20 minute read
METRO GUIDE
AREA ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Youth & Family Programs
Looking for programs for your child or teen? Perhaps activities for the whole family? There are many options to choose from.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF BENTON COUNTY
The Boys & Girls Club of Benton County offers six locations across Benton County where children can play, learn and socialize. With year-round programming, the Boys & Girls Club is a leader in youth development with programs in sports, health, education, life skills and family support. Club facilities are also available for rental.
BENTONVILLE PARKS & RECREATION
Bentonville Parks & Recreation amenities offer a wealth of opportunities for family fun. There are more than 20 parks, more than 28 miles of trails, pavilions, a dog park, a bike playground, an ice skating/splash park and swimming pools. Sports include baseball, basketball, disc golf, football, golf, kickball, mountain biking, the annual Run Bentonville runs and races, skateboarding, soccer, swimming, softball, tee ball, tennis and volleyball.
CLIMB BENTONVILLE
Climb Bentonville is a climbing, yoga and fitness gym with bouldering, lead, top rope and kids climbing areas and more than 25 auto-belays. Also offering classes, group events, memberships and beginner routes.
BENTONVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER
This 80,000-square-foot venue features an aquatic center with a zero-depth-entry leisure pool, and a 25-yard competitive pool. There is also a fitness center, a dance/ aerobics studio hosting dozens of classes each week, a gymnasium, an indoor running track, an arts and craft room, the Kids Center, an adults 50+ lounge, and mini branch of the Bentonville Public Library.
TRIKE THEATRE
Northwest Arkansas’ professional theater for youth, Trike’s mission is to encourage and inspire youth to see, participate in and learn through theater. An artistic affiliate of Walton Arts Center, it offers Theatre Academy classes and camps for Pre-K and 4th through 12th grades, performance opportunities for 3rd through 12th graders, and professional youth theater productions, enjoyed by all ages.
BELLA VISTA RECREATION
Bella Vista offers its members and their guests a myriad of recreational opportunities to enhance quality of life. There are hiking and biking trails, tennis courts, racquetball courts fitness/ recreational centers, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a disc golf course, playgrounds, eight parks and pavilions, basketball courts and three pickleball courts. Bella Vista also offers meeting space, an RV park, an auditorium with a stage for performances and countless other activities.
Lodging
Whether you’re here visiting or looking for a place to recommend to family and friends, the Bentonville/Bella Vista area’s lodging options range from luxury suites to cozy cabins on the lake. With dozens of choices, guests are sure to find just the right place to lay their heads. For more information, please see our Consumer Guide on pages 49-62.
21c Museum Hotel
Cedar Lodge
Libraries
The libraries in Bentonville and Bella Vista provide various reading and learning opportunities.
BENTONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Bentonville Public Library offers a growing collection of books, audio, film and video, DVDs, e-books and other digital offerings for all ages and interests. The library campus features a children’s library, study and meeting rooms, a cafe, a used bookstore, story times, workshops and special events.
BELLA VISTA LIBRARY
The Bella Vista Library offers a variety of resources for the family including e-books, DVDs, large-print titles, a children’s library, a teen club and story hours. In addition, local artists and photographers display their works at the library.
Shopping & Dining
The Greater Bentonville area is thriving when it comes to shopping and dining. Touted as the South's next cultural mecca by Southern Living, Bentonville's vibrant culinary scene is garnering national attention for its next generation of chefs and regional High South cuisine with unique food experiences at restaurants like Tusk and Trotter, Oven and
Co-op Tap and the award-winning The Hive at 21c Museum Hotel. In need of retail therapy? Downtown Bentonville, including the Arts and Market Districts, boasts some of the best locally owned shopping options around. For more information, please see our Consumer Guide on pages 49-62.
