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DiscoverNorthwestArkansas.com
DiscoverNorthwestArkansas.com
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Welcome to discovernorthwestarkansas.com! Welcome to one of the most vibrant, scenic, and rapidly growing regions in the country. Every day, more visitors and new residents are discovering why Northwest Arkansas consistently commands national attention, recently being ranked as America’s #1 Best-Performing Large Metro Area by the Milken Institute. Whether you are exploring Rogers (ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the top city to live in Arkansas) or Fayetteville (voted the premier city to live in the Southeastern Conference), this guide is your personal handbook to a spectacular visit.
Having called Northwest Arkansas home for over 30 years, I have witnessed a phenomenal economic and cultural evolution. Beyond the friendly communities and rich Ozarks history, the region is fueled by a powerhouse economy—serving as the home base for global giants like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt, alongside the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or considering making a permanent move, it won’t take long to see why Northwest Arkansas is not just an incredible place to visit, but a truly great place to live. Kevin Becker General Manager/Multimedia Sales kbecker@nwaonline.com or 479-903-5832
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Biking &Hiking For outdoor fun and majestic natural beauty, Northwest Arkansas is a premier destination. The opportunities for bikers and hikers here are nearly endless. From the novice to the advanced, outdoor adventurers will find an extensive and carefully planned network of trails and greenway. Northwest Arkansas is a shining example of the positive impact cycling can have on a community,” said Steuart Walton, grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton. And Bike magazine chose the region for its annual bike test because “they are building trails faster than you can ride them.” Here’s a roundup of trails and hiking/biking groups:
Trails n The Razorback Regional Greenway is a 38-mile, mostly off-road, shared-use trail from north Bentonville to south Fayetteville. The wellmaintained asphalt/concrete trail weaves through scenic country landscapes, follows creeks, safely crosses city streets, and winds through tunnels. Trails are also in close proximity to downtown locations. n Bella Vista is home to some of the most beautiful, undisturbed nature and sights to explore via their trail system. The Bella Vista Trail and Greenway Master Plan System will consist of more than 100 miles of trails upon completion. Bella Vista has a combination of soft and paved
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surfaces to suit any hiking or biking preference, completely surrounded by rocky hills, clear lakes, lush hardwood forests and amazing wildlife. Currently 40 miles of greenway trails have been completed. n Popular Bella Vista hiking trails include Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, a 2.2-mile loop with a swinging bridge and a view of Lake Windsor waterfall, and Lake Bella Vista Trail, a paved 1.75 trail with picnic tables, a playground and a disc golf course. n Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges has lovely shaded multi-use trails with sculpture gardens and stunning scenic views. n Lake Leatherwood Trail in Eureka Springs is a flat, mile-long trail perfect for runners and light hikers. Lake Leatherwood City Park attracts visitors every year for its spring-fed lake and marina, mountain bike and walking trails, picnic and camping areas, and the Ozark mountains. n Fayetteville’s trails are many. Centrally-located Scull Creek Trail (4.4 miles) has been called “the backbone” of the city’s expanding trail system. Its paved, tree-lined surface and connectivity to other trails make it ideal for alternative-transportation commuters and recreational users alike. It also features a 650 foot-long, lighted tunnel, the state’s longest pedestrian tunnel. Gulley Park is one of Fayetteville’s most popular recreational sites and has undergone extensive development
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and improvements. The 1.5-mile Gulley Park Trail features a new, wide concrete loop, ideal for walkers, runners, strollers, and cyclists. Two new, 12-foot-wide bridges have replaced older bridges. n The all-new Niokaska Creek Trail links the Razorback Greenway to Gulley Park. Another innovation is Old Wire Cycle Track, currently under construction, that begins at the intersection of Old Wire and Ash Street and will end in Gulley Park. The Walton Family Foundation is funding this unique track for cyclists that will protect them from cars and pedestrians, and hopefully serve as a model for the region. n Clear Creek Trail offers 2.3 miles of peaceful creek-side scenery and links the Scull Creek and Lake Fayetteville Trails. n Lake Fayetteville Trail has a paved, multi-use surface 5.5 miles long, and a natural trail 6.9 miles long. The trails circle Lake Fayetteville and feature a pedestrian bridge, waterfall, picnic and nature areas, playgrounds and splendid views of the lake. n In Rogers, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the scenic Lake Atalanta trails, lake and park. The Railyard is a natural surface bike park for riders of all skill levels, with a trail that leads to Lake Atalanta Park. Other notable features are 2,000 feet of boardwalk, 4 miles of hard-surface trails and 10 miles of soft-surface trails. There’s also a nature area, serenity garden, pavilions and restrooms.
