Things to Do in Fayetteville, Arkansas – A Complete Travel and Dining Guide
When traveling Logan and I typically don’t think of college towns as destination hot spots that we’d like to visit. And for that, we’re sorry to all of the places we’ve probably passed through Since moving to Northwest Arkansas we’ve become smitten with Fayetteville.
Fayetteville, Arkansas is where the University of Arkansas is located and while when college is in session you’ll find the area more crowded with students and Arkansas fans calling the Hogs, there is so much more to do here than visit the campus. In this Northwest Arkansas travel guide, we’re covering all of our favorite experiences and things to do in Fayetteville, AR plus the best restaurants in Fayetteville, and other travel tips!
How to Get to Fayetteville, Arkansas
How to Get to Fayetteville by Car
If you live close to Northwest Arkansas the best way to get to Fayetteville is by driving. There are a number of cities that are within easy driving distance from Fayetteville.
- Tulsa to Fayetteville: 2 hours
- Oklahoma City to Fayetteville: 3 hours
- Kansas City to Fayetteville: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Little Rock to Fayetteville: 3 hours
- St. Louis to Fayetteville: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Dallas to Fayetteville: 5 hours 30 minutes
How to Get to Fayetteville by Plane
You might be surprised to find out that Northwest Arkansas has a regional airport (XNA) that serves a number of non-stop flights from major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, New York, Denver, Miami, and more. From XNA, you can rent a car and be in Fayetteville within 15-20 minutes from the airport.
Where to Stay in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Graduate Fayetteville
One of the best hotels to stay at in Fayetteville is Graduate Fayetteville. It is close to the University of Arkansas campus and off the Downtown Square making it a great location for a weekend in Fayetteville or Northwest Arkansas. Graduate Hotels typically decorate their hotels to fit the location they reside in, for this location you’ll find a homey, rustic interior that resembles the Ozark Mountains with reclaimed wood floors, outdoorsy decor, and other items that resemble features of the Natural State.
READ MORE: Unique Places to Stay in Arkansas
Things to Do in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Before moving to Northwest Arkansas we had visited Fayetteville for a few Razorback games in college and didn’t venture much outside of the campus and Dickson Street. So we were really surprised by the amount of awesome and unique things to do in Fayetteville! Here are just some of our favorites so far.
Visit & Shop at the Fayetteville Downtown Square
Much like the downtown squares in all cities and towns in Northwest Arkansas, the Fayetteville Downtown Square is a charming place to relax, shop, and dine. One of our favorite things to do in Fayetteville, AR is to visit the Downtown Square year-round farmer’s market on Saturdays. It’s a great place to get local produce, cheeses, and crafts. In the spring and summer months, there are tons of flowers to enjoy viewing and in the winter the square is transformed into a beautiful winter light display!
A few of our favorite shops on the Fayetteville Downtown Square:
- Alchemy Macarons: I’ve made macarons a few times but the ones from Alchemy have me beat by a longshot. They have the best flavors.
- City Supply: A great spot for home goods from local small businesses and others.
- Riffraff: Such a cute women’s clothing boutique.
- Block Street Records: If you’re into records then you’ll have to check out the collection here!
- Savoy Tea: They have such a fabulous selection of tea that is all sourced from family tea farms from around the world.
Visit the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks
The Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks is a collection of twelve smaller themed gardens and a quaint butterfly house. It’s the perfect place to bask in the serenity of nature, have a picnic, take a stroll, or even enjoy live music during the summer months in Northwest Arkansas. In addition, they also host several hands-on educational programs and classes for children and adults interested in gardening or horticulture.
The twelve gardens you’ll find at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks include
- Founders’ Garden: This garden features a number of places to relax surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. It’s a great spot to read a book on a nice spring or summer day.
- Japanese Garden: This is my favorite garden at Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, partially because I love Japan and frequently visit, but also because it is so tranquil. There are many Japanese design features and a small pond with koi fish.
- Children’s Garden: This unique garden is the center of discovery with places to climb and view wildlife in the nearby pond.
- Fruit & Vegetable Garden: This garden has a lot of pollinator-friendly flowers and many edible plants.
- Cottage Garden: The cottage in this garden is where you can participate in a number of classes and workshops. It is surrounded by a few species of plants and flowers that butterflies enjoy.
- Butterfly Garden: This beautiful garden is a path of nectar-based flowers that leads to the on-site butterfly house.
- Shade Garden: This garden features a variety of shade plants, some of which can be enjoyed year-round.
- Four Seasons Garden: As the name suggests, this garden has various foliage and plants that change depending on the seasons.
- Rose and Perennial Garden: If you like flowers, this garden is full of them! The Rotary Peace Arbor that is located here makes for a beautiful photography backdrop too.
- Ozark Native Garden: There are so many gorgeous plants and flowers that are native to Arkansas, and this garden features many of them.
