Welcome to downtown Cotter, Arkansas

This historic railroad town, located on the banks of the beautiful White River, has had some lean times in the past. But we've got great bones! Fine old buildings, a nice mix of interesting friendly people, and what we think is the most beautiful natural location in America make Cotter a great place to be.

Cotter, Arkansas: Historic railroad town in a bend in the White River

This panoramic view of Cotter shows the town's beautiful location in a horseshoe bend of the trout-laden White River. This topographical map from Microsoft's Terraserver shows more details.

Cotter, Arkansas: Two churches used for new purposes

Looking east up Combs Street from 2nd Street, a couple of blocks from Highway 62B, you see the old Presbyterian Church, now housing offices. Up the hill is the old Methodist Church, now a private home where many fine nights of music are happening. Some of the many cozy residences fill the block between.

Looking south on Second Street toward the White River

This view south on 2nd Street toward McLean and the White River shows the "poured building" (see below) which now houses a church; the Billingsley building; an old car dealership; and the old Masonic Hall which is now a private residence.

Cotter, Arkansas: The "Poured" Building

This is a closer view of the "poured building" in a little rain shower during the 2000 Arts, Antiques, and Architecture...A Cotter Open House festival. The 2002 festival dates are September 27 (A White River Shore Lunch Fish Fry with music) and September 28 (parade, arts, crafts, antiques, historic programs).

Cotter, Arkansas: The old "Billingsley Building"

The Billingsley building (above) has become the "Cotter Hair Studio" plus living quarters for a new family from Louisiana.

Cotter, Arkansas: South on 2nd Street

The old church pew outside the Billingsley building (see above) looks across the street at Tom Taylor's Superette (with the awning) across the street. The little building closest to you which is covered with Virginia Creeper, just this side of the Superette, is the old post office. Across McLean Street, catty-cornered from the Billingsley Building, is the old Bank and Waverley Hotel (see below).

Cotter, Arkansas: Old bank building and Waverley Hotel

This beautiful old building once housed the Baxter County Bank and the Waverley Hotel. It's corner, 2nd Street and McLean, is considered the center of downtown. It is now the home of "Rainbow Bridge Treasures."The building to the south is now "Firehouse Antiques." (Contrary to its looks, it was never a firehouse.)

Cotter, Arkansas: West on McLean

Cotter, Arkansas: City Hall on McLean

On the north side of McLean is Cotter City Hall -- This building may not be one of the most architecturally interesting in town, but it's clean and sturdy and filled with helpful, smiling people. Drop in and say "Hi!" sometime.