Hiking and Cycling Groups n The NWA Hiking Group has over 1,500 members from Northwest Arkansas as well as Ft. Smith, Tulsa, Joplin and Springfield. For a one-time, $10 membership fee, you will be joining “a group of outdoors enthusiasts who love hiking, backpacking, bicycling, floating (sometimes paddling), and camping in the great outdoors!” as they are self-described. “We get out year round and always focus on ‘leaving no trace’ as we go.” meetup.com/nwahiking/ n Senior hikers can join up with OLLI members for hikes and fun day trips. OLLI stands for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Fayetteville. You can take all kinds of classes, too. olli.uark.edu. n Northwest Arkansas Cycling is for mediumdistance riders (25-50 miles). Fitness and social experience are primary goals of this group, based in Fayetteville. meetup.com/NWACycling/ n Most members of Bella Vista Bike Club are retired, and range in age from 53 to 78. Rides are scheduled weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at distances of 23 to 45 miles. Facebook. com/Bella-Vista-Bike-Club n Ozark Mountains Trailblazers Club is a group of backpackers, hikers and trekkers whose goal is to bring the beautiful Ozark Mountains more fully into people’s lives for shared experiences. hikingtheOzarks.com/trailblazers/
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Thorncrown Chapel
Eureka Springs The best kept secret in Northwest Arkansas
Deep in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in Northwest Arkansas lies Eureka Springs, a hidden gem of a town chock full of beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, exciting nightlife, and natural fun for the whole family. Eureka Springs is the perfect vacation destination for those seeking a good time or a quiet escape; from the many community events to the peaceful, secluded lakeside cabins, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Eureka. One of the most famous attractions in Eureka Springs is the classic Victorian Crescent Hotel & Spa, also known as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” The grandiose hotel has garnered national attention and television exposure for its ghost tours, but it is so much more than just a spooky haunt for those seeking a scare. The gorgeously preserved hotel overlooking the quaint historical village is also the perfect venue for a memorable wedding that will stand out in the minds of friends and family alike. Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural masterpiece made of glass and wood that looks out upon the endless rolling, wooded hills of the Ozark Mountains. This majestic edifice was designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones to blend perfectly with its forested setting, and since opening in 1980, has won numerous awards from the American Institute of Architects. For those who love exploring nature, or just for those who love a breathtaking view, there are three gorgeous lakes surrounding Eureka, and each packs plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family. Whether its fishing, boating, skiing, or just hiking around and enjoying the views, Table Rock, Beaver, and Leatherwood Lakes all offer exciting adventure 8
nestled in scenic Eureka Springs. Guests can rent cabins and lakeside cottages to snuggle up in at night for a stay. Those seeking a more underground adventure can literally find what they are searching for in one of Eureka Springs’ unique caverns. Onyx Cave and Cosmic Cavern both offer exciting cave tours that are fun for all ages, where guests can explore the natural wonders of the underground world. With each cave tour, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family, including panning for gems, perusing the gift shops, and checking out the natural cave wildlife. For those seeking exciting nightlife, Eureka Springs has a great array. Eureka’s downtown entertainment district has plenty of unique and eclectic bars filled to the brim with live music, good drinks, and exuberant dancing. Chelsea’s, a Eureka institution of over 25 years, is proud to host live music five nights a week as “a guaranteed party and a place to dance your cares away,” according to their website. From the classic local haunt The Rowdy Beaver to the swanky The Upstairs, there is a tasty libation and a lively crowd to suit every guest’s needs in this tiny resort town. For an activity the whole family can enjoy, visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary for survivors of the exotic pet trade provides lifetime care for big cats and exotic animals, and is in high demand. Not only can guests visit the majestic big cats who call the refuge home, but they can also stay in one of the refuge’s many cottages, including the tree house bungalow, and fall asleep to the sounds of Africa nestled right in the Ozarks. This unique vacation destination is great for all ages because it is filled with fun adventures, but also educates guests
