Bella Vista Dining & Attractions Guide | Rx Catering NWA
Bella Vista Attractions & Things to Do
Discover Arkansas's premier planned community—stunning chapels, championship golf, 40 miles of world-class trails, and lakeside recreation.
Bella Vista is NWA's recreation paradise—a unique master-planned community built around seven golf courses, seven lakes, and over 100 miles of natural trails. Home to the stunning Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel and the legendary Back 40 Trail, Bella Vista offers outdoor enthusiasts and families a distinctive Ozark lifestyle unlike anywhere else in the region.
With a population of approximately 30,000 residents, Bella Vista combines the tranquility of nature-focused living with convenient access to the shopping, dining, and employment centers of greater Northwest Arkansas. The community's unique governance through the Property Owners Association (POA) maintains the extensive recreational infrastructure that draws visitors and new residents alike. Rx Catering NWA is proud to serve Bella Vista's growing community of residents and visitors.
A Rich History: From Summer Resort to Modern City
Bella Vista's story begins in 1915 when William S. Baker, a Benton County Presbyterian minister, and his wife Mary decided to develop a summer recreation area in the Ozark hills. They dammed Sugar Creek to create a large swimming lake and planned adjacent tennis courts, golf links, and nearly 400 residential lots selling at $100 each. A naming contest selected "Bella Vista"—Italian for "beautiful view"—as the resort's identity.
Business proved challenging, and by 1916 the resort was offered for sale. In early 1917, the Linebarger Brothers Realty Company purchased Bella Vista along with adjoining acreage. Initial expansion plans called for a pavilion suitable for dancing, a thirty-room lodge, and a dining hall. A nine-hole golf course was added in 1921, establishing golf as a cornerstone of the community that continues today.
The most significant transformation came in the 1960s when Cooper Communities, founded by John A. Cooper Sr., reimagined Bella Vista as a master-planned retirement and recreation community. They developed the extensive golf course system, created the lake network, and built the infrastructure that defines the community today. The Bella Vista Property Owners Association (POA) now maintains this extensive infrastructure including all lakes, trails, golf courses, rec centers, and common areas. In 2006, citizens voted to incorporate, and Bella Vista officially became a city in 2007—setting the stage for the next chapter of this unique community's evolution.
Dining in Bella Vista
While Bella Vista is more residential than commercial, there are several local eateries worth visiting.
Rocky Top BBQ
A beloved local smokehouse serving Arkansas-style BBQ. Known for their ribs and brisket.
Bella Vista Bakery
For fresh pastries and coffee. A popular morning stop for locals.
Lake Ann Pizza
Casual pizzeria serving the Lake Ann neighborhood. Good for families and quick bites.
Visitor Tips
POA Amenities: Many facilities (golf courses, pools, rec centers) require POA
membership or guest passes. Check before visiting.
Trails are Public: The natural-surface trails (like the Back 40) are generally open
to the public, even if you are not a POA member.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer perfect weather for outdoor activities.
Summers can be humid.
Iconic Attractions
Bella Vista's landmarks combine architecture and nature. See our full NWA attractions guide →
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
Gothic-inspired glass and steel chapel surrounded by 52 acres of gardens. Stunning woodland setting for weddings and reflection.
Bella Vista Conference & Retreat Center
Full-service conference center for meetings, retreats, and events. Modern facilities in a beautiful wooded setting.
Trails & Outdoor Recreation
World-class trails make Bella Vista a mountain biking destination. See our full NWA outdoors guide →
Back 40 Trail
40-mile backcountry loop circling Bella Vista. Technical singletrack through rugged Ozark terrain with significant elevation changes. A true endurance challenge.
Razorback Greenway - Northern Terminus
Bella Vista anchors the northern end of the 40-mile regional Greenway, connecting to Bentonville and beyond.
Bella Vista Trail System
Over 50 miles of trails throughout the community for hiking, biking, and nature exploration at all skill levels.
Golf
Multiple championship courses make Bella Vista a golfer's paradise.
Bella Vista Golf Courses
Seven golf courses designed for all skill levels. The community was built around golf, making it a premier destination for the sport.
The Seven Lakes of Bella Vista
Bella Vista's seven interconnected lakes offer diverse water recreation opportunities, from unlimited-power water skiing to peaceful fishing in secluded coves.
Lake Bella Vista
The largest lake in the community at 313 acres with a maximum depth of 57 feet. This unlimited-power lake allows water skiing and is the site of the annual Fire in the Sky fireworks celebration. Now technically part of Bentonville's park system, the 1.8-mile walking and biking trail around the lake remains a favorite.
Lake Ann
At 53.5 feet deep with no power limit, Lake Ann allows water skiing and features a designated swimming area. The lake is fed by a following stream in Pinion Hollow and is popular for both active recreation and peaceful fishing.
Lake Windsor
The second largest lake at 220 acres with an impressive maximum depth of 79.5 feet. Located on Tanyard Creek, Lake Windsor is an unlimited power lake where water skiing is permitted. A boat launch ramp provides easy access.
Lake Norwood
Located just north of Bella Vista's Town Center, Lake Norwood has 34.5 acres of surface area and reaches 75 feet deep. This limited-power lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing, with a boat ramp accessible from Harp's Food Store area.
Lake Rayburn
At 60 feet deep with a 47-acre surface area, Lake Rayburn operates under limited-power regulations. It features a designated swimming area and a boat launch accessible from Lakeside Drive—perfect for family outings.
Lakes Avalon & Loch Lomond
Two smaller lakes perfect for quiet fishing and nature observation. These limited-power lakes offer peaceful escapes from the larger recreation areas and are favorites among local anglers seeking solitude.
Why People Move Here
Bella Vista attracts a mix of retirees seeking an active outdoor lifestyle and young families drawn to the trails and relative affordability. The lack of a traditional downtown gives the community a quiet, nature-first character. Many residents say they moved for the Back 40 trails alone. With seven lakes and seven golf courses within the city limits, it's a recreational paradise that feels removed from the urban rush.
Annual Events
Fire in the Sky
Bella Vista's signature Independence Day celebration at Lake Bella Vista. Fireworks, food vendors, and live music draw thousands every July 4th.
Sugar Creek Arts & Crafts Fair
One of the longest-running craft fairs in the region, held annually in October. Handmade goods from artisans across the Ozarks.
Planning an Event in Bella Vista?
From chapel weddings to trail celebrations, Rx Catering NWA brings exceptional cuisine to Bella Vista venues.
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