Rich in history, blessed with stunning scenery, and offering wonderful opportunities for outdoor sports and recreation, Bentonville is a city on the move. Part of the vibrant Northwest Arkansas region that ranks among the fastest-growing in the US, this charming city of almost 36,000 draws deeply from its pioneer roots and Ozark heritage. Family-friendly neighborhoods and its intimate historic Downtown reflect the city’s small-town and rural community values, yet Bentonville welcomes newcomers and supports business, and is full of excitement about the future. Be sure to check out CRYSTAL BRIDGES ART MUSEUM in Downtown Bentonville! - One of Nicky Dou's favorite new HOT SPOTS! 

Location 

Bentonville is Benton County in the Ozark Mountains, in Northwest Arkansas. It is located at an elevation of 1300 feet in the gently rolling wooded hills and deep valleys of the Ozark Mountains. Bentonville is 20 miles from Fayetteville, 77 miles from Springfield, MO, and 96 miles from Tulsa, OK. 

Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places 

In 1836 Benton County was established as the first county in the state of Arkansas, with Bentonville as County Seat. Through the intervening decades, many of them tumultuous, Bentonville has maintained its historic character and still boasts 72 historic buildings and homes within its city limits, including the well-known Peel House Mansion and Historical Gardens. 

Bentonville has become famous as the home of the founders of Wal-Mart and the site of their first retail outlet. The original Wal-Mart still stands in Bentonville’s town square, serving as a visitors’ center to illustrate and remember Wal-Mart’s history, its rural roots, and the philosophy of its founders, who exemplified the small-town virtues of frugality, hard work, and dedication. The front of the premises recall an old-time “five and dime” store, while the rooms in back form a kind of museum housing relics and mementoes marking the stupendous success of the Walton family and their company.  

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the world’s largest service and retail corporation, has its headquarters in Bentonville, and many large and small companies (including some listed in Fortune 500) have regional offices in Benton County to support their accounts at Wal-Mart. The huge Tyson Foods Corporation- the world’s largest meat processor- is located in nearby Springdale. The economy of Northwest Arkansas is booming, with rapid population growth and many new businesses being established, including high-tech and knowledge-based industries. Unemployment is so low as to be practically non-existent.