22 Unique & Fun Things to do in Bentonville (Arkansas)

Bentonville is a picturesque city in the northwest region of Arkansas. Because of its safe environment, thousands of people enjoy staying in the city and also find it fun to visit.

Although Bentonville is the 10th largest city in Arkansas, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state and is also considered one of the safest cities in the United States.

This Benton County gem is fun-filled with a beautiful atmosphere. For years, the city’s economy was based on agriculture and poultry.

Still, in recent decades, Bentonville has seen rapid economic growth due to the presence of Walmart Inc.

Being a diverse city with many different races and ethnicities well represented, it is suitable for tourists.

In addition, there are many attractions such as museums, parks, restaurants, and more, all to the satisfaction of visitors.

If you are looking for a city with enough to see and do, you should visit Bentonville. Here are detailed lists of the best and most fun things to do in Bentonville.

Things to do in Bentonville

1. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

One of the free things to do while in Bentonville is to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

This is a museum with a world-class collection of American Art. Crystal Bridges is located on 120 acres with 4 miles of trails for walking and/or biking.

Founded by Alice Walton, daughter of Sam Walton (Walmart founder), and opened officially on the 11th of November 2011. And since then, Crystal Bridges Museum has been a spot of attraction in the city.

If you want to encounter diverse kinds of American Art and artworks from homegrown artists in stunning architecture, come to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Besides, It’s the most visited attraction for locals and tourists in the city square.

The museum, designed by Moshe Safdie, features a series of pavilions close to ponds and forest trails.

The complex includes galleries, a sculpture garden, a library, a museum store, a restaurant, a coffee bar, and meeting and classroom spaces.

It also includes a gathering space accommodating over 300 people and areas for concerts and public events.

Additionally, Crystal Bridges has a satellite facility called “The Momentary,” which focuses on visual and performing arts, festivals, culinary experiences, and artists-in-residence.

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

2. Walmart Museum, Bentonville

If you are visiting Bentonville this weekend, Walmart Museum is indeed a place to be on your list of places to see in Bentonville.

It’s located on the town square and showcases the history of Walmart, with lots of exhibits and artifacts displayed here.

First opened in 1990, the Museum has been a visiting center for locals and tourists since then.

One of the museum’s goals is to honor Walmart’s legacy and demonstrate its core values.

In this museum, you’ll be thrilled to see the starting point of Sam Walton, with exhibits showing his office preserved behind glass and his pickup truck.

No matter how you feel about Walmart, the full timeline from its founder’s birth to the present is a fascinating story of innovation, branding, and extraordinary success.

So, the museum tour will enlighten you to know more about the city and the world of Walmart at large.

In addition to crowning your visit with a tasty experience, the coffee shop offers something special and an ice cream shop with tasty honey ice cream.

Furthermore, you can catch all the fun in the town square area, with lots of shops, eateries, and a small park nearby to fill your day with an unending experience.

This is another free activity to engage with in Bentonville. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Sundays from 12 to 6 pm.

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

3. Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville

Scott Family Amazeum is an interactive children’s museum in Bentonville.

If you want to treat your kids and family to a fun-filled experience, Scott Family Amazeum is a place to be.

It’s conducive for kids of all ages and well-planned to trigger children’s cognitive ability.

Opened in 2015 after a decade of fundraising among community leaders and other dignitaries in the city, it has been a welcoming place for kids worldwide.

The Amazeum is known for its unique facility, which includes a venue for businesses and organizations to host gatherings, productions, and special events.

Also, the grounds feature lots of cycling and pedestrian trails offering direct pedestrian access to Crystal Bridges and the rest of Bentonville.

Furthermore, the museum offers visitors unique exhibition areas, including a Nickelodeon play lab, cloud theater, water amazements, art studio, canopy climber, and lots more.

Additionally, these exhibit areas exist to give visitors all-encompassing fun, discovery, and creative experiences.

Tickets are free for kids below two and affordable for others above two.

