Natural Wonders in Northwest Arkansas: Attractions and Places to Visit

By Connie Cottingham

Explore Caves, Waterfalls and More of Mother Nature’s Beauty in Northwest Arkansas

Lose yourself in the rugged beauty of Northwest Arkansas’ natural places to visit, remote woodlands and lakes, or unwind closer to home at a downtown park or local arboretum.

Cave Wonders in Northwest Arkansas

Experience the natural caves of Northwest Arkansas, with many wonders to see and explore.

1. Cosmic Cavern, Berryville

In Cosmic Cavern in Berryville, you’ll spot the longest soda straw of the Ozarks at 9 feet long, plus other cool cave formations, during guided tours in the 64-degree caves. At this unique natural attraction, you’ll also see unique bottomless lakes below ground within the caverns and see eagles flying high once you emerge.

2. War Eagle Cavern, Rogers

During a different cave tour, follow your guide down a woodland path to the scenic lakefront entry into War Eagle Cavern, near Rogers in Northwest Arkansas.

For those seeking thrills, daring spelunkers can don helmets and headlamps to twist, turn and squeeze through narrow passageways on Wild Cavern Tours.

3. Onyx Cave, Eureka Springs

Explore Onyx Cave in Eureka Springs to view stalactites, stalagmites, and even a few rare joined columns. Discover must-see formations with nicknames like “Dragon’s Head” and “The Fireplace.” Animals like bats, salamanders, and blind cavefish live in this iconic Arkansas nature attraction, along with friendly house cats that greet visitors at the entrance.

Natural Spring Wonders in Northwest Arkansas

If you’re looking for a deeper connection with nature, Northwest Arkansas has you covered! Find many inspiring natural springs and more places to visit for a deeper experience during your trip.

1. Natural Springs in Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is now known as an arts community, but the city was originally built around the healing and medicinal properties present in the more than 60 natural springs. Basin Park, in the center of town, has an impressive spring-fed fountain.

Grotto Spring

Walk underground to see Grotto Spring, a gorgeous natural spring within a cave adorned by lush vegetation and beautiful garden pathways for an experience akin to a living fairytale.

Blue Spring Heritage Center

Five miles west of Eureka Springs, Blue Spring Heritage Center includes a cobalt-blue pool and was once a sacred site and gathering place for Native peoples. Today, you can feel a peacefulness in the surrounding 33 acres of woodlands and native and cultural gardens.

2. Wilson Park Spring, Fayetteville

In Fayetteville, Wilson Park Spring emerges from a fanciful handmade castle surrounded by a beloved park. A visit to Mount Sequoyah provides a gorgeous overlook.

3. Blowing Springs, Bella Vista

Blowing Springs in Bella Vista is named for a cave that blows cool air all summer long. Surrounded by wooded trails, limestone bluffs, and grassy meadows, it connects to the Razorback Greenway.

Waterfall Wonders in Northwest Arkansas

For more natural places to visit, check out the many waterfalls of Northwest Arkansas and spend a day immersed in nature while discovering the hundreds of waterfalls. The chittering of birds in overhead trees on a hike to the falls gives way to the sounds of water tumbling down steep ravines and tumbling over and around rocks.

Waterfall Wonders near Huntsville

Plan a day trip near Huntsville to visit Glory B, Eagles Nest, Road 299, and Sweden Creek Falls. Especially majestic are the views of the water from behind the cascade of Glory B Falls and the 81-foot drop at Sweden Creek Falls.

Take a dip in a clear, wide river at Kings River Falls south of Huntsville, then enjoy a picnic before heading back along the 1.8-mile round-trip trail.

Water Wonders near Bella Vista

An easy two-mile hike on the Tanyard Creek Waterfall Trail in Bella Vista leads you to Tanyard Creek Falls. The waterfall and creek offer the perfect places for kids to explore while parents relax on the rocks close by.

Waterfall Wonders in Fayetteville

Lake Fayetteville Park, a natural and secluded setting in the middle of the city, encourages leisurely time on the water with kayak, canoe, pedal boat, fishing boat, and pontoon boat rentals. A five-mile trail winds around the lake, and there are various bike rentals for all ages and abilities.

Bonus: Water Wonders near Siloam Springs

No rapids? No problem! About 700 feet of the Illinois River was engineered to create Class I and II practice rapids for kayakers, tubers, and canoers at Siloam Springs Kayak Park. It features calm to challenging chutes, ladders, waves, and pools, plus a sandy beach.

Garden & Attractions in Northwest Arkansas

There is no better way to connect with nature than by exploring gardens that showcase the best of what Northwest Arkansas has to offer. Here are only some of the best natural attractions to explore.

1. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville

Immerse yourself in the serenity of Fayetteville’s Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. With 12 themed gardens and Arkansas’s only butterfly house, you can choose your favorite spot among the surrounding woodland.

Sit by a soothing waterfall surrounded by plants and dragonflies, learn how to plant your own vegetable garden, or even wander through strands of antique roses from the 14th and 15th centuries.

2. Compton Gardens, Bentonville

Meandering paths take you past native plants, State Champion Trees (determined by their significant size), and impressive OZ Art NWA installations at Compton Gardens and Arboretum in Bentonville.

The property was once the home of Dr. Neil Compton, a champion for the preservation of the Buffalo River who helped its naming as the nation’s first designated National River.

Use the gardens as your starting point to further explore Bentonville, the Crystal Bridges Art Trail, and the Razorback Greenway.

3. The Peel Museum and Botanical Garden, Bentonville

The centerpiece of The Peel Museum and Botanical Garden, also in Bentonville, is an Italianate mansion with period pieces and artifacts dating back to the 1800s.

The seven gardens around the home, including an heirloom vegetable garden, an herb garden, a perennial garden, and an orchard, are reflective of the Peel family’s lifestyle and the agricultural history of Benton County.

Lake and River Wonders in Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Lake, Rogers

As one of the largest lakes in Northwest Arkansas, Beaver Lake in Rogers attracts water-sports lovers, bass-fishing enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers. Life on the water never looked so good—from boating and scuba diving to water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and swimming.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss exploring the adjacent Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Arkansas’ largest state park.

Lake Leatherwood City Park, Eureka Springs

Lake Leatherwood City Park in Eureka Springs features a spring-fed lake surrounded by cabins, campsites, a large playground, and 25 miles of biking and hiking trails. Rent a boat to get out on the lake and fish the day away.

More Can’t-Miss Natural Attractions in Northwest Arkansas

Interested in learning more about flora and fauna in Northwest Arkansas? Visit these other special sites highlighting the touch of Mother Nature: the Ozark Natural Science Center near Huntsville, Devil’s Den State Park south of Fayetteville, the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, and the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale.