Bentonville, Arkansas, has built an expansive public art collection over the past decade, with over 300 works citywide, spanning murals, neon signs, and large-scale sculptures. The Peel Compton Foundation is part of that public art scene, with free outdoor art across their community spaces, the majority located at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Osage Park, and Compton Gardens & Arboretum. All are free and open to the public!

Why Art in Nature Just Hits Different

Most public art lives within the infrastructure of cities: on building walls, crosswalks, utility boxes, and plazas. The Peel Compton Foundation’s collection is different. It’s placed into nature, alongside wetlands, creek beds, bike trails, and gardens. That distinction turns out to matter in ways researchers are only beginning to study.

Both art and nature independently improve mood, reduce stress, and support mental well-being. That evidence is well-established. What’s newer is what happens when they’re combined. Researchers studying programs that pair arts- and nature-based activities together have found what they describe as “distinct synergistic benefits,” outcomes that go beyond what either art or nature produces on its own. A 2022 systematic review from University College London noted that while the health benefits of nature and the benefits of arts are both well-documented, the interconnection between the two has received “scant attention” in the literature, which means places like Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Osage Park, and Compton Gardens are, in a sense, ahead of the research.

The most compelling explanation for why the combination works comes from Professor Miles Richardson, who studies nature and wellbeing at the University of Derby. His research found that it was the increased noticing of nature, not the number of visits, that explained improvements in wellbeing. And that’s exactly where art helps: “It acts as a provocation or a prompt. It makes you pause. You notice, and appreciate.”

That’s what the art at these three community spaces does. It gives you a reason to stop on a trail you might otherwise move through. The questions at each stop below are meant to help with that!

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

The public art at Coler runs along the Applegate Trail, the paved path open to both bikers and pedestrians. Start at the South Parking Lot and follow the trail in sequence, ending near Airship Coffee.

Parking: South Gateway, NW 3rd St., Bentonville, AR 72712

Stop 1: Singing Bridge

Near the South entrance, the bridge you cross is a sound installation by Craig Colorusso: prerecorded music played through solar-powered speakers. The music blends easily with wind and water, and you might not realize it’s art at all until you’re already inside it.

Ask yourself: When did you first notice the sound? Did it change how the natural sounds around it felt? Is there a song or a sound that, when you hear it unexpectedly, takes you somewhere else entirely? What does this one do?

Oversized Chair

Stop 2: shape. & Oversized Chair

Past the Firefly Sanctuary at the creek outlet, Griffin Loop’s shape. spreads across a clearing in the woods as three distinct geometric elements, which makes it feel stranger and more alive against the completely unpredictable forest surrounding it. The Oversized Chair nearby offers a more playful counterpoint. Grab a photo.

Ask yourself: The repeating frames seem to pull you deeper into the forest. Does the piece feel like it’s framing nature, or inviting you into it?

Someone and Someone

Stop 3: Someone and Someone

Continue down the trail to reach Eva Rothschild’s Someone and Someone, large interlocking geometric forms in painted aluminum. Rothschild’s work explores how negative space reads against solid material, and at roughly 13 feet wide, the piece holds its own against the tree line.

Ask yourself: Does the surrounding forest feel like it’s completing the piece, or competing with it?

Paradise Found

Stop 4: Paradise Found

At the Homestead area near Airship Coffee, Todd Sanders’s Paradise Found neon sign glows from one of two restored original barns on the property. The contrast between the weathered barn and Sanders’s lit sign is the whole idea. Sanders has created neon works at all three Peel Compton sites as well as many other locations around Bentonville.

Ask yourself: Neon usually belongs to diners, motels, and city streets. What does it feel like here, in the middle of the woods? Is there a place from your past where something out of place, a sound, a color, a sign, made it feel more alive? What was it?

Dinosaur

Stop 5: Dinosaur

Peek behind Airship Coffee to find the last piece on the Applegate Trail, Dinosaur! Easy to miss if you don’t know where to look! This is the perfect stopping point to take a rest, grab a cup of coffee, and start making your way back.

Osage Park

Osage Park packs six works of large-scale free public art into a wetland green space in Bentonville. The route loops around the lake, the prairie, and wetland areas, so you’ll end up back where you started if you are game for a long walk. If you can only make it to one Peel Compton site at dusk, make it this one, so you can be sure to see all kinds of wildlife, including the resident beavers!

Parking: Osage Park lot, off of SW D St.

Shaved Portions

Stop 1: Shaved Portions

Right next to the parking lot stands Chakaia Booker’s Shaved Portions, a massive sculpture of deconstructed steel-belted and bias tires. Booker transforms industrial rubber into dense, layered forms, and the material carries its whole history with it.

Ask yourself: Think of something worn out or used up that you’ve held onto anyway. What gives an object a life beyond its original purpose?

Neon Sign

Stop 2: Fluttering Quilts & Osage Park Neon Sign

Follow the path toward the prairie to find Greely Myatt’s Fluttering Quilts, which cuts traffic signs into traditional quilt patterns (Lady of the Lake, Tumbling Blocks, Drunkard’s Path) and rivets them to painted aluminum plates. Myatt grew up in the Mississippi Delta watching quilts on his grandparents’ clotheslines. At the fork in the road, you’ll find Todd Sanders’s Osage Park Neon Sign.

Ask yourself: Is there an object from your childhood that carried a whole world inside it? What would it look like translated into something else? Could you create your own Fluttering Quilts with this object? What would it be called?

Launch Intention

Stop 3: Launch Intention

At 25 feet long, Griffin Loop’s Launch Intention is based on the paper airplane, one of the first things we make as children. Loop describes the piece as “a reminder for all to free yourself. Set intention and launch into action and the world.” It’s one of three in a series by Loop throughout Bentonville, and one of the works you’re encouraged to touch.

