There are so many fun things to do in Bentonville, Arkansas! Whether you’re looking for awesome BBQ, scenic biking trails, a delicious brunch, or public art, Bentonville has it all.
Bentonville is the ninth-largest city in Arkansas […] The city is the birthplace and world headquarters of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer. It is one of the four main cities in the three-county Northwest Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area. –Wikipedia
Speaking of Walmart: [Answered!] What are the small Walmart stores called?
Fun Things to do in Bentonville, Arkansas straight from the locals
To get all the details on the fun things to do in Bentonville, I interviewed my friend Stefanie who is a long-time resident of Bentonville. She knows all the best spots and was gracious to share them with us!
favorite thing to do in Bentonville
Being outside! We like hiking and biking the trails.
If you want to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors, Bentonville has 20 city parks to choose from. There are walking trails, flower gardens, mountain bike trails and no shortage of unique playgrounds for kids. In fact, Bentonville has 60 miles of trails!
You can check them all out here.
Best restaurant in Bentonville
I would say my favorite restaurant is Wright’s BBQ! It is absolutely the best and locally owned!
“We take people back to the method of open flame, 100% wood fire, on a pit. its simple, but hard. Our goal is to create and build an atmosphere that pulls people in, a true destination barbecue location in NWA. The primary reason for our success is that we’ve embraced the barbecue culture by using methods that require dedication, hard work, and love for smoked meat. We source pecan wood from downed central Arkansas trees. From the start each week, to when we end, our fires never stop burning. An overnight process that delivers fresh food when you need it.” –Wright’s BBQ
Have a life-changing BBQ experience here:
Wright’s BBQ
208 NE 3rd St
Bentonville, AR 72712
Also, don’t miss this: Wear Your Stretchy Pants! – 21 Best BBQ Restaurants in Arkansas
favorite place to get coffee
7-Brew is the best coffee!
“A revolution that treats people like people – that makes them feel warmed, loved, and important, all before they take a sip of the best drink in town. And it’s not just kindness and coffee that we sell at 7 Brew. We are cranking out delicious infused energy drinks, Italian sodas, smoothies, teas, and more like NWA has never seen.” –source
You’ll find 7-Brew here:
2500 E Central Ave
Bentonville, AR 72712
7-Brew is also on our list of BEST Coffee Shops in Arkansas!
best activity to do with kids in Bentonville
There are so many things you can do with your children in Bentonville. It really depends on the weather. Our kids love to go biking and hiking.
Most unique thing to see in Bentonville
There is artwork all over the city. If you look, you will see many unique things.
Also, just a 50 minute drive into the Ozark Mountains from Bentonville, you will find the Little Golden Gate Bridge of Arkansas!
Best hiking/walking trail in Bentonville
Really, any of the trails are amazing. The Greenway is the longest trail that goes throughout the whole city and into the surrounding cities too.
“The Razorback Regional Greenway is a 36-mile, primarily off-road, shared-use trail that extends from the Bella Vista Trail in north Bentonville to south Fayetteville. The trail links together dozens of popular community destinations.
- 6 downtowns
- 3 hospitals
- 23 schools
- The University of Arkansas campus
- Corporate headquarters of Walmart, J B Hunt Transport Services and Tyson Foods
- Arts and entertainment venues
- Historic sites
- Parks and Playgrounds
- Residential communities
- Shopping areas”
–source
Best place to stay near Bentonville
I think the most unique place would be to travel to Eureka Springs.
Eureka Springs: “It is a tourist destination for its unique character as a Victorian resort village. The city has steep winding streets filled with Victorian-style cottages and manors. The historic commercial downtown of the city has an extensive street-scape of well-preserved Victorian buildings.” –source
We have full details on all the fun in Eureka Springs right here:
8 Unforgettable Things to Do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas this year!
favorite museum in Bentonville
The Amazeum is the best for children! We also like to visit Crystal Bridges as well to look at artwork throughout the years.
If you’re looking for something truly AMAZING to do in Bentonville, you won’t want to miss the Amazeum!
“We are your hub for fun, creativity, and discovery. The Amazeum features approximately 50,000 square feet of exhibit and learning spaces inside the museum to bring learning to life and enhance family involvement, while evoking a sense of curiosity and discovery through hands-on activities.” –source
You’ll find the Amazeum here:
1009 Museum Way
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-696-9280
secret place that only the locals know about in Bentonville
The place that comes to my mind is Blue Hole! It is actually in Bella Vista. The water hole is on the Greenway and is easily accessed if you know what to look for. It is hidden behind tress and bushes that seem inconspicuous. The water is clear and cold all year. There is a cliff with a rope swing to throw yourself into the cool spring water.
Best live theatre near Bentonville
Fayetteville offers theatre through the Walton Arts Center. There are also a lot of opportunities for children to be involved in theatre camps in Bentonville and other cities.
