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celebrate the unique history of Northwest Arkansas Museums Northwest Arkansas has been growing rapidly in recent years, but the Ozarks have been inhabited for over 15,000 years. This area has a rich and bountiful history, each town with its own unique stories, and for history buffs and interested parties there are several historical museums throughout Northwest Arkansas. Two of the most popular museums are located on Civil War battlegrounds in Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove. Both the Pea Ridge Civil War National Military Park and the Prairie Grove Civil War Battlefield State Park are two of the most well-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation, and both offer driving tours through the parks. The Pea Ridge National Military Park features a 4,300 acre battleground and museum to house the history of the soldiers from both sides, Union and Confederate, who fought valiantly in the battle. The Prairie Grove battlefield has a museum to highlighting the history of soldiers from both sides as well, and is proud to host a reenactment of the battle during the first weekend of December during even numbered years. For more military history, visitors can check out the Arkansas Air and Military Museum at Drake Air Field in Fayetteville. Drake Air Field was used as a United States aviator training post during World War II, making this historical site one well worth preserving. This immense museum houses fully functional planes, tanks, and other military vehicles all the way from World War I to the Iraqi Conflicts. For some very niche local history, check out the Bella Vista Museum, which celebrates Bella Vista's transition from a resort town and retirement village to a beautiful modern town full of natural wonders made for all ages to enjoy. This small but unique museum houses information about the 1917 resort and underground nightclub, and how over time the town became known for its beautiful seven lakes and gorgeous golf courses. Tontitown is another small but mighty community with its own niche museum, housed in the home of original Tontitown settlers Mary and Zelinda Tontitown Historical Museum An exhibit at the Arkansas Air and Military Museum 10 | DiscoverNorthwestArkansas.com