Bentonville

Once a small town known only as Walmart’s birthplace, Bentonville has exploded into a fusion of art, culture and outdoor recreation.

Nowhere else can you find an extensive network of nearly 70 miles of trails running throughout the city, seamlessly connected to another 400 miles across the Ozarks region. The Mountain Biking Capital of the World, Bentonville focuses on progressive trail design for every rider, from beginner-friendly loops to heart-pounding technical challenges. Look no further than Coler Mountain Bike Preserve to see how Bentonville makes outdoor recreation special. Just five minutes from downtown, this 300-acre park includes a 20-mile, multi-use trail system, paved greenway, campground, firefly sanctuary and a cafe tucked in the woods.

Parks, trails and natural areas are at the forefront of community life and mild winters make experiences enjoyable year-round. From sports complexes and pickleball courts to wetlands and splash pads, the outdoors are always in reach.

Beyond the trails, Bentonville’s food scene holds its own on a national stage. Multiple chefs have earned James Beard semifinalist nominations year after year — an achievement more typical of culinary capitals than a city of 65,000. Internationally recognized chefs Vincent Lim (the Wolf of Wok Street) and Catherine Zhang, chose to open their restaurant, Wu Zhao, here. 

Other notable chefs and Bentonville restaurants are known for working directly with nearby farms, building menus around seasonal availability. At Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, students dive into artisanal techniques, fermentation and sustainability. Food trucks and fine dining alike reflect the city's mix of global flavor and Southern roots.

The Bentonville art scene defies expectations. At its heart is Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a 120-acre campus with artwork spanning five centuries and free general admission. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshie Safdie, the museum spans natural spring-fed ponds amid wooded hillsides. Its grounds welcome visitors with trails, outdoor sculptures and a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Just down the road, a repurposed cheese factory houses the Momentary, a contemporary art space with a coffee bar, indoor and outdoor concert stages and a massive neon sign proclaiming “You Belong Here.” Murals and large sculptures animate the streets throughout the city.

Add in a climbing gym, children’s museum, the world’s first bikeable building, Native American museum, the Walmart Museum and the new Walmart headquarters campus that includes restaurants and retail, and it’s clear Bentonville is more than a day trip.

Northwest Arkansas National Airport, just minutes away, offers direct flights to 20 cities across the country.