Fayetteville is full of surprises and urban oddities, many of which are cleverly concealed – unless you know where to look! While most of the destinations on your bucket list are probably home to bars, art galleries, and hair salons, we promise they won’t deliver the experience that these Fayetteville versions will.
From locations with unmovable historical roots to businesses retrofitted to exist where they usually wouldn’t, the collision of the everyday with the extraordinary can be spotted all across town. If you’re on the hunt for unique or unusual places to visit in Northwest Arkansas, this list of odd and delightful things to do and see in Fayetteville is the perfect starting point.
Hair Salon
...in an Airstream!
Hairstream Salon
514 MLK Jr Blvd | at 514 Filling Station Food Truck Park
Open Tue-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm | Closed Sun-Mon
Not only is this renovated 1978 Ambassador Airstream trailer an offbeat location for a haircut, it's also located inside a food truck court! You can even get here by bike, as Hairstream is situated along the Frisco Trail portion of the Razorback Greenway Trail.
Bourbon & Cocktail Bar
...in an abandoned bank vault!
Vault
112 W Center St b001
Open Mon-Fri 4pm-midnight, Sat noon-2am, Sun 2-7pm
As one of America's Best Bourbon Bars, the award-winning Vault's incredible location is the perfect backdrop for a signature handcrafted cocktail (or mocktail, if you'd prefer). Quieter, calmer and a bit more "hidden" than your typical downtown bar.
Art Gallery
...in a shopping mall!
The Art Gallery at NWA Mall
4201 N Shiloh Dr
Open Fri 1-5pm, Sat 12-8pm, Sun 1-5pm | Closed Mon-Thu
Imagine you're strolling through a mall. You go by all the standard stores, maybe a food court or an attraction...but what about a full fledged art gallery?! In Fayetteville, imagination becomes reality. Shop handmade pieces by local artists before you hit the Sbarro!
Bank
...in a train!
Train Branch - The Bank of Fayetteville
542 W Dickson St
Visible from the street | lobby open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Now boarding the Eccentric Express! The Train Branch of The Bank of Fayetteville is a full operational bank cleverly stationed within an old, repurposed train. If you've ever walked down Dickson Street, you've likely gone right past it!
Basketball Court
...smack dab in the middle of downtown!
ArtCourt
227 W Dickson St
Open 9am-6:30pm, ish. | Check Instagram for special hours & closures
You can actually play hoops here (bring your own ball!), but you can also use this free space any way you can imagine. Painted by Graham Edwards, ArtCourt in downtown Fayetteville is the unexpected and irresitable intersection of art & play.
Walmart
...on school grounds!
Walmart on Campus
640 Garland Ave #104 | University of Arkansas Campus
Open Mon-Sun 6am-8:30pm during the school year | Summer hours Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 1-7pm
Affectionately known as "Smallmart", the first-ever Walmart on Campus is still operating at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. When it opened in 2011, it was the world's smallest Walmart! Today, it's expanded to 3300 square feet - about 2% of your average supercenter.
Replica Sculpture 
...in a hospital parking lot!
"Strengthen the Arm of Liberty" Monument
Visitor Parking Lot F | Washington Regional Medical Center on North Hills Blvd
A recreation of the Statue of Liberty may not be the most ordinary thing, but ours being located in Parking Lot F of the local hospital sure isn't either! The replica was placed by the Boy Scouts of America as part of a 1950s-era campaign and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Museum
...in a residential home!
Ozark Ball Museum
To arrange a visit, call 479-582-2291 or email
Two local folk musicians share their quirky collection with the world from inside their own home. They invite visitors - in groups up to eight people - to join them for an exploration of every ball you could ever imagine, as well as to tour their collection of Ozark and exotic musical instruments! Be sure to leave your wish in the front yard's Wishing Ball before you go.