Ask yourself: What’s the last thing you made with your hands just for the joy of it, with no particular purpose? How did it feel to let it go?

Garden Boats for Osaege Park

Stop 4: Garden Boats for Osage Park

Past The Quiver Archery Range, Jennifer Torres’s steel boats slowly rotate in the wind, their fins catching the breeze. Torres drew the shapes from Osage Park’s own winding paths, and for her, the boat holds multiple meanings: escape, return, utility, and recreation.

Ask yourself: These boats slowly turn in the wind, never quite settling in one direction. Is there a decision in your life you keep turning over the same way? The boats are shaped from the paths of this park, built for a place they can almost touch but never quite reach. Is there somewhere you keep coming back to in your mind?

Tall Grass

Stop 5: Tall Grass

Asia Ward made Tall Grass specifically for this wetland, growing the piece from a specific imaginative act: “I wanted to make something that made me feel like I was a wetland creature looking up through the water at the tall grass.” Stay on the elevated platform and let Ward’s piece reorient your perspective.

Ask yourself: Ward made this to shift your point of view, to make you feel small. Does it work? When you look up through the piece, do you feel more inside the wetland or more outside of it?

Compton Gardens & Arboretum

Compton Gardens & Arboretum is the most contained of the three Peel Compton Foundation sites, a mature garden and arboretum just north of downtown Bentonville. Start on 3rd Street outside the parking lot.

Stop 1: Compton Gardens Neon Sign

You’ll see Todd Sanders’s neon sign before you enter the garden: Dr. Compton in a canoe, set against a large orange sun. Classic Sanders-style Americana, completing his neon trilogy across all these three Peel Compton sites.

Untitled (Wind Chimes)

Stop 2: Untitled (Wind Chimes)

On the Razorback Greenway into the garden, you’ll find Sam Falls’s Untitled (Wind Chimes). Despite its name, Falls’s piece makes no sound.

Ask yourself: You expect sound. The name tells you to. What does the silence feel like? Does the garden’s ambient sound fill the space you expected the piece to occupy? Is there something in your life that promised one thing and quietly delivered another? Was it better or worse than what you expected?

Heartland

Stop 3: Heartland

Make a right into the meadow to find Daniel Popper’s Heartland, a large-scale sculpture of human hands holding an open heart. Popper is a South African artist who moved from painting into large-scale installation, with commissions including a Nelson Mandela memorial statue in the Eastern Cape and major festival installations across Europe, the US, and Mexico. Heartland is among Popper’s first permanent public sculptures and one of the most visited outdoor artworks in Bentonville.

Ask yourself: Popper chose hands over arms, a torso, a full figure. Why do you think just the hands were enough? The heart is open, not enclosed or protected. Does that feel like an act of courage or an invitation?

Group of Bears

Stop 4: Group of Bears & Red Clay

When you come out of the meadow, walk toward the house to find Paul Manship’s Group of Bears. In 1929, Manship began work on a bronze gateway for the Bronx Zoo that was never built, and sculpted these bears as part of that design. He later combined three individual bears on a single base. Nearby, Ed Pennebaker’s Red Clay is a structure of textured, colored glass panels in a steel frame, worth visiting at different times of day as the light through Pennebaker’s glass shifts considerably with the sun’s angle.

Ask yourself: Manship made these bears for a zoo, a place where animals are framed for human viewing. Here they’re in a garden, without an enclosure in sight. Does that change what the sculpture is about?

Before you go

You don’t have to think about any of this to enjoy these three sites. You can bike or walk past all of these without looking up, and still leave these spaces feeling better than when you arrived. That’s what nature does on its own.

But the research suggests you’ll get more out of it if you pause. Not for long, and not with any particular expertise. Just long enough to notice something: the way the mirrored cube makes the forest look a little foreign, the way Booker’s tires feel stranger the longer you stand next to them, the way Ward’s wetland piece makes the sky seem further away than it did a moment ago.

That noticing is the whole point. It’s what the art is there to prompt, and it’s what these green spaces are there to support. The fact that you can do all of it for free, on a Tuesday afternoon, with a cup of coffee from Airship at the end, is its own kind of remarkable thing.

If you’re planning a trip to Bentonville, Arkansas, you already know about the world-class mountain biking, the art scene, the food. But here’s one you might not have on your radar yet: archery. Bentonville is quietly becoming one of the best places in the country to pick up a bow, and The Quiver Archery Range at Osage Park is the reason why.

To understand just how far the sport has come in Northwest Arkansas, we sat down with Richard Bowen, competitive archer, Vegas Shoot veteran, and reigning Arkansas State Archery Champion, ahead of this year’s USA Archery Arkansas State Outdoor Target Championship, taking place June 13 & 14, 2026, right here in Bentonville. His story is the kind that makes you want to grab a bow and give it a shot yourself!

Young Bowen with scoring targets

It Started in the Backyard

Like a lot of archers in Arkansas, Richard Bowen’s introduction to the sport came through family. “When I was a kid, my granddad, my dad, and my uncles shot archery — mainly for bowhunting,” he recalls. “Watching them shoot in the yard just got me very fascinated with the bows and watching the arrows fly.” His first real experience with a bow was chasing deer, not targets. But that foundation established a curiosity that would eventually take him beyond the woods.

The shift toward competitive archery happened almost by accident. During an off-season winter, with no hunting available, Bowen tried an indoor range just to keep shooting. An employee there taught him how to score a proper indoor round, and something clicked. “I shot a round and really enjoyed trying to get my score better every time I went,” he says. “Eventually, that drive to want to get better was just as exciting as a deer coming through the woods.” It’s a feeling that anyone who visits a range, like The Quiver, might recognize after their very first session.

