Nov 11, 2021
We continue our “things to do” town series through Northwest Arkansas. We find ourselves in the amazing town of Rogers, Arkansas. This town is much more than a single store. (Rogers is often known for being the town with the first Walmart Supercenter) Rogers has a rich history and so many fun things to do!
The Great Outdoors
Let’s start with just a few of the outdoor options Rogers has to offer and believe me, there is no shortage. Lake Atalanta is a beautiful lake just outside of downtown Rogers that encompasses over 30 acres of water. Visitors can use one of the 6 fishing piers, paddleboard, kayak, and much more around the lake. Although the small motorless vessels are acceptable, this lake is off-limits to motors so you know you’ll be getting a quiet day on the water. The area also features over 4 miles of paved trails and 10 miles of hiking/biking natural trails that circle Lake Atalanta. Stay off the water and hike some of the trails with skill levels available from novice to expert. There is also play equipment and pavilions for you to relax, bring the kids, and have a picnic.
One of the trails from Lake Atalanta will lead you to Railyard Bike Park. This is a natural surface bike park that utilizes various elements to test your skills. With jumps, berms, and even a railcar to ride through, you are sure to get the adrenalin pumping at this superbly built jump park. They also host an area for the little ones so don’t be surprised to see toddlers on Striders in the mix!
Just a few blocks North sits the Railyard Park ( Not to be confused with the bike park). This similarly named park is incredibly unique and often referred to as a “Gateway to Rogers”. As seen below with the painted water towers, the park boasts some of the most captivating and unique play structures for the kiddos you may have ever seen. Let’s just say, this is not your typical playground!
Just a few minutes drive (or ride), from downtown Rogers these linked sites are just a couple of areas in Rogers worth visiting all year round.
War Eagle Mill
Moving on from outdoor sports to some other outdoor activities, stop by the legend of a landmark, War Eagle Mill and Bridge. This is probably most well known by local photographers who point their cameras at this amazing scene. Check almost any local business and somewhere they will have a version of the image hanging up ( Seen above with the red barn). The mill hosts a restaurant, store, and every fall a memorable craft fair that brings thousands of visitors. You can also walk across the one-lane steel bridge next to the mill for another great fishing spot, wade in the creek, picture taking, or enjoy the sunset with loved ones.
Festivals and More
While we are talking about festivals, you won’t want to miss any of the events in Rogers! The most notable event to keep on your calendar is the annual Frisco Festival. It gives the feeling of a neighborhood block party with a variety of food trucks, live music, crafts, and an area full of games and rides for kids of all ages. New this year, the Frisco Festival added a bike block to celebrate Northwest Arkansas’s favorite sport, biking.
As it is nearing the most wonderful time of the year, watch Rogers’s Christmas events throughout town. There is the classic holiday parade through downtown and the Holiday on the Bricks festival to inspire the holiday spirit. Stop by during the Wish List event to fill out your wish list at local shops downtown and receive special promotions and discounts. For those 21 or over, try out Sips on the Bricks. Downtown businesses create one-of-a-kind cocktails and mocktails for patrons to judge. These are just a couple of the plethora of Rogers activities to enjoy.
Places To Eat
While taking in some of the activities mentioned in the previous sections, stop into The 1907. A whole day could be spent in this building alone. What started as a wholesale grocery in 1907, and later became a Dollar Saver, is now a shared housing space. It houses two coffee shops (Onyx Coffee Lab and Doughp) Yeyo’s Mexican Cuisine, and Heirloom fine dining. Because of the amazing food and ambiance, Heirloom reservations are often booked months in advance. If pizza and beer are more your styles, check out The Rail Pizza Company for pizza, wings, and local brews on tap. Or if you just want some bubble tea, stop into the quirky Anime Café. Either way, there is plenty to do in Downtown Rogers.
Local Breweries
Our tour through Rogers would not be complete without mentioning a place to wind down after all the fun! Ozark Brewing Company was the first brewery in Benton County after it became a wet county in 2012. Visitors can enjoy a fleet of brews in the new tasting and taproom. There is plenty to do while you are sampling their brews with a community-driven atmosphere that is perfect for meeting the wonderful folks of NWA. Their beer is on tap in over 100 bars, stores, and restaurants in NWA. A tour could be available but contact the brewery for scheduling.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful place to call home or all the activities that it offers. Rogers is the perfect place to raise a family and purchase your home. Check back in a couple of weeks for some Christmas and holiday activities for the whole family.