Established in 1881 with the arrival of the “Frisco” railway line, Rogers lies in Northwest Arkansas, one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States. It was here that Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in 1962, with the multinational corporation now operating more than 10,000 stores in over 20 different countries.
Things to do in Rogers
Take a step back in time at the Rogers Historical Museum, which is housed within the Hailey Ford Building and the Victorian-era Hawkins House. Learn about the settlement of Northwest Arkansas following the railroad’s arrival in the region, with a beautifully preserved caboose just a short walk from the museum. Kids can get hands-on in “Grandma’s House” and “Grandpa’s Workshop” in the Children’s Gallery.
If you’re visiting in the summer months, cool off at the Rogers Aquatics Center, a family-friendly water park with swimming pools, waterslides and a lazy river. Young kids will love the splash pad and the playground with its water cannons and a rope bridge. There are lifeguards on duty throughout the day and several concessions where you can grab drinks and snacks.
Rogers is an ideal base for visiting the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which occupies a Moshe Safdie-designed building in nearby Bentonville. Its collection includes American art from the colonial period to the modern day, with notable works by Winslow Homer, Charles Bird King and Mary McCleary on display. The museum campus is also home to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bachman-Wilson House.
Getting around Rogers
Northwest Arkansas National Airport is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Rogers and has flights to destinations across the United States. Regular buses connect to Rogers and travel throughout the city. The downtown area can easily be explored on foot.