20 Things To Do In Bentonville

The home of Walmart and the contemporary art capital of Arkansas, Bentonville is the jewel of Northwest Arkansas that’s just waiting to be discovered and explored. Despite only being the 10th-largest city in Arkansas, Bentonville is full of world-class attractions to experience and uncover during your trip to this city.

Many Native American tribes used to roam the area in and around Bentonville before settlers arrived, whose stories can be learned at the Museum Of Native American History in Downtown Bentonville. If you’re curious about the beginnings of America’s biggest retail chain, the Walmart Museum might be more your type of destination. Here are some of the things to do in Bentonville.

Bentonville, Arkansas

20 Things To Do In Bentonville

1- Check Out The Walmart Museum

The Walmart Museum, located in the retail chain’s founder Sam Walton’s hometown of Bentonville, is a must-see landmark for anyone curious about this giant global retailer.

The museum occupies the original Walton’s 5 & 10 store, which was the first store opened by Walmart founder Sam Walton in 1950.

It features exhibits of the company’s humble beginnings, rapid growth, and impact on the retail industry.

Visitors to the museum can see the original store and exhibits on the company’s early days, its expansion into a national chain, and its embrace of technology and innovation.

In addition to exhibits on the history of Walmart, the museum also features interactive exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.

These exhibits allow visitors to learn about the company’s operations, its commitment to sustainability, and its role in the global economy.

The Walmart Museum is a popular destination to learn about the history and impact of this iconic company.

So, if you are interested in the history of retail or want to learn more about Walmart, the Walmart Museum is worth visiting.

Walmart Museum is at 105 N Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712.

2- Visit The Scott Family Amazeum

Featuring a range of interactive, hands-on exhibits across over 50,000 square feet (4,645 m2), the Scott Family Amazeum is one of Bentonville’s most family-friendly attractions.

The facility was named in honour of Lee Scott and his family after the former Walmart CEO made significant contributions to establishing the museum/education space in Downtown Bentonville.

After a decade-long community-led fundraising and support effort, the interactive child-oriented museum was finally opened in 2015 and features several exhibits and displays sponsored by Hershey, Nickelodeon and Walmart.

Since its grand opening, the state-of-the-art venue has won several awards and accolades, making it a fine Bentonville attraction.

Scott Family Amazeum is at 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712.

3- Wander Around Bentonville Town Square

Bentonville Town Square is the heart of the city’s small-town charm and character, situated amid Downtown Bentonville’s top restaurants, shops and attractions.

Surrounded by verdant trees and topped off with a beautiful centrepiece fountain, the town square is a fantastic Bentonville landmark to stop by within walking distance from destinations such as the Walmart Museum and the Slaughter Pen Hollow Trail.

Not only is the town square completely free to visit, but it also serves as an excellent starting point from which to explore and discover the rest of Bentonville.

Bentonville Town Square is at 100 NW 2nd St, Bentonville, AR 72712.

4- Explore Compton Gardens and Arboretum

Situated right in the centre of Downtown Bentonville, the 6-acre (2.4 ha) Compton Gardens and Arboretum is a stunning sanctuary for the Ozark region’s rich native plant species.

Named in honour of conservationist Dr Neil Compton, who spearheaded the movement to save the Buffalo River, this serene natural oasis is perhaps Arkansas’ most picturesque public garden to explore.

The park is filled with tons of greenery and nature trails to discover in addition to the vast arrays of colourful plants and flowers.

The park is also an educational hub hosting all sorts of workshops and programs to help teach visitors about the region’s rich biodiversity, making it an excellent attraction to visit in Bentonville.

Compton Gardens and Arboretum is at 312 N Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712.

5- Get Outdoors In Hobbs State Park

The sprawling Hobbs State Park, situated on the banks of Beaver Lake, is the largest state park in the entire state of Arkansas, with a total area of over 12,000 acres (4,856 ha).

This outdoor wonderland, right on the doorstep of Downtown Bentonville features several key attractions and things to do, including some 33 miles (53 km) of nature trails to hike, bike, or ride on horseback.

Not only is this multipurpose venue a must-visit location during the day, but the park’s five unique campsites make the park a wonderful destination to spend a night or two at.

With a visitor centre, interactive displays, a small boutique store, and several cosy picnic areas, this massive Bentonville attraction is yours to explore no matter what time of the year you decide to stop by.

Hobbs State Park is at 20201 AR-12, Rogers, AR 72756.

6- Enjoy The Displays At Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Founded by Alice Walton and the Walton Foundation, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Northwestern Arkansas features one of the largest displays of American art under one roof.

Displaying art from across five decades, the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibits include works from Warhol, Rockwell and O’Keeffe.

