The Northwest Arkansas Naturals ~ Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Springdale, along with Bentonville, Bella Vista, Eureka Springs, Rogers, Fayetteville, Lowell and Siloam Springs, are the eight cities and towns that make up NWA, and each offers its own collection of things to do in the Northwest Arkansas area.
Nestled in the Ozarks, Springdale is a large part of the reason why Arkansas is known far and wide as the “Natural State.” Located near Beaver Lake, which provides many opportunities for boating, fishing and kayaking, The city is in the very heart of NWA. If nature is not your thing, however, there are many other things to do in the area, such as ice skating, riding the historic railroad, visiting museums, outlet mall shopping, or checking out a Northwest Arkansas Naturals game if sports is something you enjoy.
With a population of 69,797, according to the 2010 Census, it is the fourth largest city in Arkansas. It is the headquarters for Tyson Foods, Inc., the largest meat producing company in the world, and it is also the headquarters for Fuels & Supplies, Inc., the leading fuel supplier for NWA. These two businesses draw many people to the NWA corner of the state, but once they are here, they quickly discover all the many other wonderful things to do in Northwest Arkansas, which is what keeps them here.
The Shiloh Museum is located in downtown Springdale. The museum focuses on history from the 1850s and features interesting interpretive programs and other historical exhibits. The northeast side of the city used to be John Fitzgerald’s station and stable, and was a stop on the famous Butterfield Overland Mail Co. Stagecoach route. Today the Butterfield Overland trail is part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System.
For a fun-filled experience, and if you are so inclined, you can ride the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad on an authentically restored turn-of-the-century passenger car.
Besides the historical significance of the city, it is also noted for hosting the annual July Rodeo of the Ozarks; for being the home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals baseball team, currently the Double-A Minor League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals; and for being the home of the world-famous, 1940s-era AQ Chicken House restaurant. You don’t want to leave the area without tasting this award-winning chicken or visiting many of the other fine restaurants in the city.
Beaver Lake ~ Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Nearby Beaver Lake provides the opportunity for all kinds of wonderful outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, canoeing and other water sports. The rivers in the area, all of which are well suited for recreational activities, include the Kings, Buffalo and Mulberry Rivers. Take the family or go with friends on a float trip down the Buffalo River. You will never forget the experience!
Whether business with Tyson Foods or Fuels & Supplies or a long overdue vacation plan brings you to Springdale, you will find plenty of things to do in this Northwest Arkansas city where you can make many lasting memories that you and your family and friends can relive year after year.
