November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the triumphs, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples throughout U.S. history and now. 
 
We acknowledge the many Indigenous peoples that have inhabited the land where our city currently sits, including the Osage, Quapaw, and Caddo Tribes. We aim to educate our visitors and local community on Native American Heritage and the many resources that our community fosters.
 
Read on for ideas to expand your knowledge of Native American culture, celebrate their influence in our region, and view art by Indigenous artists the next time you visit Bentonville.

History + Learning Opportunities

Take a day to immerse yourself in this important history at the Museum of Native American History. The museum houses over 10,000 Indigenous artifacts and features other collections on loan. Admission to the museum is free. Additionally, the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail crosses above Bentonville, and you can learn more about it here.
 
Discover the rich heritage of our region at Osage Park, where people have called this land home for millennia.

Discover Artwork by Indigenous Artists

From sculptures, murals, museums, and more, art is on every corner in this city. Here’s a list of just a few of the not-to-miss artworks on view in Bentonville.
 

Special exhibitions on view:

Photo Courtesy Jared Sorrells for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Knowing the West: Visual Legacies of the American West is the first major traveling exhibition to embrace and examine how people see the American West. It aims to tell a more inclusive story and show the diverse groups who shaped the art and life of the West. Read more at Crystal Bridges.
 
Crystal Bridges Exhibition Dates: November 9, 2024 – March 23, 2025 Organizer: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas Consuelo Jimenez Underwood Home of the Brave , 2013 Wire, silk, fabric, safety pins, and synthetic and natural threads 72 in. x 99 in. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, Purchased with the Fund for Craft, 2021.24. Photograph by Bill Apton.
 
American Sunrise: Indigenous Art at Crystal Bridges opens November 9 and celebrates the historic and ongoing connections that Indigenous peoples have with the land, their artistic traditions passed down through generations, and the strong bond between artists and their environment. On view at Crystal Bridges, November 9, 2024, through March 23, 2025.

Events

Exploring Bentonville this November? Discover the Native American celebrations and events that will enrich your experience. Plan your trip around these events:

Shop for Native American Goods

From museum gift shops to local mercantiles, you’ve got options to find handmade goods or books to celebrate Native American History: