Want to truly get away from it all? Springdale, Arkansas offers a quaint escape in the Ozark Mountains that you won’t forget anytime soon. The fourth-largest city in the state, Springdale is known for its breathtaking regional beauty, friendly locals and rich history. There are plenty of things to do and see right in the heart of this flourishing city.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Between April and September, baseball season is in full swing for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The Double-A, REG-owned minor league team goes to bat annually at Arvest Ballpark, where they’ve brought home two championship titles. The team’s name comes from Arkansas’s nickname, the “Natural State,” and Robert Redford’s 1984 baseball film, The Natural.
Arvest Ballpark holds over 7,000 fans between fixed seats, suites, and two lawn seating sections. A ticket in allows guests to see some fantastic baseball action as well as access to plenty of concessions and activities. From pre-game gatherings to post-game firework shows, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. There’s also Little Arvest Ballpark, a kids’ zone with access to a playground, inflatables, a miniature train and miniature golf.
Stay at the Inn
Inn at the Mill, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, sits two miles south of Arvest Ballpark. Formerly the Johnson Mill, the Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places after serving as one of the longest-running businesses in the state. The Inn at the Mill officially opened in 1992, renovated with suites and hand-hewn beams to honor its storied past and welcome a bright, new future.
Today, the Inn offers a quaint respite with its spacious guest rooms and charming service. Each of the guest suites features a unique theme, drawing inspiration from some of the world’s greatest artists like Remington, Monet and Wright. Amenities like free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV and a refrigerator accompany every room, while some suites offer additional benefits like balcony and hot tub access.
Roam Downtown Springdale
Springdale’s downtown district is the center of the community. The artisans, chefs, brewers, and shop owners here offer a genuine small-town charm. Whether you want to do some exploring, eating or shopping in Springdale, the downtown area is bursting with events and entertainment for all ages. Downtown is also where travelers can journey into the past with some of Springdale’s most bellowed attractions.
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
Northwest Arkansas is filled with a rich history going back 15,000 years. After town locals began purchasing and gathering artifacts, Springdale created the Shiloh Museum. Named after the settlement and church that established the city in the 1840s, the museum now showcases over 550,000 prehistoric, historic and modern-era objects along with 260 anthropologic and archeological books and pamphlets.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
One of the best ways to experience the picturesque beauty of the Ozark Boston Mountains and Arkansas River Basin is to hop abroad on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad. The Springdale freight station headquarters rests along Spring Creek, just around the corner from the Shiloh Museum. The freight train takes on passengers seasonally for an unforgettable ride over several trestle bridges and through tunnels.
Parsons Stadium
Just down the street from the train station is Parsons Stadium, home of Springdale’s beloved Rodeo of the Ozarks. Throughout the year, the stadium puts on several rodeos with professional bull riding and themed events, including Western Days and rodeo parades. When the rodeo isn’t on, the stadium switches gears to monster truck shows and demolition derbies.
Outdoor Action and Adventure
Travelers looking to get outside have tons of options in and around Springdale. The region is chock full of local parks, biking and hiking trails and waterfront access. But there are a few attractions that tourists should make sure they have on their list.
Lake Fayetteville Park
A sprawling 458 acres of land and 194 acres of water, Lake Fayetteville Park is the local watering hole to visit in Springdale. Everything guests need to have a great day outdoors can be found here, including a disc golf course, miles of natural and paved trails around the lake, and picnic and pavilion areas. The lake has a boat dock and marina, along with tons of rentals available. Patrons can rent anything from bikes and specialty pull-behind trailers to kayaks, canoes, aqua bikes, fishing boats and pontoons. Boating and fishing permits can be purchased on-site at the Boat House and Lake Office.
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is located on the southeast side of Lake Fayetteville Park. Filled with 12 enchanting themed gardens and a charming native butterfly house, the Botanical Garden sees more than 70,000 guests annually. Emphasis is placed on growing the public’s attention to environmental awareness and natural experiences.
Nearby Military Parks
For those willing or able to take a short drive from Springdale, history awaits. A drive roughly 30 minutes northeast of the city will take patrons to Pea Ridge National Military Park. This park commemorates the grounds that were fought on during the Battle of Pea Ridge between March 7 and 8, 1862. Thirty minutes to the southwest of Springdale is the 900-acre Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. One of the most intact Civil War-protected grounds remaining, the park honors the site of the Battle of Prairie Grove, fought on December 7, 1862.
Visit the Epicenter of Arts, Nature and Culture
Thirty minutes north of Springdale sits one of Arkansas’s most esteemed attractions. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville features a world-class collection of everything from Colonial-era portraits to contemporary installations. The museum itself is a stunning work of architecture, which blends in with the surrounding Ozarks. All around the campus are beautiful nature trails and blossoming gardens to stroll through. Eleven, the on-site restaurant, offers seasonal dishes inspired by the nearby landscape and the museum’s timeless collection.