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in a lesson in compassion for animals. Want to plan a visit to Eureka but aren’t sure when to go? Why not pick one of the many community festivals or events happening throughout the year and visit during the one that strikes your fancy! Eureka Springs is host to music festivals, art festivals, car shows, and holiday events that blow anywhere else in the area out of the water. During the Bikes Blues & BBQ rally, Eureka is just a scenic ride away and has its own Bikes & Bluegrass festival for guests to enjoy away from all the hoopla in the main NWA event area. During Mardi Gras, Eureka is the place to be, being home to the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Northwest Arkansas. During the Christmas season, guests are warmly welcomed into the beautifully restored Victorian homes of locals during the annual Tour of Homes. One event, the May Festival of the Arts, really sets Eureka Springs apart as a nationally recognized art
Cosmic Cavern destination. The month long festival celebrates and showcases the town’s historic arts village, powered by over 350 artists. Art in all mediums is presented through one-of-a-kind exhibits and performances, from live music to culinary arts, from sculpture to oil painting, all throughout the town. The festival culminates and peaks during the White Street Walk—a wild party throughout the town thrown by artists, for artists. Guests can walk about through the homes of artists living in the village for a unique and personal art viewing experience. Eureka Springs is easily one of the best kept secrets of Northwest Arkansas, but once this hidden gem is found, it is the most lucrative to explore. Filled with art, culture, music, dancing, and great food, all set against the gorgeous natural backdrop of the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs makes for the perfect vacation destination packed with fun for everyone.
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Parks
provide year-round beauty and adventure
Arkansas is famously known as the Natural State, so it should come as no surprise that Northwest Arkansas has some of the most beautiful parks in the nation tucked away amidst the Ozark Mountains. Although the weather in winter can require some bundling up, the beauty is spectacular. For overnight stays, many of the state parks have cabin rentals available. From modern designs to rustic log and stone structures, the cabins feature kitchen amenities and cozy fireplaces to keep you warm on harsh winter evenings. The largest of Arkansas’ 52 state parks is Hobbs State Park and Conservation Area, located on the southern shores of Beaver Lake. As a conservation area, Hobbs acts as an education center for visitors, featuring interactive exhibits on the park’s unique limestone landscape, natural resources and history. From November through February, you can go on a guided eagle watch cruise on Beaver Lake. Many bald eagles return to the lake in winter, and it’s a great opportunity to see these majestic birds, along with other wildlife. With thirty-six miles of hiking and biking trails spread out over 12,000 acres of park, there is plenty to see at Hobbs! Additionally, Hobbs is the only state park in Arkansas to allow regulated hunting during approved seasons. In West Fork lies the park which solidifies Arkansas’ reputation as the Natural State, Devil’s Den State Park. Located about twenty minutes south of Fayetteville, Devil’s Den is home to eleven different trails, seventeen cabins, and 135 campsites, all spread 10
Siloam Springs Kayak Park throughout 2,500 acres. Explore the park from an updated, historic Civilian Conservation Corps cabin. Winter wildlife watching is wonderful the trails are great for hiking and biking, and then you can return to your cozy cabin and warm up by the fire. Smaller by comparison but in no way less mesmerizing is Withrow Springs State Park in Huntsville, which is best known for floating and canoeing. It is also the only place on earth where one can find the rare Ozark Trillium flower! While there are gorgeous state parks to visit, each city in Northwest Arkansas is home to its own beautiful parks to patronize as well, and many have their own
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The Railyard special niches! Rogers, for instance, has an immensely popular park specially made for mountain biking. The Railyard bike park offers biking obstacles for all levels of mountain bikers, from beginner to challenging, plus there is a bike cleaning station to wash the dirt off after catching some air. Siloam Springs plays host to another one-of-a-kind park, the Siloam Springs Kayak Park. The manmade rapids are perfect for thrill seekers, and for those looking to relax, there’s plenty of creek to float along in leisure. For the history buffs, there are two key Civil War battlefields that have been turned into educational parks right here in Northwest Arkansas. Prairie Grove
Battlefield State Park is one of the most wellpreserved Civil War battlegrounds in the nation, and hosts epic reenactments of the battle the first weekend of December of every even numbered year. The Pea Ridge Battlefield, site of “the battle that saved Missouri for the Union,” is now a United States National Military Park. Both Civil War battlefield parks offer guided tours and play host to an onsite museum, where guests can further interact with the rich local history. The Natural State is so endlessly full of beauty just ready to be explored, all year round and all across Northwest Arkansas…there is plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family!