- Rock and Water Garden: This garden depicts an Ozark mountain stream and has waterfall-like effects and various wildlife and vegetation living and growing nearby.
- Sensory Garden: Again, as the name suggests, this garden was designed to experience the five human senses. Some of the plants and flowers you’ll find here are lemon balm, lavender, and berry bushes.
Location: 4703 N Crossover Rd, Fayetteville // MAP
See A Show at the Walton Arts Center
We feel so lucky to have a theatre like the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville because they bring in performances from around the world to Northwest Arkansas. Unlike larger theatres, the Walton Arts Center is smaller and more intimate making every seat one of the best in the house.
One of my favorite performances I’ve seen there thus far was Once on This Island which won the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. Currently, live performances are on hold but they are offering a number of virtual experiences to enjoy from home!
See what upcoming performances Walton Arts Center has scheduled
Location: 495 W Dickson St, Fayetteville // MAP
Watch A Performance at TheatreSquared
Another place to see a live theatre performance in Northwest Arkansas is TheatreSquared which has many locally produced performances a year. Because of the seat’s close proximity to the stage, you can experience an intimate setting for each show you watch.
One of my favorites that I saw at TheatreSquared was The Legend of Georgia McBridge which is about a young Elvis impersonator who was struggling to make ends meet and finds success in becoming a lip-syncing drag queen!
See what upcoming performances TheatreSquared has scheduled
Location: 477 W Spring St, Fayetteville // MAP
Rent A Room at Big Box Karaoke
Big Box Karaoke is similar to the karaoke rooms that you’d find in Japan, so naturally, after moving to Northwest Arkansas from Japan we were excited to see Big Box Karaoke open in Fayetteville!
Now even if you aren’t typically a fan of karaoke stay with me. Because I’m not a fabulous singer and often get embarrassed singing in front of others but Big Box Karaoke is perfect for everyone because you can rent a private room with just you and your party!
Room sizes can host 4-10 guests so they’re perfect for any occasion. Trust me when I say, Big Box Karaoke is one of the most fun things to do in Fayetteville, AR and I recommend it to everyone.
Not only does Big Box Karaoke offer private karaoke rooms, they also have fabulous food and cocktails plus theme nights including Wednesday pizza + karaoke, Thursday ramen nights, and Sake Sundays.
Location: 115 N Block Ave, Fayetteville // MAP
Take A Self-Guided Brewery Tour on the Fayetteville Ale Trail
The Fayetteville Ale Trail is a self-guided brewery tour where you can try a number of craft beers from local breweries. There are currently 17 stops on the Fayetteville Ale Trail that can be found all over Northwest Arkansas including many stops in Fayetteville. Be sure to request your free Ale Trail Passport before you plan to go so you can get your passport stamped and turn it in for a prize!
READ MORE: The Best Breweries in Northwest Arkansas
Attend An Art Class or Workshop at Terra Studios
Terra Studios is one of the more unique things to do in Fayetteville, AR. It is a six-acre art and sculpture park with an indoor gallery featuring a number of one-of-a-kind art pieces available for purchase. They also offer a number of studio art classes for all ages including pottery, painting, glasswork, and more.
While I have yet to visit because they’ve been closed for some time I’m looking forward to their reopening so I can experience the outdoor sculpture park and an art class for myself!
Location: 12103 Hazel Valley Rd, Fayetteville // MAP
Play Vintage Arcade Games at Arkadia Retrocade
Arcades are becoming somewhat of a pastime, but Arkadia Retrocade is keeping the nostalgia alive with hundreds of retro arcade games, video games, and board games. We had the best time stepping back to our childhood playing hours of Atari, PacMan, N64, and a variety of other games. Arkadia Retrocade is perfect for kids and adults alike!
Location: 1478 N College Ave, Fayetteville // MAP
Visit The Clinton House Museum
The Clinton House Museum is one of many places in Arkansas where you can learn about the history of the Clinton family. This house was the first that Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton purchased and lived in together after they were first married until they moved to Little Rock.
The house has since become a museum sharing photographs, historical documents, and information about how the Clintons shaped Fayetteville’s history. If you are interested in political history, this is definitely a place to add to your things to do in Fayetteville, AR.
Location: 930 W Clinton Dr, Fayetteville // MAP
Attend A Razorbacks Sports Game
If you’ve never attended an SEC football game or tailgate it’s quite an experience and if it happens to be football season while you’re in Fayetteville then you can potentially snag some cheap tickets to an Arkansas Razorbacks Football game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
I haven’t been to any Razorbacks baseball games, but I did attend a basketball game once at the Bud Walton Arena and that was a ton of fun too! Don’t forget to call the Hogs alongside everyone else. We won’t tell your favorite sports team!
