Things to Do in Northwest Arkansas
The northwest corner of Arkansas is a beautiful, thriving section of the state. Growing rapidly in population and with more and more visitors coming to check it out every year, it's a neat place to explore if you love the outdoors, art, biking, or ju...
Cheap or Free Thrills
Sometimes, the best things in life are free (or at least inexpensive). Thankfully, in NWA, there are tons of fun things to do that won't break (or even bend) your wallet.
One of the most fun, blast-from-the-past things to do while in NWA. This retro arcade in Fayetteville feels just like stepping back into the 1980's with a ton of different vintage arcade games, nostalgia galore in the decor and TVs playing old commer...
A great walking trail around beautiful Lake Atalanta park in Rogers. There's a fun natural playground, picnic area, restroom facilities, fishing spots, and plenty of parking and relaxing green space.
I have so many wonderful memories of playing at the funky castle at Wilson Park in Fayetteville when I was little. Just a few blocks from the University of Arkansas, there's always something fun going on at the park.
The Five & Dime, attached to the Walmart Museum (closed for renovations until Spring 2024) is a functioning replica of the original dime store from Sam Walton's beginnings. You can find replica vintage toys, games, candy, and items from the 1950's.
The Spark Cafe is a replica of an old school soda fountain. It's good, cheap, delicious fun as the prices aren't too far off from the 1950's.
The Scott Family Amazeum is fun for the whole family and perfect for kids of all ages. The Amazeum is a children's museum with tons of fun hands-on exhibits, water play features, a giant indoor climbing treehouse, indoor farmhouse, huge Spongebob Squ...
This family farm has a bit of everything. A fabulous Fall Corn Maze and festival. Strawberries in early summer. A Tulip Festival and Easter Fest in spring.
Splish-Splash
NWA has a lot of watery places to hang out (pools, lakes, splash pads). Bonus is that most of these are free or inexpensive to visit.
A fun day in the sun from Memorial Day to Labor Day! They have a lazy rivers, several levels and speeds of slides, great splash and shallow areas for smaller kids, as well as general swimming options.
Awesome splash pad, perfect for all ages. This park has plenty of shade, a covered pavilion and multiple table options for eating and lounging, pickleball courts, clean restrooms, and a natural “ropes course” style playground that's great for older k...
Beaver Lake is a local favorite for boating, skiing, jet-skiing, fishing, swimming, and summer fun.
This swift water rapids course (level 1 & 2) is a blast. You can kayak, canoe, or tube. The fee is only $10/car (rentals of equipment for additional cost). Life preservers are mandatory for kids 13 and under. And it's recommended that only strong...
Such a relaxing location with break-taking sunset views, this lakefront cabin is updated and perfect for kicking back for a laidback stay. The owner lives onsite in a separate area, so it's private without being too secluded.
The Buffalo National River is one of the most beautiful float trips you can take.
Arkansas is For (Art) Lovers
Northwest Arkansas has a robust and engaged art scene, centered in Bentonville, thanks to the incredible Crystal Bridges American Art Museum.
Crystal Bridges is a world-class art museum nestled in a serene forest that has to be experienced to grasp how amazing it is. The trails surrounding it make for picturesque and easy hiking. And Crystal Bridges hosts many traveling exhibitions through...
If you're planning a trip to Northwest Arkansas around the art museums or film festival, there's only one hotel to stay, the 21C right off the Bentonville Square. It's easy walking or biking distance from Crystal Bridges and has curated modern art co...
Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024, the Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) was started and is helmed by Geena Davis to amplify and celebrate women and diverse voices in filmmaking. BFF is a fun, laidback event, but tickets to the most popular eve...follow them to keep track of when schedules are announced.
The AMP (Arkansas Music Pavilion) is an open-air venue with both covered seating and a wide, sloped green lawn, perfect for spreading out on a blanket, watching the stars, and listening to a concert or comedy show. A wide range of artists, performers...
The Momentary is a modern art museum (and decommissioned cheese factory). They have frequently changing galleries, performance art, festivals, and cool hang-out spaces.
If you love community theater, Arkansas Public Theater at the Victory is such a fun spot to watch local productions. I've enjoyed every play and musical I've been to at the APT.
