You must visit Fayetteville, Arkansas, at least once in your lifetime. Make the most of your vacation time in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we have compiled a list of our favorite things to do in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Explore the top attractions and activities in the best places to go in Fayetteville, Arkansas, by scrolling down! As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter has big plans to shake things up in the field.
Table Of Content
- 112 Drive-In
- Arsaga’s Coffee Roasters
- Arkadia Retrocade
- Arkansas Air and Military Museum
- Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
- Crisis Brewing Company
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- Fayetteville Confederate Cemetery
- Gator Golf at Fayetteville
- Gulf Coast Axe House
- Lake Fayetteville
- Lake Wedington
- Marketplace Grill
- Ozark Escape
- Razorback Regional Greenway
- St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable
- Terra Studios
- Thorncrown Chapel (Eureka Springs)
- Wilson Park
- World Peace Fountain
- Volunteer At Animal Shelters
112 Drive-In
If you’re in Fayetteville on Friday or Saturday, go to 112 Drive-in.
If you’re a fan of the retro drive-in movie experience, you’ll definitely love this.
Depending on the time of year, you’ll be able to see everything from the latest releases to beloved classics at this cinema.
Snacks can be purchased from the nearby snack stand. All you’d need to do now is ask the person you’re traveling with to pick up the goodies while you wait for the movie to play.
112 Drive-In, which used to only take cash as payment, now accepts debit and credit cards as well.
The drive-in cinema is strict with its current regulations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you come in early and pick the best spot!
Check out 112 Drive-In if you’re in Fayetteville over the weekend and are looking for a fun throwback pastime that is also socially distanced.
Address: 3552 AR-112, Fayetteville, AR 72704
Arsaga’s Coffee Roasters
One of the most beloved coffee shops here is Arsaga’s!
They have six locations in Fayetteville alone. That’s how loved they are.
They strive to provide customers with the best coffee in a welcoming and comfy environment.
You can see their love for coffee and Fayetteville, as they even have their own line of coffee!
You won’t get a better cup of joe anywhere else in the region, thanks to Arsaga’s dedication to the art of coffee roasting.
Rejoice, vegans, vegetarians, and dieters! Arsaga’s got plenty of choices here.
They can serve food that is both vegan and gluten-free!
Specialty crepes are prepared right in front of the customers. So, you can sit and watch how your food is prepared.
The inside of their stores is decorated with local artwork to show the people just how much they love Fayetteville.
If you happen to sit by the porch, you can catch live acoustic music performances.
Address: 481 S. School Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701
Arkadia Retrocade
The Arkadia Retrocade is one of the best things to do in Arkansas.
Listen up, nerds and geeks alike, this one is for you!
Arkadia Retrocade is a great place to relive your nerdy past or present.
In this game utopia, you will see 150 retro games and a plethora of ’80s and ’90s memorabilia that are also on display.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you see the arcade games and retro posters lining the walls and ceiling.
If you’re a child of the 1980s and 1990s, you’ll have access to all of your favorite old-school video games.
Who said anything about games being only for kids? Here, adults and children alike can have as much fun as one another!
It costs only $5/person to play any number of Arkadia games throughout the day! No roll of quarters is needed.
The children might have to pry their hands from the buttons and the controller to get you to leave.
Address: 1478 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
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Arkansas Air and Military Museum
Unlike most museums, Fayetteville’s Arkansas Air and Military Museum have a unique feature: many planes on display are still operational.
The largest and the only aviation-dedicated Museum in Arkansas is housed in an all-wood hangar recognized on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places.
Arkansas’s largest and only aviation museum is housed in an all-wood hangar recognized on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places.
Arkansas Air and Military Museum preserve and display aircraft, artifacts, and military memorabilia dating back to the dawn of aviation and military history.
The Museum intends to build a library of relevant materials and promote the restoration and preservation of aircraft.
Their exhibit educates the public about the historical and cultural relevance as well as the aircraft’s role in technological advancements.
Static and restoration projects totaling 14 planes are also on display.
Aviation buffs, this is not a place to be missed!
Address: 4290 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
If you’re looking for a place where you can rest and let your eyes wander for hours, then look no further than the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.
After years of running with limited funds and donations, BGO grew into an even more beautiful garden.
With twelve backyard gardens, the only Butterfly House in Arkansas, and numerous other educational, creative, and interactive structures arranged around the Great Lawn.
Special events, such as weddings, birthday celebrations, memorial services, and corporate meetings can be held at the property. It is even voted as one of the “greatest venues to be married in Northwest Arkansas” on a regular basis.
