From Kansas City to NWA: 3-Day Itinerary

Art gallery with framed paintings and three people observing.

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Trade the city skyline for trail views and Southern charm on a three-day escape from Kansas City to Northwest Arkansas. Getting there is easy, but leaving is hard. With the exciting blend of local flavor, world-renowned art, scenic hiking/biking, and college-town energy, this perfectly-paced getaway provides an unforgettable glimpse into the Natural State.

Plan This Trip

Cyclists riding on a sunny, tree-lined path under a winding bridge.

DAY 1: Kansas City > Bentonville

Drive from Kansas City to Bentonville (3 hours)
Lunch at 8th Street Market
Go on a bike tour of Bentonville.
Explore Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Dinner at The Preacher’s Son
Overnight stay at The Compton or The Motto

Colorful mural on building exterior with people walking by.

DAY 2: Bentonville > Fayetteville

Breakfast at Onyx Coffee Lab*
Travel to Fayetteville (45 minutes)
Explore the University of Arkansas campus
Hike the Upper & Lower Ramble near downtown
Lunch at Hammontree’s
Walk around Fayetteville Square
Play pinball and classic arcade games at Pinpoint
Stop in Maxine’s Tap Room for a drink
Dinner at Cheers on the Square
Overnight at The Graduate

*Ranked #1 globally by The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops

A colorful table with plates of salads, tacos, and drinks, surrounded by people.

DAY 3: Back to Kansas City

Breakfast at Farmer’s Table Café in Fayetteville
Drive back to Kansas City (3.5 hours)

Plan This Trip

What's Nearby

Places to Stay

From rustic cabins, mountain lodges and riverside campgrounds to boutique inns, bike-centric basecamps and mainstream hotels, lodging in the Ozarks keeps you close to the adventure.

Places to Eat

The Ozarks offer remarkable culinary diversity — from James Beard-recognized restaurants, craft breweries and artisan cocktail bars in larger cities to riverside bistros and beloved diners serving legendary pies and Southern classics in rural settings.

Things to Do

From world-class art museums and lively entertainment districts to courthouse-square bluegrass and craft fairs, the Ozarks mix big-city culture with small-town traditions.

State Parks

Just outside Bentonville, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area opens up the Ozarks with miles of hiking and biking trails and a visitor center filled with exhibits. Head south for more mountain terrain at Devil’s Den and Lake Fort Smith state parks. For a deeper look at Civil War history, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park preserves one of the most intact battlefields in the nation.

Get Outdoors

Hike to blufftop views, float the Buffalo, fish for trout on the White River or ride singletrack through the mountains — the Ozarks are built for adventure. Trails, rivers, lakes and campsites turn every outing into a trailblazer’s dream.

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More Itineraries

Maximize your time between matches with customized trip itineraries. Explore ideas at Arkansas.com and use the Trip Planner tool to build an itinerary tailored to your schedule.

Trip Planner Tool

Maximize your time between matches with customized trip itineraries. Explore ideas at Arkansas.com and use the Trip Planner tool to build an itinerary tailored to your schedule.