Address: 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

4. Skylight Cinema, Bentonville

Calling on all movie enthusiasts! Skylight Cinema is one of the exciting places to visit in Bentonville this weekend.

Skylight Cinema is a unique movie, entertainment, and dining destination in downtown Bentonville.

When you’re in the city, you will be amazed by all the fun things to do.

Skylight Cinema exhibits first-run movies from independent and major studios and boasts special screenings such as sporting events, classic films, and other cultural experiences.

Furthermore, all six of the theater’s auditoriums are cozy with huge screens and amazing sound, plus reclining seats and tasty foods and drinks during screenings.

Celebrate your night date, weekend, and other special days (s) with a visit to the skylight Cinema and have a breathtaking experience.

Tickets can be purchased online or from the box office. The ticket price for adults is $13, children (2-12) $10, seniors: $10, and Military personnel: $10.

Address: 350 SW A St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

5. Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie

When it comes to an eatery/pub with fantastic delicacies, Tusk & Trotter American Brasseries is a place to have such a nice treat.

Located just off Bentonville square, Tusk is a historic restaurant that began as a local favorite situated in Sam Walton’s warehouse.

However, it later grew to become irresistible to visitors and locals alike.

If you want your favorite American delicacies, a beer after work, an evening cocktail, or a Sunday brunch, Tusk is your place for great food with a side of good times.

Furthermore, the menu is rich with lots of delicious delicacies that come out fresh and delicious from the chef’s corner.

Impressively, you will be served to your satisfaction with the professional workers ready to treat you as the king/ queen you are.

It’s open Monday to Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm.

Address: 110 SE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

6. Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

Whether you want to enjoy nature or want to have fun walking/ riding, the best place in Bentonville is Coler Mountain Bike Preserve.

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is a perfect trail for mountain biking, hiking, and camping.

It’s a 17-mile park located just minutes from downtown Bentonville.

Coler is a place of adventure for all and sundry; it’s an outdoor destination for all kinds of activities.

Therefore in Coler, you can ride on your bike, run on the trail, stroll on the walkway, camp with friends, or relax with your family in nature.

Whether locals or visitors, adults or kids, there’s truly something for everyone.

Additionally, it’s a family-friendly spot with scenic views of nature, and also there’s a coffee shop and food inside Coler as well.

It’s open 24 hours all day of the week.

Address: 2500 NW 3rd St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

7. 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville

One of the best places for a one-of-a-kind experience in Bentonville is to visit 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville.

21c Museum Hotel is just what you might be looking for – an art museum inside a hotel. It’s a place that will forever connect you to Bentonville.

Whether you’re visiting the hotel for the weekend or locals, it’s a perfect place to experience something unique through art and hospitality.

21c Museum Hotel is a 104-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, cultural center, and home to The Hive restaurant.

The guest rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, adorned with custom-designed furniture, comfortable beds, and other amenities.

Furthermore, the restaurant and lounge are perfect for catching up over drinks with friends and enjoying well-prepared delicacies.

Asides from the spacious museum and guest rooms, there are also enough event spaces for board retreats, exclusive meetings, reception dinners, and more.

Lastly, 21c has many amenities that make your stay or event an exciting experience.

Address: 200 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

8. Bentonville Brewing Company

Whether you love beer or only drink it occasionally, you should know that Bentonville is home to tasty beer.

Bentonville Brewing company has existed since 2015 to produce authentic and unique beers.

So if you want to see how these high-quality beers are made, you should tour its brewery.

Bentonville Brewing company offers a complete understanding of how they brew beer with dedicated efforts by using the best ingredients and employing the finest art techniques.

You’ll be thrilled with the elegant, authentic, and enjoyable craft beers coming from their brewing process. The beers are always fresh and unique at all times.

Apart from the brewery experience, there’s a nice bar with comfortable seating spaces inside; also, there’s an outdoor seating area with views of Osage park while enjoying the tasty beer.

In addition, the brewery makes available Food trucks and a bar menu.

