Things To Do in Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville Things to Do

Bentonville is one of the largest cities in Arkansas, and is known throughout the region as the headquarters of Walmart. The city possesses a deep history, and there are many things to do when visiting the region.

Crystal Bridges

The Crystal Bridges Art Museum was designed by the architect Moshe Safdie, and is not to be missed. The art collections inside and outside are remarkable, and leave yourself enough time to wander the grounds to view and photograph the building itself. It rests on a ravine set in approximately 120 acres of Ozark forest. Indoors, the art on display includes five centuries of American art. There is also a not-to-be-missed experience at the art museum: Way of Color, by James Turrell. As the sun sets, the wall colors are changed by programmable L.E.D. lights. Viewers can look through a gap in the roof as the effect makes the sky change different shades of blue, green, yellow, and black.

Native American History

The Museum of Native American History has one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Native American artifacts you will ever see. The impressive collection includes ancient artifacts, pottery, arrowheads, historic artifacts, clothing, headdresses, weapons, photographs, and much more. It is family friendly and handicap accessible.

Also, close to the Pea Ridge Battlefield Park is the path through the site known as the Trail of Tears. In the winter of 1838, thousands of Native Americans were forcibly removed from their homelands and ordered to walk to a new location. This trail remains visible today.

Walmart History

Located in the middle of town is the original Waltons. Originally a 4,000 square foot five-and-dime store, it went on to become the globally known shopping force known as Walmart.  The location’s museum started in 1977, and it currently houses an extensive collection of Walton memorabilia.

Battle of Pea Ridge

History lovers will want to enjoy the very best preserved battle field of the civil war. Today, this area stands as a National Park that operates just a short distance out of Bentonville. This 4,300 acre site commemorates a battle lasting from the 7th to the 8th of March, 1862.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Bentonville.