KAWS, FAMILY, 2021, bronze, paint, 86 1/4 in. x 81 1/2 in. x 37 5/8 in. © KAWS
In Bentonville, you can immerse yourself in art, science, history, and more. Be sure to check each museum’s hours before you go. Here’s a short overview of what’s on this summer:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: March 15—July 28, 2025 |
Since the late 1990s, KAWS has been creating a cast of iconic characters steeped in the American zeitgeist that populate his work. Each with their own distinct personality pulled in part from their creator, these characters have been a constant throughline in the artist’s career.
The exhibition takes its title and thematic jumping-off point from the sculpture titled FAMILY (2021), which brings together four of KAWS’ characters posed in the style of a family portrait. As witnessed throughout the show, the relationships between the figures can be complex, familiar, and astonishingly heartfelt entryways into human emotions.
The Momentary: The Momentary is a dynamic creative hub and an extension of Crystal Bridges, transforming a former cheese factory into a space for art, music, food, and community connection. Dedicated to the art of the moment, it offers live performances, visual arts, culinary experiences, and artists-in-residence programs. With a focus on bringing people together through meaningful and engaging experiences, the Momentary embraces creativity in all its forms.
21C Museum Hotel: Check out the free "Dress Up, Speak Up: Regalia and Resistance" exhibit at the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville, where you can explore art about identity, culture, and history through clothing, performance, and everyday objects.
Amazeum: Featuring hands-on family activities and STEM fun, this is THE destination for families with kids from infants to teenagers! Check out interactive exhibitions like the 3M Tinkering Hub, the Market sponsored by Walmart, the Nature Valley Water Amazements, and more. Admission is free to members and children under two, and costs $11 for all others.
Museum of Native American History: Learn about the history and heritage of the Native American people with this collection of over 10,000 Native American artifacts and collections both donated and on load. General admission is free.
Bentonville History Museum: The recently opened museum includes several displays that tell the rich history of the city of Bentonville. From early Native American settlements to the growth of Walmart—there’s so much to discover!
Walmart Museum Heritage Lab: Re-Opening This March! Try out new exhibits, technologies, and more, and get a glimpse into the future of the new Walmart Museum. The lab is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily and from 12 to 7 pm on Sundays with free admission.
Peel Museum and Botanical Garden: Learn about the apple industry that was thriving in Bentonville from the 1800s to the 1920s with free interactive tours of the historic Peel Family home, and explore beautiful summer blooms in the botanical garden.
Compton Gardens and Arboretum: This oasis with an impressive selection of native plants, trees, and greenery is free to enjoy in Downtown Bentonville from dawn to dusk every day. Find OZ Art scattered throughout the trails, or pop into the building from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays and find an informative exhibit about the history of the Buffalo River.
Explore the outdoors!
Image courtesy of Drager Creative
From our miles of mountain biking trails to our quilt of parks, you can spend all day, every day outside! Here are just a few options:
🌳 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!
🚵🏽♀️ Spend a morning basking in the beauty of Coler MTB preserve, strolling their main path to the Rise, or biking their 19 miles of trails. Bonus: Airship at Applegate is tucked along the trail, and makes for a great stop to refuel and refresh.
👉🏼 Bike Curious? Explore our Bicycle Resources page for rentals, tour guides, repair shops, and more.
🌊 High temps in the forecast? Cool off at a splash pad— Creekside Park or even the pool. Check out all of the city of Bentonville’s parks and amenities here.
🌞 Looking to hang out in the sun with our amazing cuisine? Check out our Picnic Guide to Bentonville.
Where to Eat
Image courtesy @tuskandtrotter
Bookmark our Bentonville Dining Guide, where you can search by keyword, filter by category, and find restaurants near you via our map.
Here are a few 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 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 and you’ll find the darling Crepes Paulette. Hop over to 8th Street Market to explore delicious award-winning eateries, like Yeyo’s Mexican Street Food, Sweet Freedom Cheese, and Co-Op Ramen, and don’t miss the delightful Roll & Fold, or the classic loafin’ Joe’s sandwich truck.
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.
Places to Stay
Image courtesy @thirstypigs
Home rentals and hotels alike abound around Bentonville. Trying to decide where to stay? Here’s some tips:
- If you’re looking to fly into town then walk or bike, we recommend 21c Museum hotel or vacation rentals in the Downtown and Market area, like 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. Explore the blogs below to gain deeper insights on our local hotels.
Plan Your Visit
Image courtesy @jerron_davis06
If you need additional help planning your visit, give us a call or stop by our Visitor’s Center for tips and brochures when you get to town. We’re happy to help you!
Sign up for eNews updates below to stay in the know about what’s happening in Bentonville, 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.
