Free Things to Do in and Around Bentonville Arkansas

Bentonville, Arkansas is the home of Walmart. There are many things to do here and the good news is a lot of it is free. From activities in downtown Bentonville to camping at the local parks, everyone can find something to do here in northwest Arkansas.

First Friday in downtown Bentonville is a great way to have fun and hang out with the locals. Parking and admission is free. There are many activities for kids and adults. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy it at Dave Peel Park along with the sounds of bluegrass music. If you play fiddle, banjo or other instrument pack it with you and join in the fun. Kids will enjoy the playground and the restrooms for First Friday are located in this park. Free Wi-Fi is available in the square. Activities begin the first Friday of every month at 5:00pm Central Time and continue until 8:00pm.

Visit the farmers market in downtown Bentonville, in the square, every Saturday from 7:00am until 1:00pm Central Time. Enjoy locally grown produce, hand made crafts, and home baked goodies. Parking is free and so is admission.

Compton Gardens is a well kept secret. Wander through the gardens and learn about native species in the visitor's center. Walk along the .57 mile trail. There is no charge. The visitor's center is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Central Time. The gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk. Guided tours are available. Contact the center for more info.

Trek out to Rogers, Arkansas and explore Hobbs State Park Conservation Area. The new visitor's center is a marvelous place to cool off and learn about the Ozarks. Sit and enjoy the view, learn about Arkansas with the interactive, digital displays, talk to one of the very knowledgeable park staff, and see what the caves in Arkansas look like. While at Hobbs, take a walk on the easily accessible Van Winkle Trail (handicap accessible) and learn about the Van Winkle family and the park. Bring bikes or horses and have fun on the Hidden Diversity Trail system. Most of the trails are open at the time of this article, check with the park to be sure. Another fun activity is primitive camping. This is totally free, just register with the park. Drive to the Pigeon Roost Trailhead and hike to one of the campsites and enjoy a night in the wilderness. Bring your own gear, including a camera. The views are spectacular.

Just a short drive from Bentonville is Devils Den State Park. Here one can hike many of the trails, explore the caves and crevices, ride mountain bikes, or cool off with a hike through the Lee Creek Trail which brings one through the creek on the return loop. See a slideshow of the Devils Den Trail here.

A drive to Prairie Grove Battlefield is in order. Walk the two mile interactive trail, pick apples in the fall, picnic at the shelter and let the kids run on the playground. Explore the buildings; check the visitor's center for free guided tour times. There is a small fee to enter the museum but the rest of the park, including parking is free. Finally, take a driving (or biking) tour through the park and the surrounding area. A free printed guide is available for the asking. The driving tour in an air conditioned car is great during the hot weather.

Tanyard Creek is another outdoor activity that is free. Visit the cave and the waterfall. Bring the dog if desired. It's a great time for all.

Lake Bella Vista is another popular walking trail. Dogs are welcome. A playground is available for kids and fishing in the lake is permitted.

Take the pooch for a day in the park at Bentonville's Bark Park. Located just off route 72, the concept for this park started as one kids Girl Scout project. There are several areas for Fido to play in, including an agility run. While at the Bark Park, take a bike ride, roller blade, or walk along the five mile walking trail. Dogs are welcome on the trail, high energy dogs will appreciate the walk before playing in the park.

Finally, visit the Charlie B. Craig State Fish Hatchery on Fish Hatchery Rd., in Centerton. Admission is free; bring a picnic lunch and a camera. Walk along the ponds and view the abundant wildlife. Sorry no dogs allowed here. For more info call the hatchery at 1-877-795-2470

This is just a sampling of all of the free and fun things to do in and around Bentonville, Arkansas. Come by and visit us sometime soon!