Events

Ozark Tourism: Land of a Million Smiles

The Rogers Historical Museum presents the upcoming temporary exhibit, “Ozark Tourism: Land of a Million Smiles.”
The exhibit will be on display in the Trammel Gallery from April 25, 2026-April 1, 2028.

People have been drawn to the natural beauty and recreational wonders that Northwest Arkansas has to offer for
over a century. From the natural springs and rivers to historic sites and museums, tourism has become one of the
region’s leading industries.

This exhibit shares the history of tourism in the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas, exploring everything from
places promoting fresh, healing spring waters, such as the resort towns of Monte Ne and Bella Vista, to modern
recreational pastimes that make tourism a billion-dollar industry in the state.

Friends of the Rogers Historical Museum are invited to a members-only exhibit preview party of Ozark Tourism:
Land of a Million Smiles on Friday, April 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by the Rogers Historical Museum
Foundation. Enjoy a mid-century road trip themed evening of music, refreshments, a door prize, and other fun
activities! Tourist attire optional. Not-yet Friends of the Rogers Historical Museum may join at friendsrhm.org or at
the door.

Photo Descriptions:

Photo 1: Electric Springs 1887
A group outing at Electric Springs in 1887. Electric Springs was located in Rogers along Highway 12 near modernday
Lake Atalanta. Tourists came from all over the region and beyond to visit the area and drink the water that was
believed to cure many ailments.
Photo 2: Frisco Scenic View
A 1910 postcard showing a scenic view on the Frisco Railway south of Rogers. The railroad played an important role
in the rise of Ozark tourism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Photo 3: Fishing on the White River
A postcard of three people fishing on the White River. Fishing remains a popular pastime for both Northwest
Arkansas locals and tourists.
Photo 4: Templins Ozark Gift Shop
Reverend W.T. Templin selling Arkansas souvenirs, including baskets and pottery at his roadside stand. From 1945-
1947, Templin’s Ozark Gift Shop was located in Rogers at the corner of Highway 71 and West Walnut and was one of
many popular roadside souvenir shops throughout the Ozarks.

ABOUT ROGERS HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The Rogers Historical Museum, a department of the City of Rogers, opened in 1975 with the purpose of preserving
the area’s history. Its mission is to enrich lives through education, experience and exploration of our heritage. The
museum is located at 313 & 322 South Second Street, at the corner of Second and Cherry, in historic downtown
Rogers. We are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit
rogershistoricalmuseum.org or call 479-621-1154. General admission is free.