Step Back in Time at the Walmart Museum
Those looking for something unique to do during their stay at Sugar Ridge Resort should consider a visit to the Walmart Museum in downtown Bentonville, AR. While Walmart may seem an odd subject, the museum honoring the Walton legacy is anything but dull. Housed in the meticulously restored, 1888 Terry Block Building, visitors are whisked back in time with a wealth of fascinating and immersive exhibits.
Walmarts are now ubiquitous throughout America but that wasn’t always the case. The Walmart story has its humble beginnings in 1962, when Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, AR. Driven by a belief in offering lower prices through efficient operations and high-volume sales, Walton and his brother, Bud Walton, revolutionized retail. They gained their retail experience through a Ben Franklin franchise and then their own, Walton’s 5 & 10.
Their model, emphasizing rural communities and frugal operations, was a success. Walmart grew rapidly, going public in 1970 and expanding internationally in the 1990s. What began as a small-town family business is now a global enterprise. Today, there are thousands of Walmart stores in dozens of countries, yet the company remains deeply tied to its Bentonville roots. Because of this, visitors can still walk the same downtown square that Sam Walton once called home.
Best of all, the popular attraction is just 40 minutes from our Beaver Lake resort, easy distance for a fun day-trip!
Visiting the Walmart Museum
The Walmart Museum is located at 105 N Main Street in Bentonville, AR. Inside, exhibits trace Walmart’s evolution by the decade through archival ads, store layouts, and more. Even Sam Walton’s famous and fully restored red-and-white Ford F‑150 is on display.
Begin your visit in Walton’s 5 & 10, a recreation of the original general store where Sam and Bud Walton began their venture. This nostalgic portal to 1950s Bentonville, features vintage merchandise and classic signage of mid-century shopping, It even features the “5” from the original store!
Next, ascend the stairs to Sam Walton’s original office, preserved behind glass as it was in the 1990s. You’ll see Sam’s iconic red mug, stacks of papers, and other personal memorabilia of the business legend. Interactive screens and more than 700 artifacts help you you to explore Sam’s entrepreneurial vision.
Exhibits on the second floor bring Walmart’s history to the present and beyond. These include interactive kiosks, digital displays, special tributes, and even a holographic Sam Walton, speaking in his timeless Arkansas drawl.
No visit is complete without a stop at the Spark Café, a charming, on-site counter serving milkshakes, ice cream, and classic diner fare. Delicious and fun!
Visit the museum website for hours and more information. You can also visit the museum on Facebook.
Downtown Bentonville & Beyond
The Walmart Museum is only one of many attractions in the Bentonville area. The walkable downtown is dotted with public art, boutiques, and eateries. The nearby Crystal Bridges Trail links downtown to green spaces and arts venues, including public art installations.
Other, popular area attractions include Crystal Bridges Museum, the Scott Family Amazeum the 21c Museum, the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, and other points of interest.
What are your interests? Let us know and Sugar Ridge Resort will help point you in the right direction! See you soon!