Once again, world-renowned artists have ventured to The Natural State, unleashing an explosion of creativity in the form of vibrant murals with positive messages. This time their creations were not limited to a specific city; the entire state became their ARkanvas. Twelve muralists embraced nine cities, crafting works of art to inspire and spark conversation, following a theme to promote “Unity.” OZ Art orchestrated this latest public art endeavor, partnering with award-winning art promoter Unexpected and recruiting assistance from international art-networking specialist JustKids as curator. Read MORE.
Roadtrip! OZ Art ARkanvas mural experience is a new reason to tour the state
News And Media
Outdoors Is In: From drinks to movies, al fresco was the answer
On July 1, the city of Bentonville declared itself "Mountain Biking Capital of the World" and trademarked the title. It should have come as no surprise.
Northwest Arkansas Metro Region Ranked Among Most Dynamic in Heartland Forward Study
In Heartland Forward’s new “Most Dynamic Metropolitans 2020” rankings, the “Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas-Missouri” area cracked the top 20. This area was ranked at no. 17 among metro regions and was ranked third among medium metros.
Roadtrip! OZ Art ARkanvas mural experience is a new reason to tour the state
Once again, world-renowned artists have ventured to The Natural State, unleashing an explosion of creativity in the form of vibrant murals with positive messages. This time their creations were not limited to a specific city; the entire state became their ARkanvas. Twelve muralists embraced nine cities, crafting works of art…Read More
All Kids Bike and Celebrity Athletes Bring Bikes to Students in Bentonville
All Kids Bike, a nationwide movement of the Strider Education Foundation, is on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bicycle in kindergarten PE class. Marking the program’s second anniversary, an ALL STAR roster of celebrity athletes delivered bikes to kindergarten students at Sugar Creek…Read More
Unity theme of latest Pine Bluff mural, 1 of 12 public art works for state
Over the past three weeks, OZ Art professional artists have fanned out across Arkansas to bring everyday art and color to 12 separate landscapes. London-based artist Lakwena Maciver is working on the mural in Pine Bluff, with its message of "Unite."
Arkansas Gets Another Boost With Two New Trail Systems, Assisted by the Waltons
Central Arkansas recently opened 13 miles of singletrack in the Monument Trail system at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and another 15 miles of trails are under construction at Pinnacle Mountain and the River Mountain and Two Rivers Parks in Little Rock.
Plans announced for Walton Family Foundation-supported Osage Park in Bentonville
Details of a new urban recreational park in Bentonville were announced Wednesday (Oct. 16). Osage Park is described as an adventure-based outdoor destination for visitors of all ages, interests and abilities
Good Roads are Safe Roads Livestream Event
The Arkansas Good Roads Foundation is launching a year-long campaign to raise awareness of roadway laws for cyclists & motorists alike, ensuring safer roads for everyone. To get things started, they hosted a livestream panel discussion for community leaders to learn more about their mission. You can watch the replay…Read More
UA receives $194.7M Walton grant to boost research; part of funding to support Bentonville ‘campus’
The Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation says it will donate $194.7 million to the UA. The five-year grant will strengthen the university’s research initiatives and, among other things, support the construction of a new research facility. According to the UA, the donation is one of the most significant single private…Read More
Survey Results Help Guide Arkansas Economic Recovery Task Force
The Runway Group commissioned a survey of 600 Arkansans (PDF download) to assist the Arkansas Economic Recovery Task Force to better understand issues associated with the economic recovery and how to focus their ongoing work. The results of the survey were shared with the Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s administration and have…Read More
Bentonville stakeholders say city is mountain biking capital of the world
Bentonville, Arkansas, has quickly put itself on the map as a mountain bike destination, but an announcement on Wednesday by area stakeholders gave the northwest Arkansas destination a new designation: the mountain bike capital of the world.
New Features at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve Nearing Completion
The final construction on a variety of new amenities visitors can enjoy at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is nearing completion.
Bentonville Crowns Itself Mountain Biking Capital of the World™
Bentonville has approximately 130 miles of singletrack connected to downtown Bentonville, with access to more than 250 miles of unrivaled regional trails in a network that sits at the heart of the state’s OZ Trails system. Hospitality opportunities abound – whether it be award-winning restaurants, a vibrant coffee scene, or…Read More
Bentonville, Arkansas Leaders Stake Claim as Mountain Biking Capital of the World™
Decades-Long Effort on Mountain Biking Brings City Officials and Leaders together to make a Worldwide Announcement Bentonville, Ark. (July 1, 2020) – Bentonville leaders have staked their city’s claim as Mountain Biking Capital of the World™. “It’s true that Bentonville has become the new Mountain Biking Capital of the World™,”…Read More
Northwest Arkansas is 13th fastest-growing U.S. metro over past decade
Northwest Arkansas was the 13th fastest-growing metro area in the United States between 2010 and 2019 and the 24th fastest growing metro from 2018 to 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Among U.S. counties with at least 20,000 people, Benton County was the 40th fastest growing county between 2010…Read More
Heartland Forward: Coronavirus Regional Economic Impacts and Policy Responses
Heartland Forward analyzed the economic effects of the coronavirus on the Heartland & beyond. Initial indicators suggest the Heartland may be less hard-hit than other parts of the country. Full report here.
