Major city · United States
MagnoliaMagnolia, Arkansas
Give Magnolia one night, or a half-day stop on US 79/US 82: the courthouse square, murals and a steak dinner. Two nights only if SAU or Logoly is the point.
Magnolia is a small south-Arkansas town built around a courthouse square ringed by old magnolia trees, with murals, a university campus and a state park north of town. It sits on US 79 and US 82, between Pine Bluff and Texarkana, and almost everyone arrives by car. The square is the whole visit; the rest is a base for Logoly State Park and Lake Columbia.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity), late May festival weekend if you want a quiet square
- Airports
- TXK · LIT · SHV
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Magnolia911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Magnolia Chamber of Commerce+1 870-234-4352
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Magnolia, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA quiet small town; the practical risks are highway driving, summer heat and long gaps between services, not crime.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 870-234-4352 Magnolia Chamber of Commerce
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTXK Texarkana Regional (About 45–60 min west by car; small schedule, mostly connections).
- Getting aroundA car is the realistic option: the town spreads out from the square and there is no useful local transit for visitors.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–5
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–35
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$120
- Mid-range bedHighway motel double room, a night, per roomUS$110
- High-end bedHighway motel double room, a night, per roomUS$160
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TXK Texarkana Regional (About 45–60 min west by car; small schedule, mostly connections) · LIT Bill and Hillary Clinton National, Little Rock (About 2.5 h northeast by car; the practical airport for this corner of the state) · SHV Shreveport Regional (About 1.5–2 h south by car)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Mar
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Care*
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov. Mixed: May. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest May (10 rain days), driest Aug (7). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Magnolia: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
8 rd
Feb
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the realistic option: the town spreads out from the square and there is no useful local transit for visitors. From the square, Main St (US 371 S / US 82 E), North St, Jackson St and Vine St cover most of what you need. Logoly State Park and Lake Columbia both need a drive.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Logoly State Park
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Drive north of town on US 79, then local roads
Arkansas's first environmental education state park; short trails and a visitor centre. Check current hours before driving out.
Lake Columbia
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Drive west of the city
Fishing and water sports; bring your own gear, services are limited.
El Dorado
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
US 82 east by car
Bigger downtown with the Murphy Arts District; the natural next stop east.
Texarkana
cautionDoor to door: About 1–1.25 h
US 82 west by car
Useful mainly as the airport run or a state-line photo stop.
Pine Bluff
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
US 79 north by car
Too far for a comfortable return day; fold it into the drive north.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Court Square and downtown
Guest suites and the walkable square; best if you are here for one night without a car errand.
E Main St / US 82 strip
Motels on the highway edge of town; free parking, 5–10 min drive to the square.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–180 excl. bed
- High
- $180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Highway motel double room1 × 1 night × US$110 | US$110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$70 | US$70 |
| Fuel, about 150 km of local driving1 × US$15 | US$15 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$48 |
| Trip total≈ US$262 per person per day, bed included | US$523 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; prices before sales tax. Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–5 |
| BBQ plate or ribs | $12–22 |
| Cafeteria plate with pie | $10–16 |
| Motel room, midweekHigher on festival weekends. | $70–160 |
| Fuel, per gallon | $3–4 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–35 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances between towns here are long and cell coverage thins on the back roads; fill the tank before leaving US 79 or US 82.
- Summer heat and humidity are the real hazard: plan the square and murals for morning.
- Columbia County was dry and has since allowed alcohol sales, but individual restaurants and stores may still not serve or sell it.
- Festival weekend in May fills the few rooms in town: book ahead or sleep in El Dorado.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Magnolia Chamber of Commerce
- +1 870-234-4352
Pocket card
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MagnoliaMagnolia, Arkansas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Magnolia Chamber of Commerce+1 870-234-4352
Embassy
No embassies or consulates in Magnolia; the nearest consulates are in Houston, Dallas or New Orleans.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Texarkana Regional → Magnolia by car: about 45–60 min
- Little Rock airport → Magnolia by car: about 2.5 h
- Fuel, per gallon: $3–4
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the courthouse square? — Where is the courthouse square?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Magnolia. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity), late May festival weekend if you want a quiet square · month by month →
- 3 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for TXK, LIT and SHV: last sensible arrival times, rental-car desks, overnight rung.
- Square walking cluster with rescue anchors: courthouse, murals, Wilson Memorial Garden, Magnolia Arts.
- Place pages with verified hours (Logoly State Park, Magnolia Arts, SAU campus) and eat pages with last orders.
- Festival and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.