Need a scenic Ozarks escape with college-town energy, trails, and local flair? Head to Fayetteville! Located in northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville is known for its vibrant downtown, beautiful parks, and the University of Arkansas. From arts and food to Razorback pride and outdoor adventure, Fayetteville blends natural beauty with progressive charm for a refreshing getaway any time of year.
Fayetteville, AR Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Bike the Razorback Greenway – Ride this 40-mile multi-use trail that connects Fayetteville with neighboring cities, passing parks, public art, and shops.
- For History Buffs: Visit Headquarters House Museum – Learn about Fayetteville’s Civil War history in a preserved Greek Revival home used by both Union and Confederate forces.
- For Shoppers: Browse local shops on Dickson Street and Block Avenue – Discover books, fashion, and handmade goods in the heart of downtown.
- For Couples: Watch the sunset at Mount Sequoyah – Enjoy panoramic views over town from this peaceful overlook and historic retreat center.
- For Families: Spend the day at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks – Walk through themed gardens, kid-friendly exhibits, and a butterfly house.
Best Time to Visit Fayetteville, AR
The best time to visit Fayetteville is spring through fall (April–October), when the weather is ideal for festivals, football games, hiking, and biking. Fall is especially vibrant with Ozark foliage and Razorback tailgating season.
How to Get to Fayetteville, AR
- If you are traveling by car: Fayetteville is located off I-49, about 30 minutes from Bentonville, 2 hours from Tulsa, and 3 hours from Little Rock.
- By Air: Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is about 30–35 minutes away with daily flights from major U.S. cities.
- By Bus: Jefferson Lines and other regional carriers offer service to Fayetteville and surrounding areas.
Where to Stay in Fayetteville, AR
- Graduate Fayetteville – Boutique hotel with retro Razorback vibes and a walkable location near Dickson Street.
- Inn at Carnall Hall – Historic hotel on the University of Arkansas campus with Southern charm and an upscale restaurant.
- Hilton Garden Inn Fayetteville – Modern and convenient with business amenities, just a short drive from campus and downtown.
Best Things to Do in Fayetteville, AR
1. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is a football stadium and a home field of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and one of the top Fayetteville attractions. Opened in 1938, the stadium was known as University Stadium, Bailey Stadium, and Razorback Stadium until 2001, when it was renamed to honor American philanthropist Donald W. Reynolds.
The original capacity of the Razorback Stadium was increased in 2001 from 50,019 to 72,000. With temporary bleachers atop the south end, it can accommodate up to 80,000 fans. Record attendance was 76,808 in September 2010, Arkansas vs. Alabama. The enormous 30 by 107 foot LED display called PigScreen was installed in 2000, and it was upgraded in 2012 to 38 by 167 feet.
350 N Razorback Road, Corner of Maple and Razorback, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Phone: 800-982-4647
2. Fayetteville Farmers' Market
The Fayetteville Farmers' Market is a community market that has been running for over 40 years, providing the local residents with fresh produce, local goods, and handcrafted items. Located in the Historic Downtown Fayetteville Square during the week and the Jefferson Center Playground on South College Avenue on Sundays, the market offers an excellent selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, herbs and plants, charcuterie, dairy products, and baked goods, as well as curated crafts, fine art, and jewelry.
Known as the “Crown Jewel of Fayetteville,” the Saturday market features up to 70 vendors set up around the magnificent historic square gardens, and it bustles with local musicians, street performers, and community organizations.
Historic Downtown Fayetteville Square, 101 W. Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Phone: 479-236-2910
3. Wilson Park
Resting in the heart of the city, Wilson Park is Fayetteville's first and oldest park, and it offers a beautiful urban space for locals to enjoy. Established in 1906 and spanning 22.75 acres, the park features a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, a softball field, and a basketball court. A playground, swings, and castle area are ideal for children, while green lawns and picnic areas are perfect for relaxing with the family.
A short walking trail winds through the park offering lovely views and leads to The Castle, a sculpture with seven points and a footbridge designed and built by artist Frank Williams.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is home to an impressive collection of twelve themed gardens and a modern butterfly house. The gardens were established in 1994 with the aim of providing a beautiful location for recreation and relaxation. The garden also aspires to offer an educational resource for children and adults alike and inspire people to take an interest in the natural ecosystem of the Ozarks.
