Overview
Bentonville is a city of 51,000 people (2018) in the Northwest region of Arkansas. Widely known as the home to the corporate headquarters of retail giant Walmart, the city was noted by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the "Hottest Travel Destinations of 2012".
8 sights · 7 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bentonville
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
50,000-sq-ft museum showcasing works valued in many millions of dollars.
The Momentary
A contemporary art museum, concert venue, and Satellite campus of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
The Walmart Museum
Museum of Native American History
Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens
Scott Family Amazeum
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 94°F; winter lows dip to about 28°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Tulsa)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- XNA Northwest Arkansas National Airport, Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers — 8 mi away. Directions
- JLN Joplin Regional Airport, Joplin — 56 mi away. Directions
- TUL Tulsa International Airport, Tulsa — 94 mi away (major hub). Directions
There are excellent highway connections to Bentonville from Kansas City, Tulsa, or Little Rock. If driving in is not an option, fly directly into the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA). If airline ticket cost is a factor, consider flying into one of the international airports within a short driving distance, such as Tulsa or Kansas City.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Compton Gardens and Conference Center, The Walmart Museum, Bentonville History Museum
- Lunch Table Mesa Bistro
- Afternoon The Momentary, Scott Family Amazeum
- Dinner Doe's Eat Place
- Evening Bentley's Beach Bar
Day 2
- Morning Museum of Native American History
- Lunch The River Grille
- Afternoon Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens
- Dinner Petit Bistro
- Evening Bentonville Brewing Co
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Among the dozens of fast food and national chain restaurants in Bentonville, there are also many excellent local restaurants to try.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Tourism is the area is booming, thanks to the corporate traveler during the week and families on the weekends. If you are looking for things to do while in town, visit the local Chamber of Commerce's website, or stop by the Bentonville Convention & Visitors Bureau, which is on the Bentonville square.
Because the majority of the population are "transplants" from other areas of the country (moved here for business), people are open to visitors and very friendly. There is also an air of "southern hospitality."
Get in
There are excellent highway connections to Bentonville from Kansas City, Tulsa, or Little Rock. If driving in is not an option, fly directly into the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA). If airline ticket cost is a factor, consider flying into one of the international airports within a short driving distance, such as Tulsa or Kansas City.
By plane
Go Bentonville Municipal Airport (VBT)
A small General aviation airport. Its other name, Louise Thaden Field, comes from a local aviation pioneer.
By bicycle
Get around
By car
The city is easy to navigate and finding your way around is simple. While there is an abundance of taxi services available in Bentonville, they are expensive. Rent a car if you are going to be in town more than a day.
By bus
See
Museums
Do
Websites include details about Bentonville trails and Bentonville parks.
Eat
Among the dozens of fast food and national chain restaurants in Bentonville, there are also many excellent local restaurants to try.
Eat Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie
Eat Gusano's Pizzeria
Chicago-style pizzeria and sports bar with the self-proclaimed "best Chicago-style pizza in the world". Part of a tiny chain of 8 restaurants in and around Arkansas.
Drink
Bentonville does not have a bar/club scene (Bentonville was in a dry county until November 2012), but there are many great places to have a drink. Here are some suggestions that have consistent good service and pricing:
Drink Bentley's Beach Bar (formerly the Celtic Grill)
Sleep
There are diverse hotels in Bentonville, depending on the service quality and/or the amount you want to pay. Midweek room rates are on the high end because of the corporate traveler demand. You will be able to find up to 50% or more off Bentonville hotel rooms on the weekends.
Go next
It is a great central starting place for day trips throughout the region, including Eureka Springs, Tulsa, Branson, the Buffalo River, and the Ozark Mountains.
Nearby
Rogers
City / town · 15 listings · 5 mi away
Bella Vista
City / town · 2 listings · 7 mi away
Pea Ridge
City / town · 8 mi away
Tontitown
City / town · 1 listings · 13 mi away
Springdale
City / town · 8 listings · 13 mi away
War Eagle
City / town · 2 listings · 17 mi away
Fayetteville
City / town · 42 listings · 20 mi away
Siloam Springs
City / town · 3 listings · 22 mi away
My experience
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