For national tours of Broadway shows and larger concerts, the Walton Arts Center is a great venue.
One of my favorite whimsical murals in Bentonville!
There are gorgeous, creative murals all throughout Northwest Arkansas. Create your own free art trail by scheduling a day around them!
Designed by E. Fay Jones (an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright), Thorncrown Chapel is a beautiful piece of architecture worth the drive to Eureka Springs…with plenty of other artsy sights to take in while in Eureka.
The Natural State
Arkansas has had many nicknames over the years, but The Natural State hits the nail on the head. With breathtaking hiking trails, lakes, green space, and gardens, there are so many beautiful natural spaces to visit in Northwest Arkansas.
Lovely botanical gardens to stroll through, and central to pretty much everywhere in NWA.
Wonderful natural trails with clearly-marked native species to explore. One of my favorite walking paths, and there's a back route into Crystal Bridges Art Museum.
Technically, the Buffalo River is more Northwestwest Arkansas, but the short drive is worth it for the magnificent views, hiking, paddling, camping, and general outdoor fun.
Turpentine Creek is a genuine animal sanctuary, a refuge for big cats who are survivors of the animal entertainment industry or being kept as “pets”. (Mostly tigers, but they also rescue and serve others like lions, panthers, servals, cats that were ...
Some of the most beautiful hiking trails and scenery, and it's an easy day trip from anywhere in Northwest Arkansas.
Buffalo National River is an outdoor heaven, and this a lovely place to stay for easy access to all that it has to offer. Rustic luxury
If you'd rather sit back and relax than go hike, this short rail trip is perfect. You can go for an excursion or for lunch or dinner in the dining car.
Confession: I'm terrified of heights, but my husband has done this zip-line trail, and he loved it. It's a beautiful, breath-taking trip through the treetops of Northwest Arkansas for those who are a bit more adventurous than I am.
Learn about Arkansas' native roots in the wonderful Museum of Native American History in Bentonville.
Love this way to track your outdoor adventures across the Natural State.
Biking Bliss
Northwest Arkansas, and especially Bentonville, known as the mountain biking capital of the world, is a mountain biking destination for all skill levels, from novices to pros. Check out some of these awesome bike resources, events, and activities in ...
This website is a great hub for all things biking in Bentonville.
The Ledger is a bikeable building (with six floors of outdoor ramps, so you can bike all the way up) that houses really cool shared workspaces and meeting places.
I love these Bike NWA (along with a bunch of other cute) stickers!
For people whose main reason for visiting Bentonville is biking, this dedicated motel is the perfect place to stay. You'll have easy access to everything you might need for an awesome mountain bike adventure in your stay here.
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is a mountain biker's paradise. Miles of trails, ramps and jumps for any skill level, and easy access to state-of-the-art facilities blended perfectly with the natural surroundings. Not to mention awesome campground and d...
Bentonville is known as a gathering place for bike enthusiasts, especially mountain bikers. Get the lay of the land with this highly rated private bike tour.
Happy State Co. has the most adorable designs, and I love this Bentonville biking themed one.
Good Eats
Northwest Arkansas has some wonderful local restaurants to choose from!
Azul Tequila is one of my favorite family-owned authentic Mexican restaurants in the area, with two locations (Springdale and Bentonville Square). Their salsa sampler is a must!
ArkanSeoul is a family-owned Korean restaurant in Bentonville that specializes in making simple but authentic, delicious food inspired by their own family recipes. Everything on their menu is great!
Saiwok Vietnamese Street Food in Rogers is soooo good. They have a very modern take on Vietnamese food, and their pork belly fries are to die for.
The Preacher's Son is a restaurant in a beautifully restored church building right off the square in Bentonville. It's a great date night place, and don't miss the fun speakeasy bar hidden away in the basement!
You've gotta love Hammontree's Grilled Cheese in Fayetteville. There's almost always a line out the door for lunch, but for good reason. They make a gazillion variations on a perfect grilled cheese sandwich (even for dessert!), and the restaurant env...
Table Mesa Bistro has great Tex-Mex with a fun, relaxed atmosphere on the Bentonville Square
With three locations, Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. is a great quick breakfast or location spot.
