In the scenic foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Dover, Arkansas, offers a unique blend of small-town charm, rich history, natural beauty and unexplained mysteries. If you’re considering making a move to this quiet community, we think you’ll discover that Dover is an excellent place to live, where life slows down just enough to enjoy the little things, while still having access to all the necessities and conveniences modern life demands.
Jail at Dover Arkansas
Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas
A Glimpse into Dover’s History
Dover was incorporated on December 31, 1852, with its roots tracing back to the early settlers who were drawn to the area by the fertile land and the promise of a peaceful life. The town became a significant local hub, with agriculture playing a central role in its development.
The town served as Pope County's seat from 1841 to 1887. During the Civil War, the town suffered several setbacks, including the burning of the courthouse in 1865. Dover also played a central role in the Pope County Militia War of 1872-1873.
In 1878, storm damage to the courthouse led to talks about moving the county seat. The arrival of the railroad 8 miles south of Dover and the growth of Russellville as a business center led to a gradual shift in the county's focus. After years of debate and legal challenges, the county seat was officially moved to Russellville in 1887.
Dover certainly had it’s share of struggles, but this lovely town, through the determination of the people who chose to call Dover home, have time and again enabled it to rise from the ashes — even literally! In 1930, Dover suffered a major fire that destroyed over half of its commercial district and several homes.
By Photolitherland at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48102081
Fun and Little Known Facts about Dover
Dover is one of the oldest towns in Pope County, known for its historical significance in the region.
The town’s proximity to the Ozark National Forest provides residents and visitors with easy access to some of the most beautiful hiking trails and outdoor adventures in Arkansas.
Dover was once a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail Route, a crucial communication link between St. Louis and San Francisco in the mid-1800s.
The Dover Public School District, though small, has been recognized for its dedication to providing quality education in a close-knit, supportive environment.
A lesser-known fact is that Dover played a small role in the Civil War, with local skirmishes and historical landmarks still echoing those times.
Neighborhoods and Living in Dover
Dover’s neighborhoods are characterized by their spacious lots, well-maintained homes, and friendly neighbors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy starter home, a family-friendly environment, or a bit more land for that rural feel, Dover offers a range of options.
Downtown Dover: This area is the heart of the community, where you’ll find historic homes alongside newer developments. The downtown area is perfect for those who appreciate a walkable lifestyle with access to local shops, cafes, and community spaces.
Dover Heights: Located on the outskirts of town, this neighborhood offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Homes here often come with larger plots, making it ideal for families or those who desire more privacy and space.
Cedar Creek Estates: A newer development, Cedar Creek Estates is popular among young professionals and families. With modern amenities and proximity to schools and parks, it’s a great place to settle down.
Education in Dover
The Dover School District serves the community with a commitment to excellence in education. The district includes Dover Elementary School, Dover Middle School, and Dover High School, each known for their strong academic programs and extracurricular activities. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the schools are deeply integrated into the community, with events and sports that bring everyone together.
The Dover School District is located at 9371 Market Street Dover, Arkansas 72837. 479-331-2916
Dover Elementary School
Dover Elementary is located at 75 Pine Hill Road, Dover, Arkansas 72837Phone: (479) 331-2702
The Mission of Dover Elementary
At Dover elementary school we believe in building a welcoming environment that fosters love, safety, and full connections to meet the needs of the whole child. In our school we will build relationships, assess student needs, and create a positive school culture for all. Our goal is for students, families, staff, and community members to collaborate and provide a safe learning environment to help each student reach their full potential.
Vision
We are Pirates:
We Will:
PERSEVERE
INFLUENCE
RESPECT
ACHIEVE
THINK
ENCOURAGE
SUCCEED
Dover Middle School
Dover Middle School is located at 135 College St, Dover, AR 72837 (479) 331-4814
The mission of Dover Middle School is to promote a respectful, collaborative, positive learning environment in which a strong work ethic, integrity, and real-world critical thinking skills be be encouraged and developed through rigorous academic standards and developmentally appropriate character improvement in order to facilitate a growth mindset.
Vision: Pirates Pride
Prepared
Inspiring
Respectful
Appreciative
Team Player
Empathy
Safety
Practice and show respect
Responsibility
Integrity
Display willingness to learn
Effort
Dover High School
Dover High is located at 101 Pirates' Loop, Dover, AR 72837. 479.331.2120
The mission of Dover High School is to cultivate students who embody the characteristics of an ideal pirate who are goal oriented, persevering, civically responsible and kind.
Photo by Brad Sims. Long Pool. Dover, Arkansas. 2021.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/issafly/51640335206
Places to Visit & Things to Do
Mack's Pines
22816 Hwy. 7 N, Dover, AR 72837
Mack's Pines, located among the 36 total miles of U.S. Forest Service trails at Moccasin Gap, is a great destination for ATV riding, hiking, horseback riding, biking (bring your own), camping and more. Cabin rentals, RV sites and primitive camping available and the Cozy Cafe provides onsite dining.