At BGO, they welcome over 75,000 visitors a year who come for a variety of activities and events or just to take in the breathtaking scenery.
The plants and flowers, coupled with the scenery and landscape, make for a picturesque garden.
Your Instagram followers will have a great time scrolling through your feed.
Address: 4703 N Crossover Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72764
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Crisis Brewing Company
If you were born in 2002 and above, then this is not for you.
Hilariously named after the ‘midlife crisis, Crisis Brewing Company was created in Fayetteville with the dedication to craft microbrews.
They have seven of their microbrew on top at their Taproom, where you can dine and nurse on a pint of your favorite drink.
Crisis Brewing even encourages its guests to bring outside food!
Especially to Penguin Ed’s BBQ from next door, the Crises Brewing even has a special red phone dedicated to ordering at the BBQ place.
Plus you’ll get a 5% discount on your orders when you order from the red phone.
While you wait for your order to cook in the kitchen, have a sip of their classic American pale ale called the Averted.
They also have a bunch of varieties to choose from; there’s their Indian pale ale, cream ale, Irish red ale, and even milk stout.
Not to mention they have a good number of rotating brews throughout the changing seasons.
Address: 210 South Archibald Yell Blvd, Fayetteville
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is one of the top attractions in Arkansas.
Come where modern architecture and American art unite.
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s vision is to link art and nature.
The complex is both a museum and a cultural center, with exhibit spaces and a curatorial complex of the greatest quality, a library, and various social and educational areas.
Besides the beautifully modern design and architecture, the Museum boasts a handful of classic American artists.
You will see Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter, and Andy Warhol’s Coca-Cola are just a few of the masterpieces in its permanent collection of American masterpieces.
Eleven, a restaurant on a glass-enclosed bridge overlooking the ponds, is tucked away in this 120 -acres of parkland packed with sculpture and walking trails.
With a museum restaurant serving delectable food and a collection of world-famous artworks, the Fayetteville hidden gem is a must-see for art lovers of all levels.
Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712
Fayetteville Confederate Cemetery
Visit this macabre yet beautiful cemetery to get a glimpse of Fayetteville’s history.
Fayetteville has a Confederate cemetery where troops from all around Northwest Arkansas are buried.
When the Southern Memorial Association (SMA) first began organizing memorial services to commemorate Southern war victims.
The site was later nominated and then listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This cemetery is divided into two unofficial sections.
The first section was skewed. Leaning headstones and crumbling fencing surrounded areas of the cemetery.
The second section was. It was easy to tell the two areas apart because of the stark difference in their maintenance.
Like in a national cemetery, the headstones were arranged alphabetically and by state.
One of the main attractions is an enormous structure with a soldier on top that lists each state represented there, from Arkansas to Texas.
Atop the hill overlooking the cemetery, you’ll also find a great view of the city.
Address: 514 E Rock St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Gator Golf at Fayetteville
You, your friends, or your family will have a blast playing miniature golf at Gator Golf Miniature Golf Course.
Gator Golf, a golf course in Fayetteville, AR, features playing fields, practice areas for putting and driving, and other amenities for players.
With its stunning waterfalls and authentic African creatures, this custom-designed course is one of a kind.
Thanks to the creative layout and exotic greenery, a relaxing stroll is transformed into a fun outing for the whole family.
There’s enough space for everyone on their two (18-hole) courses, filled with life-like animals and even a waterfall!
The spacious location is well-maintained and reasonably priced.
If you manage to get a golf ball into a hole on the second course, you may get a discount.
Kids and adults alike will have a great time trying to hit the “hole in one” in one of their challenging courses!
Definitely add this to your family’s itinerary.
Address: 2692 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Gulf Coast Axe House
Have you been pissed off lately? Or just plain stressed?
Fayetteville’s first and only ax-throwing facility might help with that.
Gulf Coast Axe House is a unique attraction near Fiesta Square that lets visitors try their hand at ax throwing.
There is plenty for a large group of friends or family, with 8 lanes and 16 targets.
Ax throwing skills aren’t required! And you’ll feel like a superhero after your first couple of throws.
Each lane is enclosed with walls and nets to ensure that no one will accidentally hit someone.
There are experienced coaches available to teach anyone ages 13 and above how to hit the mark.
You’ll get to try your hand on an actual ax with a mounted target.
You can even use this opportunity to have a small game with your friends and see who hits the targets more.
Plus, you can even bring your own beer or wine!
Address: 3049 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Lake Fayetteville
This may be the best family-friendly spot in Fayetteville.
