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Arkansas Ozarks: Bentonville to Buffalo National River: 3-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 3-day version for May: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go.

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3
days
160 km
distance
6.3 h
driving
16
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Before you go · check live details

This is a planning draft. Check these changing details for your dates before booking or travelling.

Day 1 Bentonville

6 curated stops
Transit
0h32
Finish
~15:50
Temperature
13.9°C–24.3°C
Rainy days
~23
Daylight
13.9h
09:00
Bentonville public art-and-history circuit bentonvillear.com map ↗
Use public art, town and museum-area heritage subject to current site opening; cycling and brewery visits remain separate.
50 min · Bentonville · Public areas; confirm current admission and opening before entry
10:00
The Momentary themomentary.org read more map ↗
Discover contemporary art in a vibrant, ever-changing exhibition space.
50 min · Bentonville · Free
open: Sun-Tue Wed 10AM-6PM; Thu Fri Sat 10AM-8PM
11:00
Scott Family Amazeum amazeum.org read more map ↗
Children can discover interactive STEAM exhibits that spark curiosity and creativity in a fun, hands-on space.
50 min · Bentonville · Adults & kids $9.50, under 2 free
12:00
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art crystalbridges.org read more map ↗
Explore stunning American art in a spacious, modern museum setting.
50 min · Bentonville · Free, temporary exhibits $15
open: M W 11-6PM, Th F 11AM-8PM, Sa Su 10Am-6PM. Tu closed. Trails/grounds: sunrise-sunset
13:00
Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens peelcompton.org read more map ↗
Wander through beautifully preserved rooms and lush gardens in a historic colonial mansion.
50 min · Bentonville · Adults $5 plus tax, children (6-12) $2 plus tax, Under 6 free
open: Tue-Sat 10AM-3PM (tours start every hour on the hour)
14:00
Museum of Native American History monah.org read more map ↗
Explore ancient artifacts and rich traditions of Native American cultures in an engaging, accessible setting.
50 min · Bentonville · Free
open: Tue-Sat 11AM-5PM
14:50
Gusano's Pizzeria gusanos.pizza
Savor the rich flavors of authentic Chicago-style pizza in a lively atmosphere.
60 min · Bentonville
open: 11AM-11PM on Thu, Fri, and Sat, 11AM-10PM every other day.
Overnight here
e.g. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites · La Quinta
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 2 Eureka Springs

6 curated stops
Transit
2h54
Finish
~17:50
Temperature
13.6°C–24.0°C
Rainy days
~21
Daylight
13.9h
10:40
Eureka Springs public hillside-and-architecture circuit eurekaspringsar.gov map ↗
Use public historic-district, springs and architecture access; rail rides, shows, caves and animal attractions remain separate.
50 min · Eureka Springs · Public areas; confirm current admission and opening before entry
11:40
Christ of the Ozarks greatpassionplay.org read more map ↗
Behold a towering statue of Christ with outstretched arms against a scenic backdrop.
50 min · Eureka Springs
12:50
Thorncrown Chapel thorncrown.com read more map ↗
Admire an airy, glass-walled chapel designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones.
50 min · Eureka Springs · Free (donations optional)
open: 9AM–5PM daily Apr–Nov; 11AM–4PM daily Mar, Dec; closed Jan–Feb. May close early for special events
14:10
Onyx Cave onyxcaveeurekasprings.com read more map ↗
Explore cool, historic caverns and capture memorable photos of unique formations.
90 min · Eureka Springs
15:55
The Rosalie Tour & Wedding Home therosalie.com
Tour a stunning example of Steamboat Gothic and Eastlake architecture.
50 min · Eureka Springs
open: By Appointment
17:00
Historic District search
Stroll through Victorian architecture, galleries, and lively street performances.
50 min · Eureka Springs
Overnight here
e.g. 1884 Bridgeford House Bed and Breakfast · Angel at Rose Hall Bed and Breakfast
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 3 The Buffalo River

3 curated stops
Transit
2h54
Finish
~15:15
Temperature
14.0°C–24.7°C
Rainy days
~20
Daylight
13.9h
11:45
Buffalo National River public river-and-heritage circuit nps.gov map ↗
Use open public river overlooks, heritage and suitable access points after checking roads and water; no float or shuttle is assumed.
50 min · The Buffalo River · Public areas; confirm current admission and opening before entry
12:45
Buffalo National River public trail-and-overlook circuit nps.gov map ↗
Use a suitable open NPS trail and overlook after checking weather, trailheads, unpaved roads and low-water crossings; outfitters remain separate.
50 min · The Buffalo River · Public areas; confirm current admission and opening before entry
13:45
Buffalo National River search map ↗
Experience both swift and calm stretches of this free-flowing Ozarks river.
90 min · The Buffalo River

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Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

Sources (10)

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