Rogers, Arkansas City Wiki
From Mizzou Wiki
Welcome to Rogers, Arkansas
About Rogers
Rogers is a bustling suburban city in Benton County in the northwest corner of Arkansas. According to a special census taken in 2006, Rogers had a population around 50,000; the entire Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area (including Bentonville, Rogers, Lowell, Springdale, and Fayetteville) has a population of nearly 500,000. This rapidly growing city prides itself on itself on having the resources of big cities while maintaining a small-town feel that is makes it a wonderful place for families and in 2007, BusinessWeek Magazine ranked Rogers 18th in their 25 best affordable suburbs in the South.
According to the Rogers Historical Museum: 'Rogers was founded as a stop on the St. Louis and San Francisco (Frisco) Railroad and developed as a shipping point for apples and a trade center for the surrounding rural area. After World War II, agriculture remained important, but business leaders also embarked on a successful effort to recruit light industry. Rogers has several major industrial plants and retail centers and is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arkansas.' http://www.rogersarkansas.com/Museum/briefhistory.asp
Much of Rogers' growth can be attributed to the presence of the Walmart Home Offices in neighboring Bentonville. Yet, while the retailer's headquarters are in Bentonville, Rogers boasts Store #1, which serves as the test store for Walmart's many innovations including on-site gas stations, vision centers, in-store medical clinics, self checkout, and most recently, the new environmentally-friendly store layout being implemented nationwide. In addition to Store #1, the Home Offices has attracted numerous vendor offices that have in turn brought big-name retailers and luxury amenities to the area, as well as providing support for a regional airport serving the entire metropolitan area with jet service to a number of locations.
Aside from the strong economy, Rogers has a lot to offer families from outdoor activities to sports to cultural attractions to one of the best school districts in the state and in the region. The Rogers Public School district is made up of 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools. Many of the schools, teachers, and administrators have gained national recognition, and at the high school level, 21 Advanced Placement courses are offered. This year, in fact, 97 students, mainly juniors, were awarded AP Scholar recognition by the College Board for earning high scores on multiple AP exams. The 2008-2009 academic year also marks the opening of the city's second high school, Rogers Heritage High School, on the renovated campus that served as Rogers High School until 2001 when the new facility was opened at 2300 S. Dixieland. Both campuses include state-of-the-art athletic and performing/visual arts facilities and are innovative in their architectural design. The Rogers High School mascot is the Mountaineer and their colors are blue and white; the Heritage High School mascot is the War Eagle and their colors are navy blue and orange.
Rogers Mountaineers Heritage War Eagles
How to Get to Rogers
Rogers is most accessible by either car or plane. Located off of Interstate 70, Rogers is within 2 hours of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Springfield, Missouri, 3 hours from Little Rock, Arkansas, and 6 hours from Memphis, Tennessee. For more approximate driving times, see http://www.rogerslowell.com/pdf/PDF%2016.pdf.
By air, Rogers is just a 1.5-2 hour flight from most of the major hubs. Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA), located 20 minutes from Rogers in Highfill, opened in the fall of 1998 and has since become one of the busiest regional airports in the country. Currently, 6 major airlines (American, Delta, Northwest, Continental, United, and US Airways) provide service to 14 airports, typically including 6+flights/day to Chicago and Dallas/Ft. Worth. And, rest assured, all airlines offer regional jet service on CRJ, Embraer, and MD80 aircraft. Several major car rental agencies operate from XNA as well as ground transportation services. Infamously, ABC News reporter John Stossel reported in the late 1990s that XNA was a waste of money and doomed to failure! http://www.nwara.com/
For private aviation, the Rogers Municipal Airport, located north of the city, provides a 6,000ft+ runway and is home to a number of corporate fleets. Notably, Walmart Aviation has acquired for Rogers Municipal its own part-time U.S. Customs agent.
