No matter what time of year you visit, Northwest Arkansas offers plenty of activities to enjoy in the great outdoors. From mountain biking and hiking to birding and ice skating, take your pick from adventures. We are a 365-day destination so the temperatures are no reason to stay indoors!

Bundle up, lace up your hiking boots (or strap on some snowshoes), and hit some trails this winter. Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area offers several easy, relatively flat trails that can be navigated on snowshoes, such as the 0.75-mile Ozark Plateau Trail and the 0.5-mile Sinking Stream Trail, which is known for its wildlife such as birds and deer.

If biking is more your speed, take your pick from trails around Lake Atalanta, from easy lakeside trails to expert climbs up the mountain. Check The Railyard Facebook page to see daily park conditions (hours are weather permitting), and if it is open, get ready for a day of hitting the slope-style bike park, complete with ramps, jumps and more.

For a quintessential winter activity, go ice skating at The Rink at Lawrence Plaza in nearby Bentonville. Open daily from mid-November through mid-February, this outdoor rink offers ice skating rentals so you can glide across the ice and partake in a holiday favorite.

For history buffs, drive to Garfield, just north of Rogers, to explore the most intact Civil War battlefield in the United States: Pea Ridge National Military Park. This 4,300-acre battlefield commemorates the decisive 1862 Civil War battle that saved Missouri for the Union. Explore the nature trails in the area by foot, mountain bike or horseback. 

While the War Eagle Mill store and restaurant have reduced hours for Winter, it is worth the drive out Highway 112 for the scenery and outdoor adventure.  The War Eagle Creek is quiet and serene spot to fish.  Kayak, canoes, or fishermen, women, and kids are welcome on foot as well.  Take a casual ride afternoon ride in the War Eagle Valley.  For all of the marathon mountain bikers out there, tackle the challenging landscape as you scope out the beauty of the rolling hills.  Hiking is another favorite activity in Rogers.  The War Eagle Valley and Hobbs State Park offer trails for the beginners and those skilled to tackle a challenge.