Your Flight Plan to Arkansas' Cultural and Adventure Capital

 

Dubbed "a new capital of cool" by the Wall Street Journal in 2023, this Northwest Arkansas city has captured national attention for all the right reasons. Home to the Washington Post's Top 20 Best Art Museums in America (2024) and winner of Outside Magazine's prestigious 2025 Travel Awards for our mountain biking scene (50 Best Adventures in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada), Bentonville represents something unprecedented: a small city that's become a world-class destination.

 

From the moment your wheels touch down at Thaden Field (VBT), you'll discover why this remarkable transformation makes Bentonville unlike any aviation destination in America.

Thaden Field: More Than an Airport, It's Aviation's New Home Base

 

ICAO Identifier: VBT

 

Thaden Field serves as the hub of Arkansas' revolutionary FLY OZ network—a growing constellation of backcountry airstrips that's transforming how pilots explore the American heartland. We're about 10 years into this journey, and it still feels like we're just getting started.

 

The Experience

 

Step into our state-of-the-art facility, where aviation meets hospitality:

  • Full-service flight school for every level of pilot

  • Charter services and FLY OZ Club "hideout" - your home away from home
  • Exhibition hangar showcasing aviation excellence
  • FAA knowledge testing center
  • Scenic and discovery flights over the stunning Ozarks
  • Game Aerospace - witness cutting-edge aircraft manufacturing
  • Legends Air Center LLC's fixed base operation provides top-tier FBO services

 

Fuel, Food, and Everything Between

  • Premium aviation fuel and services
  • Cafe LOUISE - full-service, all-day dining with a full menu
  • Aviation provisions and supplies
  • Lawn games and relaxation areas
  • Canoe rentals for floats on Lake Bentonville

 

The FLY OZ Network: A Gift to Aviation

 

Each FLY OZ airstrip represents something beautiful—a gift from landowners to the aviation community. Our goal? Becoming the most accessible region for recreational flying in the US.

 

From Sky to Soil: Mountain Biking Capital of the World

 

Touch down and discover why Bentonville has earned the title of Mountain Biking Capital of the World: 70+ miles of world-class trails in the heart of our city, interconnected to 500 miles of gravel and singletrack.

 

From beginner-friendly paths to championship-level singletrack, these trails weave through the same stunning Ozark landscape you just flew over. Rent a bike and experience firsthand why Outside Magazine, Bike Magazine, and countless others have declared Bentonville a must-ride destination.

 
The trails here aren't just paths through the woods—they're works of art, carefully crafted to showcase the natural beauty of the Ozarks while providing an unforgettable riding experience.

From the Air to the Art Galleries

 

Bentonville's transformation extends far beyond trails and tarmac. This small Arkansas city has become an unlikely cultural powerhouse:

 

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

World-class American art in a stunning architectural setting, surrounded by nature trails and sculpture gardens. Admission is free—a philosophy that reflects Bentonville's welcoming spirit.

 

21c Museum Hotel

Where contemporary art meets luxury hospitality. This isn't just a place to stay—it's a cultural experience with rotating exhibitions and thought-provoking installations.

 

The Momentary

Crystal Bridges' contemporary art space, featuring experimental exhibitions, performances, and culinary experiences that push creative boundaries.

 

Public Art Everywhere

From downtown murals to sculpture installations, art has become part of Bentonville's DNA. The entire city serves as an outdoor gallery.

 

Unique Eats: Where James Beard Meets Arkansas

 

Bentonville's culinary scene rivals any major city, with James Beard-nominated chefs creating everything from elevated Southern cuisine to innovative plant-based dishes.

 

Farm-to-Table Excellence

Local restaurants source from nearby farms, ensuring fresh, seasonal menus that reflect the region's agricultural heritage.

 

Gluten-Free Friendly

An impressive array of gluten-free options throughout the city, ensuring every pilot can fuel up properly.

 

From Food Trucks to Fine Dining

Whether you want a quick bite between flights or a memorable dinner to cap off your adventure, Bentonville delivers culinary experiences that match its world-class reputation.

 
Explore Our Dining Scene: 

 

Stay Awhile: Accommodations That Understand Aviators

 
21c Museum Hotel

Art-filled luxury in the heart of downtown, where your room is part of the cultural experience.

 
AC Hotel Bentonville

Modern sophistication with European-inspired design and amenities.

 

Motto by Hilton

Stylish, efficient accommodations perfect for the traveling pilot.

 

The Bike Inn

Purpose-built for cyclists, with bike storage, maintenance facilities, and trail access—ideal for pilots who want to experience both passions.

 

Coming Soon: The Compton

A new addition to Bentonville's growing hospitality scene.

 

21C Museum Hotel

Places To Stay

In Bentonville, you have options! From cozy bed and breakfasts to the chain hotels and Airbnbs you have come to love, Bentonville's accommodations will…

Your Next Adventure Starts with a Flight Plan

 

Bentonville proves that the best destinations are discovered from the air. File your flight plan to VBT and discover why this Arkansas city has become aviation's best-kept secret.

 

Louise M. Thaden Field (VBT)—Your basecamp for adventure, your portal to the backcountry
 
Ready to experience adventure from sky to soil? You have to fly it.