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The Ozarks: Bentonville to the Buffalo: 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
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The 5-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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5
days
160 km
distance
8.4 h
driving
25
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
- Transit
- 0h31
- Finish
- ~15:50
- Temperature
- 13.9°C–24.3°C
- Rainy days
- ~23
- 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
12:00
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: Tu-Sa 10AM-3PM (tours start every hour on the hour)
13:00
14:00
Step inside a restored train station that tells the story of Bentonville's vibrant past.
50 min · Bentonville
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 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11AM-10PM every other day.
Overnight here
e.g. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites · La Quinta
Day 2 Eureka Springs
- Transit
- 2h21
- Finish
- ~17:05
- Temperature
- 13.6°C–24.0°C
- Rainy days
- ~21
- Daylight
- 13.9h
10:10
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
11:15
Enjoy a short, scenic heritage train ride through picturesque landscapes.
50 min · Eureka Springs
12:15
Behold a towering statue of Christ with outstretched arms against a scenic backdrop.
50 min · Eureka Springs
13:25
Explore cool, historic caverns and capture memorable photos of unique formations.
90 min · Eureka Springs
15:35
Overnight here
e.g. 1884 Bridgeford House Bed and Breakfast · Angel at Rose Hall Bed and Breakfast
Day 3 Around Eureka Springs
- Transit
- 2h00
- Finish
- ~17:35
- Temperature
- 13.6°C–24.0°C
- Rainy days
- ~21
- Daylight
- 13.9h
09:00
Visit a serene refuge to observe big cats in a natural, spacious habitat.
90 min · Eureka Springs
11:15
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
12:50
14:35
The Rosalie Tour & Wedding Home therosalie.com
Tour a stunning example of Steamboat Gothic and Eastlake architecture.
50 min · Eureka Springs
open: By Appointment
15:40
Historic District search
Stroll through Victorian architecture, galleries, and lively street performances.
50 min · Eureka Springs
16:45
Pivot Rock search
Marvel at a unique and unusual rock formation in the heart of the Ozarks.
50 min · Eureka Springs
Overnight here
e.g. 1884 Bridgeford House Bed and Breakfast · Angel at Rose Hall Bed and Breakfast
Day 4 The Buffalo River
- Transit
- 2h43
- Finish
- ~16:20
- Temperature
- 14.0°C–24.7°C
- Rainy days
- ~20
- Daylight
- 13.9h
11:35
13:20
Buffalo River Trail search
Hike through scenic overlooks and rugged wild areas along the river.
180 min · The Buffalo River
Overnight here
Day 5 Around The Buffalo River
- Transit
- 0h48
- Finish
- ~17:30
- Temperature
- 14.0°C–24.7°C
- Rainy days
- ~20
- Daylight
- 13.9h
09:00
Buffalo Outdoor Center, Inc. search
90 min · The Buffalo River
10:45
Gordon Motel, Inc. search
90 min · The Buffalo River
12:30
Keller's Kanoes search
90 min · The Buffalo River
14:15
Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging search
90 min · The Buffalo River
16:00
Buffalo River Outfitters, Inc. search
90 min · The Buffalo River
🔍 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.