“Walton Arts Center: Bringing artists and entertainers from around the world to Northwest Arkansas, connecting and engaging people through inspiring arts experiences.” –source
Best farmer’s market in Bentonville
The Bentonville Farmers’ Market is wonderful. We can ride or drive to the square to pick up produce, homemade bread, jellies, jams, artwork, and so much more. This happens every Saturday from May until September. You can also order through an app and have your items ready to go.
Visiting a Farmers’ Market is definitely one of those “fun things to do in Bentonville” and is a real treat. If you’re looking for something “Arkansan” to do (as a friend of mine likes to say), this is it!
Best drive-through Christmas light display
Bentonville Heart Lites is one of our favorites! They put on a show that is second to none. They also take donations for MS each year. You can also do a walk through display in Fayetteville. It is called the Stewart Family Lights. They were on the Great Christmas Light Fight.
Best flea market/antique shop near Bentonville
We love to go to Daisies and Olives in Prairie Grove. The whole town has so many antique shops that you could spend a day exploring!
“Daisies and Olives is your source for unique antiques, vintage housewares, furniture, clothing, jewelry, accessories, crafts, and more. We hope you’ll enjoy this little taste of all that our fun, friendly, and affordable store has to offer. Come and see us on the main street in historic Prairie Grove, Arkansas!” –source
You’ll find Daisies and Olives here:
129-135 East Buchanan Street
Prairie Grove, Arkansas 72753
Best Camping near Bentonville
I think you would need to go just outside of Bentonville to camp. Bella Vista has sites and Hobbs State Park.
“Hobbs is Arkansas’s largest state park, spanning a 12,054-acre tract of Ozark landscape along the southern shore of Beaver Lake. It’s an asset to the ecosystem and water with minimum human impact.
Highlights of this day-use park include a diverse, 52-mile trail system with hiking, ADA, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, and 5 primitive campsites. It’s the only state park in Arkansas to allow regulated hunting. The visitor center includes exhibits about the park’s natural resources, limestone landscape, and history. Interpretive programs and workshops are offered throughout the year.” –source
If you want to know all about the endless camping opportunities in Northwest Arkansas, click here:
Best Campgrounds in Northwest Arkansas
Best Girls Weekend ideas in Bentonville
I think it depends on what you want to do, but you could travel up to see a concert at The Amp (located in Rogers). There are also lots of restaurants to enjoy. Painting with a Twist adds art to your trip. It is such a fun time, and the people there are the BEST! You can end your night with a coffee from 7-Brew!
Best place to hunt in or near Bentonville
Hobbs State Park offers a hunt each year. It is in Rogers just down the road from Bentonville.
Don’t miss our EPIC Arkansas Bucket List of 100 AMAZING things to do in The Natural State!
Popular festivals in Bentonville
We love attending the film festival each year in May!
Favorite “Mom and Pop” place in Bentonville
I would say the best family owned breakfast is The Buttered Biscuit! It is absolutely delicious! They started in Bentonville and now have three locations in NWA.
“At The Buttered Biscuit you’ll enjoy an honest breakfast made with high quality ingredients. Here you’ll never have to choose between food that’s good and food that’s good for you. The Buttered Biscuit has a menu compatible for our guests with dietary preferences. We are here to serve our community classic dishes with unique flavors and healthy options. So come have breakfast at The Buttered Biscuit! Because when you’re here, you’re home.” –source
You’ll also love this: Popular Foods in Arkansas: BBQ, Catfish, Garden Goodies and more
“Arkansas Made” products that are crafted in Bentonville
JUNK Brand is a unique company! I love their headbands. You can, at least pre-pandemic, watch them sew them in the store. They also make and sell sunglasses.
“JUNK is one of the country’s fastest growing companies. We are a Northwest Arkansas based headband company specializing in the designing, manufacturing and distribution of amazing headbands through a complete Omni-channel work environment. We truly believe JUNK is exactly what you need to get that step closer to your ultimate goal.” –source
Don’t miss this: Unique Arkansas Products and Gifts
Best live sports near Bentonville
You can head to the Hill to watch the Razorbacks play in Fayetteville.
Be sure to check this off your Epic Arkansas Bucket List!
Don’t miss these fun things to do in Bentonville, Arkansas!
I would like to add that the Bentonville Square is the place to be any time of year. You can see beautiful lights this time of year, but it is always a bustling place. There is a café downtown that we love to go to for ice cream. It is called Spark Cafe and is connected to the Walmart Museum. The ice cream is Yarnell’s, and you can get a family of four treats for under $5!
We now know that Bentonville has it all! A special thanks to Stefanie for sharing all the fun things to do in Bentonville with us. Don’t forget to check out her blog and her podcast!
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