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The Walmart Museum
Museums celebrate the unique history of Northwest Arkansas Northwest Arkansas has been growing rapidly in recent years, but the Ozarks have been inhabited for over 15,000 years. This area has a rich and bountiful history, each town with its own unique stories, and for history buffs and interested parties there are several historical museums throughout Northwest Arkansas. Two of the most popular museums are located on Civil War battlegrounds in Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove. Both the Pea Ridge Civil War National Military Park and the Prairie Grove Civil War Battlefield State Park are two of the most well-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation, and both offer driving tours through the parks. The Pea Ridge National Military Park features a 4,300 acre battleground and museum to house the history of the soldiers from both sides, Union and Confederate, who fought valiantly in the battle. The Prairie Grove battlefield has a museum to highlighting the history of soldiers from both sides as well, and is proud to host a reenactment of the battle during the first weekend of December during even numbered years. For more military history, visitors can check out the Arkansas Air and Military Museum at Drake Air Field in Fayetteville. Drake Air Field was used as a United States aviator training post during World War II, making this historical site one well worth preserving.
This immense museum houses fully functional planes, tanks, and other military vehicles all the way from World War I to the Iraqi Conflicts. For some very niche local history, check out the Bella Vista Museum, which celebrates Bella Vista’s transition from a resort town and retirement village to a beautiful modern town full of natural wonders made for all ages to enjoy. This small but unique museum houses information about the 1917 resort and underground nightclub, and how over time the town became known for its beautiful seven lakes and gorgeous golf courses. Tontitown is another small but mighty community with its own niche museum, housed in the home of original Tontitown settlers Mary and Zelinda Bastinelli. Tontitown Historical Museum shares the local history of a unique Italian immigrant community that was founded in 1895 by Father Pietro Brandini. The foundations of the Tontitown community was wine production, which is why the museum features an antique grape press and wine bottling machine, as well as many other artifacts to help guests envision what life was like back in the days of yore. Another niche museum is the Daisy Airgun Museum in downtown Rogers. The museum celebrates the history of one of the most popular toys An exhibit at the Arkansas Air and Military Museum
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Daisy Airgun Museum of all time, featuring antique guns dating as far back as the 1600s. They also sell very limited production collector’s edition products, making this an absolute must-see for gun enthusiasts. One of the most popular museums in the area is located in Bentonville, and although it is small by comparison, its subject is a large titan of industry. The Walmart Museum was established in 1990 to showcase the history of Walmart and the Walton family’s mission to help families save money and live better. Guests come from all around the world, especially during the Walmart Shareholders meeting, to see the original Walton’s 5&10; where Sam Walton’s dreams began. Bentonville is also home to the Museum
of Native American History, or the MONAH. Established in 2006, this museum honors the earliest inhabitants of the geographic area with six permanent exhibits, each showing a detailed history of a different age in the area’s history, from the Paleo era when American history began all the way to when Native Americans began to interact with European settlers. For those wanting a detailed history of the area as a whole, there are two excellent options. The first is the Rogers Historical Museum, which tells the history of Rogers and its surrounding areas through five permanent exhibits. This museum is unique because it is housed not just under one roof, but several spread out through downtown Rogers, one of which is an actual Frisco train car. With a fully restored Victorian home, an actual train caboose, and interactive exhibits for kids, the Rogers Historical Museum is packed with educational fun for the whole family. Another museum encompassing regional history is the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, established in 1968. Located in downtown Springdale, the Shiloh Museum gets its name from the 1840s pioneer town that would later become chartered as Springdale. The Shiloh Museum houses five permanent exhibits and several rotating special exhibits, and on top of the 22,000 square feet of indoor museum, there are also six historic buildings outside on the grounds for guests to visit. With the interactive exhibits and costumes for kids, guests can really get the feel of what life was like in the Ozark pioneer communities of old.
