War Eagle Cavern

Northwest Arkansas

The Ozark Plateau is located on a large limestone base laid down by early seas. Because limestone is very porous and easily dissolved by years of water action there are numerous caves. We traveled a few miles from Hobbs State Park Visitor’s center and War Eagle Mill to visit War Eagle Cavern. The Cavern is easy to find, just follow the signs.

This is a great cavern to visit with the family. The cave is easy to navigate and the guides do an excellent job of showing the cave and sharing local history. The tour is about an hour. When you finish the tour there are several hiking trails, a dock on Beaver Lake where you can feed the fish, a forest maze, and other activities that all the family can enjoy. While we spent about 2 hours at the Cavern there were enough activities to fill most of a day. There is a restaurant or if you pack your own picnic lunch there are picnic tables

There is a charge for the cave tour and the forest maze. I though it was very reasonable.

For more information on War Eagle Caverns go to http://www.wareaglecavern.com.

The photo is from War Eagle Caverns web site.

War Eagle Mill

Northwest Arkansas

War Eagle Mill is located about 5 miles from the Visitor’s Center at Hobbs State Park. Located on War Eagle Creek the mill has been in operation since 1832. Powered by a water wheel you can watch the mill grind corn and other grains. There is a gift shop and restaurant as well as the mill. For one weekend each autumn and spring there is a large craft fair at the mill. War Eagle Mill was our second stop on Monday.

It is worth a stop to see the mill, shop a little and eat at the restaurant.

For more information visit http://www.wareaglemill.com/.

Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area

More Northwest Arkansas Sites

I have company this week and we are going to many of the tourist sites. Some of the sites are new and some I have visited before. All are fun and worth a visit. I did not have a camera with me so no photos of Hobbs.

Hobbs is the largest state park in Arkansas. Planned as a conservation area the development is kept to a minimum. There are several hiking trails and one multi-use trail in the park. There is also a brand new visitors center. That was our first stop Monday. The displays and film are well done. Hobbs is a great place to hike and the visitor’s center is worth a visit. If you are in the area check out Hobbs State Park. Visit their web site for more information.

http:// www.arkansasstateparks.com/hobbsstateparkconservationarea/

Hobbs is located on Arkansas 12 east of Rogers. The only camping in the park is primitive however Beaver Lake is near Hobbs and has several Corp of Engineer parks with great camping areas. Other lodging is available in the area.

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

Northwest Arkansas

On this trip I traveled 20 miles south to The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (www.bgozarks.org/) in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Join me for a visual tour to see some of the 36,000 spring bulbs that were in bloom. There are 9 individual gardens arranged around the Great Lawn. Look for the photos highlighting the Children's Garden.

More Things to See In Bentonville, AR

Northwest Arkansas




When you visit Bentonville here are some other places to visit in addition to The Museum of Native American Artifacts.


Bentonville is also the home of Wal-Mart. Located on the square in Bentonville on the site of Sam Walton’s 5 & 10 Store is a free museum. It has displays outlining the history of Wal-Mart in photos and print. Sam Walton’s office is recreated in detail; his pick-up truck is on display and the office he used in the 5 & 10 Store is also recreated The Station Café next door is a good place to get a sandwich and have a piece of pie.


Around the corner on Central you will find a small preview of Crystal Bridges, an art museum being funded by Alice Walton. The actual museum is under construction. The displays change frequently so you never know what you will see when you visit. This is also a free display. You can find more information at http://www.crystalbridges.org/.


Close by Compton Gardens located on 6.5 acres is another free offering. Native Ozark woodland plants are scattered throughout and can be seen from walkways that cross the garden. You can find more information at http://www.comptongardens.org/.


If you like historic houses visit the Peel Mansion and Heritage Gardens on Walton Boulevard. (You can’t get away from the Walton’s in Bentonville.) Peel House is a turn of the century house with gardens that reflect the time period. There is a charge for touring the house. You can find more information at http://www.peelmansion.org/.

If you are in town on the first Friday from March through November come down to the square for fun, music, food and art anytime between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. On Saturday morning from April 25th through October 31st you can find the Farmer’s Market on Central just one block off the square. On weekends from May until September there is Music on the Square starting at 6:00 p.m. For more information go to http://www.downtownbentonville.org/Events/


Enjoy your visit to Bentonville. There is something to do if you are visiting for one day or spreading your visit over several days.