There is an abundance of fun things to do in downtown Bentonville! One of our favorite tourist attractions is the Walmart Museum. It has proven to be inclusive, interactive, and so very important to the history of Bentonville. The Walmart Museum will be under extensive renovation through the spring of 2024, to be more interactive and viewer-friendly. In the meantime, visitors can take a walk through Walton's memory lane at the Walmart Museum Heritage Lab, located on the first floor of the Ledger at 240 S Main Street.
Photo Credit: Visit Bentonville. Karlene Miller, Ignite Professional Studies Intern.
Innovative & Engaging
They call it the “Lab” because the team is testing new technologies, new exhibits, and new ways to share Walmart’s heritage. As you go through the Lab space, take your time to try new things and share your thoughts with the staff so that the “new Walmart Museum” on the square can be the best that it can be.
Photo Credit: Visit Bentonville. Karlene Miller, Ignite Professional Studies Intern.
Lab Highlights
In addition to interactive touchscreens and fascinating artifacts, the lab also has some special exhibits for you to enjoy, such as:
Mr. Sam the Hologram
The Walmart Museum Heritage Lab has implemented some very innovative technology, including a holographic version of Sam Walton. This gives visitors the opportunity to hear the stories of Sam's past, ask questions, and interact with Sam.
Photo Credit: Visit Bentonville. Karlene Miller, Ignite Professional Studies Intern.
Interactive Globe
Photo Credit: Visit Bentonville. Karlene Miller, Ignite Professional Studies Intern.
For Kids: Draw your own trucker’s badge
Bring in your kids and spark a sense of creativity! Whether it be a design on their trucker badge or daydreams about the places they want to see - the Walmart Museum Heritage Lab will fill the family with inspiration.
Photo Credit: Visit Bentonville. Karlene Miller, Ignite Professional Studies Intern.
For Kids of All Ages: LEGO model of the 5&10
Photo Credit: Visit Bentonville. Karlene Miller, Ignite Professional Studies Intern.
Is it a bird? A plane? No, it's a drone!
In November 2021, Walmart launched a new initiative to deliver packages efficiently and effectively using none other than drone technology. Visitors can get a glimpse of this innovative technology at the Walmart Museum Heritage Lab.
Photo Credit: Visit Bentonville. Karlene Miller, Ignite Professional Studies Intern.
Shop
Due to limited space in the lab, there will not be merchandise for sale, but look forward to its return in the newly renovated museum in Spring of 2024. In the mean time, check out the SparkShop for all your shopping needs.
Ice Cream
And for those craving something sweet, The Spark Café is moving into its new, mobile home in just a couple of weeks right on the square!
Where is Sam's Truck?
Sam Walton's F-150 is safe in the archives while the Walmart Museum is under renovation. "Betty," the replica, is currently on display at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport XNA.
Photo Credit: Visit Bentonville. Karlene Miller, Ignite Professional Studies Intern.
