15 Best Things To Do In Bentonville, Arkansas

things to do in bentonville ar
Nicholas
Nicholas 
Updated
| 4 min read

Is Bentonville, Arkansas, on your bucket list? If not, you are missing out big time. Arkansas is the birthplace and corporate headquarters of Walmart. Moreover, it is a small city but home to some of the wealthiest people in the world. Bentonville has a vibrant biking culture with an abundance of cycling trails. It is a place like no other where loads of fun await visitors who know their way around. Any visitor can immerse themselves in the city’s food, art, music, history, and adventure. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Bentonville, Arkansas. There are plenty more, but these are an ideal start.

1. Discover The Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

There is still time to make your tax-deductible donation to the Peel Compton Foundation. The strength and diversity of...

Posted by The Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens on Monday, December 28, 2020

Dating back to 1875, this historical landmark was once a working farmstead. Today, it is a fascinating outdoor museum surrounded by beautiful blooms in its vignette gardens. You can choose to go on a self-guided tour or sign up for one of the guided tours. Either way, it is a fun place to spend a few hours getting a peek into the region’s history. It also serves as a charming venue for private celebrations such as weddings. There’s a museum store for souvenirs and handicrafts.

The Peel Mansion Museum and Heritage Gardens

Address: 312 N. Main St.,Bentonville, AR 72712

Website: The Peel Mansion Museum and Heritage Gardens

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

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2. Indulge your inner child at Scott Family Amazeum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Amazeum on Monday, January 18, 2021

Scott Family Amazeum is an interactive children’s museum with exhibits related to the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and art. While kids are sure to have fun here, there’s plenty to entice adults too! You could combine your visit with a trip to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art located close by as cycling and pedestrian trails connect these two fascinating museums.

Scott Family Amazeum

Address: 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712

Website: Scott Family Amazeum

Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 11am, 12pm- 2pm, 3pm - 5pm; Wed - Sat: 9am - 11am, 12pm- 2pm, 3pm - 5 pm; Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 3pm - 5pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 10 USD

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3. Fun and frolic at Lawrence Plaza

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Rink at Lawrence Plaza will be open tonight! Our 45 minute sessions will take place starting at: 5:00pm, 6:00pm,...

Posted by The City of Bentonville, Arkansas Government on Monday, December 14, 2020

Lawrence plaza is home to a sprawling ice rink and splash park, promising hours of fun irrespective of the season. It is situated close to Bentonville City Square which is perfect for families and youngsters alike. Splashing here in summers is a great way to cool off and even the really young ones are sure to love it. The ice rink is made of real ice unlike a lot of the new rinks that are made of plastic.

Lawrence Plaza

Address: 214 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712

Website: Lawrence Plaza

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 2pm - 6pm

Price: Free

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4. Down a cold pint at Bentonville Brewing Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Alert New Beer Draft- while supplies last. NWAPA- Northwest Arkansas Pale Ale 5.5% ABV | 35 IBU #bentonvillebrewingcompany #craftbeer #paleale #drinklocal #supportsmallbusiness #bentonville #visitbentonville

Posted by Bentonville Brewing Company on Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Bentonville Brewing Company is known for producing refreshing craft beers using top-notch ingredients with state-of-the-art techniques. You can sign up for brewery tours for a closer look at the process of producing authentic craft beers. Afterward, you could grab a bite at the dining area with an outdoor patio. Wash it all down with your pick of cold beers. With 24 taps in the tasting room, this is one attraction that you can’t simply pass up.

Bentonville Brewing Company

Address: 901 SW 14th Street, Bentonville, AR 72712

Website: Bentonville Brewing Company

Opening hours: Mon: 1pm - 9pm; Tue - Wed: 11am - 9pm; Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm

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5. Let your hair down at Painting with a Twist

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Feeling Foxy? Join us for some amazing art this week at paintingwithatwist.com/studio/bentonville/calendar

Posted by Painting with a Twist on Sunday, November 15, 2020

This paint and pottery studio lets you get creative in a variety of ways. Bring your hidden talents to the fore under the guidance of the friendly and knowledgeable team members at the studio. Sip a glass of wine and socialize as you paint. This is suitable for people of all ages and a great opportunity for some quality family bonding. They have theme nights and the space is also available for private events and special celebrations.

