Authentic and Unexpected Rogers, Arkansas—It All Starts With A Visit

Railyard Live © Courtesy of Destination Rogers

Authentic and Unexpected Rogers, Arkansas—It All Starts With A Visit

A world-class tourism destination that’s authentic and unexpected? You’ll find that here. For the family vacation, weekend shopping with the gals, come-early-and-stay-late business trip, dudes on bikes getaway, or just to chill out with good food and tunes, it all starts with a visit to Rogers, Arkansas.

First, the unexpected. Northwest Arkansas and the Natural State do not disappoint with rolling hills, woodlands, lakes, rivers, and trails. Then, the skyline of Uptown Rogers rises from both sides of I-49, widening the eyeballs and heightening the senses. The awnings and contours of the Walmart AMP, the state’s largest outdoor amphitheater, demand your attention, producing headlining concerts for the past 10 years and rated as one of the top 100 amphitheaters in the nation.

The Embassy Suites-Rogers Convention Center dominates the skyline as the meetings, conventions, and large events king of Northwest Arkansas. Top Golf next door juts skyward, luring all duffers for fun and games.

To the east, the region’s largest shopping venue, Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall, rambles over acres of retail-tainment. Lululemon, Tecovas, and Warby Parker share space with Dave & Busters and Blue Zoo Aquarium. Foodies will love locally owned Big Orange and Local Lime, not to mention newcomer Tejas de Brazil.

Downtown Rogers brings an entirely different experience. Authentic Americana thrives in Rogers, founded as a railroad town in 1881. Our charm and grit come from the preserved architecture and brick-lined streets. Local shops, businesses, entertainment, and culinary establishments now keep downtown Rogers authentic and buzzing. Park the car and start the day at local breakfast and coffee shops, Iron Horse Coffee Company, or Nola’s Pantry.

Find world-renowned brews at the super cool 1907 Building from the baristas at Onyx Coffee Lab before strolling to the Rogers Historical Museum to learn about our history. Down the block, check out the Daisy Airgun Museum. Home to the world’s largest BB gun, Red Ryder, and “you’ll shoot your eye out, kid,”—yep, THAT Daisy Airgun!

Hope you brought the bikes. Rogers is walkable and rideable, connecting to all city and regional trails with a few surprises for the adventurous. The Railyard Bike Park offers kicks for riders of all skill levels. Test your skills, then take the paved trail to Lake Atalanta’s playground, walk and mountain bike trails, and go fishing and canoeing.

Take your pick of local eateries like Havana Tropical Grill, Parkside Pub, Levi’s Gastrolounge and Bar or Blu DTR Sushi when you’re ready. Or head back to the 1907 Building for spirits and street tacos from Yeyo’s Taqueria y Mezcaleria. Award-winning brews are on tap at Ozark Beer Co., where the taproom and patios are kid and dog-friendly, and nearby food trucks supply great eats to go with the cold beer.

Downtown Nightlife means live music and theater. Super cool listening room The Music Depot showcases local jazz, funk, and R&B artists, while The Victory Theater features concerts and performances by The Arkansas Public Theater. Catch live music under the stars from May through October with the Live at the Butterfield Stage series in Railyard Park.

Keep heading east for year-round outdoor adventure. The land quickly rises, falls, and curves into the Ozark foothills, home to Beaver Lake, Hobbs State Park, War Eagle Cavern, and War Eagle Mill. Year-round fishing, mountain biking, a working grist mill, and scenic Ozark caves and caverns are all family-friendly and minutes from Downtown Rogers.

Find more fun and plan your trip at destinationrogers.com