Accommodations
Scottsdale Center area/Exit 85
- Candlewood Suites: 4601 West Rozell St., Rogers, Arkansas, 72756; phone: (479)636-2783 $$
- Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott:4611 Rozell St., Rogers, Arkansas, 72756; phone: (479)936-5901 $$$
- Residence Inn by Marriott: 461 West Locust, Rogers, Arkansas, 72756; phone (479)636-5900 $$$
- Amerisuites: 4610 W. Walnut, Rogers, Arkansas, 72756; phone (479)633-8555 $$
- Homewood Suites: 4302 W. Walnut, Rogers, Arkansas, 72756; phone (479)636-5656 $$$
Pinnacle Promenade/Exit 86
- Embassy Suites: 3303 Pinnacle Hills Pkwy, Rogers, Arkansas 72758; phone (479)254-8400 $$$
- Aloft: 1103 S. 52nd, Rogers, Arkansas, 72758; phone (479)268-6799 $$$$
- Staybridge Suites: 1801 S. 52nd St., Rogers, Arkansas, 72756; phone (479)845-5702 $$
Dining
Local Favorites
- Catfish John's $ 601 Hudson Rd., (479)631-9308
Catfish John's offers very casual, family dining and is known for lots of great food for a great price. Visit for lunch and get 4 pieces of fried catfish, fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies, a drink, and a piece of chocolate pie for around $8. If you don't want to eat in, you can also call in your order and pick it up at their drive through window.
- Maria's Mexican $ 2813 W. Walnut, (479)986-9276
Maria's Mexican is a wonderful place to see how Hispanic culture has so infused NW Arkansas culture. Great food for great prices, Maria's is a favorite lunch spot for families and business people alike because of the ample servings of your favorite Mexican dishes starting at $5. http://www.mariasmexicanrestaurant.biz/index.htm
- Smokin' Joes $$ 803 W. Poplar, (479)621-0181
Smokin' Joes, another great place to get good food for a good deal, is best known for their ribs, but their sandwiches are also really good, especially for lunch. Their menu is very diverse though, with salads, burgers, home-style meals like chicken fried chicken, and sides like green beans and okra. You should also try the cobblers for dessert--strawberry is a real must-have, if they have it. If you go for lunch during the week, be ready to wait though--Walmart has a large extension of their corporate office next door and they love Smokin' Joes (and the donut store in their building, Marion's Daylight Donuts).
Chain Restaurants-Fine Dining
- Ruth Chris Steakhouse $$$$$
Located in the Pinnacle Hills area.
- Copelands $$$
Great Cajun style food including pastas, steaks, poboys, and much more. With live jazz in the bar several night each week, Copelands is also a great place to go for drinks and desserts, both of which you should try no matter when you go. Located in the Scottsdale area.
- Basil's $$$
Located in the Village on the Creeks across the interstate from the Promenade, Basil's offers fine Italian dining in a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
- PF Chang's $$$
Located at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade.
Chain Restaurants-Casual Dining (Scottsdale Center area)
- O'Charley's $$
- Chili's $$
- Applebee's $$
- Colton's Steakhouse $$
Chain Restaurants-Casual Dining (Pinnacle Area)
- Red Lobster $$$
- Olive Garden $$$
- Marketplace Express $$
- Granite City $$
- Texas Land and Cattle $$
- Mimi's $$
Coffee
- Starbucks $
Freestanding locations on Walnut in the Scottsdale area and at Pleasant Crossing, one exit south of Pinnacle Hills. Also located in the Barnes and Noble and in the Promenade.
- Atlanta Bread Company $
On Walnut, just off of I-540.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels $
Located in the Pinnacle Hills area, near Olive Garden and Home Depot.
For More Restaurants: http://www.nwarestaurants.com/listings.php?citysearch=Rogers
Culture, Arts, and Entertainment
Architectural rendering of Crystal Bridges Museum
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Opening in nearby Bentonville in 2010, Crystal Bridges, according to their website,
'is envisioned as a premier art institution dedicated to American art and artists, learning and community gatherings. The main pavilions will house a permanent collection of American art masterworks from the colonial era to modern day, and touring collections from national art institutions. Visitors will be able to enjoy the collection within the state-of-the-art galleries and throughout the surrounding park.'
