If you’re looking for adventure, Arkansas is the state to visit. With its diverse landscapes featuring stark mountain scenery, rolling hills, serene rivers, picturesque lakes and luscious green forests it’s no wonder it’s known for being the ‘Natural state’. Of course having such a stunning topographic range there is a whole host of outdoor activities at your fingertips, whether seeking a thrilling day of mountain biking or a scenic, relaxing float down the national river sipping a cold beer. What’s more, you can make the most of what Arkansas has to offer almost year-round due to the mild winter climate.
But where to start the adventure!?
Bentonville
If you’re planning a trip to Arkansas, Bentonville should absolutely be on your list to visit. This charming town, nestled in the northwest corner of the state is a delightful blend of outdoor adventure, boasts a vibrant art scene as well as hosting many exciting festivals and events throughout the year. It really is a destination that offers something for everyone!
Stay at the Motto Hotel
Staying at Motto by Hilton Bentonville Downtown is like discovering a vibrant, design-led hideaway right in the heart of Arkansas’ cultural renaissance. With its sleek modular rooms that champion smart, space-savvy living, Motto offers refreshingly boutique feel, something Hilton hotels aren’t always known for. You’re just a short stroll from Bentonville’s heady arts district, including the avant-garde Momentary museum and the Dixon Gallery, while evenings are perfect for unwinding at the rooftop bar. Whether you’re here for a pop‑up exhibition or a laid‑back city getaway, Motto’s upbeat vibe, pared‑back comfort and pulse‑of-the‑street location make it feel a little like staying in Bentonville’s best-kept secret.
Start Your Day with a Kayak Adventure Down the Buffalo National River
No trip to Bentonville would be complete without experiencing the natural beauty of the 135 km long Buffalo National River. Known for its pristine beauty, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the surroundings is to travel on the water, whether by kayak, canoe or paddle board, it’s a scenic oasis as you float downstream! It’s debated which part is the most spectacular but with towering bluffs, tree-lined banks and the glistening water beneath you, every stretch of the river is dazzling.
The tranquillity is blissful, you can enjoy trying to spot river turtles, birds and even maybe a deer as you paddle through the winding waterway. The river is stunning year-round, but the best times to visit are spring and Autumn. Spring brings wildflowers and vibrant greenery, while Autumn offers the spectacle of auburn leaves reflected in the river. There are various spots you can rent a kayak or canoe from and various drop off points along the route so you don’t have to worry about getting them back to where you started. The river is best when it’s had a little rain, while still a fairly sedate and relaxing paddle downstream it makes the patches of rapids you encounter that little bit more thrilling!
Biking through Bentonville
A well kept secret is that Bentonville has pedalled its way to the top and is proud to be the mountain biking capital of the world! Amidst the luscious rolling hills of Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville boasts over 150 miles of world-class tracks that start right from the Downtown area, so you can be on the trails in mere minutes. From expert to entry level tracks, the two-wheeled playground is keyed up for all levels, meaning you can enjoy a gentle cycle through the trees or test out your skills on some of the more thrilling tracks.
If you happen to be in Bentonville in May, you won’t want to miss the magic of Bentonville’s annual Bike Fest, people come from far and wide to celebrate all things mountain biking. From pro jumps (the ones that just blow your mind), competitions, gear expos and just a general buzz that will have you wanting to take to the trails time and time again.
A stroll through Bentonville’s art trail
A wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Bentonville whether by foot or by bike, is exploring the public art trails. With over 150 works of art to admire from sculptures to murals it’s a delightful way to entrench yourself in the creativity the community has worked hard to stage throughout the town, making art accessible to everyone and a more beautiful town to stroll through. You’ll have to find out which art pieces are your favourite for yourself but highly recommended is the Stefan Sagmeister, Lakes and Rivers.