Hillfolk
Spectator Sports
Home to the Arkansas Razorbacks and Northwest Arkansas Naturals, this region is the epicenter of team sports in the Natural State.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS
Arvest Ballpark, 3000 Gene George Blvd, Springdale milb.com/northwest-arkansas (479) 927-4900
The Naturals are the Double-A Baseball Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, which is centrally located just off I-49. The regular season runs from April until September, and includes Fireworks Spectaculars on Fridays, Premium Giveaway Saturdays, and Kids Eat Free Family Sundays.
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
arkansasrazorbacks.com
Arkansas has a long tradition of supporting its Razorback sports teams, and die-hard fans show up rain or shine to cheer on the Hogs! The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville is home to some of the finest collegiate athletic venues in the Southeastern Conference.
Exotic Animals
Northwest Arkansas is home to a wildlife sanctuary where visitors can learn about exotic animals up-close.
TURPENTINE CREEK WILDLIFE REFUGE
239 Turpentine Creek Ln, Eureka Springs turpentinecreek.org (479) 253-5841
Located near Eureka Springs on 459 acres, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit organization that provides lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused and neglected big cats with an emphasis on tigers, lions, leopards and cougars. Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, Turpentine Creek offers guided tours, educational programming and unique treehouse lodging.
City Parks, Trails & More
Listed here are Bentonville and Bella Vista’s major city parks, municipal trails and activity destinations. For a complete listing, visit bentonvillear.com, bellavistaar.gov and bellavistapoa.com.
MEMORIAL PARK
401 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Bentonville
Memorial Park is Bentonville’s premier 73-acre park, home to the Melvin Ford Aquatic Center and a skateboard park. There are tennis, sand volleyball and basketball courts, and fields for softball, baseball, soccer and tee ball. The park has a walking trail, covered pavilion, and a memorial honoring fallen soldiers.
TRAILS AT CRYSTAL BRIDGES
600 Museum Way, Bentonville crystalbridges.org / (479) 418-5700
The grounds of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art feature more than four miles of trails winding through the museum’s 120-acre wooded site. Designed to spark the imagination, the trails provide access to beautiful Ozark landscapes and outdoor art installations. Many trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
MELVIN FORD AQUATIC CENTER
2000 NE Memorial Park Square Bentonville / (479) 273-9206
Located at Memorial Park, the center features an Olympic-size pool, a water slide, diving boards, and a wading pool with a raindrop fountain. Generally open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
RAZORBACK REGIONAL GREENWAY
nwarpc.org
Extending from Lake Bella Vista to the southern reaches of Fayetteville, this 37-mile paved cycling and pedestrian trail links dozens of popular destinations, including Downtown Bentonville, arts and entertainment venues, historic sites, parklands, other connecting mountain bike trails, shopping areas and workplaces. The greenway meanders through parks, fields, urban forests and destinations in a primarily off-street setting.
BELLA VISTA LAKE TRAIL
Cold Cave Rd, Bentonville
This circular fitness trail loops around Bella Vista Lake and is located at the northern tip of Bentonville. While you’re there, visit the Veterans Wall of Honor, or have a picnic in the covered pavilion.
LAKE BENTONVILLE PARK
2100 SW I St, Bentonville
Newly renovated, this 20-acre park has a destination playground, canoeing and paddle boarding, picnic tables, fishing docks, a pavilion and a playground. Fishing is by license.
SLAUGHTER PEN MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
North of NW A St & East of N Walton Blvd, Bentonville
Featuring more than 20 miles of singletrack, log rides, drops, jumps and a wall ride, this park is designated a Silver Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. The trails are easy-to-moderate to navigate.
TANYARD CREEK NATURE TRAIL ORCHARDS PARK & TRAIL BACK 40 TRAILS
The Back 40 trails offer 40 miles of natural surface multiuse trails that meander through the east side of the city. Completed in 2016, the Back 40 are recognized as world-class mountain biking trails.
Nature Trail Lane, Bella Vista
This two-part trail features both level walking trails and natural surface trails that stretch through woods, along creeks and past a breathtaking waterfall.
