Bella Vista is a city in Benton County, Arkansas. First established in 1965 as a summer resort town, the community evolved into a retirement community, and continues to change following incorporation in 2006. The city's struggle with incorporation began in 1977 and periodically returned as the community grew rapidly. Following the change, municipal government replaced the Property Owners Association as primary government; entering a new era for Bella Vista. The community is located on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozark Mountains. Valleys, creeks, and steep rises characterize the city's topography. Bella Vista is located north of Bentonville and Rogers and is the northernmost city in the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan statistical area.
Bella Vista has seven lakes. These lakes are not "public" in that only members of the community or their guests are permitted to use them. Lake Ann, Lake Windsor, and Lake Loch Lomond are the largest all-sports lakes in the town. Lake Avalon, Lake Norwood, and Lake Rayburn are primarily fishing lakes with "no wake" restrictions. Current POA boat permits are required as are Arkansas fishing licenses, when fishing Bella Vista lakes.
Tanyard CreekBella Vista Lake has a 1.8-mile-long (2.9 km) walking/biking trail that goes around the lake. (The trail, however, is actually maintained by the city of Bentonville.) Tanyard Creek is the site of another walking trail off Lake Windsor in the center of the village. It has a footbridge and some waterfalls except during dry times. |