Painting with a Twist

Address: 1401 SE Walton Blvd, Ste 111, Bentonville, AR 72712

Website: Painting with a Twist

Opening hours:Tue - Wed, Fri: 11am - 4pm; Thu, Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Sun)

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6. Explore the Walmart Museum

Walton five and dime Bentonville AR
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Russ used under CC BY 2.0

The Walmart Museum catches your eye as a must-visit landmark. It is located off the town square and it opened its doors to the public in 1990. View Sam Walton’s original office and other memorabilia. His iconic 1979 pickup truck and Medal of Freedom are on display. Learn as much as you can about Walmart’s history. While at the museum, shop for snacks, toys, and souvenirs. Relive how it felt to shop at the original Walton’s 5 & 10. Stop at the Spark Café Soda Fountain for the best ice cream soda served in the 1950’s setting.

The Walmart Museum

Address: 105 N Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

Website: The Walmart Museum

Opening hours: 12pm - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

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7. Experience soundbath therapy (from USD 35.0)

A few blocks from downtown Bentonville is Rest Soundbath Studio, a magical place. The host, Natasha, is a certified therapist practicing a therapy that has been around for centuries. After a cup of hot tea, you get to lay on a yoga mat and close your eyes. The therapist plays an array of musical sounds. The music comprises a 45-minute session. It features a collection of crystal bowls, rainfall, and whales as they play in the ocean. In the process, your mind relaxes in this unique form of therapy.

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Cozy Soundbath in small, hip & artistic studio

Duration: 1 hour

3 reviews

8. Enjoy your coffee and a book at 211 Café

Literature and coffee, a perfect combination
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alisha Nicole Car... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Mauricio and Norma Guerrerro operate 211 Café, a coffee shop located inside Bentonville Public Library. Its clientele consists of library users, visitors, and other people touring Bentonville. The French Press, Chemex, and AeroPress brewing devices are among their specialties. There is also tea and a food menu. You can hang out here alone or with friends over a book from the library. Experience Guatemalan coffee brewed in a medium-roast, yielding a bold and smooth drink. Sitting space is available, plus you can also get a spot outside at the patio.

211 Cafe

Address: 405 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

Website: 211 Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 4pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

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9. Go on a local food tour

Black eyed peas with smoked hocks and corn bread
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user jeffreyw used under CC BY 2.0

Ozark Culinary Tours takes place in Bentonville, along the 8th Street Market. In this unique experience, you get to sample food varieties, including European cheese and Indian sandwiches. You will also stop by a Mexican grill for tacos. The tour ends with dessert and chocolate. A local expert guide talks about the food’s history, and the country of origin’s culture, at each stop. The guide explains what food you are sampling. In some places, you will encounter enthusiastic restaurant owners. Prepare your palate for a tour like no other.

Ozark Culinary Tours

Address: Bentonville, Arkansas 72712, United States

Website: Ozark Culinary Tours

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 7pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: 65 USD / Private & Corporate Rates - Upon request

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10. Visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Barera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Crystal Bridges Museum comprises a gathering hall enclosed in glass, classrooms, meeting spaces, and galleries. It also has a library, a museum store, and a restaurant. It sits on 120 acres (48.6 hectares), dotted with symbolic buildings, walking trails, and sculptures. A large variety of outdoor art from numerous creators and collectors exists. No description best fits these displays. It would be best if you visited the facility. Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, Crystal Bridges Museum will interest you. The museum has a permanent collection on display all year round.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

