Nestled in the northwest corner of Arkansas, Bentonville is an ideal getaway for autumn’s many adventures. Fall colors highlight a historic city square, exciting bike trails offer much to explore, and enjoyable walking paths and beautiful parks are never far away in this vibrant community of 50,000. But that’s not all. Visit and you’ll find a flourishing, world-class art scene, incredible dining, and exciting attractions right in the heart of the Ozarks.
With all the amenities of a larger city combined with the comfort of a small town, Bentonville will surprise and delight. Below you’ll find a few reasons why you should visit this fall.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
One of the country’s foremost art museums, Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection holds five centuries of works from American masters and gems from lesser-known artists dating from colonial times to the present. The collection is displayed on a rotating basis, and temporary exhibitions run year-round, so there is always something new to see, inside and out.
This fall, Crystal Bridges will host three new experiences: a new acquisition, Infinity Mirrored Room—My Heart is Dancing into the Universe by Yayoi Kusama; Crystals in Art: Ancient to Today, a new exhibition exploring the connections between crystals and art throughout the world; and North Forest Lights, an immersive nighttime light experience created exclusively for Crystal Bridges.
The building — a work of art itself — sits on 120 wooded acres, with a sculpture-filled trail that leads back to the downtown square.
600 Museum Way, Bentonville, crystalbridges.org
The Walmart Museum
Set inside the original Walton’s 5&10, located directly off the downtown square, the museum is a fun favorite for every visitor. The front still operates as a small store with retro toys, souvenirs, and snacks. Once inside, you can begin your free tour that includes a collection of memorabilia, photos, and information on the history of Walmart and the Walton family. The tour concludes in The Spark Café Soda Fountain, where you can grab a scoop of ice cream – the way it was meant to be.
105 N. Main St., Bentonville, walmartmuseum.com
Mountain Biking
Bentonville and northwestern Arkansas are becoming a new mecca for mountain bikers and cyclers worldwide. A significant bike-friendly town, the terrain, year-round riding, and quality and diversity of trails combine to make the city a world-class destination for beginners and cycling enthusiasts alike. Are you looking for something unique? From the trailhead right off the downtown square, you can ride for hours before returning for a delicious meal, a cold drink, or live entertainment. With a network of more than 140 miles of trails; 40 plus hard surface and over 100 miles of single track in or connected to Bentonville, there’s something for riders of all skill levels.
104 E Central Ave, Bentonville, visitbentonville.com/bike
Scott Family Amazeum
While it’s true that the Amazeum has much to see for all the little ones, it’s the whole family that will enjoy this hands-on, interactive museum with exhibits and activities inspired by the Ozark region. Climb a 35-foot tree canopy, explore an Ozark cave or get messy in the Hershey’s Lab or Art Studio. You and the family can also experience exhibitions that include a Market Sponsored by Walmart, Nature Valley Water Amazements, Nickelodeon Play Lab and more.
1009 Museum Way, Bentonville, amazeum.org
Museum of Native American History
This hidden treasure holds 14,000 years of Native American art, history, and artifacts that can’t be seen anywhere else. Showcased chronologically through archeological periods, you will find one of the nation’s largest collections of arrowheads and stone tools, pottery, headdresses, textiles, and beadwork. While self-guided tours are offered, the friendly and knowledgeable staff has a wealth of information to share. Oh, and there may or may not be an enormous Mammoth when you walk through the front door.
202 SW O St., Bentonville, monah.us
Thaden Field
Imagine the convenience of flying your plane into a private airport, walking into a first-class aviation facility while being just minutes away from experiencing everything exceptional our community has to offer? That moment has arrived! Swing by Thaden Field, which takes its name from the famed Arkansas-born pilot Louise Thaden, and operates as the only municipal, private jet airport in Northwest Arkansas that will land you minutes away from beautiful downtown Bentonville.
In addition on to operating as an airport, the Thaden Fieldhouse provides visitors and local residents exciting experiences, including a flight school, an exhibition hanger, scenic flights, canoe rental for Lake Bentonville and so much more. Enjoy a fall drink on the patio of Café’ Louise while watching vintage planes land and take off from the Thaden runway.
2205 SW I Street, Bentonville, Thadenfield.com
Bentonville’s autumn perfect weather, attractions, restaurants and various ways to enjoy the outdoors are among the many reasons you’ve got to visit this fall. Start planning your trip today
