Tucked into the Ozark hills of northern Benton County, Bella Vista, Arkansas is one of Northwest Arkansas’s best places to get outside. Originally built as a resort and retirement community, the city is famous for its seven lakes, championship golf, and world-class mountain biking trails, plus hidden waterfalls, an architectural landmark chapel, and miles of parks. Here’s your guide to the biggest things to do in Bella Vista.
Lakes, Marinas & Fishing
Bella Vista is built around seven lakes — Lake Ann, Lake Avalon, Lake Windsor, Loch Lomond, Lake Brittany, Lake Rayburn, and Lake Norwood. Together they offer boating, kayaking and paddleboarding, swimming beaches, and some of the best bass and crappie fishing in the region. Loch Lomond is the largest, with the area’s only full-service marina; Lake Ann is a family favorite; and Lake Avalon has a swimming beach. These are private POA lakes for members and their guests, while Lake Bella Vista just south of town is open to everyone. See our full guide to Bella Vista lakes, marinas & fishing »
Golf
Bella Vista is one of Arkansas’s premier golf destinations, with multiple courses winding through the wooded Ozark terrain — from championship 18-hole layouts to shorter, family-friendly rounds. The variety and scenery make it a favorite for golfers across Northwest Arkansas. See our full guide to golf in Bella Vista »
Mountain Biking & Trails
Bella Vista is a cornerstone of Northwest Arkansas’s mountain biking scene. The renowned Back 40 trail system delivers roughly 40 miles of flowing singletrack through the hills, and Blowing Springs Park serves as a popular trailhead with camping and creekside access. Riders of every level will find something here, and it all connects into the wider OZ Trails network. For trail maps, difficulty ratings, and up-to-date conditions, see our sister site NWA Bike Trails. See our full guide to mountain biking & trails in Bella Vista »
Hiking & Waterfalls
The Tanyard Creek Nature Trail is Bella Vista’s most-loved hike — an easy loop with a suspension bridge and a picture-perfect waterfall that’s especially impressive after a good rain. Blowing Springs Park adds more shaded creekside walking. Together they make Bella Vista a great spot for an easy, scenic outing the whole family can enjoy.
Parks, Pools & Sports Facilities
Beyond the lakes and trails, Bella Vista offers a full slate of recreation through its Property Owners Association (POA). The Branchwood Recreation Center anchors it all, with a gym, indoor pool and sauna, tennis and basketball courts, a disc golf course, pickleball, a playground, and a nature trail. Around town you’ll also find two outdoor pool complexes, the Kingsdale Tennis Center, additional pickleball courts, dog parks, ball fields, and a walking trail and softball field at Loch Lomond Park. Most of these are POA member-and-guest amenities, so visitors staying at a Bella Vista vacation rental can often access them through their host.
Landmarks: Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
Bella Vista’s most striking landmark is the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, a soaring glass-and-stone sanctuary set in the woods. Designed by acclaimed Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones — a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright and the mind behind Eureka Springs’ famous Thorncrown Chapel — the chapel is a serene, free-to-visit spot and a favorite for photography and quiet reflection. See our full guide to Bella Vista landmarks »
Farmers Markets, Events & Community Gatherings
Like the rest of Northwest Arkansas, Bella Vista comes alive with seasonal gatherings. The Bella Vista Farmers & Makers Market is the community’s weekly highlight, running Sundays from May through October, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., at the Sugar Creek Shopping Center (10 Sugar Creek) with local produce, food, and handmade goods. Through the warmer months you’ll also find concerts, holiday events, and community festivals — some of the best ways to experience local life and meet the community.
Where to Eat & Drink
Bella Vista and neighboring Bentonville have a growing food scene, from casual local favorites to standout restaurants and breweries. For the best places to eat across the region, browse our sister sites NWA Food and NWA Brew.
Plan Your Visit
Bella Vista sits just north of Bentonville, making it easy to combine with the rest of a Northwest Arkansas trip. Pair it with our guide to Bentonville, the world-class Crystal Bridges Museum, and our complete guide to Northwest Arkansas outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bella Vista, Arkansas known for?
Bella Vista is known for its seven lakes, championship golf courses, the Back 40 mountain biking trails, Tanyard Creek waterfall, and the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel.
Are there mountain biking trails in Bella Vista?
Yes. The Back 40 trail system offers about 40 miles of singletrack, with Blowing Springs Park as a popular trailhead, all part of the OZ Trails network. See NWA Bike Trails for maps and conditions.
Is there a waterfall in Bella Vista?
Yes. The Tanyard Creek Nature Trail features a scenic waterfall and suspension bridge on an easy family-friendly loop.