Arkansas is referred to as the “Natural State” because of its sizable areas of largely untouched forests and woodlands. Just a brief journey from Missouri to the north, Kansas to the northwest, and Oklahoma to the west is Bella Vista, which is located in the picturesque Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas.
Visitors to the Bella Vista area include nature fans and adventure enthusiasts from all over the state. Bella Vista, which was formerly known only as a posh retirement community, has lately drawn younger couples with kids.
Bella Vista, Arkansas is a lovely small community with a wide variety of things to do for tourists of all kinds. The community offers activities for all interests, from outdoor activities to artistic events. Bella Vista offers a variety of activities, whether you’re looking for a leisurely weekend getaway or an exciting day out.
Discover the 15 things to do in Bella Vista, Arkansas.
- anyard Creek Nature Trail
- Visit Golf Course and Club House
- Bella Vista Museum
- Lakepoint Restaurant and Event Center
- Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
- Museum of Native American History
- Visit the Veterans Wall of Honor
- War Eagle Cavern
- Back 40 Hiking Trail
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- The Walmart Museum
- The Buckyball
- The Slaughter Pen Hollow Multi-Use Trail System
- Pea Ridge National Military Park
- Bella Vista Art Festivals
1) Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
Bella Vista’s Tanyard Creek Nature Trail is an excellent way to avoid crowds and explore less-travelled paths. Just across Highway 340 from the heart of Bella Vista, the entrance is close to the Windsor Lake Dam.
The trail was primarily created by volunteers and is a wonderful community asset that you can use.
The path is a must-see for nature lovers because it offers stunning vistas of small rivers, cascades, and stone mountains and it is one of the best things to do in Bella Vista, Arkansas.
Due to the country setting, there are numerous deer and birds of prey here; bring your camera to capture images of these magnificent animals. Early in the day or late in the day are the best times to watch them.
2) Visit Golf Course and Club House
On the far western edge of Bella Vista, this golf facility is one of the city’s well-known ones. The spacious clubhouse houses the eatery, bar, and golf store. Make appointment times in advance because the courses are frequently congested.
Due to the abundance of golf courses that have a good balance of short and lengthy rounds, you will undoubtedly have an excellent golfing experience.
A driving range and a short-game practice course are included in the Highlands Golf Course and Club House as well. You shouldn’t be concerned about your safety because the area is well-secured and the staff is friendly. The track is also kept in good condition
3) Bella Vista Museum
A visit to the Bella Vista Museum would be a smart place to start and one of the best things to do in Bella Vista, Arkansas if you are new to the area and want to get an outline of the town’s history and culture before leaving.
The museum is a wonderful place to visit whether you’re new to the region or have lived here for some time.
It’s full of displays, artefacts, and exhibits related to the community of Bella Vista. The pioneer period photos and stories of the harsh and perilous circumstances that existed when Bella Vista was a tiny refuge of civilization among the largely untamed and uncharted western United States are particularly fascinating.
4) Lakepoint Restaurant and Event Center
Planning an event at the Lake Point Restaurant and Event Center is one of the best things to do in Bella Vista, Arkansas.
A wonderful dining experience is available at the Lake Point Restaurant and Event Center in Bella Vista, Arkansas, which is located at 101 Marina Dr They have revised their catalogue with some fresh choices as well as many old favourites.
High acclaim was given for the flavour and originality of the meals and appetizers. For marriages, anniversaries, and other similar events, this venue can provide a beautiful and natural location.
The stunning lake, the stunning sunset, and the reception room that looks out over the breathtaking landscape will undoubtedly please you. You’ll want to return because of the delicious cuisine and stunning scenery.
5) Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
The Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, which is made of steel, glass, and wood, is a wonderful spot for some peaceful reflection or just to pause and admire its striking architecture.
There are concrete strolling paths that lead to some breathtaking vistas of the grounds from the parking area, which is conveniently situated on Memorial Drive in Bella Vista.
Once inside, you’ll be in awe of the tall, arched ceilings and might be shocked to learn that Arkansas is home to a lot of Glass Chapels that are identical to this one. Consider looking at the others in Hot Springs and Eureka Springs as well.
6) Museum of Native American History
Before the region was first discovered and inhabited by Europeans, Arkansas had a long and rich Native American past.
Accessible to people with disabilities, the Museum of Native American History in nearby Bentonville will take tourists back in time to discover how the area’s Native Americans made a livelihood in this harsh country.
Museum is divided into five different historical periods, each with its relics, displays, and exhibits that show how people lived during those times, including how they manufactured pots, baskets, garments, and weaponry as well as how they collected sustenance and defended themselves. Make a reservation and phone in advance for big groups.
7) Visit the Veterans Wall of Honor
The Veterans Wall of Honor’s entry is hidden beneath a striking archway, and the monument itself is constructed of interlocking circles. It is a spot of peaceful reverence where visitors can pay their respects to the service members who have given so much over the years.
