Things to Do in Bentonville, Arkansas – A Complete Travel Guide
To most people who don’t live in or near Arkansas, Bentonville is a city that might not be on your radar. Those who know something about Northwest Arkansas might recall that Bentonville is where Walmart and Sam’s Club headquarters are! But even more surprising is, in Bentonville you’ll find no skyscrapers or signs of big city life. Instead, you’ll find a collection of small cities and towns that make the Northwest Arkansas corridor.
Before you write off a trip to Bentonville or even Arkansas, let me also say that despite being a smaller area, it is booming with growth and tons of things to do that you’d expect to find in bigger cities! It’s just one of the reasons that this area of Arkansas is so special. In this travel guide, we’re introducing you to our favorite things to do in Bentonville, exceptional local restaurants in Bentonville, and other travel tips for Northwest Arkansas!
Where is Bentonville, Arkansas?
Bentonville is a small city in the northwest region of Arkansas that is also the city in which Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, set up Walmart headquarters and later Sam’s Club.
How to Get to Bentonville, Arkansas
How to Get to Bentonville by Car
If you live close to Northwest Arkansas the best way to get to Bentonville is by driving. There are a number of cities that are within easy driving distance from Bentonville.
- Tulsa to Bentonville: 2 hours
- Oklahoma City to Bentonville: 3 hours
- Kansas City to Bentonville: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Little Rock to Bentonville: 3 hours
- St. Louis to Bentonville: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Dallas to Bentonville: 5 hours 30 minutes
How to Get to Bentonville by Plane
You might be surprised to find out that Northwest Arkansas has a regional airport (XNA) that serves many non-stop flights from major cities including Tampa, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, New York, Denver, Miami, and more. From XNA, you can rent a car and be in Bentonville within 15-20 minutes.
Where to Stay in Bentonville, Arkansas
21c Museum Hotel Bentonville
Our favorite hotel in Bentonville is without a doubt, 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville. It’s in the perfect location right on the downtown Bentonville square so it is within walking distance from many shops and restaurants. Inside the hotel, you’ll find a chef-driven restaurant and bar, a contemporary art museum, and pet-friendly sophisticated hotel rooms.
Airbnb in Bentonville
If you’re looking for a place to stay that is a bit more spacious or with family and friends then I suggest renting an Airbnb in Bentonville! There are a ton of unique options in great locations all over Bentonville, some also located on the square or within minutes from popular walking and biking trails in Bentonville.
READ MORE: Unique Places to Stay in Arkansas
Things to Do in Bentonville, Arkansas
Because Walmart Headquarters is located in Bentonville, Walmart and the Walton Family Foundation (the family who owns Walmart) pour a lot of money and resources into the community creating many unique spaces to enjoy. In addition to Walmart, J.B. Hunt and Tyson are two other large corporations that have headquarters in Northwest Arkansas adding to the funding for local arts, outdoor spaces, dining, museums, parks, and more. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Bentonville.
Go Rock Climbing at Climb Bentonville
Climb Bentonville has over 16,000 square feet of boulder, lead, top rope, and kids climbing areas. There are also a number of fitness and yoga classes available for guests. One of the best things about Climb Bentonville is the various levels of climbs so anyone from beginners to more advanced climbers can enjoy the experience.
Location: 801 SW 14th St, Bentonville // MAP
Take A Backcountry Aviation Flight From Thaden Fieldhouse
We recently visited Thaden Fieldhouse for the first time and we are kicking ourselves for not going sooner. Not only is it located next to one of the Bentonville Parks and Lake Bentonville, but it also has a terrific brunch restaurant Louise at Thaden Field, and is the gateway to many unique things to do in Bentonville. You can even take flying lessons here!
Before we cover more of the Thaden Fieldhouse activities, I want to give you a brief backstory on Louise Thaden, who as you might have guessed, is who this small airport is named after.
Louise Thaden was remarkable! Among her many accomplishments, she was an American aviation pioneer, held numerous aviation records, was the first woman to win the Bendix Trophy for aeronautical racing, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society.
Fly Oz, which operates out of Thaden Fieldhouse, has backcountry aviation flights you can charter on 1-3 passenger planes to numerous destinations in Northwest Arkansas including Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, Gaston’s White River Resort to go trout fishing, Trigger Gap Outfitters on the Kings River, and Byrd’s Adventure Center in Ozark.
If you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Bentonville, this experience takes the cake!