Moore Outdoors
53 Old Hwy 7, Dover, AR 72837
Renting canoes, rafts, and kayaks and shuttling whitewater paddlers on Big Piney Creek or hikers on Arkansas' own Ozark Highland Trail! Our outpost is centrally located just four miles off of Scenic Highway 7, ten miles north of Dover, and only five miles from Long Pool Recreation Area and Campground, making it convenient to stop by the store and pick up whitewater supplies or snacks & drinks.
Long Pool Falls
12000 SR27, Dover, AR 72837
Discover the falls in the Long Pool Recreation Area & Campground along Big Piney Creek.
Big Piney Cabins
160 Long Pool Road, Dover, AR 72837
Fully furnished one bedroom, one bath cabin with large loft sleeps up to seven. Features satellite television, electric fireplace, large front park and deck, outdoor fire pit (bring your own firewood) and beside Jacuzzi.
Drewry Farm & Orchards
267 Vaughns Circle, Dover, AR 72837
Drewry Farm & Orchard open seasonally Spring through Fall. Visit the on-site farm market and farm kitchen for fresh produce and delicious breakfast offerings.
Front Porch Breakfast and Farm Market: Open to the public Saturdays (seasonally) from 7am-12pm - line wait may very.
Peaches, apples, other produce, and 100's of pumpkins all grown on location.
Indian Creek Cabin
7665 Treat Road, Dover, AR 72837
Log-sided cabin located less than one mile from the Helton's Farm put-in on Big Piney Creek, secluded, on private land within the Ozark National Forest. Jacuzzi in the bedroom, rock fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, coffee maker, microwave; queen bed, large shower with seat; wrap-around porch with 16-foot deck on front; canoe, raft and kayak rental, shuttle service available
Russellville Country Club
186 Country Club Plaza, Dover, AR 72837
The Russellville Country Club features a complete 18-hole course with three tees for each hole, men's, women's and kids' programs, a full-service snack bar and pro shop and a variety of club membership categories to accommodate all lifestyles and budgets.
Long Pool Recreation Area & Campground
12000 SR27, Dover, AR 72837
Long Pool Recreation Area lies along beautiful Big Piney Creek and offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities: camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Big Piney, a nationally designated a Scenic and Recreational River, offers visitors a variety of recreational experiences. A large natural pool, steep rock bluffs, and captivating forests are just a few examples of the natural beauty surrounding this recreation area. The recent addition of another camping loop offers 20 camping sites with water & electrical hook-ups. This camping loop is open year round. Long Pool Recreation Area is located within the Piney Creeks Wildlife Management Area, which provides hunting opportunities for many types of game during open seasons.
Fish & Game Guaranteed Guide Service
4389 SR164W, Dover, AR 72837
A float-fishing or float-hunting guide service tailored for one or two people where everything can be provided but your fishing or hunting license. Catch Smallmouth bass, hunt for squirrels or just go eagle watching and to photograph wildlife. Privacy, adventure, solitude, a true outdoor experience and the chance to catch fish and to view scenery that no one else experiences.
Fairview Trailhead
AR 7, Dover, AR 72837
This area is situated on Arkansas 7 which is noted as one of the 10 most scenic highways in the United States. Gorgeous fall colors can be seen in October and November. Dogwood and Redbud blossoms are abundant in early spring. Trailhead access to the Ozark Highlands Trail.
Ozark Memories Day
Ozark Memories Day is an annual cultural event held in Dover on the last weekend of September. OMD, as we like to call it, is both an expression of the past and of a very modern future.
And of course, we can’t leave out the mystery of Dover…
The Dover Lights
On a remote road in Pope County, Arkansas, abut 10 miles north of Dover is an overlook called "The Dover Lights." The Dover Lights phenomenon has persisted since the late 1800s, defying modern explanations. These mysterious lights, predating electricity, have spawned various origin theories. Some attribute them to ghostly miners' lanterns from a collapsed coal mine, while others link them to Spanish Conquistadors searching for gold or Native American spirits. The most elaborate tale involves a doctor seeking a lost silver mine, cautioning against taking what isn't yours. Despite technological advances, the Dover Lights remain an enduring local legend.
Dover City Hall
Why Dover?
Dover is more than just a place to live; it’s a community where people care about one another. The town offers a peaceful lifestyle, beautiful surroundings, and a rich history that adds character to everyday life. Whether you’re drawn to the outdoor adventures awaiting in the Ozarks, the tight-knit community feel, or the charm of small-town living, Dover, Arkansas, is a place where you can truly feel at home.
If you’re thinking of moving to Dover, you’re not just choosing a home—you’re choosing a way of life. With its welcoming community, excellent schools, and beautiful natural surroundings, Dover is an ideal place to put down roots. Explore what Dover has to offer and discover why so many have chosen to call this hidden gem in Arkansas home.
