Country State County Government • Mayor Area • Total • Land • Water Elevation
United States Arkansas Benton Frank Anderson 45.9 sq mi (118.9 km2) 44.2 sq mi (114.6 km2) 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km2) 1,150 ft (350 m)
• Total • Density Time zone • Summer (DST) ZIP codes Area code(s) Website
Population (2010) 26,461 598/sq mi (230.8/km2) Central (CST) (UTC-6) CDT (UTC-5) 72714, 72715 479 www.cityofbellavista.com
Bella Vista is a city in Benton County, Arkansas. First established in 1965 as a summer resort town, the community evolved into a retirement community, and continues to change following incorporation in 2006. The city's struggle with incorporation began in 1977 and periodically returned as the community grew rapidly. Following the change, municipal government replaced the Property Owners Association as primary government; entering a new era for Bella Vista. The community is located on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozark Mountains; it is these valleys, creeks, and steep rises characterize the city's topography. Bella Vista is located north of Bentonville and Rogers, and is the northernmost municipality of the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan statistical area in the state. The city has been experiencing a population and building boom in recent years, as indicated by a 60% growth in population between the 2000 and 2010 censuses. The rapid growth of Northwest Arkansas, including Bella Vista, has expedited the need for a fully controlled access highway in the area. Bella Vista is the northern terminus of Interstate 540 (I-540) and southern terminus of I-49. The gap between the routes is currently served by US Highway 71 (US 71), a divided freeway, leading to congestion and delays for through traffic as well as local traffic in Bella Vista. The Bella Vista Bypass, a two-lane freeway ultimately planned to connect I-49 and I-540, is currently under construction to the city's west.
Geography Bella Vista is located in northern Benton County at 36°28'8" North, 94°16'7" West (36.4691, 94.2687). Its northern border is the Missouri state line. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 45.9 square miles (118.9 km2), of which 44.2 square miles (114.6 km2) is land and 1.6 square miles (4.2 km2) is water, consisting mainly of the several lakes within the city.
Notable people • •
Donna Hutchinson, member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013 Jim Sheets, member of the Arkansas House from 1967 to 1968
Recreation Bella Vista has seven lakes. These lakes are not "public" in that only members of the community or their guests are permitted to use them. Lake Ann, Lake Windsor, and Lake Loch Lomond are the largest allsports lakes in the town. Lake Avalon, Lake Norwood, and Lake Rayburn are primarily fishing lakes with "no wake" restrictions. Current POA boat permits are required as are Arkansas fishing licenses, when fishing Bella Vista lakes. • •
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Lake Ann is an all-water sport lake with 112.5 acres (0.455 km2) of surface area. Because it is 53.5 feet (16.3 m) deep with no power limit, water skiing is allowed on Lake Ann. Lake Windsor is the second largest of the lakes, covering 220 acres (0.89 km2) with a maximum depth of 79.5 feet (24.2 m). Lake Windsor is also an unlimited power lake, and water skiing is allowed. Loch Lomond is the largest of all the lakes in the city. It is 80 feet (24 m) deep and covers 477 acres (1.93 km2). There is no power limit, skiing is allowed, and boat rental is offered. Lake Avalon is a limited-power lake that features an enclosed, heated fishing dock located off Tamworth Circle. This lake covers 67 acres (270,000 m2) and is 50 feet (15 m) deep. Lake Brittany is 77 feet (23 m) deep, has a 35-acre (140,000 m2) surface area and is a limitedpower lake. Although there is currently no launching ramp, the terrain is suitable for launching. Lake Norwood, located just north of Bella Vista's Town Center, has 34.5 acres (140,000 m2) of surface area and is 75 feet (23 m) deep. The Lake Norwood launching ramp is located north of Harp's Food Store in Town Center. This is a limited-power lake. Lake Rayburn is 60 feet (18 m) deep and has a 47-acre (190,000 m2) surface area. This lake has limited power regulations. It also features a designated swimming area and a launching ramp that is accessible from Lakeside Drive.
Bella Vista Lake has a 1.8-mile-long (2.9 km) walking/biking trail that goes around the lake. (The trail, however, is actually maintained by the city of Bentonville.) Tanyard Creek is the site of another walking trail off Lake Windsor in the center of the village. It has a footbridge and some waterfalls except during dry times.