Bentonville and Bella Vista offers ideas, innovation and inspiration. Art, cuisine, music, cycling and history are prevalent with a combined population approaching 80,000. Steady growth in the region is attributed to Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt and the University of Arkansas. Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas and Northwest Health are both major healthcare providers as well as top employers in Bentonville-Bella Vista. Education is another important sector represented by Bentonville School District, Northwest Arkansas Community College and the state’s flagship university (Arkansas) in Fayetteville. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 21c Museum and Hotel, The Momentary, Walmart Museum, Scott Family Amazeum and Museum of Native American History are world class and must see attractions.
RECREATION
Bentonville and Bella Vista combined have nearly 30 parks, numerous lakes, golf courses, and many miles of nature trails and scenic views for hiking and biking. In addition, numerous state parks and lakes including Beaver Lake State Park, Hobbs State Park Conversation Area, Ozark National Forest, Lake Bentonville and Bella Vista Lake. The area is also becoming host to many festivals including The Bentonville Film Festival, Bite NWA Food Festival, Bentonville Running Festival, FreshGrass music festival, and Northwest Arkansas Craft Fairs and Farmer’s Markets.Trendy hangouts like The Holler, Bike Rack Brewing Company, Louise at Thaden Field and The Hive at 21c offer a distinct local flavor.
HISTORY
Benton County was established in 1836 and the town of Osage was selected as the county seat. The town was renamed Bentonville and many of the historic structures still standing today were constructed in the 1870s. By 1901, Benton County became the leading apple producer in the country. Poultry production also became a major industry in the early 1900s and remains so today. Bentonville has transformed from a primarily agricultural community to an international destination for both business and tourism.
CLIMATE
Conditions are largely humid subtropical, however the weather is influenced by a humid continental climate. There are four seasons of weather with the Ozark Mountains protecting the area from most cold air masses. Yearly precipitation includes 48 inches of rain on average. Normally there are 215 days of sunshine in the Bentonville area.