Mountain bikers, hikers, and nature lovers rejoice! Bella Vista is home to more than 120 miles of trails across the Back 40, Little Sugar, and Blowing Springs trail systems—offering something for every skill level. Enjoy a round of golf and a quick bite at one of Bella Vista’s seven meticulously maintained, pro-level golf courses. Pay your respects with a walk back through time at the Veterans Wall of Honor, then marvel at the soaring steel and glass architecture of the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, a Gothic-style cathedral designed by renowned local architect E. Fay Jones.
Hidden Gems in Bella Vista
Northwest Arkansas is full of surprises—if you know where to look. So here are some hidden gems that make a vacation to Northwest Arkansas unforgettable.
Sunset Vista, Down Under & Sick-A-More Trail Loop
With a trailhead complete with food trucks and located right off the highway, Bella Vista’s Sunset Vista and Sick-A-More trails offer a quick adventure for hikers and skilled bikers, including wooden bridges, limestone bluffs, and a hidden cave.
Trip Ideas & Things to Do in Bella Vista
Every city in Northwest Arkansas has its own story, and the best way to experience it is to dive in. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, local flavors, arts and culture, or hidden gems, there’s a trip idea in Bella Vista with your name on it.
Farmers Market
One of the only Sunday markets in Northwest Arkansas, the Bella Vista Farmers Market is a popular thing to do that offers fresh, local produce, handmade goods, live music, and family-friendly fun. Held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., it’s a great way to support local farmers and artists while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
Annual Events in Bella Vista
Plan your trip to Bella Vista, Arkansas, around these annual events and happenings in Northwest Arkansas.
October: Little Sugar MTB & Big Sugar Classic
A classic event in Bella Vista, these annual mountain bike and gravel races feature some of the toughest courses and biggest prizes of the U.S. cycling season.
November: The Back 40 Trail Races
This annual running race takes place on Bella Vista’s beautiful mountain trails, with 5-, 13-, 20-, and 40-mile courses available.
Getting to Bella Vista
We’ve got your how-to for traveling to and around Northwest Arkansas.
Flying to Northwest Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), located between Fayetteville and Bentonville, is the primary airport in the area, offering nonstop service to more than 23 cities across the country.
More regional airports are found throughout Northwest Arkansas, including:
- Bentonville Municipal Airport
- Eureka Springs/Carroll County Municipal Airport
- Fayetteville Airport at Drake Field
- Huntsville Municipal Airport
- Rogers Municipal Airport
- Siloam Springs Municipal Airport
- Springdale Municipal Airport
Drive Time To & From Northwest Arkansas National Airport
Bella Vista is 20 miles away from the Northwest Arkansas National Airport, with an average drive time of about 30 minutes, depending on your location in the city.
Real-Time Driving Information
Check out iDriveArkansas.com or download the iDrive Arkansas app to find the latest traffic conditions across the state. The site also provides updates on construction projects, traveler information reports, and more. You can even use iDrive to:
- Report litter
- Submit issues
- Find Adopt-a-Highway information
- Share feedback
- Stay informed on road-related programs
Drive Time Around Northwest Arkansas
Fayetteville to Bella Vista: 35 miles / 42 minutes
Approximate Drive Time to Northwest Arkansas
- From Joplin: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- From Branson: 1 hour, 45 minutes
- From Tulsa: 2 hours
- From Springfield: 2 hours, 20 minutes
- From Little Rock: 2 hours, 45 minutes
- From Oklahoma City: 3 hours, 20 minutes
- From Kansas City: 3 hours, 35 minutes
Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip
ARKANSAS WELCOME CENTER AT BELLA VISTA/BENTONVILLE
13750 Visitors Center Dr., Bella Vista, AR
479-855-3111