Bentonville: A New American Town

Bentonville is known for its humble beginnings as the hometown for Walmart, the largest retailer in the world. Bentonville has a revitalized downtown that is rich with history, art and a diverse culinary scene. Since the addition of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2011, Bentonville has continued to grow while maintaining it’s small town charm. In 2013, the city welcomed the 21c Museum Hotel, a con- temporary art museum couched with an ultra-modern lodging property and award-winning restaurant, The Hive.

Bentonville’s culinary scene is comprised of James Beard-nominated chefs, Food & Wine magazine award winners, and a fun assortment of pubs, breweries and food trucks. In 2015, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomed it’s newest addition to the grounds, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman Wilson House relocated from New Jersey and rebuilt here in the backyard of Crystal Bridges. Crystal Bridges is home to iconic works like Norman Rockwell’s “Rosie the Riveter” and Andy Warhol’s “Dolly.” The museum has no admission for the permanent collection, no parking fee and is open every day except Tuesdays.

For the outdoor enthusiasts, Bentonville is a part of the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway, which opened up in 2015. It consists of 37-miles of connected trails that wind through our Northwest Arkansas cities. For family fun, The Scott Family Amazeum is the place to be, a family-centric museum that engages visitors of all ages through a climbable tree canopy, a homestead cabin and farm, chocolate laboratory and much more.

Other popular attractions include the Walmart Museum, which is an interactive museum that traces the history of Walmart Stores Inc. This museum is also home to the popular Spark Café, a 1950s soda shop and ice cream parlor, as well as a working five and dime store.

Travelers should also visit the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville that is home to a giant mammoth skeleton, incredible indigenous pottery and native jewelry. The Peel Mansion and Heritage Gardens is another must-see. This late 1800’s Italianate mansion offers tours and has a fun gift shop. Explore Bentonville, our New American Town!

For more information, check out Visit Bentonville.