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Bikes, Blues & BBQ Bikes, Blues and BBQ is the world’s largest charity motorcycle rally, benefiting women, children, and underserved members of the Northwest Arkansas community. Since its inception in 2000, the rally has generated over $4 million for local non-profits. With core activities centered in historic Downtown Rogers satellite destinations across Eureka Springs, the four-day event features daytime bike demos, evening concerts, and the competitive Frisco Inferno Barbecue Competition. At least half the fun is the visual spectacle of hundreds of thousands of motorcycles and their riders expressing their individuality. Expect to see everything that rolls on two and three wheels, whether designed for performance, speed, or cruising. You’ll spy license tags from all over the country as riders explore world-class scenic routes across the Ozark Mountains. Mapped trails include the iconic, twisty Pig Trail Scenic Byway, alongside road trips to Arkansas destinations like Alpena, Winslow, historic Van Buren, Lake Fort Smith, Jasper, and the Buffalo National River country. Missouri loops feature rides through Gateway, Noel, Joplin, and Roaring River State Park. The main entertainment district spans nine blocks of Downtown Rogers, utilizing the Butterfield Stage at the Railyard for a lineup of free, live music each afternoon and evening. Official factory motorcycle demos, major vendor markets, and additional displays are held down the road at Pig Trail Harley-Davidson off Exit 86.
The ShotGunBillys performing at Bikes, Blues & BBQ
Schedule of Events
Downtown Rogers Map
Complete and current day-to-day information is found at bikesbluesandbbq.org Downtown Rogers Map courtesy Destination Rogers. Schedule courtesy bikesbluesandbbq.org.
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The Walmart Museum 105 N. Main Street Bentonville, AR 72712 479-273-1329 WmtMuseum@Walmart.com Sam Walton’s first 5&10 store, dubbed the original Walmart, opened in 1950. Attached to the tiny shop, located on Bentonville’s town square, is the Walmart Museum, a free venue for those interested in the history behind the brand.
The Chicken Coop Flea Market and Main Street Pavilion 500 E. Main St Gentry, AR 72734 479-233-2328 thechickencoopgentryar.com The Chicken Coop and Main Street Pavilion have everything you need and more. An indoor and outdoor flea-market arena and they specialize in building custom chandeliers!
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The Frank Lloyd Wright House at Crystal Bridges 600 Museum Way Bentonville, AR 72712 479-418-5700 Bachman-Wilson House on the grounds of Crystal Bridges, this structure is an example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s classic Usonian architecture. Originally built for Gloria and Abraham Wilson in 1956 along the Millstone River in New Jersey, it was carefully moved from its original build site and placed at Crystal Bridges.
Devil’s Den State Park 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74 West Fork, AR 72774 479-761-3325 arkansasstateparks.com/parks/ devils-den-state-park An Arkansas icon, this special place nestled in Lee Creek Valley was selected as a state park site in the 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps used native materials to build the park’s rusticstyle wood and stone structures that mirror the surrounding natural beauty.
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ONE-OF-A-KIND DESTINATIONS AND EXPERIENCES Mammoth Spring State Park 17 US Hwy 63 Mammoth Spring, AR 72554 (870) 625-7364 arkansasstateparks.com/ parks/mammoth-springstate-park A National Natural Landmark, Mammoth Spring is one of the world’s largest springs with nine million gallons of water flowing hourly. It forms a 10-acre lake then runs southward as the Spring River, a famous Ozark trout and float stream.
