In October 2024, Visit Bentonville hosted Ellie Seymour, a travel writer on assignment for The Independent. We designed an itinerary that would get her around town by bicycle and give her a chance to experience all of the public artworks, museums, and natural beauty we have! 

 

Read her article inspired by her visit: “This unsung southern US city boasts world-class mountain biking, a thriving art scene – and a Walmart museum.”

 

Not a fan of planning but want to enjoy an Ozark adventure? Let our friends at 37 North Expeditions handle the details for you. They offer guided outdoor experiences for all skill levels, with options ranging from half-day and full-day trips to overnight adventures.

 

Below, you can explore Ellie’s itinerary and follow along on your next visit!

Bentonville Day Adventure Itinerary

 

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast and Greenway Ride
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at 8:00 AM to fuel up for your adventure. If you're visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the farmers market food trucks and snacks: it’s held in the downtown square during summer and fall and moves indoors for the winter.  At 9:00 AM, hit the Razorback Greenway, Bentonville's longest paved cycling path. Enjoy the crisp morning air and take in the beauty of this multi-use trail, passing by many public artworks as the trail connects you to every point of interest in Bentonville.

"With so many stunning public artworks to admire in close range, it took me almost an hour to travel just 3.5 miles to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the region’s crown jewel...."

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Crystal Bridges Museum
Arrive at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art at 10:30 AM, where architecture, art, and nature converge seamlessly. At 11:00 AM, grab a quick bite at Eleven Restaurant & Coffee Bar before embarking on a guided tour at 12:00 PM to explore an exceptional collection of American art spanning centuries.

1:00 PM: Bachman-Wilson House
Tour the meticulously reconstructed Bachman-Wilson House at 1:00 PM. Originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1956, this home offers a glimpse into Wright's innovative approach to harmonizing architecture with its natural surroundings.

 

1:15 PM - 1:30 PM: Art Trail & James Turrell Skyspace
Take a moment to reflect along the Art Trail and visit the James Turrell Skyspace, where light and space create a unique meditative experience. At 1:30 PM, gear up for your next cycling leg, heading toward Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, a must-see stop on any bike ride. Here, you'll encounter Airship Coffee at Coler, an open-air coffee shop that is only accessible by bike or foot in the preserve. 

2:00 PM: Ledger
Arrive at Ledger by 2:00 PM and explore the artwork by Stefan Sagmeister that leads you up a six-story cycling path that overlooks downtown Bentonville. 

 

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: The Momentary
Bike from Ledger to The Momentary, arriving at 3:15 PM. This art space, set in a former cheese factory, always has a unique exhibition on, hosts an Onyx Coffee Lab for that afternoon pick me up, and has one of the best gift shops anywhere in Bentonville!

 

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner & Art Walk
Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at any of our restaurants in Downtown Bentonville. Ellie enjoyed dinner at Junto Sushi, a Japanese restaurant inside the Motto Hotel. At 7:30 PM, follow our curated art walk guide featuring street art, local galleries, and an inviting community vibe that caps off an extraordinary day. Who knows, maybe your day will end up as idyllic as Ellie's:

From my seat on the busy terrace where a band was setting up, I looked up and there it was. My first sighting of a Walmart drone floating through the sky on the way to deliver shopping. And just like that, my Bentonville experience was complete.

Quick Travel Tips

 

  • Bring or Rent a Bike: Cycling is the best way to experience Bentonville.  Explore our Bicycle Resource Page.

  • Dress Comfortably: Wear layers and comfortable shoes.

  • Stay Hydrated: Carry water and snacks for your adventure.

  • Plan Ahead: Check museum and venue hours in advance.

  • Leave Room for Discovery: Allow flexibility to enjoy unexpected finds along the way.

 

Bentonville offers a perfect mix of art, innovation, outdoor adventure, and cultural heritage—all within a bike-friendly setting. Enjoy your visit!