A perfect viewpoint for this particular piece is from atop the bikeable building. Yep that’s right a bikeable building, Bentonville is so keen on their biking culture they’ve built a building you can cycle up. It’s a little bit of fun to cycle to the top where you get a brilliant view of downtown Bentonville and the Lakes and Rivers piece. Comprising thousands of stainless-steel discs in the shape of fish, the effect of the reflected light is mesmerising, dancing golden in the sunlight and a moody silver when overcast.
Crystal bridges art museum
Founded by Alice Walton, the daughter of Sam Walton who built the empire that is Walmart! Alice wanted to make sure the museum provided an artistic hub to the community as well as visitors passing through. The Crystal Bridges art museum building itself was designed by the architectural genius Moshie Safdie and is a masterpiece in of itself, let alone the hundreds of contemporary artworks it houses, of which all the main exhibits are always free admission.
The natural look and feel of the building which melds seamlessly into the surrounding also enhances the beauty of the artworks, making the whole experience completely immersive. There is an ever changing collection on display at the museum so it’s worth checking beforehand which artworks are on display and if there are any special exhibits.
The Momentary
It hosts a variety of events including stimulating and thought-provoking art installations, live music, performing arts, cultural events and to top it all off has a unique rooftop bar with a spectacular view out over Bentonville. Whilst staying in Bentonville the Momentary hosted a fantastic photography exhibit ‘best in show’ a series of delightfully composed and captured pet portraits, the same evening experiencing a live music gig in a different area of the Momentary, the band ‘the main squeeze’ were unbelievable live and are now a firm favourite on my playlist! A dynamic space dedicated to contemporary visual and performing arts, perfect for couples, friends and family alike it’s definitely worth checking the line-up of events during your stay.
Walmart museum
If you’re in Bentonville you must visit the Walmart museum, it’s hugely popular and a fun way to see a bit of American history brought to life, housed where the very first Walmart store stood in 1962 and where Sam Walton’s Legacy began. The museum offers a fascinating look at Walmart’s humble beginnings and its rise to become one of the largest retail corporations in the world. Taking you through the critical changes of the company over the years, especially fun is seeing the retro products as well as interactive exhibits about the company’s global impact right up to the current day.
Conifer restaurant
There are many culinary delights to be had in Bentonville, but one stand out eatery is Conifer. Conifer has garnered great prestige for its creative, entirely gluten free menu, it’s an upscale yet relaxed dining destination and a haven for those with a gluten intolerance! An entirely gluten free menu meaning that it’s an inclusive experience, whether you’re gluten free or just looking for an exceptional dining experience. All the dishes prepared have such a delightful mix of textures and tastes that are quite literally mouth-wateringly good but don’t leave you feeling heavy at the end of it… Even if you do eat an obscene amount of their heavenly biscuits.
Little Rock, the Capital with Southern Charm
Heading from the northwest corner of Arkansas a two hour drive brings you to the more centrally located State Capital, Little Rock.
Boat river tour
From kayaking the Buffalo river in Bentonville to enjoying a scenic sunset river tour in Little Rock. Seeing the changing landscape as the golden light turns a stunning red hue as the sun gets ever closer to the horizon is so mesmerising. Travelling downstream away from the city centre, you pass under many funky bridges which add to the picturesque vista, separate from the buzz of city goers.
With an ice-cold beer or wine in hand, sit back and relax as Sam the owner of Rock Town Outfitters steers you downstream where the cityscape fades into the background, replaced with a luscious treeline, sandbanks and the striking quarry come mountain bike area. There’s more than one way to explore the river though if kayaking or paddle boarding is more up your street, or if you fancy viewing the river from the sidelines there is of course a cycle path that runs parallel to it.
Breakfast at Flora Jean’s
From the moment you step through the doors at Flora Jeans you know you’re on your way to feeling uplifted, the entire menu is designed to not only be delicious but genuinely good for your body, mind and soul. Devouring a plate that is not only packed full of flavour but knowing the ingredients are healing from the inside out is a rarity. From chlorophyll water to lion’s mane mushroom omelette, it’s a health lover’s paradise and a tonic to set you up for the day. Of course they’re not completely devoid of a little naughtiness and their light beignets are to die for.