The Railyard Bike Park 299 E Cherry St, Rogers, AR 72756 479-631-3350 https://www.rogersar.gov// Facilities/Facility/Details/TheRailyard-57 Urban bike park featuring BMX-style tracks and pump tracks hidden right near downtown. It offers a wide variety of asphalt downhill tracks and dirt mountain bike training features for all skill levels, including a fenced-off kiddie area. Visitors also highlight the well-maintained facilities, including restrooms, shaded picnic benches, and an upper deck viewing area. And, it’s free to use and well-lit for night riding.
Siloam Springs Kayak Park City of Siloam Springs - Parks and Recreation 19253 Fisher Ford Rd. 479-524-5779 siloamsprings.com Siloam Springs Kayak Park is a beautiful amenity about four miles south of the City of Siloam Springs.
Veterans Wall of Honor 103 Veterans Way Bella Vista, AR 479-855-4421 veteransmonumentbellavistaar.org The Veterans Wall of Honor features concentric curved wall panels with about 4,200 veteran’s names on it. The monument is ringed by 18 historical flags and 120 feet of cast bronze historical plaques. It also has a 36-foot timeline of major military events, walls containing the preamble to the Constitution, military seals and historical quotes.
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Motorcycle Riding Maps Ozark Moonshine Run Route Distance: 113 miles with 662 curves Gasoline Locations: Harrison, Jasper, Mt. Judea, Deer, Compton Time Frame: 2 hours, 52 minutes The Ozark Moonshine Run is without a doubt the most picturesque route in the Ozarks! The route encompasses parts of Scenic Highway 7 and winds through the deepest parts of the Ozark Mountains. Along the route you can expect to see magnificent views, ancient bluff lines, and the possibility of majestic elk grazing in their natural habitat. Parts of the route make you feel like you have stepped back in time to a slower paced lifestyle. You will see many attractions along the way, so take your time and enjoy the scenery; but be careful of the many curves along this route. Some parts can be tricky and slightly dangerous.
Peel Ferry Route Route Distance: 113 miles with 378 curves Gasoline Locations: Harrison, Bergman, Forsyth, MO and Branson, MO Time Frame: 2 hours, 58 minutes If you haven’t experienced the Peel Ferry Route, you haven’t experienced the most unique route in the Ozarks. The Peel Ferry was developed when the White River was dammed to make Bull Shoals Lake. The lake now covers AR Highway 125 leading into Missouri. To compensate for the road loss, the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department created the ferry to transport vehicles across the lake into Missouri. There is no charge for the ferry ride. Just pull up to the landing, wait for the ferry to arrive (about every 20 minutes) and enjoy a ride across the lake. The route takes you on a wonderful ride through the Missouri countryside before arriving in Forsyth, MO and Branson, MO. Enjoy the great shopping, dining, and shows in Branson.
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The Lost Mine Run Route Distance: 239 miles with 840 curves Time Frame: 5 Hours, 7 Minutes Gasoline Locations: Harrison, Alpena, Green Forest, Berryville, Blue Eye, Lead Hill, Yellville, Jasper The Lost Silver Mine of Searcy County is a story that goes back over 100 years ago. Rumor has it that a once prosperous silver mine in the Ozarks was lost in time as the result of varying fortunes of war between the Spaniards and Native Americans. The Lost Silver Mine Run travels through an area that just may have been home to this mine. While this is our longest ride, it offers many opportunities for you to stop and take in a view or grab a bite in one of the many small towns along the route.
