Journey From Bella Vista, Arkansas to Pawhuska, Oklahoma: Top Places to See

Are you planning a road trip from Bella Vista, Arkansas to Pawhuska, Oklahoma? The drive may take about 4 hours, but it is all worth it for the breathtaking scenery you will witness en route. This Smoky Mountain drive provides you the perfect opportunity to get away from the busy urban areas and witness the pure beauty of nature. In this article, I will be listing the top places to see when driving from Bella Vista to Pawhuska that you shouldn't miss during your journey.

1. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Start your journey by visiting the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville, Arkansas. It is an art museum that houses a collection of American art from the Colonial era to the present. The priceless artwork is spread over five galleries and allows you to experience the diverse cultural heritages of America.

2. Blue Hole

After exploring the art, take a dip in the Blue Hole, a natural swimming hole located in Bentonville. The family-friendly location offers a wide-open swimming area and offers amazing views of the Ozark mountains. The clear and refreshing water of the Blue Hole’s spring-fed stream is perfect for a hot summer day. The place has some natural trails and rocky outcroppings as well.

3. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

Moving forward, you will meet the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve which is surely going to impress you. The perfect blend of art and nature provides you with an amazing experience. Woolaroc is home to a world-class museum featuring western art and artifacts, a wildlife preserve where you can drive through, and walk-in nature trails. The best time of the year to visit Woolaroc is in autumn, when the leaves on the trees turn red, yellow, and brown and the wildlife is in its full autumn splendour.

4. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

Continue the Smoky Mountain journey by visiting the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve located in Osage County, Oklahoma. It is the largest remaining piece of tallgrass prairie in the world, stretching over 40,000 acres. Guided tours of the prairie are available, during which you can catch glimpses of the native wildlife, which includes bison, American elk, and white-tailed deer. This historic landscape offers an excellent opportunity for hiking, bird-watching, and photography.

5. Pioneer Women’s Mercantile

Conclude your Smoky Mountain journey by visiting the Pioneer Women’s Mercantile, located in Pawhuska. It offers everything from high-end housewares to small gifts in a beautifully restored historical building. Interested in a cooking class? Then, be sure to book one in advance because The Merc’s cooking classes sell out rapidly. The restaurant, which is named after Ree Drummond’s restaurant and TV show, The Pioneer Woman, serves a variety of delicious foods and is usually booked months in advance.

Conclusion

Driving from Bella Vista, Arkansas to Pawhuska, Oklahoma will take you through natural wonders, historic sites, and unique shops. This road trip provides the best opportunity to get away from the daily hustle of life and connect with nature. These are just a few of the many things to see and explore on the journey from Bella Vista to Pawhuska, and I am sure you will cherish these experiences for a lifetime. It’s time to start planning your trip!