Bentonville is a lovely town in Northwest Arkansas, famous as the home of Walmart. It’s a hub of Arkansas industry, huge festivals like Bikes, Blues, & BBQ, and a renowned art museum. This affluent area is also one of the best places to visit in the state as a tourist. The town is full of top-tier tourist attractions like highly rated mountain biking trails and the aforementioned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. However, there are also a host of hidden gems in Bentonville, AR, to delight the more inquisitive visitor.
While our Travel Arkansas Blog has articles on the big attractions, this article will focus on equally fabulous but often-overlooked spots.
Hidden Gems in Bentonville, AR
If you’re planning a trip to NW Arkansas soon, Bentonville is a must-visit. The Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville metroplex has a lot to offer, from the state’s best ale trail to excellent restaurants and a slew of fun family adventures. Here are a few of the lesser-known gems.
1. The Momentary
If you’re anywhere near Bentonville, Arkansas, you’ve gotta check out The Momentary. It’s this old cheese factory turned modern art space where you’ll find everything from bold, edgy exhibitions to live music, film, and performances that are anything but boring.
You can grab a drink on the patio at RØDE Bar or Tower Bar (it’s on the roof—amazing view). Chill on the lawn during outdoor events, or grab a brew at Onyx Coffee Lab and just wander around and see what kind of weird and wonderful stuff they’ve got going on. It’s totally free to visit, and they’ve always got something new, so even if you’ve been before, it’s worth going again.
2. Museum of Native American History
Want to dive into 14,000 years of Indigenous history? Swing by the Museum of Native American History (MONAH). This free museum kicks off with a life-sized woolly mammoth named “Tusker” and takes you on a journey through five cultural periods—from Paleo to Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
You’ll see everything from ancient tools and pottery to intricate headdresses and the Sweetwater Biface, one of the thinnest flint artifacts ever found. The galleries are laid out chronologically, so it’s like time-traveling. There’s even a fun arrowhead hunt outside by the tipi, perfect for kids (or the young at heart). It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM.
3. Yeyo’s Food Truck
If you’re strolling through Bentonville Square and catch a whiff of sizzling street tacos, you’re probably near Yeyo’s Food Truck. This bright yellow truck is where it all began for the Rios family, serving up authentic Mexican street food crafted from ingredients grown on their own farm.
Favorites include their house-made corn tortilla tacos, loaded burrito bowls, and the California burrito packed with double protein, rice, beans, and a side of salsa roja. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM. You can also visit their sit-down restaurant in nearby Rogers.
4. The Witching Hour
The Witching Hour is one of the weirdest hidden gems in Bentonville, AR. It’s a horror-themed food truck, serving up creatively named burgers like the “Monster Burger” and “Zombie Burger,” along with “Freakstyle Fries.” Located at 704 SW A St., it’s open from 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM.
5. Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens
At the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, you’re basically stepping into the Bentonville of the 19th century. Colonel Peel—who, fun fact, was Arkansas’s first native-born congressman, built the house in 1875. It’s still packed with original furniture and quirky old-school charm.
The gardens are low-key beautiful, with roses, herbs, and native plants that make it feel more like wandering through your great-great-grandma’s dream yard than a museum. It’s totally free to visit, and since it’s right on Walton, you don’t even have to go out of your way to swing by.
6. Compton Gardens and Arboretum
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot just a short walk from Bentonville Square, Compton Gardens & Arboretum is a hidden gem. This 6.5-acre oasis, once home to conservationist Dr. Neil Compton, is filled with native Ozark plants, winding trails, and even a couple of Arkansas Champion Trees.
It’s one of the most popular hidden gems in Bentonville, AR for locals seeking a quiet escape or a scenic route to the nearby Crystal Bridges Museum. Currently undergoing renovation, the house will reopen in the fall of 2025.
7. The Walmart Museum
The Walmart Museum in Bentonville has just reopened after a major glow-up, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Housed in the historic Terry Block Building, the museum now boasts double the space, interactive exhibits, and a hologram theater where Sam Walton himself (well, sort of) shares stories about the company’s early days. You can also check out a replica of Sam’s office and his trusty 1979 Ford F-150. After exploring, swing by the Spark Café next door for a scoop of ice cream and a dose of nostalgia.
8. Bentonville Film Festival
The Bentonville Film Festival (BFF), co-founded by Geena Davis, is a week-long celebration of inclusive storytelling that takes over the town every June. In 2024, the festival ran from June 10–16, featuring over 75 films, including premieres and festival favorites from Sundance and Tribeca.
