Bentonville, Arkansas, Travel Guide: Where Trails, Culture, and a Creative Culinary Scene Collide

by Marika Flatt on January 13, 2026 in Travels,
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Texans are big fans of Bentonville, Arkansas, the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World!” 

You can read more about this hidden gem in our 2021 article here. We have friends who used to live in Round Rock (Texas), who recently moved to Bentonville, because they used to visit regularly to mountainbike, fell in love with it, and just picked up their Texas stakes and moved to The Ozarks. Here’s why…

One of the many mountain bike trails in Bentonville that make it the “Mountain Biking
Capital of the World.” Video Marika Flatt.

Tucked into the rolling hills of the Ozarks — locally shortened to “Oz” — Bentonville has quietly become one of the most exciting outdoor-and-culture destinations in the country. It’s the kind of place where mountain bikes outnumber briefcases, where a paved Greenway stitches neighborhoods together, and where dinner might be served beneath stained glass windows celebrating trees and bikes.

Ride First, Ask Questions Later

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve has so many amazing trails for adventurous travelers to
explore. Video Marika Flatt.

Thanks to the Walton Family (who founded WalMart), Bentonville is unapologetically bike-forward. The Razorback Greenway and the broader Greenway network create a seamless, paved path that runs throughout the area — perfect for cyclists, runners, and walkers. Local traffic laws even embrace the cycling culture: our tourism guide told us about “the Idaho stop,” which is accepted throughout town, meaning cyclists can roll through stop signs when the coast is clear.

In Bentonville, trailheads are as common as coffee shops. Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is a favorite for both beginners and seasoned riders, while Blowing Springs offers miles of trails plus a bonus après-ride hang: the Gear Garden, an outdoor beer garden open in warmer months with live music and an easygoing vibe.

Before you ride, stop by Gearhead Outfitters to dial in your gear or get the local scoop on trail conditions.

Trailblazers Eat Well

 A Mediterranean bowl from The Hub hits the spot. Video Marika Flatt.

Locals — many arriving by bike — flock to The Hub, a laid-back brewery with bike racks out front and hearty, flavorful food inside. Mediterranean bowls, chicken tacos, and two different crisp pilsners pair well with post-ride hunger. When we visited in December, the brewery was hosting “SantaCon” — and we were the only ones not dressed for the holidays.

The flat iron steak with broccoli and cheese at The Preacher’s Son. Photo Marika Flatt.

Downtown, Preacher’s Son is a must. Housed in a beautifully renovated church, the setting alone is worth the reservation: vaulted wood ceilings, stained glass depicting trees and bicycles, and a bar where the altar once stood. Menu highlights include the Inner Monologue cocktail, flat iron steak with broccoli and cheese, a cozy Cabernet, and a classic carbonara finished with egg and bacon. Save room for the Swiss roll dessert.

Meteor Café, with locations also in Austin and Dallas, is a hot spot for a delicious brunch. Photo Marika Flatt.

For breakfast (or brunch/ lunch), Meteor Café — with sister locations in Austin and Dallas — brings Texas swagger to Arkansas. The “All Right, All Right, All Right” tuna pita nods to Matthew McConaughey, while adventurous sippers can try a maple tahini latte or the Brain Lube latte. Cycling culture is woven into the details — even the happy hour menu features a bike-chain graphic.

The Millhouse sandwich from Archies is a local fave. Video Marika Flatt

Archie’s, named after the owner’s dog Archer, keeps things casual with small indoor seating and plenty of picnic tables outside. Locals swear by the Millhouse sandwich (smoked chicken, avocado, bacon, and “shredduce”) and the Big Baller with meatballs, red sauce, and mozzarella. Don’t skip the lobster bisque or the canned Bentonville Brewing beers.

Our spread of the Spanish Octopus, Six Day Wagyu Brisket, Roasted Bone Marrow,
and the Cacio e Pepe from Bar Cleeta. Video Marika Flatt.

Tapas lovers should make time for Bar Cleeta, where the waiter wisely asks, “Do you work well as a team?” Highlights include peppery Wagyu brisket, octopus, cacio e pepe spaghetti, honey-roasted carrots, and mushroom flatbread.

