Here’s a short overview of what’s on this summer:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Step into vibrant and varied stories told through American art at Crystal Bridges, where expansive galleries, breathtaking architecture, and 134 acres of Ozark forest await—all with free general admission. New for 2026: Crystal Bridges opened 114,000 square feet of new galleries, studios, and spaces filled with extraordinary art and fresh storytelling. From historical masterworks to contemporary gems, and art exhibitions to immersive experiences, there’s no shortage of inspiration around every corner.
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. Admission is free.
21C Museum Hotel: Check out the free "Supernatural 2.0" 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.
Bentonville History Museum: The community and volunteer run museum is free to visit and offers the dynamic history of the city of Bentonville. From early Native American settlements to the growth of Walmart—there’s so much to discover!
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.
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 loan. General admission is free.
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. Admission is free.
Walmart Museum: See how Walmart's story unfolds decade by decade. From its modest beginnings in the 1960s to becoming the world's largest retailer, our exhibits bring history to life through interactive displays, iconic artifacts and the people-first values that have shaped the company. Free admission always, open Monday-Thursday: 10 am to 9 pm; Friday & Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm; Sunday: Noon to 6 pm.
Explore the outdoors!
From miles of mountain biking trails to our quilt of parks, Bentonville's outdoor spaces are free, open to everyone, and easy to fill a day — or several. Here are just a few favorites:
🌳 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 Mountain Bike preserve, strolling their main path to the Rise, or biking their 19 miles of trails. Bonus: Airship is tucked along the trail, making for a great stop to refuel and refresh.
👉🏼 Bike Curious? Explore our Bicycle Resources page for rentals, tour guides, repair shops, and more. Get the quick scoop on our beginner's guide to biking in Bentonville.
🌊 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.
Event Calendar
Plan a visit to Bentonville filled with all your favorite things. Browse our list of happenings, and create an itinerary tailored to your interests.
Where to Eat
Botanical at 8th and A Photography by Kate Cousins
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 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 Bentonville’s bike-tastic restaurants: Pedaler’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, McAlister's, Big Lieu, and Table Orleans at Hickory Inn.
Places to Stay
Image courtesy @thirstypigs
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, then walk or bike, we recommend the 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.
