Location: Bentonville
Top Things to do in Bentonville
- 1. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- 2. Museum of Native American History
- 3. Amazeum
- 4. Bentonville Town Square
- 5. The Walmart Museum
- 6. 21c Museum
- 7. The Buckyball
- 8. Compton Gardens and Conference Center
- 9. The Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens
- 10. Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bentonville, United States
Bentonville is the ninth-largest city in Arkansas and the county seat of Benton County. The city is centrally located in the county with Rogers adjacent to the east. The city is the headquarters of Walmart, which is the world's largest retailer. It is one of the four main cities in the four-county Northwest Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is ranked 109th in terms of population in the United States with 463,204 in 2010 according to the United States Census Bureau. The city itself had a population of 35,301 at the 2010 Census, with an estimated population of 47,093 in 2016.
Restaurants in Bentonville
1. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature.
Reviewed By Cindy U - Arlington, Texas
Our trip to Crystal Bridges was incredible! While I enjoyed the artwork immensely, the architecture of the building itself and the grounds were simply beautiful! The only downside to our visit was the cool rainy weather which prevented us from exploring all the outdoor trails. We will definitely be back!
2. Museum of Native American History
Overall Ratings
5 based on 863 reviews
The Museum of Native American History invites you to "Walk Through America's Past," where we will give you a glimpse into what life was like for America's first inhabitants. The museum is divided into five different time periods that will guide you through the constantly changing lives of the Native Americans, as seen through their artifacts . Our displays feature relics that date from over 14,000 years old to historic times. Come visit our museum and enjoy seeing some of the finest treasures ever created by early craftsmen.Schools and groups are welcomed, call to make reservations. Handicap Accessible
Reviewed By Justin B
This museum is set up to make you think and inform about the interaction between early American settlers and natives of the land. The treaty exhibits I especially found thought provoking and sad at the same time. It showed how the early government repeatedly went back on their word again and again until they got to the point where they flat out just took land and forced them to move. There are also an exhibit focusing on native American culture in the media over the years.
3. Amazeum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By JamaisVu - Colorado
We're locals who pass the Amazeum often & finally decided to take a look. As adults unaccompanied by kids, we had to show ID, our driver's license numbers were recorded, & we had to sign in. Sad that it's come to this, but we totally understand... tho we felt odd wandering around with our special bright orange lanyard tags.
Still, we're glad we checked it out, & it was great fun watching the kids having fun. It's not a huge place but it's packed with interactive amusements, most of which have something to teach or a skill to practice. Tho kids doing activities without parental guidance were playing, not learning. And very young kids without parents at their sides were running amok like pinballs. So to make the most of this fun, interesting place it seems parents &/or the many roaming staff members should be involved, especially if the kids are going to learn anything.The Water Amazements area & Art Studio are wonderful places for kids to immerse themselves, literally, in their fun. And there are a couple separate areas for very young kids to play.
Mindbender Mansion (temporary exhibit thru mid-January) was a bit confusing at first; kids definitely needed guidance to work thru the various stations to win points. If special exhibits change regularly it would be worth having a yearly membership.
Even as grown-ups we enjoyed many of the interactive exhibits, even learned a few things. The Tinkering Hub (ages 7 & up) was our favorite; what a great way to play while using heads & hearts to actually create things.
All the staff we spoke with were super friendly & wonderful with the kids, of course. A great way to explore what's there is "Priceless Nights," where you "pay as you like" most (but not all) Wednesdays from 4-7:30 pm. Otherwise it's only $9.50/person (kids under 2 are free).
4. Bentonville Town Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By merryheart523 - Arkansas
Hubby and I walked around during the afternoon and at night. It is a lovely area and we enjoyed window shopping and the changing leaves. We enjoyed sitting by the fountain and having coffee and people watching. A great way to pass time together.