An idyllic family-friendly lake, Lake Fayetteville is surrounded by 640 acres of well-kept parkland, making it an ideal spot for a variety of outdoor activities.
It is also an excellent fishing spot, with a 194-acre lake offering numerous fishing piers, a modern boat ramp/dock, and open pavilions for resting.
The lake also houses Veterans Memorial Park and the Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex. If you’re already in the area, don’t miss Lake Fayetteville or vice versa.
The 5.5-mile trail is also perfect for walking, jogging, running, hiking and biking.
Most areas are accessible for people who use wheelchairs and parents that bring their babies.
Many food trucks frequently assemble around the lake’s pathways to feed hungry guests.
Perfect for enjoying the scenery while eating a snack or two, the place is also ideal for a picnic!
Address: 1330 Lake Fayetteville Trail, Fayetteville, AR 72703,
Lake Wedington
For great camping and natural areas, try Lake Wedington.
Lake Wedington is located at Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.
The 102-acre Lake Wedington contains six historic cabins maintained to keep its design.
Plus, wheelchair users will have no problem getting around these recreational spots.
Make sure to bring your fishing gear and enjoy the lake’s riches.
The campground has facilities and showers, and it’s a terrific area to go mountain biking as well.
It’s also a great place to see spring wildflowers, thanks to a nearby trail.
South of Lake Wedington, it runs away from the main road. There’s a bridge over the west-flowing streams that feed the lake at the trail’s northeastern endpoint, where you can take a stroll.
You’ll see a variety of Ozark woodland aquatic plants towards the end of the walk.
Check out Lake Wedington Recreation Area if you’re looking for a clean, family-friendly campground in the Fayetteville area!
Address: 15592 Lake Wedington Entry Rd, Fayetteville, AR. 72704
Marketplace Grill
Looking for good food that won’t take miles and miles of traveling to get to? Then, let me tell you about Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice 2021 Restaurant, the MarketPlace Grill.
MarketPlace Grill was opened towards the end of 1995; the rich heritage of American history sparked the idea for the restaurant.
In the good ol’ days, the marketplace was the heart and soul of any neighborhood. It was a whirlwind of commerce and social activity.
There was a huge demand for the freshest meats and produce. They enjoyed meeting up with friends and conducting business in and around the marketplaces.
The MarketPlace Grill was established after these observations.
MarketPlace Grill is the right spot for you if you are looking for a venue to satisfy your social and business needs.
They promise to use only the best ingredients in your meals and serve them to you by a team of highly-trained and well-equipped cooks.
Address: 1636 S 48th St #5880, Springdale, AR 72762
Ozark Escape
Gather the most intelligent people you know and test their abilities in the Ozark Escape
This escape room is listed as number 1 in Tripadvisor’s list of Fun & Games in Fayetteville, and for good reasons.
Every room is unique, and there’s an on-screen Game Master to monitor your progress and give clues if there is no progress.
A time limit of one hour has been set for you and your teammates to come up with a plan to get out of the room.
You’ll have to solve riddles, uncover secret compartments, and progress through the game.
In order to get out, you’ll need to work together to solve riddles in math, music, or logic that may need more than one person to complete.
You will have to solve a puzzle, solve a code, open a box, find a key and then escape.
Address: NWA, 509 W Spring St #140, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Razorback Regional Greenway
If you’re looking for a way to spot all of Fayetteville and the surrounding city’s attractions at once, consider walking or biking through Razorback Regional Greenway.
The Razorback Regional Greenway serves as the beginning point for those who are eager to see the area.
With just an afternoon of riding, one may visit some of the best local sites along the way.
The Razorback Greenway will take you from Bentonville’s downtown square to the center of Fayetteville.
As a bonus to the trail’s natural beauty, several exciting rest spots and detours are found along the way.
You’ll come across the Crystal Bridges, Lake Fayetteville, Puritan Brewing Company, and plenty of restaurants and stores.
This is an excellent day tour to completely catch the vibe of Fayetteville.
Just make sure you bring a bottle of water and keep the helmet on your head while you pedal through the region.
Address: Razorback Regional Greenway, Bentonville, AR 72712
St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable
The St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable is one of the best places to visit in Arkansas.
You do not even have to be Catholic to appreciate this beautiful place.
Building Lowell Boyton’s St. Catherine takes him twelve years to complete.
The project began with an original stained glass window and set of doors from Great Britain. Still, the remainder was made in Arkansas by Boyton’s hands.
From the molding on the Gothic arch to the spiral staircase in the corner, everything was done the old-fashioned way.
