Overview
Fayetteville is a city of 87,000 people (2018) in the Ozarks and the Ozarks Region of Arkansas.
It is home for the main campus of the University of Arkansas, and has many characteristics of a college town, including many bars, restaurants and specialty stores. It serves as a regional hub for live music and performances, with several venues. Fayetteville is also part of the booming Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers-Bentonville metropolitan area in Northwest Arkansas, and has experienced dramatic growth since the 1990s.
Fayetteville's core area of interest centers around the historic downtown square and Dickson Street, which runs between Highway 71B (also known as College Avenue) and the University of Arkansas campus, and is the "main drag" for restaurants and bars. This area can be flooded with people during the very popular Razorbacks college sports games, or during a number of festivals, the biggest of which is the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Festival. This downtown area, along with the UofA campus and a few historic neighborhoods on either side, is quite walkable. The rest of town, including several strip-mall shopping districts that extend along the highway and residential neighborhoods, is less accessible except by car; bus service is available, but is limited.
8 sights · 7 things to do · 10 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 14 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Fayetteville
Devil's Den State Park
West Fork, GPS: 35° 46.7’ 46.7” N / 94° 15’ 1.3” W. Enjoy hiking, backpacking and mountain bike trails that lead to backcountry areas of Devil's Den State Park and the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Sixteen fully-equ…
The Fayetteville National Cemetery
Clinton House Museum
The house that Bill and Hillary lived in while they taught at the University of Arkansas. It has been turned into a small museum, including a gift shop and a short tour.
Woolsey Bridge
A truss bridge that was built in 1925 to carry County Route 35 over the West Fork of the White River for 303 feet (92.4 m). It is to be installed at Riverside Park. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Place…
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Civil War battle of 1862 where the Confederacy tried to intercept the juncture of Union forces, resulting in a stalemate but conferring control of northwest Arkansas to the Union. It spans more than 900 acres, and is one…
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
12 gardens and a butterfly house.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 94°F; winter lows dip to about 28°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Tulsa)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- XNA Northwest Arkansas National Airport, Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers — 16 mi away. Directions
- FSM Fort Smith Regional Airport, Fort Smith — 52 mi away. Directions
- TUL Tulsa International Airport, Tulsa — 97 mi away (major hub). Directions
For passenger service, the nearest Amtrak stops are on the Texas Eagle line in Little Rock, Arkansas, which is about a 3-hour drive away.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The Fayetteville National Cemetery, Bud Walton Arena, Barnhill Arena
- Lunch Girls Gone BBQ
- Afternoon Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Clinton House Museum
- Dinner Bordinos
- Evening George's Majestic Lounge
Day 2
- Morning Devil's Den State Park, Mt. Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center
- Lunch Catfish Hole #3
- Afternoon Arkansas Razorbacks
- Dinner Doe's Eat Place
- Evening Brewski's Restaurant & Draft Emporium
Day 3
- Morning Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Woolsey Bridge
- Lunch Gusano's Pizzeria
- Afternoon Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Festival
- Dinner Kosmos Greekafe
- Evening On The Mark
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Fayetteville boasts a large number of restaurants. There are a number of casual chains and fast food along the I-49 corridor and highway 71; there are also many restaurants downtown along Dickson Street. Below are some of the best-known and unique Fayetteville restaurants.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
- Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA), One Airport Blvd. Suite 100, Bentonville, +1 479 205-1000, Fax: +1 479 205-1001. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport provides commercial flights by a variety of carriers. This is the main commercial airport for this area, including Fayetteville; its location allows it to serve the Northwest Arkansas Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers area.
- Fayetteville Municipal Airport, 4500 South School Avenue. Airport Administration: +1 479 718-7642, FBO Desk: +1 479 718-7641, Fax: +1 479 718-7646. Drake Field/Fayetteville Municipal Airport (FYV) is owned and operated by the City of Fayetteville. Drake Field is a general aviation facility serving private, corporate, and chartered flights.
By train
For passenger service, the nearest Amtrak stops are on the Texas Eagle line in Little Rock, Arkansas, which is about a 3-hour drive away.
By car
Interstate 49 is the main highway coming from Fort Smith and traveling north into Missouri. Many state highways exist for more scenic entrance (namely US 71), but I-49 is the fastest route from the north or south. If coming from Tulsa, US Highway 412 is the best bet.
By bus
- Greyhound Bus Lines (Jefferson Bus Lines), 1041 South School Avenue Highway 71B. Main: +1 479 442-6265, hours of operation (please call to verify hours before making travel arrangements), M-F 7:30AM-1:30PM, 2:30-5:30PM, Sa 7:30AM-1:30PM, Su closed, holidays closed.