While the museum’s displays are magnificent, the structure’s architecture and surrounding greenery make visiting the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art delightful. 

With over three miles (4.8 km) of beautifully manicured hiking trails located throughout the facility’s 120 acres (48.5 ha) of gardens and forests, the museum is much more than simply a celebration of incredible American art.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712.

7- Bike The Slaughter Pen Hollow Trail

The Slaughter Pen Hollow Trail is a purposefully-designed mountain biking pathway that’s a mere stone’s throw from the city’s centre.

The trail features obstacles and sections catering to cyclists of all abilities and experience levels, stretching for over 20 miles (32 km) between Lake Bella Vista and the Blowing Springs mountain bike trail system.

Whether it’s skinnies, wall rides or log drops, the trail has plenty of features to keep cyclists entertained as they meander past some of Bentonville’s most picturesque natural landscapes.

Not only is the trail free to visit and explore, but it is conveniently located near many of Bentonville’s biggest attractions, making it an excellent activity to add to your Bentonville itinerary.

Slaughter Pen Hollow Trail is at 203 NE 3rd St, Bentonville, AR 72712. Join this half-day cycling tour.

8- Spend Time At 21c Museum Hotel

Opened in 2014, this relatively new Bentonville attraction is a 104-room boutique hotel and contemporary art museum all rolled into one.

The 21c Museum Hotel boasts over 12,000 square feet (1,115 m2) of exhibition space featuring a mix of permanent and rotating displays, such as a Lincoln limousine covered in coins or a large tree with basketball hoops instead of leaves.

The venue is free to visit and organises biweekly guided tours and unique events throughout the year.

Whether you’re stopping by to stay over, tour the magnificent artwork, or sit down for dinner at the hotel’s upscale restaurant, there’s never a dull moment when exploring this popular Bentonville venue.

21c Museum Hotel is at 200 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712. From here, you can join a golf cart tour of Bentonville.

9- Catch Some Live Music At Arvest Ballpark

The Arvest Ballpark, situated roughly halfway between Bentonville and Fayetteville, is the home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals minor league baseball team.

Opened in 2008, this former Ballpark of the Year winner has a total seating capacity of over 7,300 and plays host to all sorts of events throughout the year in addition to baseball games.

Even if you’re not much of a sports fan, the ballpark is a great place to catch a live music concert or event in Bentonville and is the closest thing the city has to a major sports arena.

Arvest Ballpark is at 3000 Gene George Blvd, Springdale, AR 72762.

10- See The Downtown Murals

Sprinkled around A Street and 8th Street, the Downtown Murals of Bentonville feature colourful public art between the city’s many shops, museums, restaurants and cafes.

Ranging from mundane to the extraordinary, the dozen or so murals can easily be discovered on foot, making exploring Downtown Bentonville a fun and colourful experience.

While it remains a mystery how exactly the murals got started or who came up with the idea in the first place, the murals have given Bentonville a cultural attraction for visitors to uncover and enjoy.

11- Learn About History At Pea Ridge National Military Park

The Pea Ridge National Military Park marks the location of the Battle of Pea Ridge during the American Civil War, a pivotal battle in 1862 that saw the Union gaining possession of the state of Missouri.

Pea Ridge is one of the most intact Civil War battleground locations left and covers an area of more than 4,300 acres (1,740 ha).

This battleground turned public park in 1963, a century after the war ended, is a must-see location for history buffs visiting Bentonville.

Complete with a museum, a visitor centre, hiking trails, and driving tours, the park is an excellent destination to discover the history of the South and Bentonville’s small but significant role in shaping modern-day America.

Pea Ridge National Military Park is at 15930 National Park Dr, Garfield, AR 72732.

12- Explore The Museum Of Native American History

The Museum Of Native American History tells the forgotten tales of the Quapaw, Osage, Cherokee, and Caddo Native American tribes who used to call the region of Bentonville home before the settlers arrived in the 1800s.

Opened in 2006, the museum takes visitors past 14,000 years of Native American history in the area that spans from the Paleo era to the present.

Featuring exhibits such as a complete mammoth skeleton, the Sweetwater Biface (the thinnest flint ever discovered), and traditional Native American clothing, the museum is truly an unmissable Bentonville attraction packed with history and culture.

The Museum Of Native American History is at 202 SW O St, Bentonville, AR 72712.

13- Admire The Architecture At Third Street District

Officially titled the “Bentonville Third Street Historic District”, the charming Third Street District is a primarily residential neighbourhood that spans about two city blocks along the city’s SE Third Street.

The area features approximately 14 old and historic buildings dating back to when the railroad first arrived in Bentonville in 1881.

