Rogers AR - Find Out How I Spent The Day In This Great City
Visiting Rogers AR anytime soon? Well, you are in for a treat. There are hundreds of places to visit and thousands of activities to engage in. Located in Benton County, the City of Rogers has landmarks, historical museums, parks, lakes, restaurants, and many more. Here are the top 5 things to do while in Rogers AR.
1. War Eagle Cavern in Rogers AR
Located close to Beaver Lake and halfway between the City of Rogers AR and Eureka Springs, War Eagle Cavern is a historical landmark composed of large caverns. The historical landmark is the largest cavern in Arkansas with three stories of the cavern system. Currently, 4 miles of the cavern system have been explored and now, families can enjoy a tour that starts at the trading post. The guide will lead you along the bluff of Beaver Lake onwards to the War Eagle Cavern entrance. In the cavern system, you will pass close to the edges of the stream which flows into the cavern. They will take you through huge rooms featuring incredible domes and other formations. These domes are home to over 100,000 bats. During the tour, you will learn a little history for example tales of warriors, moonshiners, robbers, and squatters who used the cavern. War Eagle Cavern is closed during the winter season. Charges for adults are $15.98 while for kids aged 9 to 11 - $9.
2. Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
As the largest state park in Arkansas, it covers 12,056 acres of the Ozark landscape. Located along the southern shore of Beaver Lake, Hobbs State Park is close to War Eagle Creek to the south. The park is endowed with plateaus, ridges, valleys, and streams. It also includes disappearing streams and springs which have carved their paths through the fragile limestone landscape. This has created numerous sinkholes. The park is managed jointly by Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. As a family, you can hike the Historic Van Winkle Trail that leads through a tunnel under Ark 12. The trail proceeds on through the Van Winkle lumber mill where you can view the ruins of a sawmill and the antebellum garden. You can also hike the Pigeon Roost trail and the One and One Half-mile Shadow Hollow nature trail. The park is open from January to December – Sunday to Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM.
3. Rogers Aquatic Center
This is a 3-acre water park that has a six-lane competition pool, family change rooms, Hawks Nest Falls, White River Run, Sandy volleyball courts, Family picnic area, Otter Holler, Tad Pole Hole, and the focus group pavilions. Other attractions include a 500 feet lazy river with therapy jets and vortex pool, tot pool with play structure, slides, splash pad, concession stands, and free parking among others. Developed using the 2010 bond issue, Rogers Aquatic Center is owned by the municipal and leads the way in standards for public water park facilities. The theme of the park is “Nature in the Ozarks” which is carried out all over the aquatic center especially in its architecture, paving design, signage, and play elements.
4. Rogers Historical Museum
As the largest historical museum in Benton County, it is governed by a City Commission. It was founded in 1974 with a mission of serving the community, educating the public, preserving local heritage, and providing an enjoyable experience to all. It was opened in 1975 and operated by volunteers during its early years. At the moment, Rogers Historical Museum has a gallery housing two permanent exhibits. They include First Street which is a re-creation of three early businesses in Rogers AR. It has the Attic, a hands-on exhibit for kids. Other attractions include three rotating local history exhibit areas and a special gallery. To visit the museum, take Walnut Street exit 85 and drive along West Walnut Street. Once you reach Second Street, turn right and drive three blocks. You should find the Museum on the right at the corner of Cherry Street and Second Street.
5. War Eagle mill With over 170 years of history
War Eagle Mill’s history is exciting. For starters, it was built in 1832 by Sylvanus Blackburn before his wife Catherine joined him. It started out as a gristmill since the only mill was located in Richland, 25 miles away. Water Eagle Creek was used to power the mill. Thanks to the new invention, neighbors brought their corn for grinding leading to the emergence of a community. Although the original mill was pushed into the river in 1848 after heavy rains, the couple re-built it and expanded it by adding a lumber mill. The second mill did not last long either as it was burned down in 1862 by the Confederate Army. After the war, the third mill was built and razed down by fire before the fourth mill was built which stands till today. At the War Eagle Mill, you have access to an array of grains and flours. The second floor houses a gift shop while the third floor houses the Bean Palace Café which serves sandwiches, soups, beans, and cornbread. War Eagle Mill is located along 11045 War Eagle Rd.