1100 NE John DeShields Blvd, Bentonville
Located across from the entrance to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Orchards Park is a premier passive park with walking paths, beautifully landscaped areas, a pavilion, a water feature and an amphitheater.
LITTLE SUGAR TRAILS
Bella Vista’s new Little Sugar Trails boast more than 40 miles of purpose-built trail, excellent for hiking, trail running, bird watching, walking your dog (on a leash) and, of course, mountain biking.
BLOWING SPRINGS WALKING TRAIL
948 Blowing Springs Road, Bella Vista
This trail has more than six miles of natural surface for pedestrians and mountain bikers alike at Blowing Springs Park, which features bluff lines, springs and caverns.
COLER MOUNTAIN BIKE PRESERVE
11840-11850 Peach Orchard Road Bentonville / oztrailsnwa.com
Located moments from Downtown Bentonville on 300 acres of Ozarks woodland, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve offers world-class cycling trails with flowy jump lines, technical rocky sections and the “Hub,” a 20-foottall, steel-and-wood structure that guides riders to the start of three downhill runs.
BELLA VISTA GOLF COURSES
bellavistapoa.com (479) 855-5079
Bella Vista’s golf courses are some of the most beautiful and challenging in the central US, with five regulation, 18hole courses, Country Club, Dogwood, Highlands, Kingswood and Scotsdale, and two executive nine-hole courses: Brittany and Berksdale. Driving ranges and retail golf shops are available.
Outdoor Recreation
They don’t call us the Natural State for nothing! Northwest Arkansas ranks high for outdoor recreation and opportunities to connect with nature. Here, we highlight some of the many lakes, rivers, state parks and more.
BELLA VISTA LAKES
bellavistapoa.com (479) 855-8000
Bella Vista lakes are some of the finest in the region, ideal for fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, boating or simply enjoying the surrounding nature. Of the seven lakes, Lake Ann, Lake Windsor and Loch Lomond are larger all-sports lakes, while Lake Avalon, Lake Norwood, Lake Rayburn and Lake Brittany are primarily fishing and swimming lakes.
WAR EAGLE CAVERN ON BEAVER LAKE HOBBS STATE PARK CONSERVATION AREA
Open seasonally, War Eagle Cavern features a spectacular natural entrance on the shores of Beaver Lake. The pristine natural cavern offers easy guided, stroller and pet friendly walking tours with no stairs or tight passages.
20201 E Hwy 12, Rogers arkansasstateparks.com / (479) 789-5000
Arkansas’ largest state park in land area, Hobbs State Park is home to the state’s first Monument Trails optimized for mountain biking, along with a diverse, 52-mile trail system with hiking, ADA approved and horseback riding trails, and five primitive campsites. With 22 of the park’s 60 miles bordering the shores of Beaver Lake, Hobbs is a great spot to exercise or soak up nature’s boundless beauty.
501 SW A St, Bentonville, AR
Gear up for big adventures.
BEAVER LAKE
arkansas.com / (479) 636-1210
Beaver Lake has nearly 500 miles of natural shoreline and prime access points near Rogers, Eureka Springs and Springdale. With boating, swimming, fishing, hiking trails, wildlife watching, various campgrounds and more, Beaver Lake has something for everyone.
DEVIL’S DEN STATE PARK
Devil’s Den State Park is nestled deep in the Lee Creek Valley, approximately 20 miles south of Fayetteville – a picturesque Ozarks setting surrounded by ancient sedimentary mountains and lush oak-hickory forest. Hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails wind through the park and the surrounding Ozark National Forest.
BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER
Tyler Bend Visitor Center, 170 Ranger Rd, St. Joe nps.gov/buff / (870) 439-2502
Established in 1972 as America’s first national river, the Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. From running rapids to quiet pools, the river is surrounded by the massive bluffs of the Ozark Mountains. There are many activities, including floating the river, visiting historic homesteads and prehistoric sites, along with hiking and camping.