Until the museum opens, you can visit the growing collection at the Massey Building in Historic Downtown Bentonville, just off of the square. For more information, see http://www.crystalbridges.org/main.aspx
- War Eagle Mill
War Eagle Mill is a working replica of the 1873 mill that was constructed to place a previous one burnt by the Confederates during the Civil War. With its interesting history, the mill, located in the Beaver Lake area of Rogers, provides a fascinating link to the history of Rogers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today the mill, still working, includes both a restaurant and a shop that feature its products. Also, in the fall, War Eagle is the site of one of the area's largest arts and crafts fairs. http://www.wareaglemill.com/index-2.html
- Rogers Historical Museum
Whatever you want to know about Rogers, the Historical Museum has the answer. From the Frisco Railroad to Will Rogers to the apple-picking festivals to the remains of Coin Harvey's Victorian era Monte Ne retreat on Beaver Lake that can be see only during draughts, the museum captures the facts and folklore of the city. The museum, located in downtown Rogers, is especially good for children and has nice exhibitions representing life in Rogers in the early 1800s.
- Daisy Airgun Museum
Since Daisy Airgun's corporate headquarters have long been in Rogers, this relatively new museum in downtown Rogers has been created to showcase their impressive collection of airguns dating from as early as the colonial period. The museum also serves as a way to preserve the rich history of Daisy BB guns. http://www.daisymuseum.com/index.htm
One of many murals to be found in the Historic Downtown district
- Walton Arts Center
Though the Walton Arts Center is located 35 minutes south of Rogers in Fayetteville, it is the premiere performing arts venue in NW Arkansas. Programming includes internationally known musical acts ranging from popular to classical, a Broadway series that this year includes the hits Avenue Q and Spamalot, traditional and experimental dance troupes, and more. http://www.waltonartscenter.org/
- Malco Movie Theaters
Located at Scottsdale Center and the Pinnacle Hills Promenade, both theaters are 12 screens and have stadium seating.
Sports and Recreation
Before all of the shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, Rogers was still a popular destination for those who love the great outdoors, just as it remains today. A few of the best places to enjoy the outdoors, as well as places to take in/partake in sports include:<font/>
- Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is located in the Ozark mountains and covers over 28,000 acres. Formed by in 1960 by the construction of Beaver Dam on the White River, creating hydroelectric power and great fishing, particularly bass fishing. In fact, the FLW professional tour, sponsored by Walmart, comes to Rogers every spring. From Rogers, Beaver Lake is most easily accessed at Horseshoe Bend, Prairie Creek, and Lost Bridge. All parks have camp sites, marinas, play areas for children, and picnic facilities. At Lost Bridge (north area), there is a nice, but moderately difficult, 5-mile hiking trail. If you wish to visit Beaver Dam, it is just outside Eureka Springs, an hour outside Rogers, but beware, those who get carsick will need dramimine for this road trip! http://www.beaverlake.com/
- Pea Ridge National Military Park (15 minutes north of Rogers on Hwy 62)
The Battle of Pea Ridge was one of the most important battles of the Civil War. With the Union victory over the Confederates in March 1862, the question as to whether Missouri would remain in the Union or would join the Confederacy was answered. One interesting site at the park is the Telegraph Road, which served as the major road from Springfield to Fort Smith prior to the Civil War; the road was also a part of the Trail of Tears. To see this and other sites such as Elkhorn Tavern, visitors can drive through the park or, for the more adventurous, hike the 10-mile trail, which is particularly lovely in the spring and fall. In either case, consider visiting in the morning when the many herds of deer are out and about. http://www.nps.gov/archive/peri/home.htm
Pea Ridge National Military Park
- Places to Walk, Bike, or Play
Rogers provides numerous places to go be outside beyond Pea Ridge and Beaver Lake. Several parks serve the community including Tower Park and Veterans Park in the city center and Lake Atalanta just east of downtown (open during daylight only). In addition, the city is developing a city-wide walking trail; currently sections are open at Rogers High School and outside of the Wellness Center (for senior citizens), which is behind Dixieland Mall on Dixieland and Walnut.
- College Sports
The University of Arkansas, located 25 minutes south of Rogers on I-540, is a member of the Southeastern Conference and home of the Razorbacks and Lady Razorbacks. Donald W. Reynolds Stadium, newly renovated, is a great place to catch SEC football action in the fall, but UAF is just as well known for other sports. In 1995, the men's basketball team won the NCAA national championship and the track and cross country teams have won numerous conference and national championships, as well as have produced numerous Olympians and American and World record holders--all you need to do is Google Ruben Reina, Joe Falcon, or most recently, Wallace Spearmon, who ran in the Olympic 100 meter finals and Veronica Campbell-Brown who won the 200m in Beijing in 2008. The men's program, led until this year by the legendary John McDonnell, has won over 46 national championships between cross-country, outdoor track, and indoor track. Also, UAF has a world-class indoor track facility that routinely hosts SEC and NCAA championship meets and the Golden Spike Tour, which showcases the top track and field athletes in the world.
