Nestled in the gorgeous Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, Rogers is a charming city with a vibrant downtown and plenty of things to see and do. Known for world-class museums, top-ranked attractions like the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a lively arts and entertainment scene, outstanding outdoor recreation, excellent shopping and dining, Rogers offers visitors an abundance of memorable activities.
Whether you’re interested in admiring works by legendary artists, riding thrilling rollercoasters, fishing, hiking, biking or boating on Beaver Lake, enjoying live music performances, or exploring the area’s fascinating history and architecture, you’ll find plenty of options to fill your itinerary in Rogers. Here are the 12 best things to do in Rogers, Arkansas for an unforgettable visit:
Marvel at Masterpieces at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Undoubtedly one of Rogers’ crown jewels, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a world-class museum founded by Walmart heiress Alice Walton. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the museum features permanent collections spanning five centuries of American art in galleries nestled into the forested hills next to Crystal Spring.
You’ll encounter iconic works from legends like Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, and Mark Rothko. The museum also hosts exciting rotating exhibits and events. The grounds contain sculpture gardens, walking trails, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman Wilson House. Make sure to explore it all.
Ride World-Class Rollercoasters at Walmart AMP & Theme Park
Rogers is home to one of the region’s top theme parks, Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (or Walmart AMP). The outdoor music venue doubles as a thrilling amusement park during the day boasting several record-breaking rollercoasters.
Don’t miss the Ozark Wildcat, Arkansas’ first hybrid coaster combining steel and wooden tracks. Other rides include a 100-foot free-fall tower, the Rogue Ferris Wheel with glass floors, a classic carousel, and Wild River Rapids water ride. Catch a concert in the evening for extra entertainment.
Explore The Railyard Bike Park
One of the top things to do in Rogers for adventure lovers isThe Railyard Bike Park. Nestled next to Lake Atalanta, this bike park contains exciting trails, jumps, drops, bridges, and obstacles spread over 48 acres near the main street downtown area.
Designed by pro downhill mountain bikers, it hosts races and events but also has areas for newbies. Rent a quality bike from Phat Tire Bike Shop and spend an afternoon getting an adrenaline rush tackling thrilling trails or pump tracks based on your skill level.
Sample Craft Breweries in Downtown Rogers
Beer fanatics will love the craft brewery scene in historic downtown Rogers centered along Walnut Street. Spend an afternoon hopping between tasting rooms and taprooms sipping homemade brews.
Some top spots include Ozark Beer Co. offering excellent IPAs and ales with a backdrop of stunning murals. Fat Tire Brewery impresses with its signature Belgian White Ale. H awk Moth Brewing Company concocts tasty small-batch brews and Rogers Brewing whips up English style ales. Most places offer tours explaining the brewing process as well.
Attend a Performance at Walton Arts Center
For a refined evening out enjoying the arts, get tickets to a performance at the acclaimed Walton Arts Center just blocks from downtown. This impressive performing arts center hosts Broadway musical touring shows, top music artists, orchestra performances, resident ballet and opera groups as well as magic shows and comedians.
Enjoy a classical concert from the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas in the sleek Baum Walker Hall or catch a Tony award-winning musical in the Dickson Theater. Make a night of it by dining at one of Rogers’ restaurants beforehand.
Go Boating, Fishing or Swimming at Beaver Lake
Surrounded by the tranquil waters of scenic Beaver Lake and Lake Atalanta, Rogers offers terrific outdoor recreation for water lovers. One of the most popular things to do is boating, wakeboarding, paddling and sailing on Beaver Lake anchored by fresh breezes and views of forested slopes dotted with rocky bluffs.
Many marinas along the shores of Beaver Lake about 15 minutes west of downtown provide boat slip rentals and access to launch your own vessel. Go fishing for trout, bass, walleye and crappie or enjoy a refreshing swim during warmer months.