A Cultural Experience
From museums and galleries to performing arts centers, public gardens and more, cultural opportunities abound in Northwest Arkansas.
CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Situated on 120 acres of native Ozark forest, this world-class museum welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites art with nature. The museum complex houses nearly 100,000 square feet of gallery, library and meeting spaces, alongside five miles of art and walking trails. For more information, see page 15.
THE MOMENTARY
A satellite contemporary art space to Crystal Bridges, this formerly decommissioned cheese factory is now a multidisciplinary space for visual and performing arts, culinary experiences, music festivals, and artists-in-residence offering dynamic programs and experiences. For more information, see page 20.
WALMART AMP
5079 W. Northgate Road, Rogers amptickets.com / (479) 443-5600
The state's largest outdoor music venue completed a renovation in 2020 with even more seating and flexible space for headlining concerts of nearly every musical genre. As NWA's No. 1 destination for live music, the AMP is centrally located off I-49 in Rogers’ vibrant commercial district.
MILDRED B. COOPER MEMORIAL CHAPEL
504 Memorial Drive, Bella Vista cooperchapel.com / (479) 855-6598
This exquisite glass-and-steel chapel, designed by acclaimed architect E. Fay Jones, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, is surrounded by trees and built on the shore of Lake Norwood. The chapel’s architectural design and the natural beauty are breathtaking.
SCOTT FAMILY AMAZEUM
Winner of a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, the Amazeum is a museum where kids and families can explore science, technology, engineering, math, art and fun. With 50,000 square feet of indoor exhibition space and nearly an acre outdoors, the Amazeum is a leader in the Maker Movement, embracing the land, industries and people that are part of Arkansas culture. For more information, see page 16.
AREND ARTS CENTER
Located at the Bentonville High School campus, this venue hosts delightful K-12 productions by area students, the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra and other arts organizations.
COMPTON GARDENS & ARBORETUM
Gifted to the Peel Compton Foundation in 2002, this 6.5-acre native woodland garden has a multi-use trail system and is a popular special-events venue and regional destination.
ARKANSAS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
arphil.org (479) 841-4644
The Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra deepens the appreciation of musical arts through performance, education and collaborative partnerships. Under the direction of Maestro Steven Byess, area musicians present popular classical and pops concerts to diverse audiences across Northwest Arkansas.
SYMPHONY OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Most Performances Presented at Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville sonamusic.org / (479) 521-4166
Under the direction of Maestro Paul Haas, the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) presents classical and pops performances for symphonic music lovers in Northwest Arkansas. The professional orchestra has provided more than 60 years of music and music education to the community. SoNA’s performance season typically spans fall through spring.
OPERA IN THE OZARKS AT INSPIRATION POINT
16311 Hwy 62 West, Eureka Springs opera.org (479) 253-8595
Opera found a home in Northwest Arkansas when a summer music camp was established in 1950 at Inspiration Point in Eureka Springs. Today, this nationally acclaimed training program serves as a springboard for some of the world’s brightest opera talent. Each year, Opera in the Ozarks presents its summer music festival of 25+ live, fully staged opera performances in June and July.
BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE OZARKS
4703 N Crossover Rd, Fayetteville bgozarks.org / (479) 750-2620
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is the crown jewel of public gardens in the region. Attracting visitors and locals alike, BGO features 12 themed display gardens, meandering pathways, the area’s only Butterfly House, numerous educational programs, special outdoor events and more.