- High School Sports
Both Rogers High School and Rogers Heritage High School are members of the 7A West, which is the premiere high school conference in Arkansas. Both schools have brand new football stadiums and Rogers High School also has a nature trail on campus that serves as the city's cross-country course, as well as the community at large. Among many successes, prior to the division of the high school, the softball and girls' soccer teams have won multiple state championships, the football team was the runner-up in 2006, and the track and cross-country programs regularly produce conference and state championships. In particular, the girls' cross-country team has won over 16 state championships in the last three decades and the boys' team, led by former Razorback track standout Carlton Efurd, has never placed lower than runner-up in its 30+year history.
While in Rogers, watch out for runners! NW Arkansas is a mecca for running enthusiasts. If you want to just watch, look for NCAA and Professional track events in the early part of the year and early summer, but if you want to try a race in this hilly region, check out The Eliminator 5k held at Rogers' Lake Atalanta the last weekend of August.
- Northwest Arkansas Naturals Minor League Baseball
The NWA Naturals are a Class Double-A Minor League baseball team in the Texas League and is affiliated with the Kansas City Royals. In the summer of 2008, the Naturals began their inaugural season, calling the brand new Arvest Ballpark home. Their mascot, Strike, is a swampthing-esque character, aka, a "Natural." Games run throughout the baseball season and tickets are often readily available, though should be reserved in advance. The ballpark, located just off I-540 in Springdale, is a 15 minute drive from Rogers. http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t1350
Go Naturals!
Shopping
- Pinnacle Hills Promenade
Northwest Arkansas's newest and only upscale shopping district, the Promenade, is located just off of I-540 in Rogers. The Promenade features an open-air design and includes a variety of stores, restaurants, and a 12 screen movie theater with stadium seating and a lounge area that includes a coffee shop. Some stores include Dillard's, The Body Shop, Sephora, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, Victoria's Secret, Hollister, Gap, American Eagle, and Borders. In addition to the restaurants listed in this profile, the Promenade includes Starbucks, Haagen-Dazs, and a food court. http://pinnaclehillspromenade.com/html/index4.asp
Pinnacle Hills Promenade
- Other shopping in the Pinnacle area
Also near the Pinnacle Hills Promenade, you can find Bed, Bath, and Beyond, TJ Maxx, Gordman's, and Best Buy, and Target is set to open in March 2009. If you are looking for gourmet foods on-the-go, you might be interested in the gourmet food market located in the gas station at the north entrance to the district. Surprisingly, the gas station/bank/lofts/market carries everything from eclectic drinks to gourmet cheeses to take-out shrimp. Across the interstate, the Village on the Creeks area includes numerous smaller shops and restaurants, many upscale.
- Scottsdale Center
Scottsdale Center, located one exit north of Pinnacle Hills, has a number of shops, restaurants, and hotels as well. The major stores in the area include Lowes, Barnes and Noble, Staples, Old Navy, Belk's, Pier 1 Imports, and Kohl's. There is also a movie theater with 12 screens, the Rogers Towne Cinema.
- Walmarts
No trip to Rogers would be complete without a trip to one of the Walmart locations. Store #1 is located about 3 miles east of I-540 on Walnut St., but a newer supercenter is located at the Pleasant Crossing exit just south of Pinnacle Hills. (In that area you can find yet another Starbucks and several fast food restaurants). North of town, technically in Bentonville Sam's Club is located at Hwy 102 and I-540. Finally, the Walmart Neighborhood Market is located on 8th St/71B. All stores also have gas stations where you get a 3 cents/gallon discount for using your Walmart credit card or giftcard.<font/>
Walmart Store #1
For More Information
The City of Rogers Webpage http://www.rogersarkansas.com/
Rogers, Arkansas on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogers,_Arkansas
Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce http://www.rogerslowell.com/
Rogers Public Schools http://www.rogers.k12.ar.us/