It’s a perfect place for a group gathering or date night. It also hosts trivia night on weekends in the spacious outdoors, all to the visitors’ satisfaction.

Address: 901 SW 14th St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

9. Slaughter Pen Trail, Bentonville

No doubt you can enjoy great times with family and friends by visiting Bentonville.

Slaughter Pen Trail is a popular Trail network among bikers. It’s often referred to as “The Mountain Biking Capital of the World.”

This iconic trail system extended over 30 miles with perfect bridges, structures, and purpose-built features for every level of cyclist.

For adventure seekers, this park is where they come to celebrate in a world of nature, art, and culture with an open heart and welcoming spirits.

The trail is for Mountain bikers as well as people walking.

However, there are paths for different skill levels, ranging from basic to intermediate to professional.

Indeed, it’s a place for everyone, an excellent spot for trails, evening walks, mountain bike trails, and outdoor fitness activities.

If you want to experience the breathtaking world of Mountain biking, you need to visit this park.

It’s open 24 hours all day of the week.

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

Are you traveling by road to the state of  Arkansas? Why not check through the list of our top attractions in Rogers, Fort Smith, and Texarkana?

10. Museum of Native American History

Bentonville has some of the most stunning museums you’ll ever come across.

Holding the record of the second most popular attraction in Bentonville, the Museum of Native American History features artifacts from across the Americas covering over 14,000 years of history.

Founded in 2006, the museum ever since existed to educate visitors about the lives of the First Americans. It provides a cultural hub to amplify their legacy.

The museum focus on the history of Native Americans rather than any specific tribe. There’re different artifacts, attire, tools, and pottery on display for visitors.

Also, It hosts the annual Native Americans Cultural Celebration featuring concerts, workshops, speakers, and film screenings.

In addition, there’re other different kinds of events and galleries exhibitions

There is an audio device for over 100 of the exhibits to enhance your visual experience.

If you enjoy museums, this is a world-class visit from start to finish.

Admission is free, and the museum opens Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.

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

11. Compton Gardens and Arboretum, Bentonville

Compton Garden and Arboretum is a place to really fine great exposure to nature.

This peaceful oasis of 7 acres celebrates the rich history of Arkansas natives.

When you’re at Compton Gardens and Arboretum, you can have lots of fun and do your body a lot of favors.

You can experience the magic of this garden on foot while strolling through the garden and enjoying native plants, Champion trees, and lush greenery.

Also, you can enjoy nature and art on the trails with your bike.

Inside the Dr. Neil Compton Exhibit room, you’ll learn about his conservation efforts and how he saved the Buffalo River.

Impressively, It also has indoor space for different kinds of events and a large board room useful for all.

The garden is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Address: 312 N Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

12. The Peel Museum & Botanical Garden

Another exciting place to visit in Bentonville is The Peel Museum & Botanical Garden.

The Peel Museum & Botanical Garden is a historic Italianate family home with artifacts and period pieces from the 1800s.

The house turned museum was originally owned by Samuel peel, who constructed the structure in the Italianate architectural style that was popular in Arkansas in the 1800s.

For lovers of History, this museum is a place to learn more about past things and enjoy the blooming seasons of different categories of flowers in the botanical garden.

You’ll surely have a great time visiting this beautiful and fascinating old home. The tour guides are knowledgeable and informative about the building.

Furthermore, the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden is also an excellent place to host an event

Lastly, admission is free and open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.

Address: 400 S Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

13. 8th Street Market, Bentonville

This is one of the most exciting places to hang out with friends and family and catch the positive vibes in Bentonville.

8th Street Market is a community-focused food hub where much heart goes into providing people with good food.

This is where a spirit of creativity meets entrepreneurship, and a growing group of tenants serves one another and the community at large.

Located in the heart of the Market District in downtown Bentonville, 8th Street Market is where people gather together to share the love of food and drink.

Furthermore, there’re lots of shops with fast food having both indoor and outdoor spaces. Also available are food trucks at the parking lots.

