Northwest Arkansas: Main Attractions
Those looking for a family-friendly vacation spot or a cozy get-away location need look no further than northwest Arkansas. With forested Ozark hills, pristine lakes and rivers, and villages populated by some of the friendliest folks in the country, Northwest Arkansas is a perfect slice of American pie.
The Great Outdoors
Arkansas is the Natural State, and nowhere is this more evident than the verdant hills of the northwest, covered by the Ozark National Forest. The region boasts at least six state parks, depending on how you divide the map.
Hobbs State Park Conservation Area situated on the southern shores of Beaver Lake. This state park is Arkansas’ largest in acreage and is also the only state park in Arkansas that allows hunting. Numerous camping sites are available within the state park. There are also many commercially owned resorts and campgrounds around the 60 miles of Beaver Lake’s shoreline.
Water, Water Everywhere
Fishing, boating, canoeing, and even scuba diving are just a few of the water sports that are enjoyed on the rivers and lakes in Arkansas. The Buffalo National River, America’s first nationally protected stream, has been featured in National Geographic Magazine, and is the topic of a full-length book. Its 150 miles are ideal for canoeing, fishing, and enjoying the high bluffs that made it famous. The lower section is suitable for any level of canoeing ability, but the upper part offers whitewater enthusiasts a great ride.
Mulberry River, however, has the state’s best whitewater, with class II and III rapids. Novices should not run this river. Be prepared for cold water when you fall in; you may want to wear a wetsuit vest and shorts.
Bull Shoals-White River State Park is located in the north-central area of Arkansas, bordering Missouri. Bull Shoals Lake is Arkansas’ most massive, and the White River is famous for its brown and rainbow trout, especially below Bull Shoals Dam.
Historic Sites
One of the most significant battles west of the Mississippi during the War Between the States was fought at Pea Ridge National Military Park, with control for the state of Missouri and the Mississippi River at stake. A seven-mile drive through the 4,300-acre park has eleven points of interest. Don’t miss the East Overlook. The gorgeous view is well worth the short walk down the paved path.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
This Civil War battlefield is one of America’s most intact. In December of even-years, a reenactment of the original clash takes place, which resulted in 2,700 casualties. The park features a museum, a one-mile Battlefield walking trail, and a five-mile driving tour.
Small Towns
Eureka Springs, also known as “Little Switzerland,” is an ideal locale in which to shop. Unique boutiques offer something of interest to everyone: art galleries, jewelry, antiques, vintage and modern clothing, and local crafts. Enjoy a spa treatment after shopping in this historic Victorian village. This small town is, after all, the village founded on its natural springs in 1879, when folks flocked to the area because they believed the springs had healing powers. Today, the springs are still visited, though not for therapeutic reasons.
Located on Bentonville’s historic downtown square, Sam Walton’s original five and dime store is now Wal-Mart’s Visitor’s center. The site is free for all to enter and view the incredible history that is Wal-Mart, a true American icon.
Museums
Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the Arkansas Air Museum, located at Drake Field in Fayetteville. The museum housed in a World War II airplane hangar and aviator training facility. Displays and exhibits help the visitor follow the history of aviation. The museum is open daily, with an excellent rate for families. Children under five are admitted free.
The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is located in Springdale, Arkansas. In pioneer times, Springdale was the community of Shiloh, and the museum details the history of Northwest Arkansas and the Ozarks. With many hands-on exhibits, this museum is ideal for all ages. Six historical buildings are located on the grounds on a shaded walking path. Genealogy hobbyists might be interested in the research library, which also has over 700,000 photographs depicting life in the Ozarks. The museum is open from 10 to 5, Monday through Saturday.
Fairs and Festivals
Dozens of fairs and festivals are held in Northwest Arkansas, with events planned from April through October.
Blues lovers can enjoy a free festival on the first weekend of October at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena. With 100,000 attendees, it is the largest free blues festival in the South.
Time your visit for the third weekend of October for the War Eagle Fair, located near Beaver Lake just south of Highway 12 along War Eagle River. This fair has been an annual favorite since 1954, and the board of directors maintains strict rules for the quality of the exhibitor’s products. The founders began the fair with a desire to perpetuate the culture of the region, and to ensure the longevity of various art forms close to extinction with a focus of arts and crafts. Today the fair draws some 180,000 visitors.
Mount Magazine is the site of Arkansas’ newest state park, and also the International Butterfly Festival every fourth weekend of June. Along with seminars, a walk-through conservatory, and nature walks to spot one of the numerous ninety-one species of butterfly; attendees can enjoy a quilt show, photo contest, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and, of course, great food.
The Johnson County Peach Festival in Clarksville keeps up the same old-fashioned fun it has provided since it began in 1938. There’s something for everyone in the family including a peach cobbler bake-off, a barbershop quartet, and a greased pig chase. This annual festival held during the last week of July is a must-attend event.
Those who vacation in Northwest Arkansas often decide to return year after year. It’s no mystery why retirees also favor the region; one only has to take a Sunday drive in color-splashed autumn or to stop at a roadside produce stand in the summer. If the sights and flavors do not tip the scales, the friendly folks will.
Look for Travel Destinations for a Summer Roadtrip to discover places to add to your travel bucket list.
