Local attractions

Explore nearby sights, activities, and dining options in the beautiful Arkansas area.

Crystal Bridges

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, is a non-profit museum founded by Alice Walton, featuring a permanent collection of American art from five centuries, set within a 134-acre park with Ozark forest, trails, and stunning architecture by Moshe Safdie. It offers free general admission and is known for its unique pavilions built around spring-fed ponds, extensive sculpture and walking trails, and amenities like a restaurant and store, all designed to connect art with nature. 

Key Features

  • Art Collection:

    Spans from colonial to contemporary American art, including masterpieces by artists like Norman Rockwell, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Indigenous artists, with a focus on American masterworks. 

  • Architecture:

    Designed by Moshe Safdie, the building features pavilions connected by bridges over ponds, integrating the structure with the natural landscape. 

  • Nature & Trails:

    134 acres of Ozark forest with five miles of trails, outdoor sculptures, and an arboretum with native plants. 

  • Amenities:

    Includes the Eleven restaurant, a coffee bar, a museum store, and a library. 

  • Expansion:

    A major expansion adding new galleries and educational spaces was recently completed. 
     
    • The Momentary:
      A satellite contemporary art space is also part of the campus. 
       

Visitor Experience

  • Free Admission:

    General admission to the museum and grounds is always free. 

  • Guided Tours:

    Available for a fee, offering in-depth experiences. 

  • Activities:

    Offers workshops, family activities, and special events. 

Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is a Victorian resort town in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, famous for its steep, winding streets, preserved 19th-century architecture, and numerous natural springs believed to have healing properties. Known for its artsy, eclectic culture, it attracts visitors with unique shops, restaurants, spas, and attractions like the Crescent Hotel, Thorncrown Chapel, and the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. The entire historic district is on the National Register of Historic Places, giving it a unique, "Little Switzerland" feel. 

Key features

  • Victorian architecture:

    The downtown area features well-preserved Victorian buildings, cottages, and manors built on steep hills, with some buildings having entrances on multiple levels. 

  • Natural springs:

    The city was founded around over 60 natural springs, and its history as a spa town continues today with bathhouses and spas. 

  • Arts and culture:

    It has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries, live music venues, and unique shops, attracting artists and writers. 

  • Unique attractions:

    Includes the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railroad, Thorncrown Chapel, Christ of the Ozarks statue, and the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. 

  • Outdoor recreation:

    Located in the Ozarks, it offers hiking, mountain biking, and proximity to Beaver Lake. 

Vibe

  • A small town with a cosmopolitan, "free to be" atmosphere.
  • Known for being accepting, creative, and historic. 

Walton Arts Center

The Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is the state's largest performing arts presenter, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, dance, and family programming, and also produces its own festivals like Artosphere. It operates three venues, including the main center, Nadine Baum Studios, and the Walmart AMP, and is a major hub for arts education and community engagement in Northwest Arkansas.

Key features

  • Diverse programming:

    Offers a wide range of performances, from Broadway tours and classical music to jazz and family-friendly shows. 

  • Venues:

    Includes the main Walton Arts Center, Nadine Baum Studios, and the outdoor Walmart AMP in Rogers. 

  • Arts education:

    Provides extensive educational programs, including classes, camps, and a school series, with a focus on access for all children. 

  • Festivals:

    Produces its own events, such as the Artosphere festival, which celebrates the arts and nature. 

  • Resident companies:

    Home to Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, Trike Theatre for Youth, and Community Creative Center. 

  • Visual art:

    Features the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery with rotating visual art exhibits. 

War Eagle Cavern

War Eagle Cavern is a family-friendly attraction on Beaver Lake in Benton County, Arkansas, known for its unique lakeside entrance, guided tours through massive domes and waterfalls, and activities like gemstone panning, a gravity-defying mystery shack, and a corn maze. Tours are easy for all ages, with no stairs or tight squeezes, and explore the history of Native Americans and moonshiners who used the cave. More adventurous visitors can book a "Wild Cavern Tour" for a more rugged, crawl-through experience. 

Cavern Tours

  • Traditional Tour:

    A 1-hour, easy-access guided walk through the main cavern with formations, waterfalls, and wildlife, suitable for all ages. 

  • Wild Cavern Tour:

    An advanced, off-trail tour requiring crawling and climbing through undeveloped passages, with provided helmets and gear (ages 13+). 

  • Lantern Tour:

    An after-hours tour lit by oil lamps, offering a unique narration. 

Above-Ground Activities

  • Moonshiners' Mystery Shack:

    An attraction where gravity seems to work incorrectly. 

  • Lost in the Woods Maze:

    A fun challenge for all ages. 

  • Gemstone Panning:

    A sluice where you can pan for gems like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. 

  • Hiking Trails:

    Scenic trails with views of Beaver Lake. 

  • Boat Access:

    The only lakeside cavern entrance in Arkansas, accessible by boat. 

Key Features

  • Lakeside Entrance:

    A natural entrance directly on Beaver Lake.

  • Wildlife:

    Home to bats and other cave life.

  • History:

    Learn about Native American history and moonshiner lore. 

The Scott Family Amazeum

The Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, Arkansas, is a hands-on, interactive children's museum focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) experiences for families, featuring exhibits like the Hershey's Lab, 3M Tinkering Hub, and an outdoor play area. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, and discovery through play, with activities for all ages, including a dedicated space for younger children. The museum offers a variety of rotating exhibits and is a popular destination for family outings, with admission included for members and children under two. 

Key Features

  • Hands-on Exhibits:

    Includes the Hershey's Lab, 3M Tinkering Hub, Nickelodeon Play Lab, and the Materials Lab for building and experimenting. 
     

  • STEAM Focus:

    Brings science, technology, engineering, art, and math to life through play. 
     

  • Indoor & Outdoor Spaces:

    Features 50,000 square feet of indoor exhibits and nearly an acre of outdoor space, including a climbable tree canopy and an indoor cave. 
     

  • For All Ages:

    Designed for children, families, and adults, with specific areas for younger kids (ages 6 and under). 
     

  • Rotating Exhibits:

    Hosts traveling exhibits from other science centers to keep experiences fresh. 
     

Visitor Information

  • Admission:

    General admission is charged for adults and children over 2; members and kids under 2 are free. 
     

  • Membership:

    An annual pass is recommended for frequent visitors, offering benefits like unlimited admission and discounts. 
     

  • Amenities:

    A gift shop (Curiosity Corner) and cafe are available, and visitors can pack a picnic.