Tee Off at Top Golf Courses
Northwest Arkansas is one of the top golf destinations in the region due to its numerous championship courses. Golfers come from all over to play courses in Rogers like the Pinnacle Country Club and Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club designed by PGA greats like Tom Fazio.
Other choices include The Creeks at Cave Springs nestled in a valley along a flowing creek as well as Indian Springs Country Club and Bentonville Country Club minutes outside Rogers city limits. Most clubs offer superb amenities as well.
See the Sights on a Rogers Historical Walking Tour
Gain insight into Rogers’ heritage and architecture on a historical walking tour downtown. Guided tours (offered weekends) take you inside a 19th century Queen Anne-style mansion, by historic theaters and churches, as well as storied buildings now housing popular shops and restaurants along Walnut Street.
You’ll learn little-known facts about Native American presence, early settler life during the frontier era, the impact of the railroad, Rogers’ boom years, and preservation efforts saving its over 300 brick buildings comprising one of America’s largest historic districts still housed locally-owned businesses instead of chain stores.
Check out the Rogers Experimental House
For a truly unique attraction unlike anything else, take a tour of the fascinating Rogers Experimental House at the Hailey Ford Dealership. The “House of the Future” unveiled in 1956 displayed futuristic inventions and architecture with cameras for windows, adjustable temperature controls, and a microwave oven predating widespread adoption by decades.
Listen to recordings detailing the cutting-edge home’s technological innovations during its era as you browse memorabilia like original magazines covering its gala launching viewed by over 35,000 people. It’s free, fun and captures American optimism during the 1950s.
Hike Arkansas’s Highest Point: Mount Magazine
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss hiking Arkansas’ tallest mountain peak located just a half hour drive south from Rogers city limits. The 14-mile Rimrock Trail rewards trekkers to Mount Magazine’s summit (2,753 feet elevation) with phenomenal panoramas of the surrounding Ozark Mountains and forested valleys from rocky bluffs.
Well-maintained paths traverse dense woods abundant with wildflowers next to stunning cliff faces. Go camping nearby or have lunch at the Lodge restaurants soaking up vistas.
Shop ‘Til You Drop in Downtown Rogers
From funky boutiques to home goods stores to modern outfitters and classic Western wear shops, downtown Rogers delivers non-stop retail therapy opportunities along brick-lined streets. For custom fashion jewelry handcrafted using natural stones and crystals, duck into Gemstone Traditions on Walnut Street. The funky La La Land Trading Co. proffers vintage vinyl records, unique curios and one-of-a-kind locally made wares.
Other downtown favorites include Arvest Ballpark gift store in the stadium, Fox Creek Furnishings for stylish rustic furniture finds and Horsefeathers with Western boots and apparel. The antique shops hold treasures as well.
Dig into Delicious BBQ, Tacos and More
No trip to Rogers is complete without digging into Northwest Arkansas’ mouthwatering cuisine showcasing local ingredients. Right downtown, Hamnett House BBQ plates up succulent brisket, pulled pork and hot links paired with cornbread, baked beans and okra voted among Arkansas’ best barbecue.
The Brick Street Brews and Bistro crafts gourmet burgers and brick oven pizza alongside 30 specialty in-house brewed beers. Other lip-smacking options include Taqueria El Magazachi dishing smoky carne asada tacos and the Lodge Restaurant at Mount Magazine serving creative comfort cuisine like cast iron trout and chargrilled lamb paired with views. Come hungry!
Conclusion
With world-renowned museums like Crystal Bridges, a plethora of outdoor recreation options from thrilling mountain biking trails to kayaking on Beaver Lake, plenty of craft breweries and restaurants, historic sites and architecture, excellent shopping as well as music and theater performances, Rogers truly offers something for all interests and ages.
Use this list of the 12 top things to do in Rogers as a launch pad while exploring this charmingly vibrant Ozark city filled with natural and cultural attractions sure to create wonderful memories. Have a phenomenal time!