Bowen at competition

Chasing the Perfect Score

What followed for Bowen was years of goal-setting, travel, and relentless practice. He worked his way up from local ranges to out-of-state competitions across the Midwest, and eventually set his sights on the Vegas Shoot, one of the most prestigious indoor archery events in the world. His ultimate goal was a perfect score of 900 across 90 arrows over three days. “That seemed like such an impossible task,” he says. “But trying to accomplish that was a lot of mental focus.” He eventually got there.

The preparation behind scores like that is serious. At his peak, Bowen was practicing nearly every day, shooting double the arrow count he’d face in competition. “If the format required 120 arrows, I would try to shoot double that at least every day. I didn’t want to be fatigued when the actual time came,” he explains.

The Mental Game

Ask Bowen what he loves most about archery, and he doesn’t talk about equipment or technique first. He talks about what happens mentally, and it’s a big reason why the sport is so accessible and addictive for those who try it for the first time.

“The mental challenge of shooting a bow is a very personal experience — it’s just you and your bow. There’s no defense out there trying to stop you,” he says. “You train and practice, and then at a tournament you have all of these extra forces: the nerves, the people watching, the anxiety — really trying to prevent you from doing what you practiced. Overcoming that is what’s so cool about this game.”

He grins when he sums it up: “You could train a monkey to shoot a compound bow. But to do it on the line when it counts — those little mental hurdles, overcoming those challenges, is what really keeps it interesting.”

That challenge is part of what makes archery such a great activity for everyone! Whether you’ve never held a bow or you’ve been shooting for years, walking up to the line and finding your focus is a universal experience. Bowen even sees it translate to everyday life. “The same success you have performing under pressure in archery can apply to a job interview, or approaching someone you’re nervous to talk to,” he says. “Those skills you learn to cope with stress can directly apply to other things.”

The Best Place to Start? Right Here in Bentonville.

When Bowen first walked into The Quiver, his reaction was immediate. “Just the officialness of the facility,” he says. “It’s not just a backyard or a repurposed building. This was built to be an archery facility, and you can tell.” The wind berms, the covered shooting line, the purposeful layout — it all signals that this is a serious place, no matter your experience level.

The Quiver Archery Range, located at Osage Park in Bentonville, is the only fully-staffed archery range in Arkansas. The 70-meter outdoor facility features 20 lanes, certified USA Archery instructors, and all the equipment you need, making it the perfect stop whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned competitor visiting NWA. Hourly reservations start at just $20 per hour per person, or $50 for a family of four with all gear included.

No experience? No problem. The Quiver’s certified instructors are there to walk you through everything, from how to hold the bow to how to find your aim. It’s one of those Bentonville experiences that surprise visitors! “To have it look like a professional setting that has all the things archers need, to come and learn how to shoot safely, to learn the rules, and be familiar with the process,” Bowen says. “It’s a really cool opportunity.”

Bowen at USA Archery Arkansas State Outdoor Target Championship in 2025

A State Championship Right in Your Backyard

Arkansas hadn’t hosted an official state archery championship in decades when The Quiver stepped up to change that. Bowen entered the inaugural event and came away with the title, battling challenging wind conditions to hold on and finish on top. “That medal is still hanging where I can see it,” he says. “It has a very special place in my heart because it’s Arkansas.”

Growing up, he had looked up to a family friend who’d been the Arkansas state champion in the 1970s, and holding that same title, in his home state, at a world-class facility right in Northwest Arkansas, carried a weight that his other accomplishments simply couldn’t replicate.

Now the championship is back for year two, and Bowen is aiming to defend. He’s been watching the weather closely. “The windy conditions last year were kind of an equalizer,” he laughs. “You can practice all you want and walk in with all the skill in the world, but when the wind hits you at full draw, everyone’s fighting it equally. If the wind stays calm, I like my chances.”

Come Watch… Or Pick Up a Bow Yourself!

The USA Archery Arkansas State Outdoor Target Championship takes place June 13 & 14, 2026, at The Quiver Archery Range in Osage Park, Bentonville. The tournament features recurve, compound, and barebow divisions under official USA Archery rules.

Spectators are welcome for just $5 at the door, and Quiver members receive one free spectator pass per registered archer. It’s a rare chance to see elite competitive archery live in Northwest Arkansas, and is the kind of event that might just inspire you to pick up a bow and start your own story.

Richard Bowen’s journey began with watching his grandfather shoot in the backyard. Yours might begin with an afternoon at The Quiver. You never know — next year, that could be your name on the leaderboard!

Peel Compton Foundation Welcomes Kathleen Coughlin as Director of Development 

The Peel Compton Foundation is excited to announce the appointment of Kathleen Coughlin as the new Director of Development. Kathleen brings a wealth of experience in development and program management, having previously served on the Development & Marketing Board Committee as part of the Foundation’s Board. 

Kathleen previously held the position of Vice President of Retail Social Commerce at New Engen, where her leadership enhanced operational efficiencies through innovative marketing strategies, social media, digital advertising, and e-commerce. Her expertise aligns seamlessly with the Foundation’s goals of fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship in Northwest Arkansas. She also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Bella Vista POA. 

“I am honored to step into this role and continue supporting the Peel Compton Foundation in a new way,” said Kathleen Coughlin. “Having grown up in Northwest Arkansas, expanding the Foundation’s impact across the region is something I deeply believe in, and I am excited to help further that mission.” 

Debra Layton, Executive Director of the Peel Compton Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for Kathleen’s appointment: “We’re thrilled to welcome Kathleen; she is a wonderful addition to the Peel Compton team.  We’re excited about the skills and business knowledge that she brings to the role.  As we continue to grow our footprint in NWA and welcome more visitors to our community spaces, we need leaders like Kathleen who are grounded in our community and aligned to our mission of connecting the community to nature, education, recreation, and preservation.”

