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Golf fairways, clear lakes and forested Ozark ridges fill this corner of northwest Arkansas, just south of the Missouri line. Bella Vista began in 1917 as a summer resort built around a small lake, and from the 1960s it grew into a planned retirement village with several golf courses and a chain of man-made lakes. It became an incorporated city in 2007 and now draws families and outdoor lovers as well as retirees.
The best-known landmark is the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, a soaring glass and timber chapel in the woods designed by Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones. Mountain bikers come for the Back 40, a large network of purpose-built singletrack, while hikers follow the Tanyard Creek trail to a small waterfall and anglers launch on Loch Lomond and Lake Ann.
Bella Vista is the northern gateway to the Razorback Greenway, a paved trail that links the city to Bentonville, Rogers and Fayetteville. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Walmart Museum in Bentonville are about fifteen minutes away.
Designed by E. Fay Jones, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, this tall chapel of glass and steel arches seems to grow out of the surrounding forest. It is non-denominational and popular for weddings, but visitors are welcome to sit inside when no event is booked. Morning light through the glass is especially beautiful.
A city park around Lake Bella Vista, the original resort lake, with a paved loop trail, fishing spots, picnic areas and a bike skills area. It marks the northern end of the Razorback Greenway, so riders can start here and pedal toward Bentonville. Parking fills on nice weekends, so arrive early.
A wooded park named for the cool spring that flows from a bluff, with a campground, picnic areas and access to some of the Back 40 trails and the Razorback Greenway. It is a handy base for riders and campers. Reserve campsites ahead on spring and fall weekends, when the trails are busiest.
A large network of purpose-built singletrack trails winding through the forested hollows and ridges around Bella Vista, with routes for beginners and expert riders alike plus rock gardens and creek crossings. Hikers use them too. Several trailheads have parking and bike repair stands; download a trail map before heading out.
A shaded loop of about two miles along Tanyard Creek with footbridges, interpretive signs on native plants and a small waterfall cascading over a rock ledge. It is easy enough for kids and starts near Lake Windsor. Visit after rain for the best flow over the falls, and wear shoes that can handle mud.
The biggest of Bella Vista's lakes, Loch Lomond winds between wooded hillsides and lakeside homes and is popular for boating, kayaking and fishing for bass, crappie and catfish. Access is through the Bella Vista Property Owners Association, so check current launch rules and day permits before bringing a boat.
A smaller, peaceful lake in the hills of Bella Vista, ringed by forest and homes, where anglers fish from small boats and kayaks paddle the coves. Fall color reflected on the water makes it especially pretty in late October. Launch access is managed by the property owners association, so confirm permits first.
A memorial park honoring veterans from every branch of service, with a long granite wall engraved with the names of area veterans, flags and quiet benches overlooking the hills. Ceremonies are held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. It is free and open daily, and a short visit pairs well with the nearby chapel.
A small volunteer-run museum that traces Bella Vista from its 1917 summer resort days, with dance pavilions and cottages, through the planned village era to the present city. Photos, maps and resort memorabilia fill the rooms. Opening days are limited, so check the schedule before you go.
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