Location: 2205 SW I St, Bentonville // MAP
Visit the Bentonville Community Center
The Bentonville Community Center is an 80,000-square-foot facility in Citizens Park. It features an indoor swimming pool and a leisure pool with water slides, a large gymnasium and fitness center, an indoor running track, locker rooms, lounges, banquet rooms, a kids center, and a small branch of the Bentonville Public Library.
Although most of the people who utilize the Bentonville Community Center are local residents, you can get a day pass which is perfect for families with kids who are looking for an indoor place to visit during the winter months or hot summer days and they offer a number of terrific activities and events you can find on their calendar.
Location: 1101 SW Citizens Cir, Bentonville // MAP
Explore the Scott Family Amazeum
The Scott Family Amazeum is a multi-sensory art and science museum that is the perfect spot for families but I really enjoyed visiting too! Inside the museum, you can find a mini Walmart store, a climbable tree canopy, a human body exhibit, an art studio, and many other thrilling adventures.
One of my favorite exhibits in the Scott Family Amazeum is Hershey’s Chocolate Factory where you can do several experiments using Hershey’s candy including testing the buoyancy, density, and speeds of different chocolates and even chemical reactions.
Location: 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville // MAP
Learn About Arkansas Native Lands at the Museum of Native American History
The Museum of Native American History (MONAH) was established in 2006 by David Bogle, a registered member of the Cherokee Nation. Over the years he has collected over 10,000 Native American artifacts that are on display at the museum including his own private collection and others donated or loaned to the museum for display and educational purposes.
The collections presented in the museum start in the Paleo Period around 12,000 B.C. to 8,000 B.C. and go up to the 1900s. There are also special exhibits featuring the Pre-Columbian Period in Mexico, Central America, and South America.
The land that this museum and much of Northwest Arkansas is located on, is the ancestral lands home to the Quapaw, Caddo, and Osage people. In saying this, I want to show respect and honor by acknowledging the land ties to these tribes.
Location: 202 SW O St, Bentonville // MAP
Immerse in Art at Crystal Bridges Museum
Out of the many things to do in Bentonville, Crystal Bridges Museum is one of the most special places to visit. This art museum features an array of contemporary art in indoor galleries and outdoor art spaces. The permanent collection at Crystal Bridges features pieces of art ranging from drawings, watercolors, sculptures, oil paintings, photography, and more.
In the outdoor art spaces, you can find various art sculptures on the walking and bike trails but there are also a number of rotating art exhibits outside too. One of my favorites is the North Forest Lights which they’ve offered seasonally as an enchanting nighttime walk through the wooded trails. This exhibit has immersive soundscapes and light shows creating a multisensory experience. Needless to say, Crystal Bridges does a fabulous job of connecting guests to the harmony between art and nature.
Location: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville // MAP
Tour A Unique Contemporary Art Space at The Momentary
The Momentary is a newer contemporary art and event space that is located in Bentonville. The main goal of The Momentary is to cultivate art and cultural experiences. It has rotating art exhibits, epic event spaces, an adorably pink Onyx Coffee location, and The Breakroom – where you can get a bite to eat. Before you leave, be sure to stop at the Tower Bar which has handcrafted cocktails and epic views.
Since its opening, there have been a number of rotating exhibits but my favorite is Nick Cave: Until, which is a powerful installation that covers over 24,000 square feet featuring a stunning crystal cloud, colorful wind spinners, and antique memorabilia. But the initial beauty has a much deeper meaning.
Once we took a moment to walk through the forest of wind spinners, we saw how the symbolism revealed itself and the art changed. The wind spinners contain images of guns, teardrops, bullets, and targets. At the end of the path, the massive crystal cloud felt heavy. Until examines gender, race, and gun violence in America specifically in regards to Black Americans, imploring visitors to think about the moment we’re currently living in and what the future may hold.
To me, art is something that conveys and brings emotion and while Until is no longer located at The Momentary, this contemporary art space always brings profound experiences and powerful messages through its carefully curated exhibits.
Location: 507 SE E St, Bentonville // MAP
Learn About Sam Walton at The Walmart Museum
The Walmart Museum may not be something you would consider when looking at things to do in Bentonville but it’s incredibly engaging. The Walmart Museum opened in 1990 to educate, engage, and inspire visitors about the history of Walmart.
At the Walmart Museum, you’ll also learn the legacy of Sam Walton from his beginning and stop by Walton’s 5 & 10 for some classic candies or games. Afterward, indulge in an inexpensive treat, such as a Moon Pie Sundae, at The Spark Cafe.
Location: 105 N Main St, Bentonville // MAP
Visit & Shop the Charming Bentonville Town Square
The Bentonville Town Square, also referred to as downtown Bentonville is one of our favorite spots for trying new restaurants and shopping while also enjoying the small park area on a summer evening.