Summer is here, and there’s no better time to discover everything happening at The Quiver. Whether you’re looking to learn archery for the first time, compete in exciting events, enjoy family-friendly activities, or simply spend more time outdoors, our summer lineup has something for everyone.

From Archery Tag and the Summer Series to youth camps, tournaments, special events, and opportunities to connect with fellow archers, The Quiver is your destination for summer fun and adventure.

Featured Events This Summer

USA Archery Arkansas State Outdoor Target Championship | June 13–14

Watch some of Arkansas’s top archers compete for state titles in this premier tournament. Spectators are welcome to experience the excitement of competitive archery and see high-level athletes in action.

Father’s Day 3D Shoot | June 21

Celebrate Father’s Day on the range with a unique outdoor adventure. Families can enjoy friendly competition while navigating our 3D archery course and making memories together.

Explore Archery Summer Camp | June 22–26 & July 13–17

Designed for ages 12–16, Explore Archery Summer Camp combines expert instruction, team challenges, games, and skill-building activities for an unforgettable week of archery fun.

Mid-Summer Date Night | July 10

Looking for a unique date night? Skip the traditional dinner and movie and enjoy an evening of interactive archery activities, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs.

Summer Programs at The Quiver

Learn Archery

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your technique, The Quiver offers learning opportunities for every skill level. Try Archery introduces participants to the basics of shooting and range safety, while Intro to Archery provides more in-depth instruction on form and technique. Ongoing lessons help archers continue developing confidence and accuracy throughout the season.

Archery Tag

One of our most popular activities, Archery Tag combines the excitement of dodgeball with the skill of archery. Using foam-tipped arrows and protective equipment, players compete in action-packed games that are fun for friends, families, youth groups, and teams.

Summer Series

Join us every Thursday evening in June and July for creative archery experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From Archery Art and Archery Jenga to Battle Ships, Lawn Darts, and Relay Races, each event offers a new way to challenge yourself and have fun on the range.

Youth Programs

Homeschool Archery Club and Explore Archery Summer Camp provide young archers with opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with others who share their interest in the sport.

Competitive Events

Archers looking for a challenge can participate in USA Archery Pin Shoots and other competitive opportunities throughout the summer. Spectators can also enjoy watching top athletes compete during the Arkansas State Outdoor Target Championship!

June 2026

June 3

• Warrior Wednesday: Archery Tag Open Play

June 4

• Homeschool Archery Club
• Summer Series: Archery Art

June 6

• 3D Archery Day
• Try Archery

June 7

• 3D Archery Day
• Try Archery

June 10

• Warrior Wednesday: Archery Tag Open Play

June 11

• Homeschool Archery Club
• Summer Series: Archery Jenga

June 13-14

• USA Archery Arkansas State Outdoor Target Championship

June 17

• Warrior Wednesday: Archery Tag Open Play

June 18

• Homeschool Archery Club
• Summer Series: Atlatl Watermelon Hunt

June 19

• Community Day: Kids’ Night

June 20

• Super Saturday: Archery Tag Open Play
• Intro to Archery

June 21

• Father’s Day 3D Shoot
• Intro to Archery

June 22-26

• Explore Archery Summer Camp

June 24

• Warrior Wednesday: Archery Tag Open Play

June 25

• Homeschool Archery Club
• Summer Series: Game Night

June 27

• USA Archery Pin Shoot
• Try Archery

June 28

• Try Archery

July 2026

July 1

• Warrior Wednesday: Archery Tag Open Play

July 2

• Homeschool Archery Club
• Summer Series: Archery Battle Ships

July 5

• 3D Archery Day

July 8

• Warrior Wednesday: Archery Tag Open Play

July 9

• Homeschool Archery Club
• Summer Series: Archery Art

July 11

• Try Archery

July 12

• Try Archery

July 13-17

• Explore Archery Summer Camp

July 15

• Warrior Wednesday: Archery Tag Open Play

July 16

• Homeschool Archery Club
• Summer Series: Archery Lawn Darts

July 18

• Super Saturday: Archery Tag Group Reservations
• Intro to Archery

July 19

• Intro to Archery

July 22

• Warrior Wednesday: Archery Tag Open Play

July 23

• Homeschool Archery Club
• Summer Series: Archery Relay Race

July 25

• USA Archery Pin Shoot
• Try Archery

July 29

• Warrior Wednesday: Archery Tag Open Play

July 30

• Homeschool Archery Club
• Summer Series: Archery Jenga

Summer Hours at The Quiver

Public Hours

Wednesday-Friday: 2 PM-7 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM-7 PM

Members-Only Hours

Wednesday-Friday: 9 AM-2 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM-11 AM

RESERVE YOUR HOUR

Make This Your Summer to Shoot!

Whether you’re learning archery for the first time, competing in a tournament, attending summer camp, joining a Summer Series event, or enjoying Archery Tag with friends and family, The Quiver offers something for everyone this season.

Reserve your range time, register for upcoming events, and make Summer 2026 your most adventurous summer yet.

Most visitors come to Bentonville for the attractions that have made the city internationally known: innovative business, world-class art, and some of the best mountain biking in the country. But beyond the headlines lies another story, one that began during a pivotal period when Bentonville was rebuilding and redefining its future.

At the end of the Civil War, Bentonville was in ruins. Local accounts suggest that only a handful of buildings remained standing. According to the U.S. Census, the city’s population was modest, ranging from roughly 700 to 1,600 residents throughout the 1880s. Yet by the end of that decade, Bentonville was experiencing a remarkable building boom.