Biscuits, Bowls, and Scratch-Made Comfort

The Winchester from The Buttered Biscuit is a hearty way to start the day. Photo Marika Flatt.

Breakfast in Bentonville is serious business. At The Buttered Biscuit, everything is made from scratch — from biscuits and pancakes to jams and butters. The seasonal menu shines with shrimp and grits, bacon jam, and a toffee nut latte. They turn out an impressive 350 biscuits a day, and favorites like the Winchester (fried chicken on a biscuit with sausage gravy) sell out quickly.

A variety of sushi rolls and kaizen fried rice from Junto was a crowd favorite. Photo Marika Flatt.

For something unexpected, Junto blends creativity and hospitality. Our server asked what we didn’t like about sushi, then built recommendations from there — think tuna noodles (“tudles”), rainbow forest and forest dragon rolls, Chilean sea bass, kaizen fried rice with blue crab, and fried cheese curds. Pair it with a Travelin’ Light Lager from Bentonville Brewing or a delicious wine.

Hummus and pita from the all gluten-free restaurant Confier. Photo Marika Flatt.

My personal favorite for both food and ambiance was Conifer, an all–gluten-free restaurant offering a healthy spin on comfort food with seasonal flair. We tasted dishes featuring seasonal hummus and a delightful spin on chicken & dumplings! 

Perfect spot for a morning coffee run at The Hive (located within the 21C Museum Hotel). Photo Marika Flatt.

If you’re staying downtown, The Hive — inside the 21c Hotel — is an easy morning stop for coffee and a croissant breakfast sandwich before hitting the trails.

Art, Ideas, and Unexpected Humor

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art sits tucked into the Ozarks. Photo Courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Culture is woven into everyday life in Bentonville. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art offers free admission — thanks to Walmart — and five miles of walking and biking trails through a sculpture garden. From September through early January, Time Loop transforms the nearby forest into an immersive light experience. 

The Momentary is a free to explore art space in downtown Bentonville. Photo Visit Bentonville.

Nearby, The Momentary is showcasing National Geographic’s greatest wildlife photographs through June 7 — one of my favorite exhibits I’ve experienced as a travel writer.

The Walmart Museum is filled with nostalgic lore from the successful chain. Photo Marika Flatt.

Just off the Square, the Walmart Museum is surprisingly delightful. Don’t miss the first-floor display of famous returns — like a fishing rod returned because “no fish were caught,” or a pencil sharpener that “doesn’t sharpen ink pens.” Inside, you’ll find out how and why Walmart associates are encouraged to “show their Spark”.

Stay Where the Art — and Bikes — Are

21C Museum and Hotel is full of art both inside and outside. We loved this art exhibit of vintage suitcases created into a bench outside the hotel. Photo Marika Flatt.

At the heart of downtown, 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville blends modern design with museum-quality art. Thoughtful details — like Malin + Goetz bath amenities and a bike concierge who stores your bike indoors like luggage — make it especially appealing for cyclists.

A short walk away, Marrs on Main, from HGTV’s Jenny Marrs (Fixer to Fabulous), reflects her mantra: “Trust God. Love People.” It’s a lovely place to browse home goods and meaningful souvenirs.

We’ll Be Back

Marika was delighted at finding this unique piece of art while on one of Bentonville‘s many mountain biking trails. It is an old barn that is converted with lights and music that are lit up all day every day! We are told by locals that the exhibits change throughout the year.Photo Marika Flatt.

We loved riding Bentonville’s trails, cruising the Greenway, and discovering an eclectic culinary scene that feels both grounded and adventurous. Next time, we’ll return in late spring, when tulips and other local flora are in bloom. Bentonville may be a small city — but it delivers big on creativity, community, and the simple joy of getting outside, then sitting down to a really great meal.

Watch my travel segment on San Antonio Living to see more about why we love Bentonville! 

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Cover Photo BLK ELK.

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as  Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living,Spectrum News Travel, Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime and Studio 512!  Marika spent 5 years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.