Explore one of the most important Civil War regions in Arkansas with this self-guided driving tour through Fayetteville, Prairie Grove, and Cane Hill. This route follows the path of the 1862 Prairie Grove Campaign, a defining moment in northwest Arkansas Civil War history. Today, visitors can still walk historic battlefields, visit preserved cemeteries, and see Civil War-era buildings that bring this history to life. Stop 1: Headquarters House – Fayetteville Civil War Site 118 E. Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas Start your Civil War tour in downtown Fayetteville at the Headquarters House, one of the most important historic homes in the region. During the Civil War, this home served as the Union headquarters for Colonel M. LaRue Harrison. It was used as a command post while Union forces defended Fayetteville from Confederate attacks. Visible battle damage, including bullet holes from fighting in 1863, remains on the structure today. This site offers one of the most direct connections to Civil War activity in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Stop 2: Fayetteville Confederate Cemetery 514 E. Rock Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas This historic hillside cemetery is the burial place of Confederate soldiers who died in the surrounding campaigns, including the Battle of Prairie Grove. The cemetery reflects the divided loyalties of northwest Arkansas during the Civil War. Many soldiers buried here were local men who fought and died close to home. It is one of the most significant Confederate burial sites in Washington County, Arkansas. Stop 3: Fayetteville National Cemetery (Union Soldiers) 700 S. Government Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas The Fayetteville National Cemetery honors Union soldiers who fought in the Prairie Grove Campaign and other Civil War battles in northwest Arkansas. Established after the Civil War, this cemetery became the final resting place for Union troops whose remains were moved from battlefield graves across the region. Together, the Confederate Cemetery and National Cemetery tell the full story of Civil War division in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Stop 4: Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park – Major Civil War Battlefield Prairie Grove, Arkansas (U.S. Highway 62) Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is one of the most important Civil War battlefields in Arkansas. The Battle of Prairie Grove was fought on December 7, 1862, between Union forces under Generals James Blunt and Francis Herron and Confederate troops under General Thomas C. Hindman. Although the battle ended without a clear winner, it secured Union control of northwest Arkansas and marked a turning point in the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi region. Today, visitors can explore preserved battlefield land, walking trails, interpretive signs, and a museum that explains the full story of the battle and campaign. Stop 5: Cane Hill Battlefield – Early Prairie Grove Campaign Site Cane Hill, Arkansas (near Highway 45) The Cane Hill Battlefield is an essential part of understanding the Prairie Grove Campaign. Fought on November 28, 1862, the Battle of Cane Hill was a running engagement that stretched across rural Washington County. Union forces pushed Confederate troops south, directly setting up the Battle of Prairie Grove just days later. This site shows how movement and strategy shaped Civil War battles in northwest Arkansas. Stop 6: Cane Hill Cemetery – Civil War Burial Site County Road 13, Cane Hill, Arkansas End your tour at Cane Hill Cemetery, a historic burial ground containing graves from the Civil War era. Many early settlers and soldiers from the Cane Hill engagement are buried here. The cemetery connects the battlefield history of the area with the local families who lived through the war. It provides a quiet and meaningful final stop on this Civil War driving tour. Why This Civil War Tour Matters This Prairie Grove Campaign driving tour is one of the best ways to experience Civil War history in Arkansas. It connects: Historic homes in Fayetteville Confederate and Union cemeteries Two major Civil War battlefields A preserved 1862 campaign route It is ideal for history tourists, Civil War enthusiasts, road trippers, and anyone searching for things to do in northwest Arkansas.

