A Choose Your Adventure Travel Guide to Bentonville, Arkansas

By: Trisha Boyer

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A quaint mountain town in the Ozarks has a lot to offer.

Mountain bikers have long been drawn to Bentonville, Arkansas, “The Mountain Biking Capital of the World,” for its more than 80 miles of city trails interconnected with 500-mile award-winning trail systems that take riders on heart-pounding climbs over thick forested ridges and down steep jumps and turns. But Bentonville has evolved into much more than a biker’s town. It’s a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, acclaimed local restaurants (with several nods from the James Beard Foundation), and abundant outdoor recreation—set against the backdrop of the majestic Ozark Mountains— with a distinctly Northwest Arkansas vibe.

FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

Make Ari Bikes Bentonville your first stop before hitting the trails. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or setting out on your first family ride, they’ll ensure you’ve got the proper equipment to make the most of your day. Then pedal two miles out of town to Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, where you can zip down technical terrain, meander along the greenways alongside walkers and joggers, or find the perfect trail in between. When it’s time to refuel, swing by Airship Coffee at Coler for refreshing beverages and bakery snacks coupled with sweeping views from the second-story open-air café. If you’re feeling apprehensive about your skills, the folks at 37 North Expeditions can help. From guided one-on-one rides to group kayak tours, their experienced pros take the lead so you can make the most of your excursions.

Back in town, Compton Gardens & Arboretum is a nature-lover’s dream. Visitors can walk or bike the peaceful seven-acre sanctuary filled with native trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants that honor the legacy of Dr. Neil E. Compton, a local physician, photographer, conservationist, and founder of the Ozark Society who led the fight to protect the Buffalo River.

Where to Stay

Tuck into one of The Compton’s thoughtfully designed rooms and take advantage of their bike valet, biking concierge services, and on-site restaurants: Field Notes (all-day café), Sestina (Tuscan steakhouse), and cocktails with a view at The Eddy.

FOR THE ART LOVER

Bentonville Art Museum IC Mark di Suvero — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Image courtesy of Mark di Suvero

Art abounds at every turn in Bentonville. You’ll spot nine monsters painted on brick walls in alleyways by artist Kevin Lyons; a massive installation of two smallmouth bass comprising more than 268,947 shimmering discs by artist Stefan Sagmeister; and a bold neon display of a cowgirl in a white 10-gallon hat on the back wall of the historic Old Benton County Jail by neon artist Todd Sanders—just to name a few. There are large-scale installations on display everywhere from parking garages to the downtown square.

And then there are the galleries. You could devote an entire day to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by philanthropist Alice L. Walton. The permanent collection rivals those in much bigger cities, spanning five centuries of American artworks from early American to the present, with classic works and contemporary artists alike. Be sure to save time for the 134-acre arboretum and trails, filled with native plants and outdoor artwork, that surround the gallery, as well as a tour of the Bachman-Wilson House designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The gallery and grounds are free to the public.

Just a few steps off the downtown square, check out 21C Museum Hotel for their curated contemporary exhibitions and thought-provoking installations and videos throughout their first-floor galleries.

A couple miles outside of town, The Museum of Native American History shares the diverse stories of Indigenous cultures of the Americas, encompassing 24,000 years of history through art and artifacts.

FOR THE GLUTEN-FREE DINER

Gluten-free and -avoiding diners will appreciate Bentonville’s options. Start the morning at award-winning Onyx Coffee Lab for an impeccable latte or pour over, then stroll to Crepes Paulette for (gluten-free) crepes made with a traditional French buckwheat batter. From savory to sweet, the handheld parcels are filled with everything from spinach and cheddar to Nutella and strawberries.

Midday, make your way to the 8th Street Market, a community-focused food hub, for a tour of Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food. With its innovative programming, state-of-the-art classrooms, and on-site garden and greenhouse, it serves as a prime example of Bentonville’s collaborative spirit. For lunch, Yeyo’s, led by chef Rafael Rios, a five-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South, offers a diverse menu of dips, soups, salads, tacos, tortas, and burritos built around locally grown, sustainably sourced ingredients. (Gluten-free items are noted on the menu and allergies should be communicated to your server.) After lunch duck into Markham & Fitz for a bite of bean-to-bar chocolate—the Southern pecan is a must. And for dinner, it’s Conifer. Deep green walls and warm wood accents create a welcoming cocoon at this dedicated gluten-free restaurant led by James Beard finalist chef Matthew Cooper. From the fluffy cheddar biscuits with whipped butter to seasonal starters and mains—like gnocchi with mushrooms, Romano beans, and capers, and chicken schnitzel with braised greens—each dish is better than the last. (Check out Cooper’s new restaurant, Ryn, for a hyperlocal gluten-free tasting menu experience.) After dinner, head back to town for a pint at Stoic Brews, the first gluten-free taproom in the state.