11 Fun Facts About Bentonville Arkansas
Tucked away in the scenic Ozarks, Bentonville, Arkansas, is a town full of surprises! While many know it as the headquarters of Walmart, Bentonville has grown into a dynamic destination with a thriving arts scene, outdoor adventures, and a rich history.
Whether you’re into exploring trails, admiring public art, or indulging in local cuisine, this town has something for everyone. Get ready to discover some of the most fun and fascinating facts about Bentonville that make it a must-visit spot!
- Birthplace of Walmart
You might be asking, what is Bentonville, Arkansas known for? Bentonville is famously recognized as the birthplace of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer. The first Walmart store, opened by Sam Walton in 1962, still stands as a museum—the Walmart Museum—in the downtown area.
- The Mountain Biking Capital of the World
Bentonville is often referred to as the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World.” It has over 140 miles of trails, offering scenic routes for bikers of all skill levels. Some trails even weave through downtown and past art installations.
- Northwest Arkansas’s Tech Hub
Bentonville and the surrounding areas are rapidly becoming a hub for tech startups and innovation. Bentonville has become a thriving business hub due to Walmart’s global presence. More than 1,100 companies that conduct business with Walmart have established sales offices in or near the city, bringing a steady influx of new residents and professionals
- Home To Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Bentonville is home to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a world-class art museum founded by Alice Walton (Sam Walton’s daughter). The museum features works by famous artists such as Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe, and is free to the public.
- The Scott Family Amazeum
Families love the Scott Family Amazeum, an interactive children’s museum featuring hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). It’s a fun and educational spot for all ages.
- Home To The 21c Museum Hotel
The 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville is both a boutique hotel and a contemporary art museum. It’s known for its eccentric exhibits, such as penguin sculptures, and offers a blend of luxury and culture.
- Bentonville Was Originally Osage Hunting Grounds
The area now known as Bentonville was originally Osage hunting grounds. Before European settlers arrived, the Osage Native Americans, who lived in what is now Missouri, used this region as prime hunting territory. Their presence is a reminder of Bentonville’s deep-rooted history, long before it became the bustling town we know today.
- Home to a 100-Year-Old Airstrip
Thaden Field is Bentonville’s municipal airport and has been in operation for over 100 years. It’s named after Louise Thaden, a pioneering female aviator born in nearby Rogers. The airport is a hub for general aviation and even offers flying lessons.
- Bentonville Is Named After the U.S. Senator Thomas Hart Benton
Benton, a senator from Missouri, played a significant role in advocating for Arkansas’s statehood, which was granted in 1836. His support left a lasting legacy in the state, including the town’s new name—Bentonville.
- Bentonville Served As A Key Staging Area For The Confederate Army During The Civil War
Just before the pivotal Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862—fought 12 miles northeast—Confederate troops gathered in Bentonville to prepare for the fight. Although the battle didn’t take place in town, the war left a significant mark on the community.
- Despite No Civil War Battles In Bentonville, The Town Suffered Significant Destruction
Both Union and Confederate forces, along with guerrilla fighters, burned many of Bentonville’s buildings. As a result, most of the historic structures standing today date back to the post-war Reconstruction era, from 1863 to 1877.