Location: Bentonville
Top Things to do in Bentonville
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The 8 Best Museums in Bentonville, Arkansas (AR)
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
5.0 based on 4,431 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 LisaB157 - La Jolla, United States
We made the trek to Bentonville specifically to visit Crystal Bridges and were not disappointed. It is truly spectacular and is surrounded by trails through the forest, with sculptures beautifully interspersed. Since it was spring, we were treated to nature’s offering of dogwood trees in bloom and assorted other flowers. The museum itself is an architectural marvel designed by Moshe Safdie and is the brainchild of Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, bestowed as a gift to her community. She built the museum to expose the people of the region to art, many of whom would never have the opportunity to visit an art museum. Admission is free. The collection spans the history of American art and has a good array of pieces of well-known artists including some outstanding contemporary pieces by Do-Ho Suh, Buckminster Fuller, James Turrell, and Dale Chihuily. In addition to the permanent collection which is still growing, they have frequent special exhibits. Also, on site is a reconstructed Frank Lloyd house and it’s worth it to pre-reserve a tour. We had an excellent guide named Pat; though she told us it was her third tour of the day, we would never have guessed. Although we didn’t have time to rides bikes through the area, this appeared to be a great activity on the plentiful trails.
2. Museum of Native American History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 960 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 77117
What a great collection of arrowheads, tools and pottery. Well arranged and well documented. An hour is plenty to go through the museum, but well worth your time!
3. Wishing Spring Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Art paintings, prints, photography, pottery,wood creations, crafts and unique gifts all hand made items. Our artists live in the immediate area and are from all over the USA. Artist mediums are oil, acrylic,watercolor,and resin. Lots of handmade cards and photo postcards.Home decor items, outdoor decorations, fabric art and pottery.
Reviewed By Jackie_in_AR - Bella Vista, United States
We relocated to Bella Vista from SW Missouri about a year ago and I happened to see this building. I love art galleries and have exhibited in a few myself so I thought I would stop in to see what they offered. I was amazed at the variety offered and at the warm greeting I received when I walked in. It is effectively a coop where the artists who exhibit share in the hosting. Everyone works hard to ensure the success of this gallery - particularly the gallery director, Pearl Williamson. If you do stop in, be sure and say high to her! They've just recently reopened on a limited basis after being closed for seven months. It's well worth your time to visit!
4. The Walmart Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,769 reviews
The Walmart Museum is open for scheduled appointments. Details and booking information can be found on our website.
Reviewed By MikeGr214 - Bentonville, United States
Great place to hear the story of Walmart. Starts by showing visitors a clip of the ceremony where Sam Walton was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush and then encourages visitors to walk through the history of Walmart from its founding to present day.
5. 21c Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By IndySig - Indianapolis, United States
We didn't stay here but we strolled around and enjoyed the art installations. They have many items that are quite fascinating, an interesting film and a great car covered in pennies and nickels out front. It is certainly worth a visit.
6. Scott Family Amazeum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Discover the connections between science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) and the world around us at the Scott Family Amazeum. Inspired by the landscape, culture, history, innovative spirit of Northwest Arkansas, the Amazeum contains 50,000 square feet of hands-on, learning fun for the entire family. Spend the day exploring science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) through play at the Amazeum. Ample outdoor space allows for free range play. Healthy and safety measures are in place and include mandatory face coverings for adults and children ages 10 and older, timed ticketed entry to reduce capacity, and increased hand sanitizing stations.
Reviewed By mightymichelob - Eureka Springs, United States
We took our 9-year-old grandson to the Amazeum, as we'd heard so much about it. The admission was well worth the cost once we got in the door. There were a lot of people there, but we managed to find plenty to do. There was enough to keep this kid busy for 3-4 hours, and we never made it to everything. He did the Hershey Chocolate lab, and although he wasn't too excited about the not-very-sweet options, he was a HUGE fan of the different flavors of chocolate! The staff was very patient and seemed very genuine, even in light of the dozens of kids running around. The area was clean and well appointed, and try as we might, there just wasn't a whole lot to complain about. He was entertained, he went home raving about it, and we promise to bring him back again. For $9.50, this is the best dollars you'll drop if you've got youngsters with inquiring minds! Food and drink prices aren't "cheap", but you don't expect them to be in a place like this. Don't come hungry--eat first, or eat right after if you don't want to drop some bucks for food.
7. The Momentary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By PhyllisBarrier
This is well worth a visit for the very modern art as well as the cheese factory elements of the building that are still visible. We particularly enjoyed the Green Book exhibit and the Sarah Cain exhibit but the exhibits change several times a year.
8. Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 150 reviews
Welcome to Peel Museum and Heritage Gardens, where you can take an educational adventure into a unique period in Arkansas’ history. The museum preserves stories of love, sacrifice, and perseverance during a time long ago that continue to inspire our community today. This historical homestead and gardens highlight what it was like to live in Arkansas during the late 1800s and provides picturesque surroundings for any occasion or celebration. Our grounds include an apple orchard, rose garden, vegetable garden, and other horticultural components from that time. *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 340cruiser - St. Petersburg, United States
What a fantastic stop this was! The mansion was decorated beautifully for the holidays and we had the most wonderful guide - and it was all free! I'm so sorry I don't remember our guides name but she's a retired school teacher. She was so kind and had some entertaining stories about the house as well as the residents over the years. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and in the gift shop as well. I highly recommend setting aside an hour or so to tour the mansion!
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