Located within the Arkansas River Valley at the edge of the Ozark Mountains, the city is within the Fort Smith metropolitan area.

The epicenter of the Altus American Viticultural Area (AVA) within Arkansas Wine Country, the city is home to four wineries.

Although founded as a coal mining community, the wine industry has driven the Altus economy since the first vineyards were planted in 1872.

[4] Altus was the location for the first season of the television show The Simple Life, starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.

St. Mary's Catholic Church was built in 1902 and is known for its beautiful paintings, ornate gold leaf walls, and Roman architecture.

In recognition of this highest railroad elevation between Little Rock and Fort Smith, the station was originally known as "Summit".

Altus is located in southeastern Franklin County, bordered to the south by the town of Denning.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.7 km2), all land.

The annual Springtime Gala, Grapefest, Dinner in the Vineyards, and Wineaux Fest are held in Altus each year.

Altus was the location for the first season of the television show The Simple Life, starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.

Prior to closing the Altus High School mascot was the Owls and competed in the 1A classification of the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA).