Travel + Leisure named Bentonville one of the top places to travel in 2026—and spring is the perfect time to discover why. As winter gives way to blooming trails and mild Arkansas weather, the Natural State comes alive with world-class mountain biking, James Beard-recognized dining, and a thriving arts scene that rivals cities ten times our size. Here's your guide to experiencing Bentonville's breakout moment this spring.
Pair your outdoor adventures with Bentonville’s vibrant arts scene, inventive culinary offerings, and welcoming atmosphere, and you’ve got the ultimate spring getaway. Here’s your guide to making the most of this season:
Getting Around
Ride Route 17 — Bentonville's New Transit Connection
Getting between Bentonville's city square and the surrounding museums is easier than ever. ORT's new Route 17 runs Monday through Friday, connecting Bentonville Square to Crystal Bridges, the Amazeum, Orchards Park, the Bentonville Library, Train Station Park, the Walmart Visitors Center, and 8th Street Market — all in one loop. Plan your ride with the Passio Go or Citymapper apps, or scan the QR code on any Route 17 map for full rider info.
Runs Monday–Friday, 7 AM–7 PM. Connections available to Routes 14, 15, 16, 54, and BRC.
Things to Do in Bentonville This Spring
Enjoy the Outdoors

Savor the warmer spring temperatures and enjoy the blooming flowers and trees from our miles of mountain biking trails or acres of parks. Here are just a few options:
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Stroll our downtown square and enjoy the thousands of tulip blossoms courtesy of our city’s wonderful Parks Department. Tulips start blooming in late March and last about 2-4 weeks.
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Enjoy the peaceful wetlands of Osage Park and Lake Bentonville, and while you’re there, check out The Quiver Archery Range where you can learn the sport of archery! Both venues host events throughout the spring. Check out our Calendar of Events to find and join the next one!
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Spend a morning basking in the beauty of Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, strolling its main path to the Rise, or biking its 21 miles of trails. Bonus: Airship at Applegate is tucked along the trail and makes for a great stop to refuel and refresh.
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Have the perfect picnic, soaking in the Bentonville sun alongside our wonderful cuisine. Check out our Picnic Guide to Bentonville for more!
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Starting in April, enjoy our outdoor farmers' market on the downtown square! Shop for fresh fruits and veggies, savor local treats, sip hot coffee, and take in the beauty of spring in the heart of our community.
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See Bentonville from a new perspective with a guided golf cart tour from Big on Bentonville, offering both private and shared experiences.
Discover more options in our Park Roundup
City Square and A Street Promenade
Bentonville City Square & A Street Promenade The heart of downtown Bentonville beats at our City Square—a relaxing gathering space where…
Osage Park
Recreation with all in mind. The ultimate urban park full of natural experiences and recreational adventures. Access our floating boardwalks…
The Quiver Archery Range
Come experience the joy of archery in a pristine outdoor setting that encourages skill development and camaraderie. The Quiver Archery Range…
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is built on land designated as a mountain bike preserve about a mile west of downtown Bentonville. Although you…
8th Street Market
8th Street Market is a community-focused food hub, where a spirit of creativity meets entrepreneurship, growing a group of tenants that serve…
Compton Gardens and Arboretum
Compton Gardens & Arboretum is a peaceful seven-acre haven just one block north of Bentonville's historic city square, showcasing the…
Explore Museums
Rainy, spring days call for leisurely museum strolls, and in Bentonville you have options! Immerse yourself in art, science, history, and more. Get acquainted with the range of our museums in our Museum Roundup.
Here’s a short overview of what’s on this season:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Exhibitions
America 250: Common Threads | Mar 14, 2026 - Jul 27, 2026
Scott Family Amazeum
Math Moves! | Now through May 11, 2026
The Momentary
The Greatest Wildlife Photographs | Now through June 7, 2026
21C Museum Hotel
Check out their rotating exhibitions, which are open and free to view 24/7. Take a selfie with the famous green penguins!
Museum of Native American History
Step into the Museum of Native American History and explore thousands of years of culture, art, and stories that shaped the Americas—all right here in Bentonville.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of…
Amazeum
Bring the Whole Family for Hands-On Fun! The Scott Family Amazeum offers nearly 50,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and learning spaces…
The Momentary
We’re all about the art of the moment. Designed as a platform for today’s art, food, and music, we’re a decommissioned cheese…
21C Museum Hotel
Located on the northeast corner of the downtown square and a short walk to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 21C Museum Hotel welcomes…
Museum of Native American History
The Museum of Native American History is touted as having one of the most comprehensive collections of Native American artifacts in the south…
The Peel Museum and Botanical Gardens
The Peel Museum & Botanical Gardens is a beautiful Civil War era home that is available for tours as well as events. This villa tower…
Bentonville History Museum
The Bentonville Historical Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that aims to expose the community to a hands-on exploration of…
Listen to Live Music
Bentonville’s growing live music scene is an invaluable part of our integrated arts community. Talented musicians within Bentonville's unique music venues bring to life sonic experiences that are both inspiring and unexpected. From large-scale music festivals with national headliners to intimate venues highlighting local musicians, discover your new favorite music destination in Bentonville. Browse our live music calendar.
Where to Eat
Explore our Bentonville Dining Guide, and check out these tips for making the most of the Bentonville culinary scene:
Dining on the Square
Whether you’re craving Italian, Ark-Mex, seafood, or a good ol’ burger, you’ll find something to satisfy any palate on the Bentonville Square. Stop in the original gastro-pub of Bentonville: Tusk and Trotter, enjoy a farm-fresh, gluten-free menu at Conifer, and so much more. Out for dinner? Check ahead to see if reservations are recommended.
Dining at the Market District
Cruise down NW A Street to 8th Street and you’ll find Bentonvile’s bike-tastic restaurants: Pedler’s Pub and The Hub. Then, keep going until you see the darling Crêpes Paulette. But that's not all! Hop over to 8th Street Market to explore delicious award-winning eateries, like Yeyo’s Mexican Street Food, Co-Op Ramen, and several food trucks,.
Dining on Walton Blvd.
Our main drag is nothing to sneeze at either! Delicious restaurants can be found the whole way down. Check out Meld, Crisp & Green, Flavors Indian Cuisine & Lounge, and Table at Hickory Inn.
Restaurants
Farm-to-table menus, traditional and modern takes on High South cuisine, authentic international palates—you name it. There’s a kaleidoscope of flavors and award-winning restaurants waiting for…
Places to Stay

Home rentals and hotels alike abound around Bentonville. Trying to decide where to stay? Here are some tips:
- If you’re looking to fly into town and then walk or bike, we recommend 21c Museum hotel or vacation rentals in the Downtown and Market area, as you see here.
- Driving in? Great! Take your pick of hotels throughout Bentonville, and simply park downtown, here’s a map of downtown parking options.
See more places to stay here.
Hotels
From cozy bed and breakfasts to the chain hotels and Airbnbs, Bentonville's accommodations will provide you with all of the comforts you are used to having at home.
Plan Your Visit
If you need additional help planning your visit, check out our DIY mix-and-match itinerary builder!
Stay in the know about what’s happening in Bentonville by signing up for eNews updates here, and check out our blog This Weekend in Bentonville the week of your visit for a roundup of events happening when you’ll be in town.
We’re happy to help you with any additional information needed during your stay in Bentonville. Our 5th Street Visitor’s Center is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and Big Blue, our mobile visitor's center on the square is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday - Saturday. Learn more.

