Historic Sites

History Abounds in this River Town

Van Buren’s Main Street is six blocks of beautifully restored buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and make up our Main Street National Historic District.  These buildings are home to unique shops, boutiques, salons, galleries and restaurants.

Gracing Main Street for well over a hundred years, the beautifully-restored King Opera House sets the stage with its vibrant theatrical offerings and whispers the presence of a once earnest and intrepid actor, now haunting the backstage and still looking for work.

Van Buren’s Public Square presents its Italian-inspired county courthouse and the rugged one-room Albert Pike school house in the midst of a gracefully landscaped garden setting.

Museum Collections

As you explore the historic aspects of Van Buren be sure to browse a sampling of collections from the Van Buren River Valley Museum Association and the Bob Burns family displayed in both the Visitors Center in the old Frisco Train Station and the King Opera House located in downtown.