Beyond the screenings, there were outdoor movies at The Momentary, a festival village with family-friendly activities, and even Barbie’s Corvette on display. The 2025 festival is scheduled for June 16–22, promising another round of films, panels, and community events.
9. The Hive
Tucked inside the 21c Museum Hotel, The Hive is one of those not-so-hidden gems in Bentonville, AR, where art and food collide in the best way. Chef Micah Klasky serves up refined country cooking that gives a fresh twist to Southern classics—think pimento cheese with bacon jam, house-made paccheri with mushroom bolognese, and a burger topped with tomato jam and pickles. It’s pretty famous, but definitely worth a stop.
10. Preacher’s Son
Housed in a restored 1904 Gothic Revival church, Preacher’s Son offers a unique blend of history and fine dining. Michelin Star Executive Chef, Neal Gray, who trained at prestigious establishments like The French Laundry, crafts a menu that highlights local and sustainable ingredients.
Don’t miss the Pistachio Old Fashioned from their inventive cocktail list. For a more intimate experience, check out Undercroft, their cozy basement bar!
11. The Buttered Biscuit
The Buttered Biscuit is where you go in Bentonville when you’re craving a legit Southern breakfast. Their biscuits are next level—flaky, buttery, and piled high with everything from fried chicken and gravy to avocado and hot sauce. The Baja Verde Burrito is a beast, and they’ve even got gluten-free biscuits that don’t taste like cardboard. Two locations, fast service, and seriously good coffee seal the deal.
12. Bike Rack Brewing Co.
Bike Rack Brewing Co. is a chill spot at 8th Street Market with great beer, good vibes, and plenty of space to hang—inside or out. They’ve got a rotating tap list, local wine and cider, and it’s both kid- and dog-friendly. Perfect for a post-trail brew or just because it’s a sunny day.
13. Downtown Street Art
Downtown Bentonville is basically an open-air gallery, with murals and street art tucked into alleyways, courtyards, and even parking decks. Start at the 21c Museum Hotel—there’s usually something bold on the walls or even the sidewalks there. Then wander over to the giant “Enjoy Local” mural near Onyx Coffee Lab, and don’t miss the colorful mural wall next to The Preacher’s Son. The parking garage behind the Walmart Museum has some fun hidden pieces, too.
14. Cooper Memorial Chapel
The Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista is a beautiful, peaceful spot made from steel and glass, nestled in the woods. Designed by E. Fay Jones, the chapel is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers a serene setting for weddings, concerts, and quiet reflection. Admission is free, and the nearby Tanyard Creek Nature Trail makes for a great post-visit stroll.
15. The Way of Color
Crystal Bridges is a museum with nationwide notoriety, but The Way of Color is one of the hidden gems in Bentonville, AR that most people miss, even though it’s located on the museum grounds. The Way of Color is a mesmerizing art installation by James Turrell. This Skyspace is crafted from native stone, concrete, stainless steel, and LED lighting, designed to frame the sky and alter its perception through changing light effects at dawn and dusk. Admission to the museum and the Skyspace is free.
16. First Friday
First Friday in Bentonville is a fun monthly event held on the downtown square from 3–9 PM, featuring local vendors, food trucks, live music, and themed activities. Each month brings something new, from family-friendly events to outdoor adventures, with a kids’ zone, free bike valet, and more. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend and explore the heart of Bentonville. Check out more details on Downtown Bentonville’s website.
17. Hand-Cut Hollow Trails- Rushing Roulette
Hand-Cut Hollow Trails is one of the top hidden gems in Bentonville, AR if you’re into mountain biking. Tucked away in the northeast part of town, it’s got about 8 miles of hand-built singletrack with some tough, tight loops that make you work for it. The downhill lines are fun and technical, with names like “Rushing Roulette” that are just as cool as they sound. It’s way quieter than Slaughter Pen trails, so you get more of a chill, backcountry vibe.
Time to Enjoy the Hidden Gems in Bentonville, AR!
Alright folks, that’s all we’ve got for you. If you plan on visiting soon to scope out Crystal Bridges or ride the epic bike trails, make sure to include some of these hidden gems in Bentonville, AR. You can’t go wrong with any of these local faves!
For more excellent Arkansas adventures, take a deep dive into our Travel Arkansas Blog!