Downtown Bentonville has a terrific Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from 7:30am-1pm and another local block party event called First Friday during the first Friday of every month in the summertime. While you’re visiting the square make sure you pop over to 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville to view their free art gallery that has rotating exhibits.
A few of our favorite places in downtown Bentonville include:
- Phat Tire Bike Shop: If you’re into biking we’ll cover more about the trails in Bentonville in a bit. But Phat Tire is a great place to get bike gear, tune-ups, and even rent bikes for the day if you don’t have your own with you.
- The Spice & Tea Exchange: This store is technically a chain but I love stopping in here for spices when I can’t get a hold of the ones I need online.
- Once Upon A Time Books: This bookstore has a variety of used books in all different genres, time periods, and age groups.
- Onyx Coffee Lab: Such great coffee and cute interior too!
- Art of the Square: An art gallery featuring local artists in a variety of mediums and prices.
Location: 100 N Main St, Bentonville // MAP
Visit the Rotating Exhibits at 21c Museum
I mentioned 21c above but I wanted to highlight it a little more. 21c Museum is a boutique hotel that has a chef-driven restaurant, The Hive, a full-service bar with specialty cocktails and mocktails, and a free contemporary art museum open to the public, not just hotel guests! Which I think is super cool. We often visit 21c to dine at The Hive or for a drink with friends and visit anytime there is a new exhibit.
Location: 200 NE A St, Bentonville // MAP
Read our full review of 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville
The Best Parks, Walking Trails, and Bike Trails in Bentonville
Osage Park
Osage Park is a newer 55-acre aviation-themed green space in Bentonville located by Thaden Field and Lake Bentonville. As of now, it is still under construction, but when it is finished it will have free access to outdoor pickleball courts, multi-purpose lawns, a music venue, and several lake activities including fishing and kayaking. I know once this spot is finished it will be one of the most popular outdoor spots in Bentonville!
Location: // MAP
Orchards Park
Orchards Park is one of the largest parks in Bentonville and it can be accessed by car or by one of the many walking and bike paths. It is surrounded by beautiful landscaping, a large pavilion, an amphitheater, and a large fountain. When we ride bikes we often stop at this park for a water break or have even enjoyed a picnic here. In the spring, this park also has a pretty flower garden to walk through and admire!
Location: 1100 NE John Deshields Blvd, Bentonville // MAP
Compton Gardens
Compton Gardens is a set of trails in Bentonville that weave towards Crystal Bridge Museum. It is named after Dr. Neil Compton who was a physician and writer who had a passion for conservation and photographing the outdoors.
In his lifetime he founded the Ozark Society, an environmental organization founded to give organized resistance to the construction of dams on the Buffalo River in Arkansas. At Compton Gardens you can learn more about Dr. Compton by taking a tour of his home and walking or biking the breathtaking trails.
Location: 312 N Main St, Bentonville // MAP
Razorback Greenway
The Razorback Greenway is nearly a 40-mile paved pathway that connects to multiple cities in Benton and Washington Counties with multiple stops on the way. Many people bring their bikes to Northwest Arkansas to ride the greenway but if you don’t have your own or didn’t bring your bike with you, you can rent a bike from one of the local bike shops such as Phat Tire or from the Bentonville Tourism Bureau.
Slaughter Pen Trail
Speaking of bike trails, Slaughter Pen Trail starts at Compton Gardens and spans over 30 miles north to Bella Vista. Bentonville was recently named the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, and this trail is by far one of the most popular. On the trail, you’ll see many bridges, buildings, and other structures for the beginner to the more advanced.
Location: 203 NE 3rd St, Bentonville // MAP
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
Another newer space in Bentonville is Coler Mountain Bike Preserve which features mountain biking trails, a multi-use trail for biking and walking, and an onsite open-air Airship Coffee. When you visit, it’s important to know that you will have to walk or bike to get to the camping sites and the coffee shop. But the path is wide and stroller and wheelchair-friendly.
In addition to the outdoor seating areas, there are two refinished barn areas one with a platform for yoga classes or other events and the other with more open-air seating and a climbing gym for kids. This space is really cool and I know because of its design and features it is going to be widely popular.
Location: NW 3rd St, Bentonville // MAP
If you’re looking for places to eat in Bentonville, check out our Northwest Arkansas Restaurant Guide!
From the many outdoor experiences, immersion in the arts, diverse restaurant scene, and more I hope we’ve been able to show you many of the reasons we love Bentonville and have encouraged you to come and visit one of the south’s coolest small cities.
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