Top 13 Attractions and Activities in Centerton, Arkansas

Located in northwest Arkansas’ Benton County, Centerton is a small town that has witnessed significant growth in recent years; since the early ’90s, its population has expanded from merely a few hundred to over 12,000.

Its proximity to the neighboring states of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas makes it an ideal location for day trips, serving as an excellent base to explore all that the region offers.

The area is rich with natural, historical, cultural, and artistic sites and venues, ensuring a plethora of engaging and educational activities to enjoy.

Below are 13 of the most captivating activities to engage in while visiting Centerton.

1. Do Some Caving

The limestone formations beneath northwest Arkansas have been sculpted by water over millennia, resulting in a network of caves and grottos that present captivating experiences for visitors, especially those without a fear of confined spaces.

War Eagle Cavern near Beaver Lake is the nearest option to Centerton and offers guided tours. The visit is reasonably priced and enriched by a compelling historical narrative alongside its impressive geological features.

Blanchard Springs is also accessible from Centerton and provides guided tours through its spectacular caverns, administered by the U.S. Forest Service.

2. Centerton Farmer’s Market

During the warmer months, Centerton’s Farmer’s Market operates every Saturday at City Hall Park on Main Street in the downtown area.

The market showcases a diverse range of locally grown and crafted products, including fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, arts and crafts, wellness products, and a variety of prepared foods such as honey, salsa, and apple butter.

It serves as both a shopping experience and a social gathering, making it an excellent opportunity to connect with locals while supporting the community. Taking time to explore the market is highly recommended.

3. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville uniquely merges the beauty of nature with architecturally stunning manmade structures, offering an aesthetically pleasing environment.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of American art representative of various regions, periods, and mediums.

In addition to its permanent collections, the museum features temporary exhibitions and offers educational courses at various times throughout the year. It is advisable to check their website for current offerings.

With both indoor and outdoor spaces to explore, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear.

4. The Walmart Museum

It is intriguing to contemplate whether Sam Walton envisioned the immense retail enterprise he would establish when he initially opened modest five-and-dime stores in rural Arkansas decades ago.

Regardless of personal opinions, Walmart has a notable history beginning in Bentonville in the early ’50s.

Walton aimed to offer everyday working individuals access to desired goods at competitive prices, a vision he largely realized, and the museum provides insights into the compelling history that facilitated this success.

A gallery and café are also located on-site, enhancing the visitor experience.

5. The Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens

In the 1870s, Samuel West Peel erected a stately Italian villa-style residence on the outskirts of Bentonville.

The surrounding grounds initially encompassed nearly 200 acres, largely designated for apple orchards.

Today, the manor has been converted into a museum and garden, appealing to history enthusiasts and horticulture aficionados alike.

Guided tours are available for those interested, while a Civil War-era cabin and a gift shop are also located on-site. This venue stands as one of Bentonville’s most frequented and well-preserved historic locations, making it a must-visit site.

6. Daisy Airgun Museum

For many young boys in rural America, Daisy Airguns served as an introduction to firearms.

While they were training devices, the mere sight of that long box under the holiday tree thrilled many children.

The narrative surrounding Daisy Airguns is captivating, making the Daisy Airgun Museum an intriguing destination for those who appreciate quirky aspects of Americana.

This museum is easily accessible, affordably priced, and offers insights into the company’s history and the evolution of its products.

Visitors may find some of the humorous vintage advertisements amusing.

7. Rogers Aquatics Center

The Rogers Aquatic Center is akin to a resort for children, meticulously crafted with an extensive array of amenities.

Spanning three acres, it includes leisure and competitive swimming pools, children’s pools, a splash pad, water slides, and a 40-foot main slide.

For parents preferring to observe, there are numerous shaded seating areas available. Summer days in Arkansas can become quite hot and humid, so it is advisable to bring swimwear and flip-flops.

Peak times can become crowded, so for a more tranquil experience, consider visiting during weekdays.

8. Museum of Native American History

Prior to the European settlement of Bentonville, Rogers, and Centerton, these areas were inhabited by Native Americans, who expertly adapted to the often challenging landscape.

The Museum of Native American History in Bentonville features displays, artifacts, and exhibits showcasing tools, weapons, and household items from the 14,000 years preceding settlement.

Each area of the museum represents a distinct historical period, ensuring an enjoyable and enlightening visit, with several interactive displays particularly appealing to younger audiences.

The museum boasts low admission costs and is conveniently located near downtown Bentonville.

9. Rogers Little Theater

To date, there is no known Rogers Big Theater, thus attendees may content themselves with the unique Rogers Little Theater.

This historic venue serves as a vibrant spot for local theatrical productions, with many past attendees remarking on the professional quality of the performances, especially given the town’s size.

In comparison to Broadway’s high ticket prices, the admission for this theater is remarkably affordable. Locals may even recognize friends and neighbors performing on stage.

Thus, it presents an enjoyable and family-friendly entertainment option that should not be overlooked.

10. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House

Perceptions of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House vary significantly; some describe it as a damp and unwelcoming space, while others regard it as another of the architect’s remarkable creations.

The only way to determine your viewpoint is to visit the house located on the grounds of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Special tickets are required for access, but they are quite affordable. Audio guide devices are available for those preferring professional narration during their visit.

Although it may not represent Wright’s finest work, it is still deserving of a visit.

11. Slaughter Pen Hollow Multi-Use Trail System

The expansive Slaughter Pen Hollow Multi-Use Trail System, located on Northwest A Street in Bentonville, attracts mountain biking enthusiasts from surrounding states.

Covering nearly 20 miles with an elevation gain of almost 2,500 feet, the full course is best suited for those in good physical condition.

For those who prefer less strenuous paths, alternative options are also available. The system periodically hosts bike races that attract significant crowds and provide exciting viewing opportunities.

The flatter sections of the trail are particularly well-suited for teaching young children to ride.

12. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History

The Ozark region of Arkansas and Missouri boasts a rich history and pioneer culture best explored by visiting the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History.

Located in Springdale, the museum highlights the brave individuals who explored and settled this challenging terrain during an era fraught with dangers and uncertainties in food acquisition.

The grounds encompass six historic structures featuring exhibits, artifacts, and relics from earlier periods.

Boasting one of the most extensive collections of photographs capturing Ozark life, the museum houses nearly half a million images.

13. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

As the only botanical garden of its kind in northwest Arkansas, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is indeed a worthwhile destination. The gardens feature 12 unique and thematically distinct sections, showcasing both native and non-native plants, flowers, and trees.

The facilities are available for rent and host numerous seasonal festivals and educational courses throughout the year. It is advisable to check their online calendar to see upcoming events during your visit.

Consider visiting in spring when the gardens are in full bloom, offering a vibrant display of colors.