It is situated on the walking route that meanders through Bella Vista. Names of the region’s deceased heroes are listed on the monument, which also features an intriguing timeline outlining the numerous battles and conflicts in which the United States has been engaged over the years.
8) War Eagle Cavern
The biggest privately held cave in the area that offers tours is the War Eagle Cavern, which is only 45 minutes away from Bella Vista.
They make excellent companion pursuits because they are both located on the picturesque beaches of Beaver Lake. As it has been doing for ages, War Eagle Cavern is still evolving and expanding, making it a living cave.
The 45-minute tours are followed by some great geologic explanations from your local expert about the forces that shaped the tunnel. There are several periods throughout the day when tours are available for a reasonable fee.
9) Back 40 Hiking Trail
With all of Arkansas’ natural beauty, it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that it attracts dedicated mountain riders from the neighbouring states.
In contrast to many of its peers, Arkansas has numerous elevation changes, which are necessary for challenging mountain bicycling paths. Even nationally recognized organizations have praised Bella Vista’s Back 40 for its paths.
Back 40 is open to everyone and link to the Regional Razorback Greenway in Arkansas. If you’re not a pro, don’t worry; the Back 40 has paths that should be accessible to people of any age and skill level and are available all year.
10) Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is one of the region’s top attractions for people seeking to load up on top-notch artwork produced in a variety of media, and it’s conveniently located nearby in Bentonville. The museum holds temporary exhibitions from other galleries and artists throughout the year in addition to some fixed collections.
Unless you’re especially smart and have visited their website beforehand, you’ll never really know what to anticipate. In either case, it’s highly recommended. There are many strolling trails throughout the property that leads to beautiful landscapes that are also worth visiting.
11) The Walmart Museum
Visiting the Walmart Museum is another best things to do in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Regardless of your personal opinions of Walmart, it’s difficult to dispute that the business has a fairly remarkable history, particularly because Sam Walton established his first store in a small town in rural Arkansas in the 1950s. As they say, the rest is history.
Visit the Walmart Museum on North Main Street in Bentonville if you have a spare hour or two and want to learn more about the company’s incredible ascent to retail fame. Consider a mid-morning walk followed by lunch since tours are offered and there is also an old-fashioned café on the premises. On various days, the hours change, so calls ahead.
12) The Buckyball
If you’ve ever wondered what a Buckyball is or why one would be in northwest Arkansas, then a visit should be the top thing to do in Bella Vista, Arkansas. The Buckyball, a sizable, semi-round spheroid coated in neon lights of various colours, was made by a Hispanic artist.
It’s a distinctive example of Bella Vista Americana, and admission is free. Although it’s interesting to look at during the day, the neon sign’s vibrant variety comes to life at night, and it just doesn’t feel the same in the daylight. Take a peek; it’s free and won’t take up much of your time.
13) The Slaughter Pen Hollow Multi-Use Trail System
The Slaughter Pen Hollow Multi-Use Trail System is administered by the city of Bentonville and offers residents some of the best-marked and maintained paths in the region. The trails offer walkers some fantastic chances to see wading birds, birds of prey, ducks, and even rabbits and foxes.
The trails pass through a pleasant mixture of rural and urban landscapes and, in some areas, follow the course of the Arkansas River. The path network is open to the public and is close to several trailheads. The city’s nearly 20 kilometres of paths are accessible year-round, in good weather or bad.
14) Pea Ridge National Military Park
During the Civil War, Arkansas was a highly contested state that was frequently occupied by Union and Rebel troops bent on ruling the neighbouring states that were critical to the success of both parties.
One of the best-preserved combat sites in the region is the Pea Ridge National Military Park, which is close to Bella Vista and the Missouri state line and to visit this Military Park would be one of the top things to do in Bella Vista, Arkansas.
It is worth a visit, particularly for Civil War and military history enthusiasts. In March 1862, there were two days of fighting. The Union forces were outnumbered, but they prevailed in the battle, which allowed them to quickly secure the neighbouring frontier state of Missouri.
15) Bella Vista Art Festivals
Bella Vista is home to several artists and studios that rank among the finest in the state, in large part because of its relative wealth. The community has hosted its “Discover Art Festival” for almost 50 years.
Nearly 300 artists and artisans now make up the community, and they are happy to show off their imaginative works to guests.
The event is well-known for its delicious cuisine in addition to its amazing artwork in a variety of media. It’s a wonderful way to have fun and contribute to a worthwhile cause because it’s run by volunteers and the money raised goes towards bursaries for young, aspiring artists.
Conclusion
Given Arkansas’ abundance of natural beauty, it is not surprising that it draws ardent mountain motorcyclists from other states as well as from abroad.
If you want to reestablish a connection with the environment, Bella Vista is the ideal location and above mentioned are the 15 things to do in Bella Vista, Arkansas. This metropolis will give you an unforgettable experience, whether you like bicycling, golfing, or exploring natural areas.