Day Trip From Fayetteville to Prairie Grove
  • Full Day | 7 Stops
Cannon at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

Full Day | 7 Stops

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.

Day Trip From Fayetteville to Prairie Grove

Author: Ron & Nancy Stern

With a wealth of history and culture in and around the city, a day jaunt is the perfect opportunity to uncover these treasures. Feel free to explore a bit at each location; some of the most cherished memories come from simply wandering and discovering the unexpected.

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Little Bread Company Fayetteville AR

Stop 1: Little Bread Company

This cute little artisan bakery and coffee shop in downtown is where locals go to kickstart their day. Everything is prepared on-site from scratch. Indulge in one of their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches on a buttery croissant with a hot beverage. Follow that up with a huge Bavarian chocolate-covered cream puff. The airy, creamy filling is so delightfully messy and irresistibly sweet that you might have to come back the next day for more—we did!


Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

Stop 2: Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

The stop at Battlefield State Park is awe-inspiring when you realize its significance. Spanning more than 1,000 acres, Prairie Grove is home to one of America’s most well-preserved Civil War battlefields. On the morning of December 7, 1862, Union and Confederate troops clashed amid cannon fire, musket balls and hand-to-hand combat. The aftermath left more than 2,700 men dead or wounded, marking a significant historical moment in US history.

Situated directly across from Battlefield State Park, a bit of vintage nostalgia awaits: an old-style red and white phone booth known as the Airlight Outdoor Telephone Booth. Installed in 1959, this iconic piece of communications history is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of only two working models left in the state of Arkansas, it invites visitors to step inside through the folding metal and glass doors and pick up the receiver. You will hear a dial tone and instead of popping in some coins, all local calls are free!


Prairie Grove Downtown Historic District

Stop 3: Prairie Grove Downtown Historic District

If you fancy a bit of shopping and antiquing, then the Prairie Grove Downtown Historic District will be a wonderfully quaint stop on your journey. Main Street is only a block and a half long but is packed with charming retail shops and antique consignment stores. Take your time browsing the unique finds, and don’t skip a visit to Sterling Drug, one of the oldest pharmacies in Arkansas, proudly operating since 1918.


Catfish Hole Fayetteville AR

Stop 4: Catfish Hole Fayetteville

Having been told that the Catfish Hole provides a taste of down-home flavor, this is included as your lunch stop. The food is prepared fresh daily and is cherished by locals for its farm-raised catfish as well as other meals. Their hush puppies are legendary in these parts, fried to crunchy perfection with a sweet dough batter. Simply delicious!


Headquarters House Fayetteville Arkansas

Stop 5: Headquarters House

Headquarters House on East Dickson instantly stands out among its neighbors as a splendid example of Greek Revival architecture. Having served as a command center for both the Union and Confederacy during the Civil War, it has been turned into a gracious museum. The residence was constructed in 1853 and many of the original rooms and artifacts have been wonderfully preserved by the historical society. Tours are offered and you can spend time admiring the lovely gardens that surround the residence.


Leverett Lounge Fayetteville Arkansas

Stop 6: Leverett Lounge

For an upscale yet casual dinner, head to the Leverett Lounge. The interior is bursting with whimsy, featuring colorful, retro decor adorning the walls and even the bathroom. You also can’t miss the huge painting of their unofficial mascot—the Swedish Chef –hanging proudly in the kitchen. The meals here are all crafted with fresh ingredients, from creative cocktails to delightful small plates and hearty entrees. For dessert, try their Pure Joy Ice Cream, a regional delicacy. The cozy, intimate space does fill up quickly, so advance reservations are recommended.


Inn at Carnall Hall Fayetteville AR

Stop 7: Inn at Carnall Hall

Carnall Hall on the University of Arkansas Campus will be your final stop and accommodations for the evening. This beautifully restored building dates back to 1907 when it was a women’s dorm. History still lingers in its wraparound porch, wood floors, ornate staircases, and framed nostalgic artwork. The whitewashed rooms enjoy all the modern conveniences, and their plush beds will gently send you off to lullaby land. And, for the finishing touch, they offer complimentary, house-made chewy and delectable chocolate chip cookies!

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Welcome to our Tag Along series! These are real adventures, by real people, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Through these stories you get to tag along with visitors and residents as they experience our great city and the surrounding areas. These mini-tours offer itineraries along with maps and helpful tips. Opinions expressed are not the official views of Experience Fayetteville - they belong to the creator.

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