A variety of educational programs, workshops, and classes on horticulture and conservation are offered to children of all ages, as well as hands-on nature and science learning experiences, such as Earth Day, Butterfly Days, and Firefly Fling.
4703 N. Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Phone: 479-750-2620
5. Fayetteville Ale Trail
Take a self-guided Fayetteville Ale Trail tour to experience the thriving craft brewery culture of the city. The Ale Trail currently includes eight breweries: Bike Rack Brewing Co., Apple Blossom Brewing Co., Core Brewing and Distilling Co., Columbus House Brewery, Fossil Cove Brewing Co., Saddlebock Brewery, Ozark Beer Company, and West Mountain Brewing Co.
There are two guided tours as well: Hogshead Tours, a three-hour tour of three breweries in a VW van, and a Pinnacle Car Services tour, which guests take in their comfortable limo. You will have fun talking to the master brewers, learning about what makes each beer different, and tasting them along the way.
21 South Block Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Phone: 479-521-5776
6. Arsaga's Coffee Roasters
Arsaga's Coffee Roasters is one of northwest Arkansas' favorite coffee shop chains, opening its first location in Fayetteville in 1992. The coffee shop, which is helmed by married duo Cindy and Cary Arsaga, operates six locations today, including a location within the Fayetteville Public Library that is open to the public seven days a week during library hours. A variety of delicious coffee shop beverages are crafted from the finest organic, fair trade, and high-quality regional coffee roasts, ranging from classic Americanos, Cubanos, and cappuccinos to unique Japanese nitro coffees and mint-infused grasshopper lattes. Blended and frozen drinks are also available, along with a variety of creative tea and non-caffeinated beverages.
401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, Phone: 479-521-1993
7. The Arkansas Air & Military Museum
The Arkansas Air & Military Museum showcases the colorful history of aviation in Arkansas and American military through an impressive collection of aviation memorabilia, artifacts, and historical items related to aviation.
The museum has both static and mobile exhibits and displays, many of which are still in operation. Stroll through the vast wooden hangar that was once a World War II aviator training post and explore the magnificent displays of airplanes that include Vietnam-era Army helicopters, a Stinson S Junior, and a Douglass A-4 Skyhawk. More info
4290 South School Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Phone: 479-521-4947
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
8. Clinton House Museum
The Clinton House Museum was the first home of William Jefferson Clinton and Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, and it is the place where they were married. Today, it is open as a museum to the public. Visitors can explore the museum, which displays the lives of the 42nd President of the United States and the 67th Secretary of State before they headed to the White House.
Located on Clinton Drive, the museum features a variety of photographs, political campaign videos, early political speeches, and other documents that take visitors back in time and provide an insight into their lives.
930 West Clinton Drive, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Phone: 479-444-0066
9. The Farmer's Table Cafe
The Farmer's Table Cafe is a casual eatery that serves organic, homemade breakfast and lunch from Tuesday to Sunday. Owned by Rob and Adrienne Shaunfield, The Farmer's Table Cafe supports local farmers and producers by using fresh, locally sourced produce to create delicious, organic dishes for their menu of breakfast and lunch items.
Menus feature griddle pancakes, omelets, granola, and free-range eggs for breakfast, and sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads, as well as a range of beverages for lunch.
1079 S. School Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Phone: 479-966-4125
10. Walton Arts Center
The Walton Arts Center is a performing arts center based in two locations in Arkansas that showcases world-renowned performing artists to the local communities through a range of art experiences and shows. Established in 1992, the Center features a full season of dance, music, and theatrical performances, Broadway shows, spring and summer performing arts-based camps, a popular jazz series, and a host of community-based events and educational outreach programs for both adults and children.
The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas has also joined the center to add classical music to the program. The Fayetteville campus consists of the Starr Theater, McBride Studi, Baum Walker Hall, and the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery, all located on Dickson Street, as well as the Nadine Baum Studios located on West Spring Street.
495 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, Phone: 479-443-5600
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