Any Northwest Arkansas transplant can attest to the recreational jackpot that is Bentonville. Whether you hail from another outdoorsy hotspot, a big city, or a small rural town, there’s no denying the top-shelf options available locally for the leisure outdoorsman, wildlife enthusiast, or adrenaline athlete. Some of the options that spoil us are thanks to the stewardship of the Peel Compton Foundation. The organization’s diverse catalog of properties pays homage to Bentonville culture and the natural beauty of the Ozarks, all of which can be seamlessly incorporated into our everyday lives. Explore one of these Peel Compton Foundation properties any day of the week.
Peel Compton Foundation
www.PeelCompton.org
info@peelcompton.org
479.254.3870
Compton Gardens
312 N Main St.
Compton Gardens and Arboretum is named after Dr. Neil Compton, the man who helped to establish Arkansas’ Buffalo River as the nation’s first National River. Explore six acres of native flowers, Champion Trees, and woodland animals. A walking path weaves throughout the conservation area, offering a peaceful sanctuary to all who wander.
Osage Park
700 SW 16th St.
Neighboring Thaden Fieldhouse, Osage Park encompasses Lake Bentonville for a serene 12-acre wetland ecosystem. Explore the park’s floating boardwalks and bike paths while navigating between the waterfront airstrip and family playground area before making your way to the pristine pickleball courts and friendly dog park - where you’ll often find a group of local food trucks to fuel your experience. Open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
Also near Bentonville Lake is Peel Compton's Quiver Archery Range, open Wednesday–Friday from 2 pm - 7 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 8 am - 7 pm. Admission is $20 per person; memberships are available. 1701 SW A St. • TheQuiver@PeelCompton.org
COLER Mountain Bike Preserve
2500 NW 3rd St.
Now boasting one of the biggest jump lines in Bentonville, COLER Mountain Bike Preserve offers more than 17 miles of trail accommodating all skill levels. Enjoy the creekside greenway, which winds beautifully through the preserve, stopping at The Rise [185 steps equivalent to 11 flights of stairs] to test your endurance, or Airship Coffee to refuel. COLER’s campsite is also a great option for a staycation adventure.
Peel Museum & Botanical Garden
400 S Walton Blvd.
The two-story, 14-room Italianate style home, with its hipped roof, rectangular tower, and arched windows, was completed in 1875. The accompanying building, which functions as a museum store, is an example of what a more traditional homestead looked like at the time. The land on which the Peel Mansion is built was purchased by Samuel West Peel in 1872, is decorated with expansive gardens featuring native perennials, an herb garden, an apple orchard, and more. Samuel West Peel is best remembered as the first native-born Arkansan to be elected to the United States Congress.