Bentonville, Arkansas: Art, Trails, and the Spirit of the Ozarks
Named to the Best Places to Travel for 2026 by Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, and Condé Nast, Bentonville, Arkansas delivers world-class art, mountain biking, and a culinary scene that punches well above its small-city weight.
Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, and Condé Nast all named Bentonville, Arkansas to their Best Places to Travel for 2026 lists, and after you spend a weekend here, you'll understand why. This is a town where you can walk or bike from your hotel to a world-class art museum, wander past murals and sculptures on nearly every block, grab a meal that could hold its own in any major city, closed with a concert under the stars. Small town vibes, world class amenities: that's Bentonville.
A Big Year for a Small City
Bentonville has always been a bit of a surprise. Once known primarily as the headquarters of Walmart, it's grown into one of the country's most talked about arts and outdoor destinations, and 2026 might be its biggest year yet. On June 6 and 7, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art unveiled its largest expansion to date, adding new galleries, immersive spaces, and architectural moments that pull the Ozark forest right up to the artwork. Free general admission means the experience is open to everyone.
Ride In, Ride Out
Bentonville's other claim to fame? It's the Mountain Biking Capital of the World™, home to more than 80+ miles of trails and connected to 400+ more miles woven through the region. Systems like Coler Mountain Bike Preserve and Slaughter Pen are all interconnected, minutes from downtown, and the Razorback Greenway links neighborhoods, restaurants, and hotels, so you genuinely don't need a car to get around. The whole town is built to welcome cyclists and support an accessible riding experience.
Easy to Reach, Easy to Fall For
Bentonville stands out from other buzzy destinations. Sitting in the epicenter of the American heartland, Bentonville is a natural road trip destination for much of the central U.S., with cities like Kansas City, Tulsa, and St. Louis all within a couple hour's drive. Flying in is just as simple: Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) offers direct flights from 27 cities across the country, and it's just 20 minutes from downtown.
Plan Your Trip
Between a landmark museum expansion, a growing live music scene at The Momentary, and a food culture led by James Beard-recognized chefs, Bentonville earns its spot on the list from its own merits. Add in genuine small-town warmth, and it's easy to see why national travel editors keep coming back. Book your trip, bring your bike (or rent one when you land), and see why everyone's talking about Bentonville this year.