4 Fascinating Historical Attractions Near Bentonville AR

Most of Bentonville AR was burned down and had to be rebuilt after the Civil War, so most of the historical attractions don’t reflect the city’s history prior to 1873. Apple production started in 1901, and poultry production started in the 1920s. In 1951, Sam Walton opened Walton’s 5 and 10 Variety Store in the town square, which was the start of Walmart.

Museum of Native American History

The museum actually began when David Bogle bought his scout master’s arrowhead collection. His collection grew, and he wanted a place to display it. He also wanted to use his collection to educate others about the lives of Native Americans. He founded the museum in 2006. Items were added in 2003 when the University of Arkansas’ museum closed.

Jim and Nancy Blair donated items from Southern Mexico, Central America, and South America in 2015. The skeleton of a Wooly Mammoth guards the museum entrance. The displays feature all Native American tribes from 12,000 BC to 1900. It includes items from the Paleo, Archaic, Woodlands, Mississippian, Historic, and pre-Columbian eras.

The Old Spanish Treasure Cave

The Old Spanish Treasure Cave, located in the Ozark Mountains, allegedly contains Spanish treasure left by the Conquistadors. Searches have been ongoing since the 1800s. The one-hour tour includes:

• An explanation of how the treasure was transported to the cave
• Proof that it hasn’t been found
• The current attempts to find it

Even if you don’t find the treasure, you will enjoy exploring the cave, understanding how the cave is a maze, and possibly seeing cave inhabitants.

Walmart Museum 

Located on the town square in the original Walton’s 5 and 10 Variety store, the museum offers a self-guided tour of this original 5 and 10 Variety store. It also includes The Spark Café Soda Fountain. Enjoy sodas and ice cream cones. While you are at the Walmart Museum, you can also take a walk around the town square of Bentonville.

Scott Family Amazeum

The Amazeum is a children’s interactive museum that features thirteen galleries with some historic Bentonville connections. The displays in the Amazeum include:

• The Art Studio
• The Canopy Climber
• The Cave
• The Cloud Theater
• The Emerging Explorers
• The Hershey’s Lab
• The Homestead Cabin and Farm
• Lift, Load & Haul
• The Nickelodeon Play Lab
• The Outdoor Playscape
• The Tinkering Hub
• The Walmart Market
• Water Amazements

From the grounds around the Amazeum, you can use the walking and biking trails to connect to the Crystal Bridges and Bentonville. Even though much of Bentonville was destroyed during the Civil War, many historical sites remain, including two historic residential areas. The Museum of Native American History offers a view of the history of all Native American tribes. The Walmart Museum lets you experience the store that launched the iconic chain.

To explore the 2022 vehicles that Kia has to offer, visit Crain Kia of Bentonville where you can explore our selection of new and used cars, check for our special deals, schedule a service appointment for your current car, or fill out an online credit application to purchase a new car.

Image via Pixabay.

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