Stairs rise to the heavens from the stone chapel’s lush, green surroundings.
The outer walls of the building are covered in ivy, making it appear as if it has been there for centuries.
It will feel like you’re in another world!
Guests are initially greeted by a stunning stained glass window featuring a greens and gold kaleidoscope.
Traditional stone flooring is accented with vintage Persian carpets and brass chandeliers.
You will leave in awe with your gallery full of pictures.
Address: 2140 N Stone Chapel Ln, Fayetteville, AR 72704
Terra Studios
There’s good news for art aficionados of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or a place to relax, Terra Studios has a team that’s ready to help you.
The world has changed, but Terra Studios is still the big art park where millions of people have made memories. It has no intention of changing that purpose any time soon.
Countless people’s imaginations are sparked by this visual utopia.
Terra Studios in Fayetteville is a well-liked tourism destination for families with children.
Their six-acre Art Park, which features a variety of works of art from hundreds of artists, is a fan favorite.
You can’t miss their seven-channel stone labyrinth, which is located in the center of the property and offers a rare opportunity to experience peace while looking for a way out.
Visit Terra Studios, and you’re not only taking in the scenery; you’re supporting local artists and preserving Northwest Arkansas’s legacy.
Address: 12103 Hazel Valley Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701,
Thorncrown Chapel (Eureka Springs)
If you come across Eureka Springs, it will be very obvious that the town kept a theme.
As a result of the town’s preservation of some of its Victorian-era structures, this town looks to be from another period.
Inns, shops, and cafes in the historic downtown area all bear a Swiss influence, as does the town’s split-level historic district.
After enjoying a mixture of Victorian and Swiss charm, drive a little more and stop by Thorncrown Chapel.
Thorncrown Chapel, nestled in a wooded area, stands forty-eight feet above the Ozarks. Over 6,000 square feet of glass and 425 windows.
The chapel strangely fits in the woodland environment.
The American Institute of Architects Design Award for 1981 and AIA’s prestigious 25-Year Award have been given to Thorncrown by famous architect E. Fay Jones.
Critics have named the chapel “one of the finest religious places of modern times” because of its modest yet majestic architecture.
Address: 12968 US-62, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Wilson Park
If you’re dragging your kids along the trip, make sure to visit Wilson Park for their sanity!
Wilson Park in Fayetteville is an absolute must-see even if you don’t have kids!
Wilson Park, Fayetteville’s first public park, was finished in 1906 and is conveniently placed in the city’s center.
Playground equipment has been upgraded, and free Wi-Fi is available in this wide, well-landscaped open space. So your kids won’t end up throwing a tantrum.
Because the play area looks like a castle from a fairy tale, it’s no surprise that kids enjoy it.
It also features a public pool, several tennis courts, a football field, a basketball court, and a beautiful creek.
While the park has a variety of sporting facilities, there are also plenty of places to relax with your family and have a picnic.
It doesn’t matter if you want to have a picnic, watch your kids play, or just enjoy the surroundings; Wilson Park is an excellent choice.
Address: 675 N Park Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
World Peace Fountain
How about a more meaningful spot to go to?
The World Peace Fountain is a 10-feet in diameter and built in the shape of a sphere. It is made of bronze and mounted on a bearing so citizens can spin the sculpture.
Over a hundred distinct languages of the “May Peace Prevail on Earth” prayer are etched into the surface of this piece.
Hank Kaminsky came up with the idea because of a dream, and he later worked with the community for three years to get it done.
50 people from the community contributed to the creation of the sculpture.
The list of participants includes people of all ages and interests, including welders and carpenters. Everyone who wished to contribute was welcome at the studio, which was open to everyone.
Since it is located in the town square, the best part is that you can easily find it after a meal or a shopping trip.
Address: 15 W Mountain St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Give back to the community by helping at an animal shelter. The number of animals in need of our assistance has increased due to the economic insecurity many families with pets are experiencing. As a result, more pets are being abandoned.
Volunteering helps to promote awareness and contribute to the solution to pet overpopulation, neglect, and abuse.
While helping the animals directly may seem like the most obvious method to help, shelters are complex organizations that require the cooperation of a talented team to be successful. Perhaps the greatest way for you to help is to serve as a pet publicist, taking pictures of the adoptable animals to show off their distinct personalities. One of many methods to help is as follows: Find out what positions at your neighborhood animal shelter you might be able to fill. Youth programs are another service that many shelters provide to help kids and teenagers get involved and give back.
Volunteering at a local animal shelter and giving back to the community is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. Get started with this list of animal shelters in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
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