Twisted Lady Route Distance: 126 miles with 517 curves Gasoline Locations: Harrison, Jasper, Deer, Ponca Time Frame: 3 hours, 2 minutes The Twisted Lady Route is named in honor of the famous outlaw Belle Starr who was known as “the Twisted Lady”. Belle used the old mountain trail that is now Highway 327 to visit her lover, Cole Younger and his friends Jesse and Frank James, all illustrious outlaws. Frank James had a home in Newton County and one of their favorite haunts was Alum Cove located along Highway 327. Frank James’ grave is actually located in Snow Cemetery just off Highway 327. The gravestone reads, “Frank James Alias Joe Vaughn 1844-“. Famous Baldknobber, Wash Middleton, AKA Wash Gibbs of “Shepherd of the Hills” fame was shot a few yards behind the Parthenon Store on July 4, 1888 by a U.S. Marshal for a killing in Missouri. It is rumored that Baldknobber Gold is buried in the hills surrounding Parthenon. Come explore this beautiful route through the Ozarks and find out why it was so famous. You might be able to even find some of the famed Baldknobber Gold! Maps and information provided by Explore Harrison and exploreharrison.com
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Motorcycle Riding Maps
Bull Shoals Dam Route Route Distance: 100 miles with 326 curves Gasoline Locations: Harrison, Bellefonte, Bull Shoals, Gassville, Flippin, and Yellville Time Frame: 2 hours, 6 minutes The Bull Shoals Dam Route takes you east out of Harrison through beautiful farmland and across Crooked Creek to Bull Shoals Lake where you will cross the 256 foot high Bull Shoals Dam. The Bull Shoals Lake covers over 71,000 acres and is used by both boating and fishing enthusiasts. The route passes many attractions including the Bull Shoals-White River State Park and the James A. Gaston Visitor Center where you can learn the history and ecology of the lake. The visitor center is situated on a high point across the dam from the rest of the park’s facilities. The center offers a spectacular view of the White River, Bull Shoals Dam, and Bull Shoals Lake. This 15,744-square-foot visitor/education center is named in honor of Jim Gaston of Lakeview, owner of Arkansas’ renowned Gaston’s White River Resort.
Eureka Springs Backroads Route Distance: 134 miles with 571 curves Gasoline locations: Harrison, Huntsville, Eureka Springs, Berryville, Green Forest, Alpena Time Frame: 3 hours Eureka Springs is a beautiful Victorian Village nestled in the Ozark Mountains. The city has a great downtown shopping district and many attractions. The Eureka Springs Backroads Route is designed to take the rider through spectacular mountain scenery, rolling farmland, and quaint little communities. Experience locations and roads like the Pig Trail, Kingston, Race Track Road, and Withrow Springs State Park. Enjoy the elk herds in Boxley Valley, the Elk Education Center in Ponca, and other unique attractions. 20
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Jasper Disaster Route Distance: 60 miles with 316 curves Gasoline locations: Harrison, Jasper Time Frame: 1 hour, 29 minutes The Jasper Disaster has the name for good reason! Mile for mile, this route is the curviest riding route. The route encompasses the most beautiful scenic section of Highway 7, follows Highway 74 over the mountains and joins Highway 43 in Boxley Valley. The scenic beauty of this route is incredible with its wonderful overlooks, massive drops in elevation and many opportunities to see wildlife like deer, turkey, elk, and eagles. Be sure to enjoy the Elk Education Center along the route as well as Boxley Valley to view the elk herds.
Mountain View Run Route Distance: 163 miles with 602 curves Gasoline locations: Harrison, Yellville, Dilliard’s Country Store, Wild Bill’s Outfitters, Fifty-Six, Mountain View, Leslie, Marshall, Western Grove Time Frame: 3 hours, 31 minutes The Mountain View Run takes you down AR Highway 14 across the Buffalo National River through the Sylamore National Forest. The best attraction along this route is Blanchard Springs Caverns. The Caverns are incredible and huge with three different tours to choose from. First, you take an elevator down to the entrance. Blanchard Caverns is managed by the U.S. Forestry Service. After visiting the caverns, continue on to Mountain View where you will discover a quaint and charming historic downtown square with great shops and food. If visiting on a Friday or Saturday in the summer months, be sure to catch the live music on the town square each of those nights.
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Genuine Pit BBQ
BBQ
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CATERING
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Serving Breakfast Tuesday-Saturday Bentonville: 479-254-8383 2504 E Central Ave, Bentonville, AR 72712 Rogers: 479-621-0181 200 N 8th St, Rogers, AR 72756 DiscoverNorthwestArkansas.com 23
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