Square Gardens: Fayetteville's Historic Heart

The Square Gardens, located in the heart of Fayetteville, Arkansas, serves as a focal point for community activity and seasonal beauty. Established in 1978, the gardens transformed the Downtown Square into a public park and plaza. The Square is home to several historically significant buildings, including the original Fayetteville Post Office, the Old Bank of Fayetteville Building, the Lewis Brothers Building, the Mrs. Young Building, and the Guisinger Building, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the year, the gardens showcase a variety of colorful flowers, carefully tended to reflect the changing seasons. In the fall, the Square Gardens become the centerpiece of Lights of the Ozarks, a spectacular holiday lighting display that attracts an estimated 200,000 visitors each December. The Square also hosts the Fayetteville Farmers' Market every Tuesday and Saturday morning from early April through November, where local farmers sell plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and art. The Square has served as the commercial and political heart of Fayetteville since the 1830s. It has also been a site for public gatherings and protests, fostering a tradition of community engagement. Today, the Square Gardens continue to be a vibrant space where residents and visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature, celebrate local events, and connect with the city's rich history.