Did you know that in 2016, Fayetteville was named the number three best place to live in the U.S., right after Denver and Austin? With our guide, you’ll quickly see why! From museums and historic sites to parks and restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Fayetteville. Here are the 20 best things to do in Fayetteville, AR!
Dickson Street
First thing to do in Fayetteville, AR, is visiting the Dickson Street. It’s a historic downtown area that’s buzzing with restaurants and bars, a live music scene and many cultural events. Want to do some boutique shopping while you’re there as well? This is the place in Fayetteville to do it. And for all you bookworms out there, Dickson Street Bookshop is a must-see. This independent bookstore has been around since 1976 and offers a wide variety of books, both new and used. If you want to hit up some bars or clubs, Dickson St has plenty of options for you as well.
Wilson Park
Wilson Park is a great thing to do in Fayetteville AR with the kids, with its playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. The park also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals. The park also allows dogs at all times, so long as they are leashed. Since it’s mostly flat terrain, Wilson Park is easy to navigate on foot or with a stroller. Some trails wind gently uphill and others are quite level, making them perfect for short trips with small children or older family members who aren’t able-bodied enough for longer walks up steep inclines. The natural beauty here makes Wilson Park one of the most scenic places in Fayetteville, especially when spring and summer arrive, bringing colorful foliage.
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
This 12-acre garden features a variety of plant life, as well as a butterfly house and a children’s garden. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is beautiful, educational, and relaxing. The garden’s mission is to “promote a greater understanding of the value of plants and nature in our lives.” For example, one program teaches kids about photosynthesis using hands-on activities such as building their own mini greenhouse or making paper flowers. It is an amazing place to spend a day with friends or family. The garden also hosts events throughout the year that you don’t want to miss!
Lake Fayetteville
Lake Fayetteville is an idyllic spot for fishing, canoeing, hiking and biking. The lake was initially created in 1938, but a new dam installed in 1990 increased the size of the lake to its current 200 acres. If you’re looking to go fishing while enjoying some of the natural beauty that Northwest Arkansas has to offer, you’ll want to check out Lake Fayetteville.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is one of the nation’s top art museums. The museum is located in Bentonville, just a 30-minute ride from Fayetteville, and features a collection of American art, as well as temporary exhibitions of international art. There are numerous famous paintings on display in its permanent collection, including works by Norman Rockwell and Georgia O’Keeffe. While the museum itself is free to enter (as is most parking), there are some events that require admission fees, so make sure you know what your options are before you go!
The Clinton House Museum
Looking for fun and educational things to do in Fayetteville, AR? Take some time out of your busy weekend to visit the Clinton House Museum, and you won’t be disappointed. The museum is dedicated to Bill and Hillary Clinton, who lived in this home during their first year of marriage while attending law school at the University of Arkansas. The house, built in 1953-54, was designed by architect Everett George. Self-guided tours are available daily from 8:30am – 4:30pm (except Monday). There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted.
Razorback Stadium
Built in 1938, Razorback Stadium is the home of the University of Arkansas’s football team, the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Razorbacks are part of the University of Arkansas, a school founded in 1871 which is located right in Fayetteville. With a sitting capacity of 80,000 people, it is the third-largest stadium in the SEC and fifth largest in the nation. Tourists can explore the stadium via self-guided tours that honor the team’s history and its place as an integral part of Fayetteville’s community. Located on campus at 350 N Razorback Rd, this stadium is well worth a visit for sports fans or anyone who loves college town vibes.
Razorback Regional Greenway
The Razorback Regional Greenway is a 36-mile-long trail that connects Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville to Lake Fayetteville. The majority of the trail is paved, but there are some unpaved trails that branch off from the main greenway. According to a study in 2018, nearly 1 million people use the trail every year. The greenway has more than 20 access points and connects eight parks, providing several opportunities for you to stop along your journey and explore your surroundings. There are plenty of places to eat along the route, including a few restaurants and food trucks at Stage Eighteen Park in Rogers.
Fayetteville Ale Trail
Fayetteville has a vibrant beer scene, and the Fayetteville Ale Trail is the best way to take it all in. Start off with a free map at the Fayetteville Visitors Center, then visit each of the seven stops along the trail. You’ll get a stamp for each brewery you visit, as well as tasting notes and information about what makes them unique. The whole thing is self-guided, so you can spend as much or as little time at each stop as you like!
Downtown Square
With over 80 shops, restaurants and bars, the Fayetteville Square is home to the heartbeat of Downtown Fayetteville. The square has been host to many festivals and events throughout the year, including ArtWalk on the first Friday of each month.
One Saturday a month from April through October, you will find the Farmer’s Market on the square! With about 100 vendors showcasing their local products, it’s a great way to spend an early Saturday morning!
Things to Do Fayetteville, AR: Recap
In this guide, we’ve covered just a few things to do in Fayetteville, AR. The list is by no means exhausting, so feel free to take it from here and explore the city further on your own. Other attractions we can recommend include:
- Walton Arts Center. Home to a wide variety of events and performances year round. From concerts to plays and dance recitals to art exhibits, this venue has something for everyone!
- Scott Family Amazeum. One of the state’s most stunning museums, this museum has dozens of hands-on activities for kids and adults alike and also hosts seasonal exhibits about various topics throughout the year like lawnmowers or storm preparation.
- Walmart Museum. The birthplace of Walmart! Here you can check out some cool historical memorabilia from Walmart’s early days as well as see how this company became what it is today with interactive displays.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our take on places to go and things to do in Fayetteville, AR. Thank you for reading!
Similar Posts:
- Things to Do in Fayetteville, NC. Be Sure to Check Out Our List and See Top Places to Go in This North Carolina City
- Top Things To Do In Little Rock And North Little Rock Arkansas: Best Tourist Attractions
- A Guide to Things to Do in Hot Springs, Arkansas: The Best Tourist Attractions to Visit, What to See and More!
- Wembley Stadium: a Complete Tourist Guide. Learn the History of the Stadium and Book a Tour
- Things to Do in Columbia SC With Kids and Without Them: 13 Must See Attractions in South Carolina’s Capital
- Chelsea Stadium: Chelsea FC Stadium Tour and Museum
- Things to Do in Spokane, WA. Tourist Attractions and Places to See in Spokane
- Fun Things to Do in Texarkana (Texas). Places to Go and Main Tourist Attractions in Texarkana
