Welcome to the blog, my friend! Whether you’re a longtime viewer or new to the channel, I’m thrilled to take you on a fresh journey through Bentonville, Arkansas—our vibrant, ever-growing city. Two years ago, we went on an exciting tour of Bentonville, and today, I’m back to uncover the latest changes, new attractions, and all the amazing things happening in this dynamic town. Whether this is your first time exploring Bentonville or you’ve visited before, there’s always something new to discover!

Who Am I?

If we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Anthony Mosley, and I’m a real estate broker here in Bentonville. I help people just like you decide if Bentonville and the surrounding areas in Northwest Arkansas could be the right place to call home. My goal is to present you with the facts so you can make an informed decision about this beautiful community.

As we take this tour together, I’ll also share some interesting facts about Bentonville’s history and growth. So, let’s dive in—let Bentonville by the numbers begin!

Bentonville by the Numbers

• Founded in 1838 with just 30 residents, Bentonville was originally known as Osage, after the Osage Indians who inhabited the area.
• Incorporated in 1873, just two years after Arkansas became a state, Bentonville has a rich history, including its role in the Civil War and a vibrant apple industry—specifically the Arkansas Black Apple.
• Today, Bentonville is known as the headquarters of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, and as the Mountain Biking Capital of the World. Recently, it has even been dubbed the “new capital of cool” by The Wall Street Journal.

Since the last U.S. census in 2020, Bentonville has grown by over 14%, with an estimated population of around 62,000 people—and it’s still growing.

Things to Do and See in Bentonville

Now, let’s dive into what makes Bentonville such a great place to visit and live.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Fun

Bentonville is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The city offers 23 parks and counting, including the Bentonville Quilt of Parks, which connects the stunning Compton Gardens all the way through downtown. And if you’re into mountain biking, Bentonville is the place to be! With hundreds of miles of world-class biking trails, there’s something for every skill level, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider. My personal favorite is the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve.

Unique Venues and Cultural Spots

If you’re looking for some cultural highlights, Bentonville has a thriving arts scene. We have eight museums, including the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the 21C Museum, and the Museum of Native American History. You can also explore the Scott Family Amazeum, or the Peele Museum for a glimpse into life in the late 1800s.

Vibrant Downtown and Dining

Bentonville’s downtown square is always buzzing with activity. From festivals and farmers’ markets to seasonal events like the Christmas Parade and the lighting of the Christmas Square, there’s always something happening. When it comes to food, you’ll find an array of family-owned restaurants, with no shortage of places to grab a bite. Whether it’s Peddler’s Pub, Oven and Tap, or a local favorite food truck, Bentonville’s food scene is one for the books. And don’t forget to grab a coffee from Airship Coffee, which has several locations, including one at the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve.

For those with a sweet tooth, we’ve got it covered with unique spots like Trash Creamery, our 80s-themed ice cream parlor, and Lawrence Plaza, a splash pad in the summer and an ice skating rink in the winter!

Health and Wellness

Bentonville is also a hub for health and fitness enthusiasts. With yoga studios, a vibrant running community, and events like the Bentonville Half Marathon, this town is all about staying active. Plus, there are multiple bike shops for you to rent or buy your next ride. Whether you’re running, biking, or just taking a stroll through our beautiful parks, there’s no shortage of ways to stay fit.

Bentonville’s Growth and New Developments

As you can see, Bentonville is constantly evolving. The city is in the midst of exciting developments like Walmart’s new 350-acre headquarters, and several new hotels like Motto by Hilton and The Compton are popping up near the square. Bentonville also recently unveiled a multi-million-dollar expansion of its public library, with more than 860,000 checkouts last year alone!

While the city is booming, it’s still committed to maintaining its small-town charm with new infrastructure projects and green spaces being developed. Bentonville is working hard to be a walkable and bikable community, and it shows in the way the city is growing.

Why Bentonville?

Whether you’re moving here for work, family, or simply a change of scenery, Bentonville offers a unique blend of small-town warmth with big-city conveniences. With its mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, incredible food, and community spirit, Bentonville is a city on the rise—one that’s definitely worth considering for your next home.

— Anthony Mosley, Real Estate Broker, Bentonville, Arkansas