Magnolia, AR Summary

This rather lively college town lies 26 miles from the Louisiana border in the southern region of the state at the crossroads of Hwys 371 and 82. Home to the Southern Arkansas University, the city of 10,858 people once based its economy around oil before the lumber and chemical manufacturing industries became the town’s mainstay commercial activities.

Magnolia is indicative of most Southern places, with its classic town square and courthouse. The city is also billowing with magnolia trees—from which the town derived its name. The place is filled with people during the 3-day Magnolia Blossom Festival, held each spring.

Just 5 miles south of town is Lake Columbia, where the locals like to cast a line to fish or take a refreshing dip.

Sprinkled around the fringe of the city are isolated derricks, recalling the old gushers that once brought fortunes to Magnolia and nearby El Dorado.

The nearest commercial airport is located to the west at Texarkana, or there is one 70 miles south at Shreveport, Louisiana.