Rogers, Arkansas is a charming city located in the beautiful Northwest Arkansas region. With its small town vibe and natural scenery, Rogers offers a variety of attractions that appeal to all ages.
From parks and trails to museums and entertainment venues, there is something for everyone to enjoy. This guide will introduce you to 10 of the most popular and worthwhile attractions in Rogers.
Lake Atalanta
Lake Atalanta is a 162-acre lake located in the heart of Rogers. The scenic lake offers fishing, boating, swimming beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds, and over 5 miles of hiking and biking trails winding through the surrounding forest. In the summer, you’ll find families enjoying a day at the beach, fishing from the shore, or paddling around in canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards that are available to rent. The Fall Creek Trail follows the shoreline for beautiful views of the lake and woodlands. It’s a popular spot for jogging, walking dogs, or simply taking in the natural beauty. During autumn, the changing leaves and tranquil setting make Lake Atalanta especially picturesque.
One of the biggest draws is the Festival Park event space on the lake’s northeast shore. The spacious park hosts numerous community events throughout the year like concerts, festivals, and farmers markets. It has open green spaces, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a boat launch. On nice weekends, you’ll find people grilling out or relaxing in the park.
Pinnacle Hills Promenade
If you’re looking for shopping and dining options, Pinnacle Hills Promenade is the place to go. This massive outdoor lifestyle center is anchored by retailers like Dillard’s, H&M, American Eagle, and Old Navy. You’ll also find over 50 specialty shops, eateries, and services. Big name restaurants like Mitchell’s Fish Market, Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, and Cheesecake Factory ensure you won’t go hungry. During warmer months, you can dine al fresco while taking in the fountain and landscaped grounds.
Special events are frequently held at Pinnacle Hills Promenade like concerts, festivals, and farmers markets. Outdoor movies are shown on large screens during the summer. The promenade truly has something for everyone – from fun for the kids at the playground to treats from Mrs. Fields Cookies or Coffee Zone. On weekends, it’s a hub of activity as locals come to socialize, shop, and dine out. With easy access from Highway 71B, it’s become a premier shopping and entertainment destination in Northwest Arkansas.
Arvest Ballpark
Minor league baseball fans will enjoy a visit to Arvest Ballpark, home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. This flagship stadium opened in 2008 and seats over 7,000 fans. In addition to Naturals games from April through September, the ballpark hosts other community events like concerts and movie nights. Games start in the early evening, perfect for enjoying an affordable ballgame under the lights while watching future MLB stars in action.
The ballpark experience goes beyond America’s favorite pastime. Food and drink options like BBQ, hot dogs, burgers, beer, and cocktails are available throughout the park. Between innings, kids can burn off energy on the inflatable playground or interactive playground area. Catch foul balls or home run balls with pre-game batting practice. Take a stroll around the warning track for scenic views over the Ozarks. With its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and affordable fun, Arvest Ballpark is a top spot for sports and entertainment in Northwest Arkansas.
Rogers Historical Museum
Gain a historical perspective on Rogers at the Rogers Historical Museum, located downtown in an early 20th century school building. Exhibits trace the development of the city from its earliest settlements in the 1830s as a stop along the Butterfield Overland Mail route. Inside, you can learn about Rogers’ migration routes like the Military Road, growth with the railroads, and prosperity of the logging and tobacco industries that drove the local economy for decades.
Artifacts, photos, newspapers, and interactive elements bring history to life. Don’t miss the recreated tobacco barn or trading post. Special temporary exhibits often highlight aspects of Rogers’ past like prohibition, education, transportation, businesses and more. Guided tours are available on certain dates with costumed interpreters. Be sure to check the event calendar as the museum regularly hosts programs, workshops and community activities. The Rogers Historical Museum is an engaging way to spend an afternoon learning about the rich history that has shaped the city into what it is today.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Just 10 miles outside Rogers off Highway 62, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park commemorates the site of the 1862 Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove. Wander 2.5 miles of trails through the oak-hickory forest past monuments, artillery emplacements and restored earthworks marking the Union and Confederate troop positions. Interpretive signs and exhibits recount the battle that turned back a Confederate invasion of Missouri. A new visitor center houses artifacts, uniforms and a short movie to provide historical context.
Rangers give daily programs and guided tours to bring the story to life. In December, a candlelight tour takes on a more somber tone. Living history demonstrations occur periodically, with reenactors encamped on the battlefield. Beyond battle remembrance, over 8 miles of multi-use trails wind through the forested park for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. Birdwatching is another popular activity, with over 150 species spotted so far. Prairie Grove Battlefield serves both history buffs and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Lake Fayetteville
A quick 10-minute drive from Rogers leads to another scenic waterfront gem – Lake Fayetteville. This 186-acre lake offers activities like boating, fishing, hiking trails and more in a natural Ozark setting. Rent boats like kayaks, pontoon boats and small sailboats from the marina to explore the 3.5 miles of shoreline. Shoreline trails provide other water views mixed with woodlands. Fishing is a big draw, whether you prefer casting from the shore or boat for largemouth bass, bream, catfish and more stocked species.
Sunbathers enjoy the white sandy beaches on hot summer days. Several picnic areas, playgrounds and covered shelters around the lake make it easy to spend the whole day relaxing outdoors. Special events like an Easter egg hunt or Movies by the Lake entertain families. The scenery and recreational diversions make Lake Fayetteville a gem worth exploring anytime throughout the year. It’s not hard to see why locals consider it one of their favorite city parks.
Lincoln Home and School
Step back to a simpler time at the Lincoln Home and School, preserved in a rural setting just 3 miles from downtown Rogers. History buffs and families enjoy touring the 1860s log cabin home and one-room schoolhouse that Abraham Lincoln is said to have visited during his brief residency in Northwest Arkansas. Costumed interpreters provide demonstrations of day-to-day life like cooking over a fireplace, sewing and writing with quill pens.
See vintage toys and games children would have played with. Inside the little log schoolhouse, learn about the one-room school system and try your hand at ciphering on a vintage slate blackboard. Living history programs held throughout the year offer a glimpse into 19th century rural life. Special events include a Victorian Christmas program and bluegrass festival. Wander the grounds where prairie grasses and blooms have been replanted. The tranquil Lincoln Home site preserves a small piece of Arkansas and American history within an hour’s drive of Rogers.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Just 20 minutes down the road from Rogers lies one of the standout attractions of all Northwest Arkansas – Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. This world-class art museum was founded by Walmart heiress Alice Walton and houses her immense personal collection in a stunning woodland setting. Indoors, large open galleries host rotating exhibits of iconic works from the colonial era to today.
Masterworks by artists like Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, Roy Lichtenstein and more anchor the permanent collection. Special exhibits showcase traveling collections or highlight themes like diversity in art. Outdoors, art installations are nestled along forest trails that access beautiful Ozark vistas. Enjoy picnicking, hiking and birdwatching on the 120-acre museum grounds. Crystal Bridges has quickly become an internationally renowned cultural destination for both art and nature lovers. Don’t miss this landmark attraction just a short drive from Rogers.
Conclusion
With attractions ranging from dramatic natural scenery to historic sites and world-class art, Rogers, Arkansas offers something diverse for all types of visitors. Whether you enjoy relaxing outdoors, learning about the past, cheering on future MLB stars, shopping, or admiring iconic works of art, this guide has introduced you to 10 top attractions worth experiencing.
From its charming small town character to beautiful lakes and parks, culture and recreation, Rogers blends the best of both urban and outdoor lifestyles in Northwest Arkansas. Spending a day or weekend exploring its wide range of attractions promises an engaging and memorable trip.