When you’re in Bentonville, it’s nice to hang around, grab fast food and drink, and enjoy the evening with the community.

Join the host of others who believe that we can become better together! It’ll always be worth the time.

Address: 801 SE 8th St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

14. Lawrence Plaza, Bentonville

Bentonville, Arkansas is not a state with much water, However, Lawrence Plaza is a place with activities both during the winter and summer.

The Lawrence Plaza Splash Pad is a 7,000-square-foot facility. This innovative facility utilizes a dual-function design to operate an outdoor facility throughout the entire year.

Therefore, the concrete pad is converted into an outdoor ice rink in winter.

Also, In the summer months, the facility offers a splash pad to patrons as the fountains operate on the splash pad.

This park is lovely for young adults and kids to have fun.

Furthermore, it’s a family-friendly atmosphere. Restaurants are located nearby, and restrooms are present for a more comforting experience.

Address: 214 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

15. Osage Park, Bentonville

Osage Park is surely a place to visit if you are looking for an all-encompassing adventure in Bentonville.

Osage Park is the ultimate urban park full of natural experiences and recreational adventure.

The 12-acre wetland park is a thrilling destination for visitors of all ages.

This park is full of endless adventures, including exploring the native wetlands, playing pickleball, visiting the dog park, enjoying live music, or connecting with your surroundings.

Additionally, food trucks are available for you to grab a bite while touring and having scenic views of the whole park.

Indeed, it’s a family-friendly arena with lots of facilities. You can go fishing in the pond, walk the trail and enjoy other activities.

Address: 700 SW 16th St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

16. Dave Peel Park, Bentonville

Another stunning place to bring the family and connect well is Dave Peel Park.

Dave Peel Park is a 2-acre mini-park located in the east of the downtown square.

It’s a comfortable place for families with young children.

If you are looking for a serene place to relax with kids, add this park to your itinerary.

The playgrounds are designed for all ages, and the picnic pavilions make a great place for birthday parties and special events.

Indeed, this park is accessible to everybody, and the playgrounds are fenced in with different playing instruments comfortable for kids.

Also, the ground is covered with Astroturf grass.

It is open all days of the week from 6 am to 11 pm.

Address: 206 E Central Ave, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

17. Memorial Park

Bentonville is a city with so many parks, but Memorial Park stands out as one of the best parks located in the city.

It’s a 73-acre park with an Olympic-sized pool and diving pool, a ball field, and other sports facilities.

This park is an excellent place for picnics, get together, and sporting activities among a group of friends.

Memorial Park has nice facilities. Turf softball fields, basketball courts, batting cages, playground equipment, and a pavilion.

The city swimming pool also sits on-site, and great walking/biking trails surround the park.

It is centrally located in Downtown Bentonville and has some very good restaurants.

Additionally, There is a Walmart Neighborhood Market, 7Brew Coffee, and Smokin’ Joe’s restaurant, all within walking distance!

Address: 401 NE Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

18. Bentonville Farmer’s Market

The Bentonville Farmers Market is a producer-only market offering high-quality local foods, produce, meats, and art and crafts.

Located in the heart of the city square, the farmers market is a place to catch all the exciting fun you can have in the lively community of Bentonville.

The market is an avenue to promote home-grown stuff, support talented entrepreneurs, and unite the community to celebrate their uniqueness and oneness.

If you are in Bentonville this weekend, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about Bentonville and interact with lots of locals at the farmer’s market.

It may turn out to be one of the best places to go during your visit to this historic city. You’ll experience the art festival up the street.

You’ll also have lots of fun walking through the cultural community and talking to the vendors and talented artists.

The market has so much to offer: local honey, fresh produce, beautiful flowers, mushrooms, fresh veggies, food and beverages, and lots more.

It opens Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm and Saturday from 7:30 am to 1 pm

Address: 100 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

19. Meteor Guitar Gallery

Calling on all music enthusiasts, Meteor Guitar Gallery is a place to be for a breathtaking experience in Bentonville.