Mountain Biking
Just like Bentonville, Little Rock is heavily geared towards biking culture. Whether enjoying a gentle ride around town discovering the range of sculptures and artworks dotted throughout the city or gearing up for a scramble to the top of a mountain bike run, relishing the spectacular views then the buzz of riding back down the winding trails. Hopefully you can save a Flora Jean beignet as a little treat at the top!
Little Rock High School
Little Rock High School is a prevalent piece of American history, it stands testament to the hard work and devotion of the black community in fighting for equal rights, a pivotal moment for the Black community. The story is utterly compelling and heart wrenching, retold to this day so that such injustice is never repeated. It tells the story of the little rock 7, 7 exceptional black students who fought for their place to study at the all-white Little Rock High School.
A sip of Bourbon at Rock Town Distillery
Of course Kentucky is where most of us lean to when thinking of Bourbon, rightly so too as 95% of the world’s Bourbon is produced there but it’s not the only dab hand at making Bourbon. Right in the heart of Little rock is the much loved ‘Rock Town distillery’ that has grown to be a hub for those who want to enjoy a quality Bourbon. A whole range of in-house Bourbons are on offer, everything from premium top-shelf mature Bourbons to distinctive Bourbon cocktails. Never before have I experienced sweet pea infused into a drink, as unlikely as it seems it really works! You can expect many unusual but beautifully crafted flavour combinations, and can even take a tour of the distillery.
Bill Clinton’s Presidential Library
One of the city’s most prominent attractions is the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, a tribute to the 42nd president and his legacy. The library offers a glimpse into the life of Bill Clinton with insightful exhibits about his presidency, complete with historical artifacts and documents you can wander at your leisure and take in the memorabilia and archives on display. This is a really unique experience, not only as a glimpse into the day-to-day of a president but also, when do you get the opportunity to sit in at the presidential desk in the oval office, okay it’s a replica, but fun to play president (who could resist!)!
Rogers
If your itinerary allows, a pitstop in Rogers located en route between Bentonville and Little Rock, is highly recommended. With lots to offer from live music and events, local festivals and markets, the world’s largest BB gun (definitely worth getting a snap with), awesome eateries, ethically produced and beautifully blended coffee at Onyx coffee, to unique stays.
A coffee at Onyx
Onyx coffee does things a little differently – for starters their store is an oasis of modern tranquillity to relax whilst you sip on your perfectly brewed coffee. What’s more is you know exactly where it comes from and exactly what you’re paying for. Onyx has smashed through the boundaries of secrecy and are completely transparent with their costings, so you can see how much goes to the actual grower and so on. Giving you peace of mind whilst savouring your full bodied caffeine hit.
A bite at Roots Café
Farm to table is becoming ever more prevalent in Arkansas and a prime example of this is The Roots Café, utilising produce from local farms to create soulful, original dishes that bring people together. Their pimento cheese burger is as good as they come!
Wildcat Sanctuary
If you’re looking for something a little different in terms of stays, the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs (about 40 minutes from Rogers) offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness majestic big cats in a serene, natural setting. This sanctuary is home to over 100 rescued lions, tigers, leopards, and other exotic animals, each with a unique backstory. Offering guided tours to explore their expansive habitats, observe the animals daily behaviours, and learn about the refuge’s rescue efforts to help these previously exploited animals have a truly better life. The sanctuary provides a rare chance to connect with these incredible creatures while supporting their lifelong care.
Conclusion: A Little Bit of Everything
One of the things that truly sets Bentonville and Little Rock apart is their creative pulse, with a wide array of events and festivals that take place throughout the year. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, immersing yourself in the vibrant art scene, or savouring the flavours of diverse local eateries, you’ll leave full of unforgettable experiences. These are two places you need to add to your travel plans this year.