Looking for the best historic sites in Fayetteville, Arkansas? This self-guided journey highlights some of the city’s most meaningful landmarks, from historic homes and cemeteries to sites that tell the story of Fayetteville’s past. Whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering your hometown, this tour offers an easy way to explore local history all within Fayetteville. Stop 1: Trail of Tears Memorial This reflective site marks the route taken by Cherokee people during their forced removal in the 1830s. It stands as a reminder of the journeys that passed through Fayetteville and the lives affected. Stop 2: Clinton House This small home near the University of Arkansas marks the beginning of a national story—it’s where Bill and Hillary Clinton lived and were married in the 1970s. Today, it serves as a museum highlighting their time in Fayetteville. Stop 3: Evergreen Cemetery Fayetteville’s oldest public cemetery offers a quiet walk through history. With graves dating back to the 1840s, it is the resting place of many of the city’s earliest and most influential residents. Stop 4: Old Main Standing at the heart of the University of Arkansas, Old Main was built between 1873 and 1875 and completed in 1875. Its two front towers are slightly different heights—the north tower is taller than the south—which local lore suggests was a symbolic nod to the Union victory in the Civil War. Stop 5: Carnall Hall What started as the first women’s residence hall, Carnall Hall now welcomes visitors as a hotel and restaurant. Named after Professor Ella Carnall, it reflects the early days of campus life and the growing role of women in education. Stop 6: Gregg House Built in 1871 by Civil War veteran and state legislator, Lafayette Gregg, this historic home represents Fayetteville’s early leadership. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains privately owned. Stop 7: Frisco Depot This former train depot recalls the era when railroads fueled Fayetteville’s growth. Built in the early 20th century, it reflects the importance of rail travel in connecting the city to the region. Stop 8: Ridge House & Female Seminary Site One of Fayetteville’s oldest surviving homes stands near the site of a former girls’ seminary. The school was once a leading educational institution before most of its buildings were lost during the Civil War. Stop 9: Walker–Stone House Built in the mid-1800s, this home is tied to early Arkansas legal and political figures. Its preserved design offers a glimpse into Fayetteville’s past and has earned a place on the National Register. Stop 10: Old Post Office & Square Buildings At the center of downtown, these historic buildings reflect Fayetteville’s early 20th-century growth. The 1911 post office and surrounding structures once anchored the city’s busiest commercial district. Stop 11: Washington County Courthouse & Jail This courthouse has served as the center of county government for over a century. Built in 1905 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, it continues to house important public services and archives. The jail was built in 1897 of the same style, is privately owned today and serves as professional offices. Stop 12: Confederate Cemetery & National Cemetery These neighboring cemeteries honor soldiers from the Civil War through modern conflicts. Together, they reflect the evolving history of military service and remembrance in the United States. Stop 13: St. James United Methodist Church The oldest church building in Fayetteville, St. James was established for the African American community in the 1800s. It remains an active congregation and a lasting symbol of faith and resilience. Stop 14: Headquarters House Museum & Archibald Yell Law Office During the Civil War, this home served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate forces. Now a museum, it tells the story of the Battle of Fayetteville and the city’s wartime experience. The 1830s law office, behind Headquarters House, belonged to Archibald Yell, Arkansas’s second governor, who later died in the Mexican-American War. Stop 15: Mount Sequoyah Overlooking the city, Mount Sequoyah offers the best scenic view and a rich cultural history. Developed as a retreat in the early 1900s, it is named for Sequoyah, creator of the Cherokee syllabary. Thank You for Exploring Fayetteville We hope this insightful tour has given you a deeper appreciation for Fayetteville’s history, culture, and community. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, these places tell the story of a city that continues to grow while honoring its past.

Join travel photojournalist Ron Stern and his wife Nancy as they take an exciting adventure on the outskirts of Fayetteville. A day trip to nearby Prairie Grove offers intriguing historical insights into a pivotal Civil War battle. Along their route, they stumbled upon a delightful retro roadside attraction, a street brimming with antique shops as well as some tasty local dining spots. Each stop reveals the rich cultural and culinary tapestry that Fayetteville and its environs have to offer.

Fall in Fayetteville is magical. It starts with the first cool days of early September, when sunflowers glow in natural areas and farm fields. It's the perfect time to set off on a bike on any part of Fayetteville's 50+ miles of protected bike trails. This adventure with Somewhere in Arkansas explores the trail with ease. Follow along to shop local boutiques downtown and enjoy a sunny afternoon exploring Arkansas's best pumpkin patch.

If you are into shopping and/or food trailers, Fayetteville has you covered. There are so many boutiques to choose from, but these are 2 of the best in town! The best part is that they are only 2 minutes away from one another! They are also completely different in style choices, so you can get a lot more options to choose from.

The Razorback Greenway is a scenic, paved, winding trail that stretches for 40 miles from Fayetteville, Arkansas north to the town of Bella Vista. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, such as parks, peaceful streams, lakes, and even some quirky public art installations that add an element of surprise to your adventure. And don't forget the local flavor – there are great places to refuel with a delicious meal or a refreshing drink. A ride on the Razorback Greenway is a delightful way to experience Fayetteville! So, grab your bike and hit the trail.