It’s a restored hundred-year-old Movie Theater that has been turned into a fantastic guitar store.

Therefore, activities in Meteor Guitar Gallery offer more than just Guitar; it’s the heart of a fun-filled experience.

It’s a performance space built in an old theater, hosts many live music shows and events, and serves as a wedding reception.

Although it’s a historic place, a lot of improvement has turned the small space into something magnificent.

The collections of musical instruments are top-notch.

Attend the weekly live entertainment and feel all the positive vibes that come from cheering for your favorite musician

Furthermore, it’s one of the best spots in town for parties, reception, and a great meeting room.

The Meteor has several options, from just the Venue Room, Full Sound and Lights, or the Whole Place.

It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Address: 128 WA Central Ave, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

20. Bark Park

For all lovers of dogs, Bentonville Bark park is a place to give the dogs a nice treat.

The Bentonville Bark Park is a 1.3-acre recreation area for dogs and their lovers just west of the North Bentonville Trail.

With the park being open all days of the week, you’ll rarely wonder what day to make your pets feel the cozy environment made available for their relaxation.

Indeed, It exists to provide exercise and socialization opportunities for our four-legged friends while promoting responsible dog ownership through events and programs.

The fenced-in area includes separate sections for large and small dogs and an agility course.

There’re many trails to walk or run adjacent to bark park. Creek next to the park as well for a doggy dip.

While the dogs socialize and run around, the owners get time to meet others.

Furthermore, programs are well put in place for owners to learn more about the uniqueness of their breeds and other breeds.

Lastly, comfortable facilities are available, and the park is easily accessible to everyone.

It is open every week from 6 am to 11 pm.

Address: 2400 N Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

21. The Preacher’s Son

If you want an excellent place for dinner and to enjoy good food, the Preacher’s Son is one of the best restaurants in downtown Bentonville.

The Preacher’s Son offers unique, and sustainably-sourced dinner service in a thoughtfully-restored historic church just steps from Bentonville City Square.

The restaurant is one of the best places to get the nice treat you ever wanted and, as a result, offers sumptuous delicacies and nice drinks.

Also, with an extensive wine list and incredible service, The Preacher’s Son is the perfect setting to celebrate life’s moments – both big and small.

The menu comes with special delicacies, all at amazing prices. A great atmosphere with a friendly host will ensure you have the perfect treat.

Making a reservation is super easy with confirmation and reminder, and you’ll find it a place worthy of every penny spent on food and drinks.

It is open Monday to Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 10p m.

Address: 201 NW A St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States

22. The Momentary

One of the free things to do in Bentonville this weekend is to visit The Momentary.

It’s a contemporary art space in Bentonville, Arkansas, and operates as a satellite of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

First opened to the public on February 22, 2020, the Momentary is a non-collecting institution primarily focusing on visual and performing arts, culinary experiences, festivals, and artists-in-residence.

Being a contemporary art space, it invites visitors to reflect on the ever-changing world. To achieve this, however, lots of exhibitions and performances are organized.

Among them are artists-in-residence, Projects on view, Music festivals, and lots more.

You’ll be thrilled by the structure and open space for festivals and music concerts when you’re at the Momentary.

In addition, there’re bars and food trucks with lots of drinks and food to enjoy.

Lastly, general admission is free, and it opens Tuesday through Sunday.

Address: 507 SE E St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States.

Start Planning Your Trip To Bentonville

Bentonville is full of historical landmarks, a great atmosphere, and other beautiful sights.

From the world-class collections of American Art in Crystal bridge to the excellent hiking trails and lively environment in Coler Mountain Bike Preserve.

There are always incredible places to go and great things to do, all available every day of the week, indoors and outdoors.

When you come to this beautiful city, you can look forward to stunning experiences that characterize the city and sightseeing that makes your visit unforgettable.

It’s time to experience greatness and enjoy the rich American culture fully packed in Bentonville.

So pack your bags and let the journey begins.