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The Ozarks: Bentonville to the Buffalo: 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
7.3 h
driving
14
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- ~13.9 hours of daylight in May — the plan keeps days inside a realistic window.
- Float season on America's first national river — spring water levels carry canoes past 150-metre bluffs — with dogwood and redbud lighting the hollows.
Day 1 Bentonville → Eureka Springs
- Transit
- 2h54
- Finish
- ~17:15
- Temperature
- 13.6°C–24.0°C
- Rainy days
- ~21
- Daylight
- 13.9h
09:00
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
10:00
Explore stunning American art in a spacious, modern museum setting.
50 min · Bentonville · Free
11:00
Discover contemporary art in a vibrant, ever-changing exhibition space.
50 min · Bentonville · Free
open: Su-Tu W 10AM-6PM; Th F Sa 10AM-8PM
14:15
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
15:25
Behold a towering statue of Christ with outstretched arms against a scenic backdrop.
50 min · Eureka Springs
16:25
Enjoy a short, scenic heritage train ride through picturesque landscapes.
50 min · Eureka Springs
Overnight: Eureka Springs
e.g. 1884 Bridgeford House Bed and Breakfast · Angel at Rose Hall Bed and Breakfast
Day 2 Around Eureka Springs
- Transit
- 1h40
- Finish
- ~18:00
- Temperature
- 13.6°C–24.0°C
- Rainy days
- ~21
- Daylight
- 13.9h
09:00
Explore cool, historic caverns and capture memorable photos of unique formations.
90 min · Eureka Springs
10:50
The Great Passion Play greatpassionplay.org map ↗
Witness a dramatic outdoor portrayal of Christ's Passion in a grand amphitheater.
50 min · Eureka Springs · $23.50 Adults, $10 Children 6-11, Under 6 Free
12:15
14:25
16:10
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
Ermilio's Italian Home Cooking ermilios.com
Indulge in delicious, home-style Italian dishes in a cozy, historic setting.
60 min · Eureka Springs
Overnight here
e.g. 1884 Bridgeford House Bed and Breakfast · Angel at Rose Hall Bed and Breakfast
Day 3 The Buffalo River
- Transit
- 2h43
- Finish
- ~16:20
- Temperature
- 14.0°C–24.7°C
- Rainy days
- ~20
- Daylight
- 13.9h
🔍 Check before you book
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.