & the carport! This one deserves your attention.
Beautiful 1.47-acre lot with beautiful trees and so much potential. Located in Meriwether Pond inside Harrison city limits, this is Lot #4 in a quiet setting known for its natural beauty and spacious homesites. Gas, electricity, and water are available. An excellent opportunity to build a custom home in a peaceful setting.
Exceptional 27-acre property featuring a 7,000+ sq ft home with 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2 half baths. Designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, this property offers a spacious layout with a large kitchen complete with marble tile floors, breakfast nook, and a separate dining area—ideal for everyday living and entertaining. A generously sized pantry provides ample storage and
Welcome to your private sanctuary on 1.6 acres in one of Harrison’s most desirable neighborhoods. This custom-built home offers 6,979 sq. ft. with 7 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, ideal for comfortable living and entertaining. Inside, enjoy soaring ceilings, spacious rooms, and a chef’s kitchen. Two large living areas share a double-sided wood-burning fireplace, creating warmth throughout. Unique
Charming 2-story home full of character and conveniently located near the hospital and grocery store. This 3-bedroom, 1 bath property has 1370 square feet and features beautiful wood floors that add warmth and appeal throughout. The home offers a functional layout with plenty of sunlight and space to make it your own. New water heater, Washer and Dryer to convey.
Welcome to The Dels - Harrison in Harrison, AR!The Dels Corporation was founded in 2018 with the goal of providing sustainable, short term housing options throughout the Midwest. Inspired by minimalism & eco-conscious lifestyles, we connect locals with our community-based approach to short term housing, food service, and event hosting.We offer furnished and unfurnished floor plan
2 bedroom, 1 bath home with a 1 car garage. All electric one level, new interior paint & flooring. Agent Owned. No Pets No Smoking. application required.
Welcome to Rock Springs! We are the brand new premier apartment community, in Harrison, Arkansas! You'll enjoy a spacious 1, 2 or 3 bedroom home with a modern farmhouse feel. Some of our amenities include a resort style pool, playground, and dog park. For more information, please contact us today!
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