The arrival of the railroad in the early 1880s connected Bentonville to larger markets just as Northwest Arkansas’s apple industry was taking off. Residents invested in substantial new homes and commercial buildings that reflected both their prosperity and their confidence in Bentonville’s future. Many of these structures were designed in the Italianate style, a popular architectural expression of success and sophistication.

Today, Bentonville retains an impressive collection of Italianate buildings, many located just minutes from the downtown square. For those interested in architecture, local history, or uncovering the stories that shaped a community, this self-guided tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the era that helped define modern Bentonville!

What Is Italianate Architecture?

Popular in the United States from the 1840s to the 1880s, Italianate architecture drew inspiration from the villas of the Italian countryside. The style emphasizes elegance, symmetry, and decorative detail, and is often recognized by features such as:

• Low-pitched or flat roofs
• Wide, overhanging eaves that extend well beyond the exterior walls
• Ornamental brackets supporting the eaves
• Tall, narrow windows, often topped with rounded arches, decorative crowns, or hood molds
• Cupolas or towers
• Elaborate cornices and decorative trim
• Porches with richly detailed woodwork

In Bentonville, Italianate architecture became a visible expression of prosperity during the city’s post-Civil War rebuilding boom. As the local economy grew, prominent residents chose this fashionable style to showcase both their success and their optimism for Bentonville’s future.

Stop 1: Peel Museum & Botanical Garden

400 S. Walton Blvd | 1875

Begin your tour at the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, one of Bentonville’s most recognizable historic landmarks.

Built in 1875 by Congressman Samuel West Peel and his wife, Mary Emaline Berry Peel, the home reflected the optimism of a city rebuilding after the Civil War. Throughout his long life, he served as a soldier, attorney, congressman, and respected community leader. The Peel family operated a 300-acre farm surrounding the home, including more than 100 acres of apple orchards.

Italianate elements of the home include the central belvedere tower that rises above the hipped roofline, bracketed cornices, and narrow arched second-story windows, which are all original to the home.

Today, the museum offers free guided tours that bring Victorian-era Bentonville to life through period furnishings, family artifacts, and stories of the people who helped shape the city. Starting your tour here provides an excellent introduction to daily life in Bentonville during the late 1800s and offers valuable context for the buildings you will encounter throughout the rest of the tour.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
Admission: Free guided tours and garden access.

Stop 2: Maxwell-Hinman House

902 NW Second St. | 1881

From the Peel Museum, head north on Walton Boulevard to the Maxwell-Hinman House.

The house is believed to have been built in 1881 by a Union veteran who returned to Bentonville after the Civil War.

Notice the paired brick brackets beneath the eaves, the arched hood molds above the windows, and the decorative front porch. The scrollwork on the porch columns is especially distinctive.

The craftsmanship is exceptional throughout. Detailed brickwork in the cornice, brackets, hood molds, and quoins, along with the ornate porch columns, suggests that highly skilled craftsmen, possibly from outside the region, were involved in the construction of this home.

Stop 3: Craig-Bryan House

307 West Central Ave | 1875

Return south on Walton Boulevard, then head east on Central Avenue to the Craig-Bryan House, one of Bentonville’s most distinctive historic homes.

The house was built in 1875 by James Toliver Craig, whose family was among Bentonville’s earliest settlers. Craig spent two years in California during the Gold Rush, where he made his fortune as a merchant and investor in mining. He moved to Bentonville in 1852 and established a successful mercantile business. After spending the Civil War years in Cane Hill, he returned to Bentonville in 1871 and resumed his business, later turning it over to his sons as Craig & Sons.

One of his sons, Charles R. Craig, would go on to build the Charles R. Craig Building on the downtown square, another notable example of Italianate architecture.

The Craig-Bryan House is known for its irregular, picturesque design. Gabled wings and projecting bay windows give the home an asymmetrical appearance, while its tall, narrow two-over-two sash windows are topped with segmental brick arches, a hallmark of the Italianate style.

Local tradition holds that this was the first two-story house built in Bentonville! The wrought-iron balconies are especially noteworthy; they were originally part of the 1874 Benton County Courthouse on the Bentonville Square.

The home was later purchased by the Bryan family, who lived here for more than seventy years. Their daughter, Mabel Bryan, married Fred Berry, the youngest son of James H. Berry. This connection ties the house back to the Peel family: Governor Berry was the brother of Mary Emaline Berry Peel, wife of Samuel West Peel. James Berry and Samuel Peel also practiced law together when they first arrived in Bentonville in 1867.

Stop 4: Roy’s Office Supply Building

110 E. Central Ave. | 1885

Continue east to the Bentonville Square, where the commercial heart of the city took shape in the late nineteenth century. The Roy’s Office Supply Building is one of the best-preserved examples of Italianate commercial architecture in downtown Bentonville.

Built around 1885, the two-story brick building was designed with two storefronts at street level, allowing more than one business to operate under the same roof. This practical design was common in growing towns, where merchants wanted flexibility as the local economy expanded.

Look up to the second story, and you’ll see six tall windows topped with ornate metal lintels. Above them, a pressed-metal cornice with brackets and molded trim caps the façade. According to its National Register of Historic Places nomination, the building retains all of the defining features of a late nineteenth-century Italianate commercial block.

Stop 5: Bohart Hardware Building

112 E. Central Ave. | 1885

Immediately next door is the former Bohart Hardware Building, a more understated but equally significant example of Italianate commercial architecture.

Compared with its more ornate neighbor, this building relies on simpler details for its visual impact. Four tall second-story windows are capped by segmental brick arches, and a corbelled brick cornice creates a clean, well-defined roofline. Together, these elements reflect the Italianate style while demonstrating a more restrained approach to ornamentation.