Website: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Opening hours: Mon & Wed - Fri: 11am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Tue)

Price: Free with occasional admission fee for special exhibitions

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11. Socialize with the locals at Bentonville Town Square

Downtown Bentonville, AR
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Brandonrush used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Bentonville Town Square is in a strategic location. Restaurants, retail outlets, museums, and trails are all accessible from here. It has interior and exterior sections, both of which have undergone renovation. A host of city events take place here. You can schedule your visit to coincide with one that piques your interest. Grab a coffee or other beverage from one of the restaurants nearby and head to this hotspot. There are benches where you can sit, take in the scenery, and socialize with locals.

Bentonville Town Square

Address: 100 North Main Street

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12. Learn about local history at The Museum of Native American History

Museum of Native American History
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ethan.jarrett used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Museum of Native American History is home to a collection of artifacts and displays. The entire collection walks guests through a journey of 14,000 years. Art collections and antiques are from the Paleo Period between 12,000 BC and 8,000 BC. The Archaic Period, when hunters and gatherers reigned, is also featured here. Learn about the Woodland, Mississippian, and Historic periods as well. Pre-Columbian history and its culture will also interest you. Visit this museum when you are in Bentonville, and learn about all these eras.

Museum of Native American History

Address: 202 SW O St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

Website: Museum of Native American History

Opening hours: Temporarily closed owing to Covid-19 restrictions

Price: Free

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13. Go cycling at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

Mountain bike jumping on trail
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user DennyMont used under CC BY 2.0

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve comprises natural landscapes with scenic views. Over 17 miles (27.4 kilometers) of mountain biking trails wind through the park. Rejuvenate your spirit of adventure by exploring the grounds on a bike. Experience its jump features, flyover trails, dual slalom, and cross-country. At Peak One Hub, choose your most desirable route and test your mountain biking skills. Let adrenaline flow as each ride pushes you to the limit. You will also find campsites located near biking trails.

Coler Mtb Preserve

Address: 11852-11898 Peach Orchard Rd, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

Website: Coler Mtb Preserve

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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14. Taste high-quality craft beers at Bike Rack Brewing Co.

Beer mug
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user nesnad used under CC BY 3.0

Bike Rack Brewing Company borrows heavily from the biking culture in Bentonville. Usually, bike racing enthusiasts congregate on the brewer’s three locations to quench their thirst. These meetings are also great for conversations on racing trends and other aspects of the sport. Head to the 8th street location in Bentonville. Join other revelers for a hangout as you sample craft beers. The brewery has four tap beer flavors named Golden Ale, Amber Ale, IPA, and Oatmeal Stout. There are seasonal beers as well as small batches brewed to last for a short time.

Bike Rack Brewing Company

Address: 801 SE 8th Street

Website: Bike Rack Brewing Company

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm

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15. Jog along Slaughter Pen Hollow Trail

Jogging Trail
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Prosperity Horizons used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Slaughter Pen Hollow Trail is a 9.2-kilometer (5.7 miles) trail. It is open to the public all year round, and it has moderate traffic. Wildflowers dot the route, which remains passable no matter the season. Bring your dog or pup along on the condition that you will keep them on a leash. Jogging is not all that takes place here. You can go on a hike or ride a bicycle. The trails are such that they appeal to people of all ages. You will encounter different surfaces, some smooth, others rough. Expect climbs and downhills too.

Slaughter Pen Trail

Address: 203 NE 3rd St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

Website: Slaughter Pen Trail

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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Bentonville, Arkansas' best-kept secret

Despite its deep association with Walmart, Bentonville has grown to a world-class attraction. It is a destination that you must visit. Besides, we have given you a head start, with a list of exciting things to do. Enjoy these in any order.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nicholas Muiruri is a seasoned travel writer known for his love of adventure and the great outdoors. He's a nature enthusiast with a cheerful and outgoing personality. His DNA is infused with a...Read more

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