The buildings are perfect examples of the quintessential high-style architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the whole area listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Many of the city’s most prominent houses and buildings can be found within the district, including the James A. Rice House and the Elliott House, making it a great landmark to explore in Bentonville.

14-Go Ice Skating In Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink

Located in the heart of Downtown Bentonville, the 7,000 square foot (650 m2) multipurpose Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink and Splash Park is an outdoor ice rink that entertains visitors and Bentonville natives during the wintertime each year.

The ice rink remains open from November to February and is the only permanent outdoor ice rink in the region.

The venue hosts several special events and gatherings throughout the open season, making it the perfect family-friendly activity to enjoy in Bentonville during the winter.

Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink and Splash Park 214 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712.

15- Step Back In History In Bachman-Wilson House

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright during the mid-20th century, the Bachman-Wilson House is Bentonville’s most famous residential building even though it was completed in New Jersey, 1,200 miles (1,931 km) from Bentonville.

The house was moved from New Jersey to its permanent home near the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in the early 2000s after it fell into disrepair, where it remains to this day for the public to view and tour.

The house is one of Bentonville’s most important historical landmarks and an extraordinary attraction, featuring an ornate interior and Wright’s famous nature-inspired design.

Bachman-Wilson House is at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712.

16- Shop At Bentonville Farmers Market

Held every Saturday between April and October at Downtown Bentonville Square, the Bentonville Farmers Market is the number one destination to buy fresh produce, homemade goods and handmade crafts in Northwest Arkansas.

The market features sellers vetted by the market organisers to ensure shoppers get only the freshest goods, with all dairy and meat products certified by the FDA and USDA.

Not only does the market sell all sorts of treats and trinkets, but the event also organises programs, workshops and live entertainment to keep shoppers coming back for more every week.

Bentonville Farmers Market is at 100 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712.

17- Have A Picnic In Orchards Park

Located just across from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Orchards Park is a multipurpose public park featuring a bunch of hiking paths, manicured lawns, pavilions, an amphitheatre and an eye-catching fountain right in the park’s centre.

The park’s name is derived from the region’s strong ties to apple farming and is home to a wide variety of attractions and activities that visitors of all ages would love.

This beautiful public park is free to visit and dog-friendly, making it a fantastic destination to explore with your two-legged or four-legged friends.

Orchards Park is at 1100 NE John Deshields Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712.

18- Relax At Peel Museum and Botanical Garden

The Peel Museum and Botanical Garden dates back to 1875 when the property was the home of Colonel Samuel West Peel, a well-known Confederate soldier and former Arkansas House of Representatives member.

Turned into a museum and garden following Peel’s death, the venue features a stunningly preserved Italianate villa and sublime botanical garden for visitors to tour and marvel at.

The venue is free to visit and organises guided tours of the entire estate, including Peel’s furnished former home.

Peel Museum and Botanical Garden is at 400 S Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712.

19- Taste Craft Beer At Bentonville Brewing Company

The Bentonville Brewing Company has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the beer brewing industry since the business first opened in 2015, becoming the go-to brewery in Northwest Arkansas in less than a decade.

Brewing a wide variety of beers and beer styles, the independently-owned brewery offers visitors guided tours of the facility to get a sneak peek of the entire brewing process behind the scenes.

If you’re a fan of beer and would like to learn more about the brewing process from start to finish, there’s no better place to visit in Arkansas than this one.

Bentonville Brewing Company is at 901 SW 14th Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.

20- Admire Art In The Momentary

The Momentary is a former cheese factory turned contemporary art museum regarded as one of Arkansas’s best modern art venues.

Opened in 2020 and under the management of Crystal Bridges, the venue is still a recent addition to the Bentonville tourism scene, however, it’s already one of Bentonville’s major cultural destinations.

Not only is this world-class centre free to visit, but the venue’s surrounding greenery makes for the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or stroll during the afternoon.

Featuring several indoor and outdoor rotating exhibits, a place to grab a drink or a bite to eat, and a shop where visitors can buy prints and gifts, Bentonville’s contemporary art capital is a must-see attraction when in Northwest Arkansas.

The Momentary is at 507 SE E St, Bentonville, AR 72712.

21- Bike or Hike The Razorback Greenway

The Razorback greenway is a 36-mile trail that runs through Bentonville, Arkansas, that was named after the University of Arkansas’ Razorback mascot.

It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and rollerblading.

The trail is flat and easy to navigate, making it accessible for people of all fitness levels.

It passes through various landscapes, including forests, wetlands and prairies, and points of interest, such as the Scott Family Amazeum, the Compton Gardens and Conference Center, and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

In addition to being a popular spot for outdoor recreation, the Razorback Greenway is an important transportation corridor for the city of Bentonville.

It is used by commuters, tourists and residents looking to explore the city. Join this mountain bike tour.