Northwest Arkansas, in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, offers a plethora of opportunities for the adventurous.
Whether you decide to spend your time in Fayetteville, or travel out on day trips to the surrounding areas, there is sure to be something for everyone!
In Fayetteville
- Mt. Sequoyah Assembly (1922) - Currently a Methodist church retreat, Mt. Sequoyah is named for the Cherokee leader who created the Cherokee alphabet and translated the New Testament for the Indians. Within the church retreat is a fair trade store worth checking out, selling handmade goods from people around the world. There is a nice hiking trail on top of the mountain. On the west side is a large white cross, from which one can take in a breathtaking view of the city. Also to the west is a gap between two hills which marks the Trail of Tears (Take Maple St. east to Assembly).
- Wilson Park - A paved 1.5 mile trail in a nicely landscaped city park (From Maple go north on Wilson).
- University of Arkansas campus - The land-grant university was founded in 1871. Points of interest include Old Main, the senior walk (anyone who graduates from the U of A gets their name inscribed in the side walk under their graduation year), and Old Main Lawn/Arboretum, which has many of Arkansas' native trees (From Maple, go south on Arkansas).
- National Cemetery (1867) - One of the South's oldest military cemeteries, serves as a burial ground for Union soldiers and many veterans since the Civil War (South of Martin Luther King Dr./6th St. on Government).
- Confederate Cemetery (1872) - Serves as a burial site for Confederate soldiers (From Maple, go south on College and east on Rock).
- Dickson Street - The lively street that attracts young and old alike, with a diverse array of restaurants, bars, and the Walton Arts Center.
- Farmer's Market (April - October each year) - Many local farmers and artisans sell their locally grown/produced goods (From College, go west on Center).
- Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (From N College, go east on Zion and north on Crossover).
- Lake Fayetteville - A 5.5 mile loop (walking/biking) around the lake (From N College, east on Zion, Veteran's Park on the left).
- Fayetteville's Bike Trails - Run primarily north -south through much of the city, Mud Creek, Scull Creek and Frisco trails are nice portions (access them at many points throughout the city).
Day Trips
- Mount Magazine State Park (1:45 min./90 mi. from Fayetteville) - Contains the highest point in AR: Signal Hill (2,753 ft. above sea level); offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, rappelling, rock climbing and hang gliding.
- Buffalo National River (1:30 min./60 mi. from Fayetteville) - Some great hiking trails include: Hawksbill Craig (3 mi. roundtrip, most photographed rock in AR), Lost Valley (3 mi. roundtrip, dead ends at a cave containing a 35 foot waterfall), Hemmed-In-Hollow (3 mi. one way, showcases a 175 foot waterfall). Many go here to float the river, and also to see the elk (there are two elk education centers located in Ponca and Jasper).
- Devil's Den State Park (40 min./30 mi. from Fayetteville) - Offers hiking, camping, biking, paddle boats, canoes, horse trails and a pool; the namesake Devil's Den Trail showcases the park's unique geologic features.
- Turpentine Creek (1:10 min./40 mi. from Fayetteville; fee) - Exotic wildlife refuge emphasizing big cats.
- Eureka Springs (1:20 min./50 mi. from Fayetteville) - Shops, dining, historic hotels.
- War Eagle Mill (45 min./30 mi. from Fayetteville) - Working water - powered grist mill, general store and restaurant; very picturesque, located on the War Eagle River. Nearby is the War Eagle Cavern.
- Pea Ridge National Military Park (50 min./40 mi. from Fayetteville; fee) - Driving/biking tour of the Park.
- Prarie Grove Military Battlefield (30 min./20 mi. from Fayetteville; fee) - Museum and walking/driving tour of the Battlefield.
- Arkansas and Missouri Railroad (if board in Springdale, 20 min./10 mi. from Fayetteville; fee) - Various excursion options (beginning and end points), offers views from three high trestles over 100 feet from the ground, goes through the 1702 foot Winslow tunnel, magnificent scenery.
The copyright of the article Travel in Northwest Arkansas in Arkansas Travel is owned by Sara Wittenberg. Permission to republish Travel in Northwest Arkansas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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