This bustling city in Arkansas is deep within the Ozark Mountains, an area of outstanding natural beauty that is full of woodlands and picturesque valleys. The city was called Washington Courthouse until 1829, when it was renamed Fayetteville. It has its own university, the University of Arkansas, that brings in lots of young students each year.
The city offers its visitors the excitement and entertainment available in big cities, without the overcrowded streets and imposing skyscrapers. There’s plenty of nature scattered throughout the city, and there are a lot of things to do in Fayetteville! This quaint location is an ideal destination for nature lovers, couples on a city break, and families alike.
12. Clinton House Museum
The Clinton House was the home of Bill and Hillary Clinton long before they moved into the White House. The couple lived in this small one-bedroom property in Fayetteville, where they began their political careers, at the start of their marriage.
In fact, they married in the house’s living room in 1975. during your visit you can check out the almost identical replica of Hillary’s wedding dress! It’s strange to think that a future First Lady married in her living-room in the Ozark Mountains.
The Museum has lots of memorabilia from Bill Clinton’s early career and aims to give its visitors the opportunity to experience the house as it was when the famous couple were there.
11. Razorback Greenway
If you like cycling, the Razorback Greenway is the perfect daytime get-away during your time in Fayetteville! The 36-mile-long trail is almost entirely off-road, giving you the opportunity to experience the local nature from your bike seat.
Whilst you’ll mostly be out in the wild, the trail also runs through two cities, Fayetteville and Bentonville, and a few smaller towns along the way. You can speed through Fayetteville’s popular downtown area and take in the city’s popular sights before heading back into the hills.
There are lots of picturesque lakes along the way where you can stop for a picnic, as well as an abundance of parks and resting spots. The perfect adventure for cyclists of all levels!
10. Farmers’ Market
Fayetteville’s market has lots of stalls run by local farmers who visit the city to sell their produce. The city is committed to only selling products that were grown or created within 60 miles of the city, so everything is very local!
There are also lots of arts and crafts stalls. The market is a fantastic place to find local up-and-coming artists selling their best work. If you don’t want to buy anything, you can simply browse the market stalls and sample some bits from the market’s delicious food stalls.
The Farmer’s Market has two different locations, one for the warmer seasons and another for winter. So, no matter when you visit Fayetteville, you’ll be able to pop down to the market. It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon, chatting to locals, and buying beautiful gifts.
9. Lake Fayetteville
If you’re beginning to tire of the busy city and you’re looking for some peace and quiet, then look no further! Lake Fayetteville is just a short 10 minute drive from the city center; a quick and easy escape into nature during your city break.
The Lake was originally built as a large water reserve that served as the city’s main water supply. Now it’s a popular recreational spot within the city, situated close to residential areas. The Lake is also on the Razorback Greenway cycling trail, a great spot to stop for a picnic along the way!
You can spend an afternoon or a short hour at the lake. An ideal destination for a scenic, gentle stroll. There’s a Golf course and Botanical Gardens nearby if you want to combine your visit with another activity.
8. Ale Trail
If you want to do a trail in Fayetteville, but you’re a bigger fan of beer than hiking, then the Ale Trail is for you! The Ale Trail is a self-led beer tour that takes you to 17 local breweries across the city.
You’ll need to head to Fayetteville’s Visitor Center before you start the trail to collect your beer passport. At each brewery you visit you collect a stamp when you get a beer, and if you get all 17 stamps you win a free prize! If you’re lucky it’ll be more beer…
The Ale Trail is a fun way for groups of friends on holiday to explore the city’s nightlife or do some sightseeing with some added fun!
7. Walton Arts Center
The Walton Arts Center was opened in 1992 after a series of projects were set up in the community to attempt to bring the arts into Fayetteville, all of which eventually culminated in the creation of the Walton Arts Center.
The center offers its visitors a diversity of performing arts, from theater productions and dance, to comedy and concerts of all genres. So, whether you want to watch dancers spin around the stage or go to a late-night comedy show with friends, you’ll find the right event for you at the Walton Arts Center.
The arts company has ticket options for every budget, as part of their commitment to make performing arts accessible to everyone. They also run lots of educational programs and volunteering opportunities that bring together the community.
6. Terra Studios
Terra Studios first opened in 1975 as a pottery and glass studio that was run by a local family. The most successful pieces created were the studio’s Bluebirds of Happiness – these little glass sculptures sold all over the world!
The studio was reopened in 2015 after it was renovated and changed management. It opened as a not-for-profit that aims to improve life through art. The studio is open to everyone and hosts lots of events where you can get creative.
The studio is outside the city, a short half hour drive away. It has an indoor art gallery with lots of exhibits from different projects run by the organization, as well as lots of outdoor spaces decorated with art sculptures.
5. Wilson Park
If you’re in the center of town and you fancy getting into nature for a bit before continuing your urban adventures, you can visit Wilson Park for a short walk or picnic lunch. The park is in the center of the city, and offers people a small escape into the countryside.
The park has lots of green space and short walking trails, as well as a pond and flourishing gardens. There are lots of facilities, like restrooms, picnic areas and a variety of courts where you can play a friendly match of your favorite sports.
It was the first park to be built in the city! And the park isn’t the only old thing around, there’s an Osage orange tree in the park that is thought to be 100 years old!
4. Razorback Stadium
This large stadium in Arkansas has a capacity of 80,000 at a push! The stadium has been home to the Razorback team since 1938. Since then, it has undergone many renovations, and expanded its capacity immensely. When it opened there was only space for 13,500 spectators!
One of the stadium’s most important renovations happened in 2018, when $160 million was invested to reconstruct the North End Zone and Frank Broyles Athletic Center. The stadium is one of the best in Arkansas and attracts many promising players to the University of Arkansas.
If you’re in town when there is a match, don’t miss out! The cheering crowds, incredible players, and traditional American snacks (and beer) are a big part of modern US culture.
3. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
If you want to experience the incredible nature of the surrounding Ozark Mountains, but you’re on a short trip or you don’t fancy a long day out in the hills, you can visit the Botanical Gardens in the city!
The Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks have 12 themed gardens, that showcase lots of local flora, and a beautiful butterfly house full of colorful and exotic butterfly species.
The center runs a variety of educational programs and talks on topics like conservation, horticulture, and gardening. A great place to come to learn, play, or spend some quiet time in nature; the Botanical Gardens are a must-visit during your time in Fayetteville.
2. TheatreSquared
Going to the theater is a great activity for all kinds of travelers, families, groups of friends and even solo travelers! The chance to get dressed up, sit back, and enjoy a performance shouldn’t be missed, and with the TheatreSquared in the city there’s no reason to.
The theater was founded in 2005 and has been a success ever since, gaining lots of national recognition for its performances. The theater is in Downton Fayetteville, so you can walk around and enjoy the popular neighborhood before or after the show.
The theater offers spectators an intimate experience, with just a couple-hundred guests at each performance. The company gives 320 performances a year, though most are in local schools.
1. Fayetteville Downtown Square
The Downtown neighborhoods of cities are always bustling and full of things to do and see, and Fayetteville is no exception! The city’s Downtown Square has lots of boutique shops, popular restaurants, and beautiful gardens.
The charming area is perfect for some holiday-shopping, a delicious meal, and sightseeing. There are plenty of historic buildings in the area to visit. Downtown Fayetteville also offers its visitors the chance to walk around the charming gardens that are styled and tended to year-round.
During the warmer seasons, they also run the local Farmer’s Market in the Downtown Square, a great opportunity to get out and meet local farmers and artisans during your visit!
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