Can't Miss Things to Do in Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is the metropolitan center of the Ozark Mountain region of the state. Visitors flock here for the vibrant art scene, abundant farmers markets, breathtaking natural wonders, and historical treasures.

The area has grown exponentially in recent years, becoming a hub of innovation and culture with a strong sense of community and the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains.

The area includes four of the ten biggest cities in the state, including the vibrant metropolis of Fayetteville (the Athens of the Ozarks) and the charming small towns of Bentonville, Bella Vista, Springdale, and Rogers. Each one of them offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to host you in a luxurious vacation rental.

In this overview, we'll explore why Northwest Arkansas is a great place for a visit, what the lay of the land is, what to do and see, and why it's becoming a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The Lay of the Land

The area has an interesting urban layout with several cities and towns clustered together, including Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bella Vista, and Bentonville.

The area, in general, is quite interconnected, with easy access to major highways and roads, air travel through the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, and also served by the Arkansas and Missouri Railway. This makes traveling in and around Northwest Arkansas easy and convenient for locals and visitors alike.

It comprises four metropolitan areas, each of which has its own distinct character.

FAYETTEVILLE

Fayetteville is the largest city in the region and the epicenter of culture and education. Home to the University of Arkansas and a vibrant downtown, the city is filled with restaurants, shopping, and art. It is also well known for its natural beauty, especially in the mountainous area surrounding the city.

ROGERS

The second largest city in Northwest Arkansas is Rogers. Located in the heart of the region, Rogers is a bustling city with a small-town charm.

Here, you’ll find a variety of local businesses, museums, and parks. There are also some significant attractions here, such as the Daisy Airgun Museum, which offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of Northwest Arkansas.

SPRINGDALE

Springdale is the third largest city in the region. Springdale is also known for its mix of culture and the nearby historic Arkansas & Missouri Railroad. Over the past few years, the city's Latino population has embraced the area, resulting in a truly diverse culture and community.

BENTONVILLE

Further north is Bentonville. It is Walmart’s corporate hub and the fastest-growing city in the region. Bentonville is quickly becoming a business epicenter, and the boom is easy to feel in the area's thriving downtown. In addition, Bentonville provides easy access to the region’s flourishing mountain biking, hiking, and camping options.

BELLA VISTA

Lastly, Bella Vista is a charming community just north of Bentonville and Rogers. The area is known for its popular outdoor activities, including hiking trails around Lake Fayetteville, golf courses, and two large lakes.

Visitors looking for a peaceful, scenic stroll or a thrilling adventure will find something to their liking in Bella Vista. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants for those who would rather enjoy city life. In addition, family activities such as movies, theme parks, and other special events are offered throughout the year.

What Attracts Visitors to NWA

GREAT NATURE

First and foremost, Northwest Arkansas is a great place to visit because of its stunning natural beauty and diverse activities that center around it, such as the beautiful Ozark Mountains, the Arkansas River, its tributaries, seven lakes, and numerous streams.

The area is home to a diverse array of natural habitats and ecosystems, and several state parks, including Devil's Den State Park, Ozark National Forest, and the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

From hiking trails to mountain biking trails and rock climbing, outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds will find plenty to explore.

DIVERSE ECOLOGY

The region's abundant forests are home to a variety of species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, and many migratory songbirds. In addition, the lakes in this area host a wide range of aquatic species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and panfish, as well as many species of native freshwater mussels.

Birdwatchers also love this area for its large population of bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. In addition to its species diversity, Northwest Arkansas also protects many endangered species, such as the Arbuckle Mountains salamander and the Ozark hellbender.

The region is a vital part of the state’s ecology and is significantly involved in preserving and protecting its diverse habitats.

MODERN CONVENIENCE

Northwest Arkansas is a remarkable blend of rural beauty and modern amenities. This suits many travelers because you don't have to sacrifice the luxury of city life to enjoy the abundant natural beauty that surrounds it.

Whether you’re looking to relax in a lavish spa, shop in the many local markets, or experience art in the wealth of galleries and museums, NWA has a lot to offer.

RICH HISTORY

Lastly, the area is rich in culture and historical sites, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the area's past. It is home to some of the oldest settlements in the region, including the historic town of Fayetteville, which has earned the All-America City Award three times over from the National Civic League.

The area was originally home to the Osage Indians, who were pushed out by settlers in the early 1800s. As settlers continued to move into the area, towns such as Rogers, Bentonville, and Springdale developed and grew into the vibrant cities that make up Northwest Arkansas today.

Today, Northwest Arkansas is a bustling business and cultural center, boasting multiple Fortune 500 companies, a thriving arts and music scene, and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. With so much to offer, Northwest Arkansas is an ideal destination for a memorable getaway.

Can't Miss Things to Do in NWA

There are plenty of things to do in Northwest Arkansas, whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, laid-back relaxation, good eats, or some unique entertainment. Because the area is so full of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, it makes a great place for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, you should consider driving through the area. With rolling hills, vibrant landscapes, and many outdoor activities, Northwest Arkansas provides an idyllic location to take in the scenery and enjoy some much-needed relaxation.

EXPLORING FAYETTEVILLE

Starting in Fayetteville, you’ll find the charming downtown area where you can shop, dine and experience local culture. Then, take a stroll along Dickson Street, the hub of Razorback college life in Fayetteville.

Check out the various historic buildings, boutiques, and restaurants, or catch a quick show or some live music at the Walton Arts Center before heading out of town and onto the winding country roads.

Heading north from Fayetteville, you can stop at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and have some family fun before continuing on through the charming towns of Springdale and Rogers.

