Springdale, Arkansas is a bustling city located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains region. As the third largest city in Arkansas, Springdale has a lot to offer visitors looking to explore the natural beauty and local culture. From hiking trails and wildlife parks to unique museums and beloved local eats, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Springdale. This guide covers 10 of the top attractions and activities to help you make the most of your trip.
Nestled between the scenic landscapes of the Ozark and Boston Mountains, Springdale offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. The city is located just off the iconic Route 66 and within an hour’s drive of Northwest Arkansas’s two major cities – Fayetteville and Bentonville. This strategic location means Springdale serves as a vibrant hub surrounded by natural wonders like the Buffalo National River just 30 minutes to the north. Whether you love hiking serene trails, learning about the region’s history, or indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine, Springdale has something for every type of traveler looking to experience the best of Arkansas.
Hike Prairie Creek Trail
One of the top outdoor activities in Springdale is hiking the beautiful Prairie Creek Trail. This 5-mile loop trail winds through scenic woodlands and along crystal clear Prairie Creek. Along the path, hikers will encounter lush forests carpeted with ferns and mosses as well as tall bluffs overlooking the waterway below.
Come in the springtime to see abundant wildflowers in bloom and listen to the chorus of birds singing. The moderate terrain makes Prairie Creek Trail an excellent choice for individuals and families looking to enjoy a few hours immersed in nature. Be sure to bring water and wear sturdy shoes as parts of the trail can be rocky. The Prairie Creek Natural Area is a five-minute drive from downtown Springdale, providing easy access to this picturesque hike.
Tour Arvest Ballpark
Baseball lovers will want to pencil in a tour of Arvest Ballpark, home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals minor league team. This scenic ballpark situated along the scenic Arkansas River played host to the Naturals, the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Free guided tours are available most days during the offseason, allowing visitors to step onto the field, check out the dugouts and locker rooms, and take in views of the ballpark from exclusive areas.
Tour guides share fun facts and anecdotes throughout the experience. Be sure to stop by the team store for souvenirs before heading to your seats for an affordable night of minor league action during the season, which runs from April to September. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, Arvest Ballpark is worth visiting to admire the stunning architecture and landscaping nestled along the river.
Explore Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
A top cultural attraction in Northwest Arkansas is Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located only a 20-minute drive southwest of Springdale. This world-class art museum was founded by Walmart heiress Alice Walton and houses her vast private collection in a stunning setting woven into the surrounding natural woodlands. Wandering the expansive open-air grounds offers nearly as much pleasure as perusing the galleries inside.
Rotating exhibits display works from iconic American artists like Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Be sure to allow at least half a day to fully soak up the inspiring collection and surrounding gardens and trails. The on-site restaurant serves gourmet fare using ingredients from the museum’s own farm. Crystal Bridges is easily one of the best art museums in the entire Southcentral U.S. and should not be missed when visiting the Springdale area.
Picnic at Mount Sequoyah Museum
For a charming local outing, pack a picnic and spend an afternoon exploring the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Mount Sequoyah Museum. Situated on 23 acres high above Springdale, this living history museum shares the cultural heritage of the Ozarks through rotating exhibits in five restored log cabins and outbuildings. However, the biggest allure is simply relaxing on the sprawling lawn surrounded by blooming gardens, towering oak trees, and panoramic mountain views stretching for miles.
Come on a weekday to fully appreciate the serenity. Be sure to allot time to peek inside the museum buildings showcasing folk art, quilts, tools, and more. Afterwards, stroll the paved walking trails winding through hardwood forests. With its peaceful ambiance and vivid snapshots into Ozarks homestead life, the Mount Sequoyah Museum makes for a perfect family-friendly picnic destination.
Sample Local Food in Downtown Springdale
No trip to Springdale is complete without indulging in the mouthwatering local cuisine. Start your culinary adventure on Emma Avenue in the charming downtown district. This revitalized stretch is home to tasty eateries like Tontitown Grill, serving up Southern comfort food classics in a rustic setting. Next, visit the Filling Station for hearty sandwiches, homemade pies, and craft beers brewed on site.
Then, venture just a few blocks over to check out Taki Japanese Steak House for an interactive hibachi experience. Save room to sample authentic Mexican specialties at Las Fajitas or Guadalajara Grill. End your food tour at Early Wine Bar for small plates and Arkansas wines paired with live music on the weekends. Embrace your inner foodie by hopping between these beloved locally-owned restaurants, covering all the best local flavors in one go.
Stroll Jones Center Trail
For an urban greenspace perfect for a leisurely stroll or run, head to the Jones Center Trail. This 4-mile multi-use path winds through the heart of Springdale alongside scenic Willow Creek and Castleberry Creek. Concrete sections and compacted limestone trails make it fully accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes in addition to foot traffic. In the morning and evenings, the trail bustles with residents walking dogs or stopping to chat.
Come during the day for a more peaceful solo jaunt absorbing natural beauty in an urban oasis. Look closely along the creekbeds to spot native woodland birds and insects. Several bridges cross over the waterways, providing photo opportunities of the lush riparian corridors carving through the city. With its central location just minutes from hotels and restaurants, the Jones Center Trail provides an easy way to stretch your legs during a Springdale visit.
Go Wine Tasting at Snowhite Vineyard
Wine lovers should allot time for an excursion to Snowhite Vineyard, deemed one of the top wineries in Arkansas. Situated about 10 miles south of Springdale along scenic Backacres Drive, Snowhite cultivates 16 acres of grapes across gently rolling hilltops with pastoral views stretching for miles. Free tasting flights introduce visitors to Snowhite’s award-winning vintages made from French-American hybrid grapes that thrive in the Ozarks climate.
Top varietals to sip include Vidal Blanc, Vignole, Chambourcin, and more. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, but walk-ins are accepted if space allows. Enjoy live music and light bites available seasonsally. No trip is complete without a picnic charcuterie board to enjoy splayed across a picnic blanket beneath the grape arbors. With its down-home atmosphere, Snowhite Vineyard serves as a true taste of Arkansas wine country splendor just outside Springdale.
Spend the Day at Devil’s Den State Park
Nature lovers will want to dedicate a full day to explore the rugged beauty of Devil’s Den State Park, located only a 30-minute northeast of Springdale. Sprawling across nearly 8,000 acres, the park protects a biosphere of limestone bluffs, clear creeks, and dense woodlands. Begin your visit at the official visitor center to get oriented with several self-guided activities.
Popular options include the 2-mile roundtrip hike to Lost Valley, where a suspension bridge leads over a 70-foot-deep gorge, or the 1.3-mile Bristlecone Trail showcasing ancient trees. Come in the late afternoon or evening to watch the sunset dramatically light up the limestone cliffs. Be sure to book one of the campsites if wanting to spend the night snuggled against the stone precipices under a starry sky. With its epic scenery and remote wilderness aura, Devil’s Den serves as a must-see slice of natural Ozarks splendor close to Springdale.
Conclusion
As this guide illustrates, Springdale, Arkansas is brimming with activities and attractions celebrating its natural beauty and community spirit. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures to soak up scenic vistas or curious to dive into the local dining scene and culture along Emma Avenue, the city offers the perfect mix of experiences.
Be sure to leave time simply unwinding at a coffee shop or grabbing an ice cream between outings. With standout attractions like Crystal Bridges Museum and Devil’s Den State Park situated within an hour, Springdale serves as an ideal homebase for exploring everything that Northwest Arkansas has to offer. Follow these top 10 suggestions to fully immerse yourself in all this vibrant city has in store.