Location: Bentonville
Top Things to do in Bentonville
Top 10 Free Things to do in Bentonville, Arkansas (AR)
Bentonville is the ninth-largest city in Arkansas and the county seat of Benton County. The city is centrally located in the county with Rogers adjacent to the east. The city is the headquarters of Walmart, which is the world's largest retailer. It is one of the four main cities in the four-county Northwest Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is ranked 109th in terms of population in the United States with 463,204 in 2010 according to the United States Census Bureau. The city itself had a population of 35,301 at the 2010 Census, with an estimated population of 47,093 in 2016.
Restaurants in Bentonville
1. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,431 reviews
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature.
Reviewed By LisaB157 - La Jolla, United States
We made the trek to Bentonville specifically to visit Crystal Bridges and were not disappointed. It is truly spectacular and is surrounded by trails through the forest, with sculptures beautifully interspersed. Since it was spring, we were treated to nature’s offering of dogwood trees in bloom and assorted other flowers. The museum itself is an architectural marvel designed by Moshe Safdie and is the brainchild of Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, bestowed as a gift to her community. She built the museum to expose the people of the region to art, many of whom would never have the opportunity to visit an art museum. Admission is free. The collection spans the history of American art and has a good array of pieces of well-known artists including some outstanding contemporary pieces by Do-Ho Suh, Buckminster Fuller, James Turrell, and Dale Chihuily. In addition to the permanent collection which is still growing, they have frequent special exhibits. Also, on site is a reconstructed Frank Lloyd house and it’s worth it to pre-reserve a tour. We had an excellent guide named Pat; though she told us it was her third tour of the day, we would never have guessed. Although we didn’t have time to rides bikes through the area, this appeared to be a great activity on the plentiful trails.
2. Museum of Native American History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 960 reviews
The Museum of Native American History invites you to "Walk Through America's Past," where we will give you a glimpse into what life was like for America's first inhabitants. The museum is divided into five different time periods that will guide you through the constantly changing lives of the Native Americans, as seen through their artifacts. Our displays feature relics that date from over 14,000 years old to historic times. Come visit our museum and enjoy seeing some of the finest treasures ever created by early craftsmen. Schools and groups are welcomed, call to make reservations. Handicap Accessible
Reviewed By 77117
What a great collection of arrowheads, tools and pottery. Well arranged and well documented. An hour is plenty to go through the museum, but well worth your time!
3. Slaughter Pen Hollow Multi-Use Trail System
4. The Walmart Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,769 reviews
The Walmart Museum is open for scheduled appointments. Details and booking information can be found on our website.
Reviewed By MikeGr214 - Bentonville, United States
Great place to hear the story of Walmart. Starts by showing visitors a clip of the ceremony where Sam Walton was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush and then encourages visitors to walk through the history of Walmart from its founding to present day.
5. Compton Gardens and Conference Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
The Garden:Once the home of Dr. Neil Compton, Savior of the Buffalo River, Compton Gardens has been developed into a native woodland which is quickly becoming a regional destination garden. It provides a beautiful and peaceful environment containing a unique plant collection. The garden is dedicated to the advancement and appreciation of gardening, horticulture, and conservation within an aesthetic landscape. Neil Compton Exhibit Room:With its grand opening this past August, the Neil Compton Exhibit Room gives viewers a glimpse into the life of Dr. Neil Compton. This exhibit is free and open to the public Monday-Friday 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.The Homesite:The conference Center is the re-modeled home of Dr. Compton and now serves as a rental facility for seminars, conferences, workshops, retreats, intimate weddings, and private events. The garden is available for film and commercial photo shoots.
Reviewed By MichiganTess
This is an extensive and incredible trail system for all levels of riders. Super single track for the novice and the edgy; super paved trails for all ages; miles and miles of fun. The north end connector was closed due to road construction so we rode the south end in the morning and the north end in the afternoon. There are so many trails on the north end that we didn't begin to hit them all. Thank you Walton Family!!
6. Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink and Splash Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By angela71401
We took our 12 year old and 15 year old ice skating here and it was so much fun! The atmosphere was great! The rink was beautful and the lights inside the ice was a nice extra touch. I love that it is made from real ice and not plastic like a lot of rinks are made from now days.
7. The Buckyball
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By michellehT7866OD - Bentonville, United States
The best time to visit the Buckyball is on a clear night. There are benches directly underneath that you lay back on and watch the display of colors change. Bring a blanket if it’s cold out and just enjoy the beauty. Sometimes it’s crowded; if you don’t want to sit on the ground on those nights, bring a chair. You can also see it from a distance at Orchards Park.
8. Bentonville Convention & Visitors Bureau
9. 21c Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By IndySig - Indianapolis, United States
We didn't stay here but we strolled around and enjoyed the art installations. They have many items that are quite fascinating, an interesting film and a great car covered in pennies and nickels out front. It is certainly worth a visit.
10. The Spice & Tea Exchange
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By 4Katy
If you like to cook, you will love all the choices of spices in this intimate little shop. The owners and employees are very helpful and knowledgeable. You can, also, pick up recipes and great little gifts for your friends. It was recently visited by the Pioneer Woman. Take a stroll down their aisles and enjoy the variety and the wonderful smells.
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