The building is associated with Shannon Clay Bohart, who established the Bohart Hardware Company in 1909. You may occasionally see this building referred to as the “Bogart Hardware Building,” but “Bohart” is the correct spelling. The confusion likely arose over time as the building’s history was retold, but contemporary records clearly identify the business and its owner as “Bohart.”

Bohart also had a personal connection to the Peel family. In 1906, he rented the “elegant farm residence” of Samuel Peel while Peel spent the winter away. While there is no evidence that the Peel home directly influenced Bohart’s downtown building, living in one of Bentonville’s finest Italianate residences may have given him an even greater appreciation for the craftsmanship and architectural style that defined his own storefront!

The building has remained an active part of downtown Bentonville for decades, housing a variety of businesses and continuing to contribute to the character of the square.

Stop 6: C.R. Craig Building

113 S. Main Street

Just half a block south of the Bentonville Square stands the C.R. Craig Building, one of downtown Bentonville’s most ornate early twentieth-century commercial buildings.

The building was constructed between 1904 and 1908 by Charles R. Craig, son of James T. Craig, who built the Craig-Bryan House. Like his father, Charles played an important role in Bentonville’s development. He worked in the family business, Craig & Sons, and built a successful real estate career during a period of rapid growth.

The building’s most striking feature is its elaborate pressed-metal façade, manufactured by the Mesker Brothers Iron Works of St. Louis. Prefabricated metal fronts like this allowed small-town builders to give brick buildings a fashionable and sophisticated appearance at a reasonable cost. Look closely, and you’ll find garlands, shells, floral motifs, and classical columns incorporated into the design. Above the second story, a paneled metal frieze and decorative corbels create a dramatic roofline.

Charles Craig likely built the structure to house his real estate offices. By 1908, the first floor contained offices, while the second floor was occupied by a photography studio. Inside, a large walk-in safe installed in the early 1930s still stands. Later, the building was owned by J. W. Blocker, owner of the Bentonville Apple Evaporator, a fruit drying factory tied to Benton County’s thriving apple industry.

Today, the C.R. Craig Building remains a standout example of the entrepreneurial spirit and architectural ambition that shaped Bentonville in the early twentieth century.

Stop 7: Henry-Thompson House

302 Second St | 1890

From the square, head southeast into Bentonville’s historic residential neighborhood to the Henry-Thompson House.

Built around 1890, this two-story brick home presents a more restrained interpretation of the Italianate style. The National Register of Historic Places notes that the house is “surprisingly lacking in ornamental woodwork” for an Italianate residence. What decorative features it does include are especially distinctive: truss-like gable ornaments with deeply arched lower chords, scrollwork brackets supporting a secondary entrance canopy, and a finely detailed scrollwork balustrade on the front porch. Tall, narrow two-over-two sash windows are topped by segmental brick arches, another hallmark of the style.

The house was built by N. H. Henry, often referred to as Captain Henry. During the Civil War, he served in the artillery under Confederate General Thomas. After the war, Henry moved to Bentonville, where he helped build the city’s first steam railway and later served as Benton County Treasurer.

The house was later associated with the Thompson family, whose ownership helped preserve the home well into the twentieth century.

Stop 8: Elliott House

303 SE Third St | 1887

Just one block away stands the Elliott House, one of Bentonville’s most impressive Victorian-era residences.

The house was built in 1887 for Harry Elliott. As a young man, Elliott left Bentonville for Silver City, New Mexico, where he practiced law and acquired an interest in a silver mine. During a visit home in 1887, he sold his share, reportedly for about $500,000 at the time, and used part of the proceeds to build this remarkable house for his parents and younger sister.

The house became home to his parents, Benton County Judge Samuel N. Elliott and Jane Elliott, as well as his sisters Adeline and Pearl. Harry himself never lived in the main house. Instead, he lived in a smaller house behind the property, though he took all of his meals with the family in the larger home.

Architecturally, the Elliott House is difficult to miss. It features seven porches, deep overhanging eaves supported by carved brackets, large bay windows, and a rooftop widow’s walk sheltered beneath a bonnet-like dome. The interior was equally elaborate, with eight fireplaces, walnut woodwork, patterned floors, a wine cellar, and unusually thick sixteen-inch brick walls. The house is especially notable for its use of brick for both exterior and interior walls.

After Harry’s death in 1926, his sister Adeline continued living in the house and became a beloved local figure, remembered for giving free piano lessons to neighborhood children and for maintaining an extensive stamp collection.

Note: Some historical markers have mistakenly confused this property with the nearby James A. Rice House. The Elliott House was built by Harry Elliott in 1887 and is located at 303 SE Third Street. The Rice House, built later, stands one block east at 204 SE Third Street.

Stop 9: James A Rice House

204 Southeast Third St. | 1879

Continue along Third Street to the James A. Rice House. Built in 1879, the house was the residence of James A. Rice, one of Bentonville’s most respected attorneys and civic leaders. After studying law under Judge J. D. Walker in Fayetteville, Rice opened a practice in Bentonville and quickly earned a reputation as one of the leading lawyers in northwest Arkansas. His obituary described him as a talented attorney who devoted much of his time to helping those in need, often without compensation.

He also served as mayor of Bentonville and was elected to two terms in the Arkansas legislature, where he represented Benton County during a period of significant growth and change.

Architecturally, the house reflects the transition from the Italianate style to the more eclectic Victorian designs that became popular in the late nineteenth century. A two-story porch supported by turned columns, decorative brackets, and cut-shingle gable ends create a varied and highly textured façade. The steeply pitched roof and asymmetrical composition give the house a lively silhouette.

