The most famous family in NW Arkansas is the Walton Family. Sam Walton is the founder of Wal Mart, along with his wife Helen. Many places in NW Arkansas are named for the Waltons, thanks to their gracious donations. (Walton Arts Center, Walton College of Business, Bud Walton Arena).

Other famous people in this region are Don Tyson (head of the poultry empire), J.B. Hunt (transportation).