Online Resources for COVID-19 Information and Services in Northwest Arkansas
Here is a list of important resources in our Northwest Arkansas communities. We will continue to update this list as we get more information. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Latest CDC Updates on COVID-19 Arkansas Department of Health https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus Community Clinic announced it will open four testing and treatment…Read More
Millennials Find New Hope In The Heartland
Today Heartland Forward released new research, “Millennials Find New Hope In The Heartland,” analyzing demographic trends in the center of the country. The research, led by Senior Fellow Joel Kotkin, finds the Heartland is attracting and retaining millennials at higher rates than in the past. Read MORE.
Global cycling brand Rapha moving North American HQ to Bentonville
Northwest Arkansas’ growing reputation as a hub for cycling and mountain biking is adding a feather in its cap. London-based cycling company Rapha is moving its North American headquarters from Portland, Ore., to Bentonville. “Over the next few years the Rapha brand will evolve into new markets and we need…Read More
The Momentary: Top Museums to Look Forward to in 2020
“Next on our list of top new museums is this contemporary art satellite space in Bentonville, affiliated with the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The Momentary will officially open on 22 February 2020.” Read MORE.
An Arkansas Escape
“Bentonville is definitely the place to go in Arkansas for an overnight trip or multiple days. It is perfect for a weekend getaway or weeklong excursion. With a state like ours, it is so much more convenient to take your vacation right here at home.” Read MORE at AY Magazine.
Lessons on How to Create a Cycling Culture in Northwest Arkansas
Cycling has become a way of life in the Netherlands because it is easy, fast, fun, convenient and safe. Can the same things be said of cycling in Northwest Arkansas? Read MORE.
League of American Bicyclists Honors Runway Group with Platinum Status
The League of American Bicyclists honored 103 organizations with new Bicycle Friendly Business awards and renewed or upgraded 50 others. Runway Group is honored to have been upgraded to “Platinum” status. This round of Bicycle Friendly Businesses also shows how communities are rallying around bicycling being good for businesses. Places…Read More
Rapha and EF Pro Cycling continue partnership in 2020
Rapha announced a renewed partnership with EF Pro Cycling for 2020, not only making the team’s eye-popping pink and blue kit for the season but also highlighting some of the riders’ forays into the ‘alternative calendar’ in a series of videos dubbed “Alt Cal”. The company aims to highlight unique…Read More
The Momentary, Enhancing Bentonville’s Quality of Life
The Momentary will continue Northwest Arkansas’s cultural journey through art, music, and food that unites the hobbies and interests of community members from various backgrounds and experiences. The artists and performers featured at the Momentary will also reflect the diverse complexity of the community and the nation. Read MORE.
Bentonville, Arkansas is Disneyland for Mountain Bikers
Outside Magazine’s New York City–based bike columnist visited America’s most up-and-coming cycling destination and found it well deserving of the hype. Read MORE.
Bentonville, Arkansas Is Disneyland for Mountain Bikers
Everybody’s heard of places like Crested Butte, Moab, and Park City in the context of mountain-bike fantasylands, but increasingly, Bentonville, Arkansas, is emerging as a riding destination.
Bentonville-Based Airport Awarded Southwest Region Airport of the Year
The Bentonville-based airport Louise M. Thaden Field has been awarded “Southwest Region Airport of the Year” by the Federal Aviation Administration. This award recognizes the airport for hard work and commitment toward safer runways, reducing back taxing and accommodating additional aircraft of all sorts. Read MORE.
Cycling’s Low-Key Wizards of Oz
Walmart heirs Steuart and Tom Walton want to make Arkansas one of the world’s greatest cycling destinations. That’s just part of their plan. Read MORE.
NW Arkansas Closing in on Top 100, Census Shows
Just four larger metropolitan areas in the U.S. are growing at a faster rate than Northwest Arkansas. The region’s 18.6 percent growth since the 2010 Census is one of the most telling statistics about the Fayetteville- Springdale-Rogers Metropolitan area. Read MORE.
Something Big is Coming to Downtown Springdale
I think we can all agree that Downtown Springdale is having a moment, from a food/drink perspective. Read MORE.
FAA awards Production Certificate for Gamebird
Aircraft manufacturer Game Composites has received its Production Certificate from the FAA for the GB1 Gamebird. This marks the first time in 23 years a Production Certificate has been awarded to a general aviation manufacturer. The Production Certificate marks the last of many milestones for Game Composites in the journey…Read More
Thaden Field House Aims To Attract More Business To The Bentonville Municipal Airport
From Drake Field to Springdale, local airports compete for local flights. And with Bentonville being a business hub and one of the busiest non-towered airports in Arkansas, the city’s municipal airport is trying to attract even more business.
Bentonville’s Thaden Field to become ‘destination airport’
After 72 years of operation, city leaders and the aviation community have a new vision for Bentonville’s municipal airport, Louise M. Thaden Field, to become a destination airport for aviators and an added amenity for locals and tourists. Read MORE.