5. The Walmart Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
When Sam Walton opened his 5&10 on the Bentonville town square in 1950, he had no idea he'd planted the seeds for what would become the global leader in retail, saving millions of people money so they could live better. Today, that humble little dime store is the location of The Walmart Museum. A family-friendly experience in 3 parts, the Museum features a world-class exhibit gallery, Walton's 5&10, and The Spark Cafe. Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.M. - 9:00 P.M. Friday - Saturday: 8:00a.M. - 10:00P.M. Sunday: 12:00 p.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Reviewed By John1971NC - Riverton, Wyoming
I visited here on the way back to North Carolina from where I now live in Wyoming. I work for the company so I thought I'd take the scenic route through Bentonville, Arkansas. The museum tells a very visual story from the early days until the present. There is a very inexpensive gift shop, where I stocked up on all kinds of Walmart pins and lanyards. They also have a Spark café, where I was served the best banana split ever had. If you're passing through Bentonville, I would definitely stop here. It is also very kid friendly, and the museum is free to enter.
6. 21c Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By SGKCalifornia - California
The 21c Museum is actually a hotel that has some wonderful art displayed all around. We did not stay here but did have dinner at The Hive which was very good - menu is casual; service was excellent. I believe the art changes but definitely worth a stop to look around.
7. The Buckyball
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By nonamesforme - minneapolis, mn
The Buckyball is found next to the parking lot for the Amazeum, along the road to Crystal Bridges. Best seen at sunset or after--or at least on a dark day, as the special effect is the light traveling along the neon fluorescent-like tube which constitute its shape.
8. Compton Gardens and Conference Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
The Garden:Once the home of Dr. Neil Compton, Savior of the Buffalo River, Compton Gardens has been developed into a native woodland which is quickly becoming a regional destination garden. It provides a beautiful and peaceful environment containing a unique plant collection. The garden is dedicated to the advancement and appreciation of gardening, horticulture, and conservation within an aesthetic landscape. Neil Compton Exhibit Room:With its grand opening this past August, the Neil Compton Exhibit Room gives viewers a glimpse into the life of Dr. Neil Compton. This exhibit is free and open to the public Monday-Friday 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.The Homesite:The conference Center is the re-modeled home of Dr. Compton and now serves as a rental facility for seminars, conferences, workshops, retreats, intimate weddings, and private events. The garden is available for film and commercial photo shoots.
Reviewed By ARretired - Little Rock, Arkansas
If you don't have any mobility issues, park in the Compton Gardens parking lot, enjoy the gardens and then take the Art Trail to the south entrance of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. There are multiple sculptures and lovely landscaping along the art trail. Be sure to pick up a brochure when you're in Crystal Bridges so you don't miss any of the sculptures on your way back to your car.
9. The Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 127 reviews
In 1875, Colonel Samuel West Peel built a marvelous villa tower Italiante mansion on the outskirts of Bentonville, Arkansas. It was a working farmstead surrounded by 180 acres of apple trees. The Peel Mansion is an outdoor museum of heritage roses, perennials, and native plants. Various vignette gardens are interlaced among curvilinear walks and large shade trees creating a most appropriate setting for this great historic building of Northwest Arkansas. Also on the site is the pre-Civil War Andy Lynch log cabin which serves as a gatehouse and Museum Store at the entrance to the grounds. *Tours are available every hour on the hour.* The Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens offers a variety of event options - wedding ceremony and reception, rehearsal dinners, group luncheons and tours, as well as civic or corporate events. We have the perfect venue for your special event!
Reviewed By Vicki S - Kansas City, Missouri
I am thrilled that this beautiful mansion and its amazing gardens have been granted status as a Historical Place. That means it will be available for future generations to appreciate the lifestyles and customs of the people in Civil War times. The background biography of Mr. Peel was intriguing to learn about, as well as his role in Arkansas and United States history. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the wide variety of flowers and plants are identified throughout the grounds. Ironically, this oasis is attached to entrance to a Walmart Super Store. This provides the visitor with a great opportunity to shift paradigms and live the oxymoron!
10. Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By maize345 - US
To have this house dismantled and numbered(piece by piece), then reassembled on the grounds of Crystal Bridges shows that the museum wants our community and visitors to learn about Frank Lloyd Wright. You cannot go on the second floor; however, there are drawings for you to view(of this second floor) I highly recommend taking a full day to view the beauty of Crystal Bridges
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