How Bentonville, Arkansas, transformed into an art lover's paradise
This area has long been known as a masterpiece of wild, wooded beauty. Situated on a plateau among the Ozark Mountains, Bentonville's network of nearly 70 miles of trails within the city connect to 400 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails through Arkansas's bluffs and hollers, making it an attractive choice for families wanting to get outdoors.
Once a sleepy small town, Bentonville experienced a surge in economic growth thanks to Crystal Bridges, the world-class art museum founded in 2011 by Alice Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune. The museum has attracted over 13 million visitors, sparking a thriving artistic and culinary scene in the city. This has attracted a new generation of chefs, several of whom have been nominated for James Beard Awards in recent years.
The town also believes in making art accessible, which has driven the creation of over 100 public works of art, from sculptures to murals to neon displays. Both the visitors and locals delight in creativity—whether it's a sculpture in the park or a dish placed before them at the table.
Crystal Bridges' five miles of walking trails blend effortlessly into Bentonville's extensive hiking and biking network. From downtown, the paved half-mile Art Trail—ideal for strollers—offers a direct link to the museum's grounds and a view of some of Bentonville's public art displays. Whether it's walking under a 30-foot-high spider sculpture by artist Louise Bourgeois, admiring a bronze pig named 'Stella' by artist André Harvey, or watching the wind move the stainless steel spheres of Yayoi Kusama's 'Narcissus Garden' across a pond, there's something to delight in around every bend in the road.
For those whose children are past the stroller stage, the quarter-mile gravel Crystal Springs trail takes you to the heart of the grounds, where 54°F water bubbles up from the ground at the rate of over 100 gallons a minute.
Away from Crystal Bridges, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve's 17 miles of trails are perfect for bikers and hikers — just pay attention around blind corners. Families with small children can follow the paved greenway deep into the preserve to stop for a coffee and scones outdoors at Airship Coffee.
Esther's Loop offers an easy 4.5-mile unpaved trail that winds around streams with multiple bridges perfect for biking or walking. Older teens may be up for the moderate challenge of the 3.3-mile Oscar's Loop; it has rougher terrain and some steep inclines.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the natural landscape. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, it features striking glass-and-wood pavilions that span over serene water features.
Inside, scattered throughout the spacious galleries, American artists as diverse as Thomas Moran, Georgia O'Keefe, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock mix with the museum's ever-growing collection of influential artists who aren't yet household names. Striking contemporary artwork, such as Nari Ward's 'We The People,' invites the viewer to pause and ponder on those familiar words.
Creativity flows freely at Crystal Bridges' studio, where visitors of all ages can dive into hands-on art classes. Each day brings a new craft suggestion inspired by the museum's collection, but there's no pressure to follow the plan—guests are welcome to experiment with the provided supplies and let their imagination take the lead.
Before heading outdoors, a stop at Eleven is well worth it. Bathed in natural light and overlooking the museum's lush grounds, the restaurant serves up gourmet sandwiches and salads. The roasted apple salad is a must-try.
Outdoors, check out the natural Arkansas crystals in the stone grotto near the upper pond. For architecture lovers, Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House, relocated from the banks of a flooding river in New Jersey, gives visitors a peek into his vision of a perfect "Usonian" home—comfortable, middle class living space with a connection to nature. Visiting the home is free, but timed entry tickets are required.
There's thrills for children of all ages at the Scott Family Amazeum. Conduct science experiments with chocolate at the Hershey's Lab, be surrounded by flowing, twisting, and raining water at the Nature Valley Water Amazements, and use a flashlight to follow a dark path to a cave.
Then head to Bentonville Square and take in the surrounding boutique shops and art galleries. Bike to the top of the Ledger building, a six-story building with switchbacks harkening back to Bentonville's love of mountain biking, to take in the views of downtown.
For a casual lunch, enjoy favorites like a catfish po'boy at the Flying Fish or savor the Mexican street tacos from a James Beard-nominated chef at Yeyo's. For an upscale evening, Junto Sushi offers an elegant dining experience.
(Related: 10 iconic dishes to try in the Southern states)
Abigail Singrey is a freelance writer based in Oklahoma and the owner of Singrey Communications. She specializes in travel, books, and architecture, with a passion for sharing the stories of the people and places that make the United States one of a kind.
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