WALTON ARTS CENTER
495 W Dickson St, Fayetteville waltonartscenter.org / (479) 443-5600
Walton Arts Center, Arkansas' largest and busiest performing arts presenter, brings Broadway shows, world-class dance, children and family programming, comedy and live music to more than 190,000 people annually. Walton Arts Center underwent a $23 million renovation and expansion in 2016 that added square footage, increased operational capacity and improved visitor experience. With more than 300 public events each year, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Historical Perspectives
There was a time when Northwest Arkansas was at the edge of the American frontier, home to groups of Native Americans who favored the area for its abundance of food, game, fresh water and protective caves. Later the railroad and the Civil War each made a tremendous impact on the area, followed by a period of educational and entrepreneurial advancement. Here we list some of the historic sites and places of interest highlighting Northwest Arkansas’ storied past.
WAR EAGLE MILL
A visit to the state’s only operating mill provides a taste of the pioneering spirit of the 1800s. The mill is home to the Bean Palace Cafe, an 18-foot waterwheel and beautiful scenery.
MUSEUM OF NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
Housing more than 10,000 artifacts, the Museum of Native American History takes you on a 14,000-year journey through five periods of history, starting with the first Americans through the early European influence. Founded by Bentonville resident David Bogle, a registered member of the Cherokee Nation, the museum’s collection includes brilliant headdresses, artistic effigy vessels, the famous Sweetwater Biface and an Ice Age Wooly Mammoth. Admission is free.
THE PEEL MANSION MUSEUM & HERITAGE GARDENS
Built by Colonel Samuel West Peel, this 1875 Italianate mansion has been preserved as a museum of authentic interior design, and an event venue. The surrounding Heritage Gardens are seasonally lush with roses, perennials, heirloom fruits and trees.
THE WALMART MUSEUM
105 N Main St, Bentonville (479) 273-1329
The story of Walmart comes alive at The Walmart Museum, housed in Sam Walton’s original 5&10 on the Bentonville Square, where visitors can experience a piece of history, reserve a tour and enjoy The Spark Cafe. For more information, see page 17.
ARKANSAS & MISSOURI RAILROAD
306 E Emma Ave, Springdale amrailroad.com / (800) 687-8600
This independent railroad provides passenger excursions through the scenic and rugged Boston Mountains, from Springdale to Van Buren and other routes. Learn about the area’s history from a knowledgeable conductor, traveling in a beautifully restored antique passenger car.
Museum of Native American History
BELLA VISTA HISTORICAL MUSEUM
1885 Bella Vista Way, Bella Vista bellavistamuseum.org / (479) 855-2335
This museum features all the history, pictures and displays to interpret the 100+ year history of Bella Vista. Admission is free.
THADEN FIELD
Thaden Field is a full-service, community- centric aviation center and a jumping off point to the Ozarks. Thaden Fieldhouse features an exhibition hanger with vintage aircraft and displays, an FAA testing center, scenic and discovery flights, fuel, provisions and more. Follow the boardwalk to Lake Bentonville, and watch the planes take off and land from the comfort of Louise – a modern all-day cafe.
Northwest Arkansas Arts & Crafts Fairs
Northwest Arkansas is home to some of the premier arts and crafts fairs in the country. Each fall in October, juried artists from across the US come to the area to sell handmade wares at renowned crafts fairs that draw hundreds of thousands to the region.
SPANKER CREEK FARM ARTS & CRAFT FAIR
8464 W McNelly Rd, Bella Vista spankercreekfarm.com (479) 685-5655
BELLA VISTA ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
1991 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista bellavistafestival.org (479) 855-2064
WAR EAGLE MILL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
WAR EAGLE FAIR
11037 High Sky Inn Rd, Hindsville wareaglefair.com / (479) 789-5398
Save The Dates
As one of the top destinations in the country, it's no surprise NWA hosts a number of major events. For more information about 2022 events, visit downtownbentonville.org and greaterbentonville.com.
BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL
In-Person Festival: June 22-26, 2022 Virtual Festival: June 22 - July 3, 2022 Downtown Bentonville bentonvillefilm.org
WALMART NW ARKANSAS LPGA CHAMPIONSHIP
September 19-25, 2022 Pinnacle Country Club, Rogers nwachampionship.com
BIG SUGAR NWA GRAVEL