After Rice’s death in 1910, the home was purchased by Helen King. King was a prominent local entrepreneur who managed Bentonville’s cold storage plant and ice factory. She and her husband also operated the area’s first electric light plant and bottling works in nearby Rogers, highlighting the growing role of women and family-run enterprises in the region’s economic development.

Stop 10: Col. Young House

1007 SE Fifth St. | Built 1873

For the final stop on the tour, continue south to the Col. Young House.

Built in 1873, this house is often considered the earliest surviving Italianate residence in Bentonville. Its relatively simple design shows that the style did not always rely on heavy ornamentation to make an impression. Instead, the home achieves its elegance through balanced proportions and a few well-executed architectural details.

The National Register of Historic Places describes the house as having “a bold projecting cornice supported by paired wood brackets” that wraps around the structure and finishes the low-pitched, metal-covered hipped roof. The tall, slender four-over-four windows are topped by segmental brick arches, another classic Italianate feature.

Although more restrained than some of the grander homes on this tour, the Col. Young House captures the essential characteristics of the style and reflects the aspirations of Bentonville’s earliest post–Civil War residents.

Its survival makes it a fitting final stop. Together, the buildings on this tour tell the story of a community that rebuilt itself after the Civil War and expressed its confidence through architecture that was both practical and beautiful.

Bonus Stop: Bentonville History Museum

416 S Main St.

If this tour leaves you wanting to learn more, stop by the Bentonville History Museum, located at the Historic Train Depot! Its exhibits provide deeper insight into the people, industries, and events that shaped the city.

Bentonville Then and Now

In the late nineteenth century, Bentonville reinvented itself. The arrival of the railroad connected the town to national markets. Apple orchards brought new wealth to the region. Merchants, attorneys, and civic leaders invested in substantial homes and commercial buildings that reflected their confidence in Bentonville’s future.

The Italianate buildings featured on this tour are lasting reminders of that transformative era. Their decorative brackets, tall windows, and ornate cornices tell the story of a community rebuilding after the Civil War and embracing new opportunities.

Today, Bentonville is once again known for innovation and growth. While the city has gained international attention for business, art, and outdoor recreation, its entrepreneurial spirit has deep roots.

Take time to look beyond the headlines, and you’ll discover that some of Bentonville’s most compelling stories are written in brick, brackets, and beautifully preserved historic buildings.

Looking for pickleball at Osage Park in Bentonville, Arkansas? Osage Park is one of Northwest Arkansas’ top outdoor pickleball destinations, featuring eight courts, lessons, camps, tournaments, and open play opportunities in a beautiful park setting.

Whether you’re new to the game or a competitive player, Osage Park offers pickleball experiences for all ages and skill levels in the heart of Bentonville.

Why Play Pickleball at Osage Park?

Located in Bentonville, Arkansas, Osage Park combines high-quality pickleball courts with the energy of a community park. Players enjoy:

• Eight outdoor pickleball courts
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons
• Youth pickleball camps
• Seasonal tournaments and events
• Easy access in Bentonville
• Nearby food trucks, trails, and park amenities

If you’re searching for pickleball courts in Bentonville, Arkansas, Osage Park is a must-visit destination.

Youth Pickleball Camp in Bentonville

Explore Pickleball Summer Camp

Ages 9–16
June 8–11

Join us for four fun-filled mornings of pickleball at Osage Park in Bentonville. This youth camp helps players learn fundamentals, improve skills, stay active, and enjoy friendly competition in a supportive environment.

Campers will learn serving and rallying, rules and scoring, court movement, teamwork and sportsmanship, game strategy, and skill-building drills.

Perfect for families searching for kids’ pickleball camps in Bentonville, Arkansas.

EXPLORE PICKLEBALL SUMMER CAMP →

Pickleball Lessons at Osage Park

Train with coach Kip Lacey through weekly lessons designed for every level.

Beginner Pickleball Lessons

Ideal for new players learning the game. Topics include grips and paddle control, rules and scoring, dinking basics, court positioning, and beginner drills.

BEGINNER PICKLEBALL LESSONS →

Intermediate Pickleball Lessons

For players ready to improve consistency and strategy. Recommended for 3.0–3.5 players. Topics include dinking strategy, drops and drives, volleys, shot selection, and match play drills.

INTERMEDIATE PICKLEBALL LESSONS →

Advanced Pickleball Lessons

For 3.5+ players and tournament competitors looking to elevate performance. Topics include advanced strategy, reset volleys, offensive and defensive play, placement serving, and competitive drills and games.

ADVANCED PICKLEBALL LESSONS →

If you’re searching for pickleball lessons in Bentonville, Arkansas, Osage Park offers options for every skill level.

Pickleball Tournaments in Bentonville, Arkansas

Dam Slam Pickleball Tournament

June 6 & 7, 2026

The Dam Slam Pickleball Tournament returns to Osage Park for another exciting weekend of competition, prizes, and community.

DAM SLAM PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT →

Monster Match Pickleball Tournament

October 24 & 25, 2026

Celebrate Halloween weekend with a tournament that blends serious play with festive fun and costumes.

Great for players searching for pickleball tournaments in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Visit Osage Park

Whether you’re looking for courts, lessons, camps, or tournaments, pickleball at Osage Park in Bentonville, Arkansas offers something for everyone.

Come play at Osage Park and experience one of the best places for pickleball in Northwest Arkansas.

The answer begins with a simple choice: what fuels your fire? The thrill of the score, or the quiet satisfaction of self-improvement? 

These paths are not opposite. Many archers walk both. But choosing a primary focus can help you take your first confident steps.

The Competitive Path: Structure, Scores, and Community

If you’re energized by measurable progress and the excitement of competition, a structured pathway will serve you well. 

