Location: Bella Vista
Top Things to do in Bella Vista
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bella Vista, United States
Bella Vista is a city in Benton County, Arkansas. First established in 1917 as a summer resort destination, Bella Vista has evolved and redesigned itself over the succeeding years. Bella Vista became a retirement community in 1965, and, after much contention and a 2006 vote of its property owners, became an incorporated city. Following its official incorporation on January 1, 2007, the new city government took over the police department, fire department, streets, trash removal and other city functions, while the Property Owners Association (POA) retained control of the many amenities available to homeowners and their guests. Amenities include numerous parks, clubhouses with workout areas, swimming pools, seven golf courses, seven lakes with fishing and boat docks, a marina, swimming beach, putt putt golf courses and tennis courts, and extensive hiking and biking trails throughout its beautiful Ozark hills.
Restaurants in Bella Vista
1. Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
Overall Ratings
5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By Rhonda B
We actually found this chapel because of TripAdvisor. It was just a short drive off the trail and well worth the time. There was a wedding just getting ready to set up, so we didn't stay long.
Easy, paved walk to the chapel. Nice parking lot. The short walk to the chapel was beautiful too!
2. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature.
Reviewed By Cindy U - Arlington, Texas
Our trip to Crystal Bridges was incredible! While I enjoyed the artwork immensely, the architecture of the building itself and the grounds were simply beautiful! The only downside to our visit was the cool rainy weather which prevented us from exploring all the outdoor trails. We will definitely be back!
3. Rush Springs Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 23 reviews
Ultimate Off Road ExperienceWe have 30 miles of off roading trails - from nice and easy to extreme rock crawler trails.Great side by side trails winding through the woods on top of bluffs through scenic Ozark terrain.We also offer guided buggy/jeep tours.We have 15 campsites with hookups and 4 rustic cabins.We also have horse trails, stalls, and horses for guided rides.Great family fun for all ages!!!!
Reviewed By tamarah3 - Bella Vista, Arkansas
We had a wonderful time visiting out here. Such a nice opportunity for horseback riding and four wheeling in northwest Arkansas. Beautiful place. There was a bit of a mix up with our appointment in that the horse guy wasn't there, which was hugely upsetting because we'd already gotten a babysitter and everything. But the owner comped us an off-road and we came back a few months later to go horseback riding. Just call a head the day before and make sure someone will be there.
4. Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Off the beaten path in Bella Vista, Arkansas, below the Windsor Lake Dam with the entrance being off Highway 340/Lanshire Blvd less then a mile west of Town Center, is the beautiful Tanyard Creek Trail. Built by the sweat of thousands of Volunteer hours and financed by thousands of donated dollars, the Tanyard Creek Trail is a beautiful walk through the natural world of Northwest Arkansas.
Reviewed By John R - Pittsburg, Kansas
This trail gives a walker views of spring falling from rock bluffs, a clear brook to walk beside, the big rocks with tumbling water fall as water exits the sizeable lake, the ruins of an old cabin aqnd a swing bridge over a small creek.
5. Museum of Native American History
Overall Ratings
5 based on 863 reviews
The Museum of Native American History invites you to "Walk Through America's Past," where we will give you a glimpse into what life was like for America's first inhabitants. The museum is divided into five different time periods that will guide you through the constantly changing lives of the Native Americans, as seen through their artifacts . Our displays feature relics that date from over 14,000 years old to historic times. Come visit our museum and enjoy seeing some of the finest treasures ever created by early craftsmen.Schools and groups are welcomed, call to make reservations. Handicap Accessible
Reviewed By Justin B
This museum is set up to make you think and inform about the interaction between early American settlers and natives of the land. The treaty exhibits I especially found thought provoking and sad at the same time. It showed how the early government repeatedly went back on their word again and again until they got to the point where they flat out just took land and forced them to move. There are also an exhibit focusing on native American culture in the media over the years.
6. Veterans Wall of Honor
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Eva713 - Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
We were in the area on Memorial Day, so made a point to stop by and we're glad we did. Very nice monument to the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to their country.
7. Amazeum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By JamaisVu - Colorado
We're locals who pass the Amazeum often & finally decided to take a look. As adults unaccompanied by kids, we had to show ID, our driver's license numbers were recorded, & we had to sign in. Sad that it's come to this, but we totally understand... tho we felt odd wandering around with our special bright orange lanyard tags.
Still, we're glad we checked it out, & it was great fun watching the kids having fun. It's not a huge place but it's packed with interactive amusements, most of which have something to teach or a skill to practice. Tho kids doing activities without parental guidance were playing, not learning. And very young kids without parents at their sides were running amok like pinballs. So to make the most of this fun, interesting place it seems parents &/or the many roaming staff members should be involved, especially if the kids are going to learn anything.The Water Amazements area & Art Studio are wonderful places for kids to immerse themselves, literally, in their fun. And there are a couple separate areas for very young kids to play.
Mindbender Mansion (temporary exhibit thru mid-January) was a bit confusing at first; kids definitely needed guidance to work thru the various stations to win points. If special exhibits change regularly it would be worth having a yearly membership.
Even as grown-ups we enjoyed many of the interactive exhibits, even learned a few things. The Tinkering Hub (ages 7 & up) was our favorite; what a great way to play while using heads & hearts to actually create things.
All the staff we spoke with were super friendly & wonderful with the kids, of course. A great way to explore what's there is "Priceless Nights," where you "pay as you like" most (but not all) Wednesdays from 4-7:30 pm. Otherwise it's only $9.50/person (kids under 2 are free).
8. Bella Vista Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Chuck P
The Bella Vista Historical Society Museum provides a wealth of information about this interesting area. From its inception as a resort to a thriving city, the museum takes you through the progression of the one hundred year history of Bella Vista. Lots of interesting artifacts and plentiful resources are available for anyone from the casual visitor to the in depth - researcher. Docents are friendly and very knowledgeable.
A must see if you're in NW Arkansas.
9. Bentonville Town Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By merryheart523 - Arkansas
Hubby and I walked around during the afternoon and at night. It is a lovely area and we enjoyed window shopping and the changing leaves. We enjoyed sitting by the fountain and having coffee and people watching. A great way to pass time together.
10. Back 40
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
World-class mountain biking, trail running and hiking trails in the Ozark Mountains. Bella Vista's trails meander through deep woods, featuring waterfalls, bluffs and creeks, and were built by nationally known trail builders to offer a top-notch experience on two wheels or on foot. Trails are free and open to the public, and connect to the NWA Regional Razorback Greenway.
Reviewed By JWsafety
Fun flowy trail system, roll everything or jump often. It's the kind of trails you can ride calmly or rip, can be ridden on a full rigid or full suspension for munch added entertainment. If you want technical trail, ride "The Ledges" trail south to north off of the Back 40 main loop trail. It's an alternate trail that starts with modern flow/jumps and rolls into skinny natural rock ledges (with exposure), flow trail mixed between and ends with more flow trail. Loose rocks are sharp here, carry two spare tubes and wear knee protection at minimum.
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