Great spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch…or dinner. lol The space in Johnson is fresh, fun, and a great meeting spot.
Bring a little Arkansas home to your own kitchen with this fun wood platter.
If you like Italian food, Bordino's on Dickson Street in Fayetteville is a great option. Fancy enough for an anniversary but not too fussy, it's one of my favs.
The Flying Fish in downtown Bentonville is a laidback seafood joint, and you won't go away hungry. Great for a casual lunch with friends.
The Pedaler's Pub is a great, laidback, locally-owned spot for woodfired pizza.
Yeyo's serves some of my all-time favorite street tacos. They have three different locations to choose from, so it's easy to find one near you in either Bentonville or Rogers.
Famous for their rolls, I have so many great memories of going to Venesian Inn in Tontitown. They've been around since 1947, so my parents have memories of going to this quaint, family-owned restaurant before I was even born. My favorite is their las...
Don't let the name fool you. Trash Ice Cream is anything but rubbish. But you can toss a kitchen sink worth of toppings on!
My favorite place to eat in Eureka! Yummy Italian food with the fun quirky atmosphere or Eureka Springs.
Great Coffee Options
Get your java fix at these NWA coffee shops.
If you like a mellow, smooth, low-acidic brew, Onyx is perfect. They have multiple locations in Northwest Arkansas.
One of my go-to's, Kennedy Coffee in Bentonville has lots of great, unique choices and a nice plain coffee if you like things simple.
Bolder Coffee is a great coffee option that's not too crowded and has a handy drive-through.
Red Kite Coffee always has plenty of seating, plenty of outlets, and a super-friendly barista at the ready. Great place to stop if you're near Crystal Bridges, Memorial Park, or the Amazeum.
Woo Pig Sooie!
It's not a visit to Arkansas without cheering the Razorbacks!
Bring home a little Arkansas Razorback love with this cute front door wreath!
A fun vintage t-shirt if you've ever called the Hogs through the years.
You can get your Razorback tickets through the U of A Athletics website.
Such a sweet gift for any Hog fan!
If you go to the U of A, you WILL get some well-developed calves from hiking that hill. lol
Love this simple Arkansas Razorback trinket tray. Perfect gift for a grad, a sorority sister, or any Hog fan.
Get your game day pride on with this fun Razorback wreath sash.
I love this fresh, modern, feminine take on U of A wall art. It would make a perfect Razorback room decor for any University of Arkansas dorm or sorority house.
Love this dainty Arkansas Razorbacks necklace to show your Hogs pride in style!
Fun for the Whole Family
Family outings are super fun in this family-friendly area of Arkansas!
Modern Mission is such a fun, well-organized laser tag, Airsoft, and axe-throwing facility. They're one of the best places for birthday parties, and it's great for a wide range of ages.
Good family fun at this not-too-big and not-too-small mini golf course in Rogers/Lowell.
Climb Bentonville is a great indoor rock climbing gym in Bentonville, near Centerton, and it has levels that are perfect for kids through more advanced climbers.
The NWA Naturals are a minor league baseball team with major league fun for everyone!
We love the cosmic bowling at Fast Lane!
Top Golf is a fun place for older kids and teens to hit some golf balls with their family.
Arkansas Love
Show the Natural State some love with these fun gifts that celebrate the state.
This dainty Arkansas necklace is so cute with the little state charm. You can get it in sterling silver, gold or rose gold. I think it would make such a great graduation gift for a University of Arkansas graduate.
Celebrate the whole Natural State of Arkansas with this cute map design shirt.
This watercolor Arkansas state tea towel makes a lovely memento from a trip to the Natural State or a housewarming gift for someone who's moving to or from the state.
This beautiful Arkansas map glass is almost too pretty to use. Almost.
This sweet, simple handmade Arkansas pottery Christmas tree ornament would make the perfect addition to your yuletide festivities. I love that you can pick and personalize the glaze color on the ornament.
This fun, eclectic shop sells items by local vendors and makers. A great place to pick up a souvenir or gift for a friend! (And don't miss their incredible, unique salsa section.)