When it comes to being cool, Bentonville is the coolest. It has fast become one of the country’s coolest towns to visit. Bentonville has been winning a lot of popularity contests in Arkansas, and we are always game for shouting that fact from the rooftops! What started as a town for agricultural products, has blossomed into a must-visit metropolis. If you love culture, music, art, museums, shopping, eating, biking, then Bentonville, capital of cool, is the place to be. Keep reading to find out why our beautiful town has become a mega hot spot (pardon the pun!).

Welcome to Bentonville, the town famous for being the birthplace of the retail giant Walmart.
Wikigringo, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Located in the foothills of the Ozark, this once agricultural mecca is now, we are so proud to say, the coolest town in Arkansas.
It at one time was highlighted as one of the South’s best cities on the rise by Southern Living magazine.
Alfredo Carrillo, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Since then, Bentonville has become attractive to many Arkansas visitors from near and far.
It is laced with art exhibits, museums, artisan boutiques...
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art/Facebook
...eclectic restaurants, bike trails, and more, offering something for everyone.
For the art enthusiast, you must check out the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art/Facebook
There are millions of dollars of eclectic art installations both indoors and outdoors at the Crystal Bridges Museum, which makes this museum a one-of-a-kind treat.
And when you’re done, take the little ones across the street for an incredible experience at Scott Family Amazeum.
Amazeum/Facebook
By far, this is the coolest museum for kids, and it's unlike any other museums in Bentonville. With over 50 square feet of interactive exhibits, your kids will want to stay all day.
For a quick bite to eat, you must check out 8th Street Market.
8th Street Market/Facebook
This food hub is a favorite spot for locals and visitors like us, of Bentonville. You’ll enjoy a wide variety of culinary delights that will certainly send your taste buds into overdrive.
In addition to the 8th Street Market, Bentonville is filled with amazing restaurants. It’s a well-recognized hub for culinary artistry.
The Hive/Facebook
You’ll be impressed with the incredible creations from restaurants like the Hive, The Preacher’s Son, and Petit Bistro.

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By now you must be aware of Bentonville Square. It’s the downtown area that is welcoming to everyone.
Downtown Bentonville Inc./Facebook
Take some time to explore the lovely boutiques, art galleries, eateries, specialty stores, and more.
And while you’re in the Square, stop by the Walmart Museum.
IndySig/TripAdvisor
It’s filled with the history of the retail giant and the Walton family behind its success. An adorable ice cream shop is next to it, so once you’re done exploring, stop in for a sweet treat.
Along with the vibrant art and food scene, Bentonville has also become a mecca for music lovers.
Downtown Bentonville Inc./Facebook
You’ll enjoy the festivals and live music throughout the year.
And if you’re a mountain bike enthusiast, then you have a reason to visit this town.
Jason Hanson/Google
It's the mountain biking capital of the world having over 28 miles of mountain bike trails, ranging in different levels of expertise. And the annual bike fest is held in June each year. The event attracts thousands of bikers from all over the country.
Of course, this town also has parks and other recreational venues and hiking trails.
Lynne Campo/Google
Locals love hiking, biking, and jogging on the Compton Gardens and Arboretum and Crystal Bridges Trail. It’s a beautiful 6.5-acre oasis in the heart of the town. Other parks include Orchard Park, Memorial Park, Osage Park, the Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Park, and more.
After you’ve explored the daytime activities, stay for the lively nighttime entertainment.
Toné Duarte/Google
There are bars, pubs, breweries, speakeasies, and more.
Known as a hot spot for bikers, Pedaler’s Pub is the place to grab a bite to eat and a cold drink. It’s a fun pet-friendly atmosphere filled with live music, fantastic pizza, and good company.
The Pedaler's Pub/Facebook
You can also check out other pubs like the Bentonville Dive and the First Seat. The Undercroft is loved by locals, and so is the Tower Bar at the Momentary.
One of the most popular attractions in the area is the War Eagle Mill.
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
Originally built in 1832, the War Eagle Mill offers tours so visitors can learn all about how they grind organic grains into flour and cornmeal, products that they still sell today. They also have a delicious café on the property. We’ve been there several times, and each time we learn something new!

These are just a few of the remarkable places in Bentonville that are part of the fabric of this incredible town. For more information, check out the Visit Bentonville website, as well as the Visit Bentonville Facebook page.

Have you ever been to Bentonville, AR? If so, what was your favorite part? Now, do you understand why we love Bentonville so much and why it has become one of the country’s coolest towns to visit? We’d love to read about your experience and thoughts in the comments section below! below.  

And here’s another amazing town in Arkansas that is fast becoming as cool as Bentonville.

If you’re interested in making a weekend trip to Bentonville, be sure to consider the Courtyard Bentonville Rogers Promenade.

For those still in the mood for more Arkansas adventures, take a look at this video for a statewide tour:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Out and About in Arkansas

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | September 20, 2023

Where can we find other fun things to do in Arkansas?

  • The Arkansas State Capitol, which was completed in 1915, is an architectural marvel and where you can watch the workings of the state government.
  • The Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock features hundreds of works of art from sculptures, to paintings, to other exciting works.
  • The historic Pillow Thompson House in Helena is a historic Queen Anne-style home built in 1896.

Read on and learn more about the many other fun things to do in Arkansas.

Where can we find the best breweries in Arkansas?

  • The Fort Smith Brewing Company in Fort Smith is a beloved spot for its beers and because it is dog friendly.
  • The Fort Smith Brewing Company in Fort Smith is a beloved spot for its beers and because it is dog friendly.
  • In Little Rock, Vino's Brewpub & Pizza is known for their tasty brews as well as their excellent cuisine.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fantastic breweries in Arkansas.

Where can we find some of the biggest attractions in Arkansas?

  • The White River Inn in Cotter is an all-inclusive lodge in perched on top of a 300-foot bluff high above the White River.
  • The Lookout Point Lakeside Inn in Hot Springs is nestled on the banks of Lake Hamilton and was named one of America’s Top 10 Lakeside Hotels.
  • The Arkansas Air and Military Museum in Fayetteville is set inside of a historic 1940s White Hangar.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other popular attractions in Arkansas.

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Bentonville, AR, USA