EXPLORING SPRINGDALE

Springdale offers its own unique character and a chance to immerse yourself in the culture of Northwest Arkansas and take in some fresh Arkansas air. If you are a wine lover, a visit to Tontitown Winery or Sassafras Springs Vineyard won’t disappoint.

As the fourth largest city in Arkansas, Springdale also maintains the region's cultural history with its museums, including the Reilly P. McCarren Railroad Museum and Shiloh Museum of Ozark History.

EXPLORING ROGERS

Rogers, Arkansas, is home to the iconic Pinnacle Hills Promenade, which offers an excellent opportunity to stroll along and do some outdoor shopping. For a bit of culture, you can stop by the Daisy Airgun Museum, which promotes the vintage products and legacy of the infamous Daisy company, not to mention the World’s Largest BB Gun in Downtown Historic Rogers.

For those who want a mix of modern-day leisure and outdoor activity, Lake Atalanta Park hosts miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. In addition, fishermen love the easy access to Beaver Lake, which also rents water skis, tubes, and boats!

EXPLORING BENTONVILLE

Bentonville is a melting pot of art, food, and culture, but it might be best known as the birthplace of Walmart. It is home to the Walmart Museum, which includes the Walmart Museum Heritage Lab and the original Waltons 5 & 10 variety store where it all started.

If you're there on a Thursday evening or a Saturday morning, you can check out the Downtown Bentonville Farmers Market and grab some ice cream at the iconic Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Store on North Walton Boulevard.

The iconic Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a gem of Bentonville’s cultural scene, where you can explore the impressive collection of American artwork and rotating exhibitions. The notable Architecture at Home exhibition here showcases five homes meant to generate discussion about modern housing.

The museum itself is world-class, and you can even grab coffee or lunch at the gorgeous cafeteria overlooking the water. The architecture of the building itself is as beautiful as the art galleries inside.

Outside the museum, the grounds lead through a manicured section of Ozark forest, so you can sense the area's environment without having to venture too far. At the end of one of the trails is a famous Frank Lloyd Wright house, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the famous architect's last designs.

Mountain biking is especially popular here, with the Color Mountain Bike Preserve and Slaughter Pen Trails being hotspots for adventurous bikers.

EXPLORING BELLA VISTA

Continue your drive northward toward Bella Vista, and you’ll find some of the most stunning scenery in the state. The Tanyard Creek Nature Trail and nearby parks and forests offer countless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more.

If you have time, you can head east over to Pea Ridge National Military Park. This 4,300-acre Civil War battle site preserves the site of one of the largest and most consequential Civil War battles west of the Mississippi, which ended with a Confederate retreat.

The site includes a 14 ½ mile auto tour, battlefield monuments, and two visitor centers with original artifacts and displays that tell the story of the battle. The park also offers various activities throughout the year, including living history programs and specialized training for Civil War reenactors. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and allows visitors to explore a unique and important piece of American history.

Like the other anchor towns of NWA, Bella Vista has no shortage of glorious nature to explore. Its verdant surroundings host some extremely scenic hiking trails, including the Little Sugar and Blower Springs routes.

Eat Your Way Thru the Heart of Arkansas

When it comes to eating in Northwest Arkansas, there is something for everyone. From Bentonville to Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, and Bella Vista, the region offers various restaurants that serve delicious meals and can make your dining experience unforgettable.

Arkansas is famously home to chocolate gravy, fried pickles, and Arkansas Delta tamales. However, you’ll find a surprising variety for every culinary appetite in the NWA.

TABLE MESA BISTRO

Location: 110 East W Central Ave, Bentonville, AR
Website: tablemesabistro.com

Let’s start with Bentonville and the beloved Table Mesa Bistro. This intimate and charming restaurant is situated in the heart of the city and embodies local and regional flavors within its menu.

From delectable entrées of steak, fish, and poultry to starters, sandwiches, and fresh salads, Table Mesa Bistro has it all. The atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant, and the staff is both friendly and attentive.

HUGO’S RESTAURANT FAYETTEVILLE

Location: 25 1/2 N Block Ave, Fayetteville, AR
Website: hugosfayetteville.com

Next on the list is Fayetteville’s Hugo’s. Operating within the city’s historic district, Hugo’s offers an inviting atmosphere, an upscale menu, and attentive service.

Menu highlights include a variety of entrees, including delicious steaks and mouth-watering burgers. Its selection of local wines and beers makes this a great spot to enjoy dinner while winding down after a day of exploration.

MOONBROCH PUB

Location: 117 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR
Website: rogerspub.com

Rogers locals love heading to the cozy Moonbroch Pub. This family-friendly brewpub specializes in locally made craft beers and a menu centered on burgers, salads, wings, and other classic bar-style eats.

ACAPULCO RESTAURANT

Location: 1602 E Robinson Ave, Springdale, AR
Website: acapulcorestaurantnwa.com

In Springdale, be sure to visit Acapulco Restaurant. This cozy Mexican joint is popular for its quesadillas, fajitas, and Mexican beer selection—they offer some of the best authentic Mexican food in all of Springdale! Additionally, Acapulco also offers vegetarian and vegan options.

EL PUEBLITO

Location: 1707 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, AR
Website: El Pueblito

Finally, Bella Vista boasts the family-owned and operated restaurant El Pueblito. Here, you’ll find a selection of Tex-Mex dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and flautas, as well as several salads and sandwiches.

The atmosphere is relaxed, colorful, and inviting, and the staff has been praised for their hospitality and friendly service.

Stay and Explore NWA

Northwest Arkansas is the perfect destination if you’re looking for an escape from the day-to-day and revel in the chance to take in some incredible scenery.

From Fayetteville and Bentonville to Springdale, Rogers, and Bella Vista, you’ll find an abundance of outdoor activities and breathtaking views that will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed at your vacation rental in the Ozark Mountains!