Get around
By limousine
- Dynasty Limousines, 1125 Jefferson St. Springdale +1 479 443-5466.
- Four Star Limousine Service, +1 530-6644.
By bus
- Jefferson Bus Lines, 3075 W Wedington Dr, +1 858 800-8898.
- Razorback Transit +1 479 575-7433 (RIDE). Provides free transit around the campus area, to local apartment complexes, and out to the mall.
See
See Devil's Den State Park
West Fork, GPS: 35° 46.7’ 46.7” N / 94° 15’ 1.3” W. Enjoy hiking, backpacking and mountain bike trails that lead to backcountry areas of Devil's Den State Park and the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Sixteen fully-equipped cabins featuring kitchens and fireplaces are available throughout the year. The wood-burning fireplaces are available for use from mid-September thru mid-May. A park cafe and swimming pool (both open in summer only) overlook the lake. Groceries, gifts and snacks can be purchased at the park store. Also in the park are 144 campsites, a group camp, standard pavilion, and mountain bike trails.
- The Statue of Liberty In front of Washington Regional Medical Center. A spectacular replica of the original Statue of Liberty in New York City.
- The University of Arkansas The main campus of the University of Arkansas, home of the Razorbacks, is located at the west end of Dickson Street. "Track Capital of the World" and renowned center of SEC sports, the campus is situated atop one of the many hills in the town. Check out the many stadiums (football, baseball, track, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, etc.) and the many, varied academic buildings on campus. "Old Main" is the feature, the oldest and first building. It is situated in the 'arboretum' - which features one or more of every tree found in Arkansas. Also the Arkansas Union has a coffee shop and a movie theater, and Mullins library has free internet access, just ask the circulation desk.
- Fayetteville Public Library Voted best library in the country several times.
- The Confederate Cemetery Northeast of Fayetteville, east of the UofA campus. Located at the junction of Rock and Willow Streets. Started in 1872 by the Southern Memorial Association of Washington County, which paid to have the remains of Confederate casualties at Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove, as well as from less-storied combats, removed and reinterred in what remains a picturesque and moving site.
- Headquarters House Museum Located at 118 E. Dickson, built in 1853 the house served as headquarters for both Confederate and Federal troops at various times during the civil war. The Battle of Fayetteville was fought on the grounds and across the street on April 18, 1863. office and bookstore, M 10AM-noon, Th 10AM-4PM, Sa 10AM-noon, Living history tours by appointment. Battle of Fayetteville reenactment/Ice cream social third Saturday in August.
See Woolsey Bridge
A truss bridge that was built in 1925 to carry County Route 35 over the West Fork of the White River for 303 feet (92.4 m). It is to be installed at Riverside Park. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
See Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park (Prairie Grove Battlefield)
Civil War battle of 1862 where the Confederacy tried to intercept the juncture of Union forces, resulting in a stalemate but conferring control of northwest Arkansas to the Union. It spans more than 900 acres, and is one of the most intact preserved American Civil War battlefields. Every 2 years on even-numbered years during the first weekend in December, the largest Civil War reenactment in Arkansas takes place.
Do
- Dickson Street Visit this high-energy 'bar row' home to various bars, nightclubs, and eateries. Specialty stops and jaw-dropping jewelry stores will catch your eye as you traverse up and down the area.
Do Arkansas Razorbacks
Sports teams of the University of Arkansas, also affectionately known as "Hogs", with events nearly every weekend during the academic year. Sporting schedules can be found on the athletic program website. Men's and women's athletics are nationally competitive, fun to watch, and are usually reasonably priced. Make sure to wear red! Parking on campus can be tight for football or basketball, but not impossible, and certainly attainable for all other sports, including first-class track events, gymnastics, baseball, and more. Their key venues are listed immediately below:
Do Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
The Hogs' main football home, holding a little over 76,000. One or two home games a year are played at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Do Barnhill Arena
Home to two Razorbacks women's sports—volleyball in the fall, and gymnastics in the winter. While most college sports programs use the same arena for volleyball and basketball, that's not the case for the Hogs. After the basketball teams moved to Bud Walton Arena in 1993, the university decided to turn Barnhill into a volleyball-specific design (which could easily be adapted for gymnastics), and it's been home to those two sports ever since.
Buy
- Dickson Street Bookshop, 325 W Dickson St. Great place to find used or rare books. +1 479 442-8182
Eat
Fayetteville boasts a large number of restaurants. There are a number of casual chains and fast food along the I-49 corridor and highway 71; there are also many restaurants downtown along Dickson Street. Below are some of the best-known and unique Fayetteville restaurants.
Eat Bordinos
Bordino's offers a distinctive menu of classic to eclectic Northern Italian cuisine, such as one of their favorites, the Salmon con Gongola. Dine in elegance and note the murals and decorations all created by local artists especially for Bordinos.
