Location

Ozarks

The University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, in the heart of the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, one of the nation’s most scenic areas. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Fayetteville #5 on its list of the "Best Places to Live in the USA" and #5 on its roundup of Best Affordable Places to Live. Our community boasts low cost of living, a robust economy, and a thriving arts scene.

Things to do once you're here:

  • Get out your map and head to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The historic downtown area is beautiful, plus, if you’re here soon enough, there’s a jazz festival there in late May/early June. 
  • You are not very far from the beautiful Buffalo River where you can canoe, kayak, hike, and camp. Beaver Lake, a manmade lake where you can swim, canoe, kayak, fish, and picnic, is even closer than the Buffalo. You can also check out the Elk River and King’s River. You might also enjoy checking out Devil’s Den State Park just 45 minutes from Fayetteville. Try doing an online search for more information about outdoors activities in northwest Arkansas. There are also two stores in Fayetteville that can help you: The Pack Rat on Gregg Street and Lewis and Clark Outfitters on College (Hwy 71 N. towards Springdale). Fishing and hunting licenses can be purchased at Wal-Mart. Ask around about local swimming holes such as Hogs Scald.
  • Go see The Naturals play—minor league baseball in Northwest Arkansas.
  • The Wild Wilderness Safari in Gentry: it’s literally a drive-through zoo.
  • Go to the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market. On Thursday and Saturday mornings, farmers from all over Northwest Arkansas peddle their wares on the square. It’s cooler than it sounds: live music, artists, food, and a quirky, fun vibe.
  • Visit the Dickson Street Book Shop. At the corner of Dickson and School Street, this used bookstore is not to be believed—enormous selection, reasonable prices.
  • Eat: Hammontree’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Hugo’s, The Flying Burrito, Feltner Brothers, Pesto Café, Loafin’ Joes, Stone Mill Bread Company, Rick’s Bakery, Tim’s Pizza, U.S. Pizza, etc.
  • Coffeehouses: Arsaga’s, Onyx, Mama Carmen's, and more
  • Acquaint yourself with Fayetteville’s watering holes. Most of them are located on or nearby Dickson Street: Smoke & Barrel Tavern, Mickey Finn’s, Grubs, Buster Belly’s, Zooloo’s, Stir, Tangerine, Common Grounds, The Hog Haus, Brewski’s, Hugo’s, Roger’s Rec, Art’s Place, George’s Majestic Lounge (lots of concerts here), The Lightbulb Club, The Crown Pub, etc. (a little warning- some of these places are seedier than others.)