Location: 350 N Razorback Rd, Fayetteville // MAP
Play A Round of Mini Golf at Gator Golf
Gator Golf of Fayetteville has been around since 1988 providing fun for all ages. This completely outdoor mini-golf has two courses, an 18-hole or 36-hole course with cute and kitschy animals you can find at every location. Although they are open year-round pending inclement weather, I think this activity is best enjoyed on a summer evening!
Location: 2692 N College Ave, Fayetteville // MAP
Enjoy the Scenery at St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable
Visiting St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable will immediately make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale or The Secret Garden which makes this one of the unique things to do in northwest Arkansas.
The stained glass windows and doors are from a church in England which helped inspire the European architecture. St. Catherine’s is available for special events like weddings or other parties but is also open for viewing pleasure and meditation at certain times. Make sure you call ahead to make sure you can go!
Location: 2140 N Stone Chapel Ln, Fayetteville // MAP
Play An Intense Game of Laser Tag at Modern Mission
When I was younger I used to play laser tag with friends and I was SO into it. Maybe it’s because I was somewhat decent at it (not to brag) and normally I didn’t excel at anything that was even remotely athletic besides ballet. Then again, does laser tag qualify as a sport? Because I think it takes skills.
Anyway, I hadn’t played laser tag in YEARS but then I found out about Modern Mission which is what I imagine would be like to live inside a video game. Didn’t they make a movie about that? Modern Mission has a few different types of laser tag including an outdoor arena and an indoor arena. I’ve personally only played the indoor one but I’m sure the outdoor one is fun too!
In the indoor laser tag, you’re split into two groups and you have to complete different missions, such as capture the flag, in order for your team to win. They have 20-player laser tag sessions open to the public on the weekends but if you have a group of 10 or more you can reserve a time slot to have the arena to yourself on weekdays and nights.
Location: 3484 E Joyce Blvd, Fayetteville // MAP
Check out Some of the Local Bars for Live Music
Fayetteville has some of the best bars for live music and other events. I personally have only been to a few because about a year after we moved here 2020 happened. But here are a few that you can check out once things open back up more!
- George’s Majestic Lounge has been around since 1927 making it the oldest and longest-running live music venue in Arkansas.
- Maxine’s Tap Room started in 1950 when Maxine Miller set out to open a bar that soon became a staple in Fayetteville. Maxine was active in the day-to-evening operations and was well-known for her last call of “May I have your attention, please! You have ten minutes to drink, and get the hell out!” Maxine’s has since been remodeled but it still pays homage to the history of the original Maxine’s as a place to enjoy live music and terrific drinks with friends.
- Dickson Street Pub is a great place to gather with friends to watch live music or enjoy the rooftop patio while enjoying their infamous Hog Punch or one of the 50+ craft beers that are on tap.
- The Piano Bar is Fayetteville’s dueling piano bar that offers a lively experience with talented musicians.
The Best Parks, Walking Trails, and Bike Trails in Fayetteville
Wilson Park
Founded in 1906, Wilson Park is Fayetteville’s oldest original City Park. Some of the amenities you’ll find at Wilson Park include volleyball courts, picnic areas, a playground, softball fields, tennis courts, and a nice walking trail. But the most unique feature of Wilson Park is the castle area which was constructed in 1981. The castle is nestled between some of the pretty foliage of Wilson Park adding to the enchantment of this interesting addition.
Location: 675 N Park Ave, Fayetteville // MAP
Razorback Regional Greenway
I always talk about the Razorback Regional Greenway to everyone who plans to visit Northwest Arkansas because it is one of the premier biking trails in the area. It is a paved multi-use trail that covers nearly 40 miles from Fayetteville to Bella Vista. If you didn’t bring your bike with you then you can rent one from a local bike shop or a local Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Location: 1153 Lake Fayetteville Rd, Fayetteville // MAP
Lake Fayetteville Park
Lake Fayetteville Park is one of our favorite places to enjoy a quick bike ride in Northwest Arkansas. The paved multi-use trail is wide enough for those who want to bike, run, or walk and the scenery is really pretty, especially in the spring and fall. After enjoying time at Lake Fayetteville Park I recommend heading over to the Lake Fayetteville Food Truck Park which is located close to Lewis & Clark Outfitters at the main entrance of the park. There are a ton of great food trucks to grab a bite to eat from!
Location: 1153 Lake Fayetteville Rd, Fayetteville // MAP
Lake Sequoyah Park
If you are looking for a place to go boating or fishing in Fayetteville then Lake Sequoyah is a great spot to do so. Though the lake is smaller than Beaver Lake in Rogers, it still has plenty of space to enjoy nature. In addition to spending time on the lake, you can also enjoy the hiking trails and nature.
Location: 6608 Lake Sequoyah Dr, Fayetteville // MAP
READ MORE: Things to Do in Bentonville, Arkansas
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