Eat Catfish Hole #3
Family-style dining serving steaks and fish.
Eat Doe's Eat Place
Fresh cut, aged steaks. Homemade hot tamales and seafood gumbo. A branch of the Little Rock institution.
Eat Girls Gone BBQ
A Southern BBQ and soul food restaurant serving conventional and vegan/gluten free versions of authentic Arkansas and Mississippi Delta Southern Food. Make sure to check hours as they can be a bit unorthodox due to the restaurant being locally owned and operated.
Eat Gusano's Pizzeria
Chicago-style pizzeria and sports bar with the self-proclaimed "best Chicago-style pizza in the world". Part of a tiny chain of 8 restaurants in and around Arkansas.
- Hugo's, 25½ North Block, Downtown/Dickson Street, +1 479 521-7585. A quirky subterranean place with a variety of cuisines and dishes that's sure to please all who come, including good crepes and interesting burgers.
- Hunan Manor, 1147 N Tahoe Pl, +1 479 521-3883. Unique among Fayetteville's Chinese restaurants because of its new building. Serves Americanized but fairly tasty Chinese dishes, in a striking avant-garde building with a modernist interior.
- Jim's Razorback Pizza, 3831 N Crossover Rd, +1 479 527-6701. Here, great pizza, beverages and service are a tradition.
- Kate's Daylight Donuts, 1220 North Garland, +1-479-521-9573. Serving specially made donuts and a variety of other pastries.
Eat Kosmos Greekafe
Great Greek contemporary Greek food and happy hour drink specials.
Eat Little Bread Company
Bakery and espresso cafe with breakfast and lunch, featuring delicious homemade breads, pastries and sandwiches. Just off the Fayetteville Square.
- Penguin Ed's BBQ, 2773 Mission, +1 479 587-8646. A local flavor that is sure to please even the most discriminating of barbeque enthusiasts.
Eat Pesto Cafe
Casual, tasty Italian food in a long-standing Fayetteville restaurant.
Eat Petra Cafe
The best Middle Eastern/Greek food in the area. Down-town, local feel. Authentic hummus, babaganush, falafil, foule, gyro pockets, and the Petra specialty: made-to-order Turkish coffee (among others). Small seating capacity, prepare for a tight-squeeze.
- Powerhouse Seafood, 112 North University, Downtown/Dickson Street, +1 479 442-8300. Enjoy great taste and flavor of the sea.
- Rick's Iron Skillet, 1131 South School, South, +1 479-442-2200. The famous spot for homecooking flavor and service in Fayetteville.
- Rick's Bakery 1220 N College Ave, +1 479 442-2166. Homemade, fresh and always delicious bakery items and sandwiches.
- Shogun Steakhouse of Japan, 4096 N Steele Blvd, +1 479 442-9999. Grilled to order steaks and seafood.
- Thep Thai, 1525 S School Ave. Best Thai food in town. All the herbs fresh from the garden right out front.
- Tim's Pizza, 1813 Mission, East, +1 479 521-5056. Great pizza and spirits, a local favorite.
Eat Whole Hog Café
World Champion Barbecue
Drink
Drink George's Majestic Lounge
Go to George's Majestic Lounge to see some of the area's best musical talent.
Drink Brewski's Restaurant & Draft Emporium
Serves more varieties of beer on tap than any other bar in the city. Rogue Locker Stock's change regularly.
Drink On The Mark
Large sports bar with dollar pool, table shuffleboard, darts and trivia. A good place to get away from the frat environment of Dickson Street.
Coffee
- Arsaga's 401 East Mountain at the Fayetteville Public Library or University of Arkansas Law Library, plus other locations. Local, independent friendly coffeeshops serving drinks, pastries, good soups and sandwiches. Free wifi. Live music and/or displays by local artists at some locations.
Sleep
Stay Regency 7 Motel
Splurge
Go next
Game Day
- Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
- Game Day Info, Including tailgating and stadium rules, traffic info, and parking info.
- RV information Winn Creek RV Park and Campground, 13.5 miles south of Fayetteville near I-49, offers the same low rates on game days as any other day throughout the year. It has full hook-ups, WiFi and paved level sites.
Nearby
Springdale
City / town · 8 listings · 7 mi away
Tontitown
City / town · 1 listings · 9 mi away
Rogers
City / town · 15 listings · 18 mi away
War Eagle
City / town · 2 listings · 18 mi away
Winslow
City / town · 3 listings · 19 mi away
Bentonville
City / town · 30 listings · 20 mi away
Siloam Springs
City / town · 3 listings · 22 mi away
Huntsville
City / town · 2 listings · 24 mi away
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