10 Interesting Facts About Bentonville, Arkansas

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For a history buff or anyone remotely interested in Bentonville, the mention of this Benton County city conjures up the image of Walmart. However, there is more to this little city than meets the eye.

Currently the ninth-most populous city in Arkansas and home to over 53,000 people, Bentonville does hold some secrets that are not obvious to a visitor. 

So if the only correct answer to ‘What is Bentonville, Arkansas, known for?’ is Walmart, then you should think again. The city has some interesting facts up its sleeve that even the savviest traveler might not guess. 

Let’s go on a journey to uncover some interesting facts about Bentonville that will have you blend in and start trading stories with the locals in no time.

1. Bentonville Has a Biker’s Paradise 

While you might expect big cities like Portland or Boulder to be meccas for mountain biking, Bentonville has proven to know its mettle —  rightly dubbed the Mountain Biking Capital of the World.

This city boasts over 50 trails that stretch over 135 miles, with more than 25 of them being award-winning mountain biking trails. It’s home to legendary trails such as Slaughter Pen, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, and the OZ Trails? 

Let’s not forget there are e-bike trails, too — how cool is that?

But if you are not a biker? You can take off your worrying hat. Many trails double as walking paths, allowing you to explore the beauty of the Ozarks on foot. 

That is an impressive effort for a relatively flat part of the country!

2. A Museum That’s Cooler Than You Think

For anyone wondering, ‘What is Bentonville, Arkansas, known for?’ Think Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. 

Unknown to many outsiders, admission is free. That’s right; this world-class art museum says, ‘Hold your money and come behold beauty.’

Founded by Alice Walton, the Walton Family Foundation provides free entry. So, once you hop from the moving truck of movers Bentonville, AR has, jump right into the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (no judgment here).

You’ll see housing works by Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. Plus, the museum is truly a cultural treasure in the heart of the Ozarks. There’s also a Frank Lloyd Wright house on the museum grounds, which was relocated from New Jersey. 

3. Bentonville Loves Its Squirrels

Alvin and the chipmunks? Not quite. 

Have you ever seen black squirrels? In Bentonville, you will. These critters are rare in the rest of the United States, but they have made Bentonville their nesting tree. 

Legend has it that some cheeky squirrels escaped from an exotic pet trade years ago; and now, they are part of the local charm. 

Sadly, they are pretty quick, and getting a snapshot is a lucky omen — it might as well be a good time to play the lottery.

4. A Movie Star in Disguise

Lights, camera, action! Bentonville is no stranger to the silver screen. 

The Bentonville Film Festival, co-founded by actress Geena Davis, celebrates diversity and inclusion in film. This event, organized by ARC entertainment executive Trevor Drinkwater, is held annually. It draws big names from Hollywood while also giving local filmmakers a chance to shine. 

As a movie buff or cinephile, you might just bump into an up-and-coming star while sipping coffee at a local café.

5. Home of the First Wal-mart

Okay, now the big and obvious one — Walmart. 

You really can’t talk about Bentonville without mentioning Walmart. For both locals and non-locals, it is the go-to answer for ‘What is Bentonville known for?’

The first official ‘Wal-mart’ store may not have started in Bentonville but the first of its kind, Walton’s 5 & 10 store has its roots in the city. 

Sam Walton opened this store first in 1950 and after recording business success, expanded to open what is now known as Walmart in nearby Rogers in 1962.

Did you know the original Walton’s 5 & 10 store is still around? Well, it’s been turned into the Walmart Museum, where you can learn more about how this small-town store grew into a global empire. 

6. The Waltons Are Not the Only Influential Family Here

If you have a quirky aversion for the letter ‘W,’ you might consider it pesky when you get to Bentonville, and everything seems to have the name ‘Walton’ slapped on it. 

From the development of mountain biking trails to even Walmart history, the Walton family and foundation certainly have left their mark here.

However, believe it or not, nobody will inundate you with the name, as families such as the Peel family played a big part in Bentonville’s history, too. 

For instance, the Peel Mansion Museum and Heritage Gardens is a well-preserved 1875 mansion that gives visitors a peek into 19th-century life in Bentonville. It’s rumored that the Peel family helped introduce European gardening styles to the region. 

Who knew Arkansas had such continental flair? Well, the Peel family did. Besides, you don’t want to miss a visit to the gardens in spring — simply gorgeous.

7. The City Has Uniquely Tasteful Public Art

Where is Bentonville, Arkansas if not the home to public art; although some are pretty whimsical. 

One of the coolest installations is Buckyball, a large geometric sculpture that lights up at night outside Crystal Bridges. It’s named after Buckminster Fuller, the guy who popularized geodesic domes. 

What is Bentonville, Arkansas, known for, if not a fascinating fusion of science and art? You need to be at Buckyball at night — it’s one way to get those shots that will spice up or light up your Instagram page.

8. Bentonville Wasn’t Involved in the Civil War — But Got Caught Up Anyway

Bentonville might not have been a major battlefield during the Civil War, but it couldn’t avoid the chaos completely. 

The town was occupied by both Union and Confederate armies, which left a lasting impact. Almost all of Bentonville’s buildings were burned, as both armies moved through and used the town for strategic purposes. 

After the battle, what little remained of Bentonville was used as makeshift hospitals to tend to the wounded. Even though Bentonville wasn’t directly involved in the war, the flames of conflict still left their mark. 

It shows that history has a way of catching up with even the quietest of places.

9. It Has an Airplane ‘Graveyard’

Pray tell, what is Bentonville, Arkansas, known for without a little spooky and fascinating spot in a non-Halloween season? 

Just outside Bentonville, in nearby Rogers, there’s an airplane graveyard at the Rogers Executive Airport. Abandoned planes sit quietly — their flying days long over. 

It makes it a hidden spot for aviation enthusiasts or those who love eerie, offbeat places. So, keep your eyes peeled around the airport if you love these kinds of things.

10. Bentonville Wasn’t Always Called Bentonville!

Surprise, surprise — before Bentonville became the lively city it is today, it had a completely different name, Osage. 

In the early 1800s, the Osage Native American tribe called this region home, and the town was originally named after them. 

However, as settlers moved in and the area grew, the town’s name changed in 1837 to Bentonville in honor of Thomas Hart Benton. He was a U.S. senator from Missouri who advocated for westward expansion and the statehood of Arkansas.

A fascinating twist in the history of Bentonville, Arkansas, is that Thomas Hart Benton never even visited Bentonville. Still, his influence on the region’s growth was enough for locals to bestow the city and County with his name. 

Conclusion — The Bentonville Facts

What is Bentonville, Arkansas, known for? 

History, art, mountain biking, a film festival, a world-class museum, and squirrels — you name it. Bentonville, Arkansas, is a city packed with surprises. 

While obvious places like Walmart, which is currently headquartered in the city, make it stand out, numerous other local facts add to its charm.

If you have concerns that your time in Bentonville will be boring, you might want to do away with that thought. Ditch the big cities and come see for yourself what the rave of Bentonville is all about.