Through our USA Archery club, archers can follow established development tracks like JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) and Adult Achievement programs. These systems provide clear benchmarks, incremental goals, and recognition as your skills advance. 

For those new to competitions, our seasonal leagues, offered in Spring, Fall, and Winter, provide an easy entry point. With shorter distances than state and national tournaments, they create a more approachable environment to build confidence and experience. 

For those ready to test themselves further, our Virtual Tournaments connect you with archers across the country, offering the challenge of competition while staying in a familiar setting. Closer to home, our annual Arkansas State Championship outdoor tournament delivers a premier opportunity to step onto the line and see how you stack up. 

This path offers momentum, camaraderie, and the unique pressure that turns practice into performance.

The Personal Path: Craft, Consistency, and Control

If your interest lies in refining technique and building a deeply personal practice, the individual path may be your foundation. 

It begins with our Intro to Archery class, a focused, two-hour session designed to give you a repeatable shot process and the tools to practice with intention. From there, private lessons offer one-on-one coaching tailored to your body, goals, and pace of development. 

As your practice takes shape, there are ways to measure progress without stepping into traditional competition. Our Adult Achievement program offers structured milestones you can pursue at your own pace, marking improvement through personal benchmarks rather than head-to-head results. 

Our seasonal leagues can also support this kind of growth. While they include scoring, the six-week format allows you to track your development over time. We recognize personal bests within each league, so the focus stays on improving your own performance—week to week and season to season. 

Not every archer is drawn to competition… and that’s not a limitation. For some, archery becomes a way to slow down in an otherwise fast-paced world. The rhythm of the shot, the focus on breath and alignment, and the repetition of a consistent process can offer something rare: uninterrupted time to think, reset, and be present. 

Others are simply looking for something that is theirs alone, free from comparison or external pressure. In this space, progress isn’t measured against others, but against your own growing awareness and control. 

This path emphasizes precision over pressure, awareness over outcome. Progress may be quieter, but it is no less powerful. 

Walking Both Paths

Many archers find that these approaches naturally intersect. Competition can reveal what to refine; personal practice builds the consistency competition demands. 

Whichever direction you choose, remember: the goal isn’t just to hit the gold; it’s to master the person behind the bow. 

On summer nights in Northwest Arkansas, something extraordinary happens. As daylight fades, tiny flickers begin to light up the dark woods.

We often overlook fireflies because we’re so used to them, but they aren’t everywhere! In many parts of the country, these glowing summer nights don’t exist. For many visitors, seeing fireflies like this for the first time feels almost magical.

That’s what makes the Firefly Sanctuary at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville, Arkansas, such a special place. Designated in 2024 as the first firefly sanctuary in Arkansas and the first west of the Mississippi River, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve stands as both a conservation success story and a must-visit summer destination!

What Is Coler’s Firefly Sanctuary?

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve’s Firefly Sanctuary is a protected natural area recognized by Firefly Conservation & Research for its ideal firefly habitat. This designation highlights Coler’s long-standing commitment to conservation.

Unlike many conservation projects, Coler didn’t require restoration or major intervention. Instead, it earned recognition because of what was already being done right.

For a deeper look into how this designation came to life and why it matters, the Visit Bentonville podcast features a dedicated episode exploring the story behind Arkansas’s first firefly sanctuary. The episode highlights the conservation efforts, local partnerships, and the growing importance of preserving firefly habitats in the region.

A Natural Fit: Why Fireflies Thrive at Coler

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve provides the exact conditions fireflies need!

No Pesticides or Herbicides

Fireflies are highly sensitive to chemicals. Coler’s pesticide-free approach ensures both larvae and adult fireflies can survive and reproduce safely.

Undisturbed Leaf Litter

Firefly larvae live beneath the soil and within leaf litter. By leaving the forest floor intact, Coler protects critical early life stages.

Dark Skies with Minimal Light Pollution

Artificial light disrupts firefly communication. At Coler, lighting is limited to essential areas like the parking lot and nearby facilities, preserving natural darkness.

Native Plants and Fresh Water Sources

Healthy ecosystems support fireflies. Native vegetation and accessible water create a balanced, thriving habitat.

The Role of Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists

The creation of the Firefly Sanctuary at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve was driven by the passion and initiative of the Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists.

This group of trained volunteers studies ecology, wildlife, geology, and conservation as part of an intensive certification program. Beyond education, they lead community projects that make a real environmental impact.

When they realized there were no firefly sanctuaries in Arkansas, they partnered with the Peel Compton Foundation to bring this vision to life.

Their work continues to help raise awareness about the importance of protecting fireflies and their fragile habitats.

Experience the Firefly Walks at Coler

Every summer, visitors can experience the sanctuary through free, guided Firefly Walks led by the Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists and the Peel Compton Foundation.

2026 Dates:

• June 12, 2026
• June 13, 2026
• June 18, 2026
• June 19, 2026
• June 20, 2026

RSVP →

These walks provide an immersive, educational experience where visitors learn about:

• Firefly life cycles
• Bioluminescence and communication
• Habitat preservation

This is one of the most unique things to do in Bentonville, Arkansas, during the summer!

When Is the Best Time to See Fireflies in Bentonville?

For the best experience at the Firefly Sanctuary, timing matters:

• Peak Season: Late May through July
• Best Time of Night: Just after sunset (dusk)
• Ideal Conditions: Warm, humid evenings with minimal wind

These conditions create the perfect environment for fireflies to be most active and visible.

Photo by Amy Long at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

Tips for Visiting the Coler Firefly Sanctuary

To protect the habitat and enhance your experience:

• Arrive early to adjust to the natural light conditions
• Avoid flashlights, phone lights, and camera flashes
• Stay on designated trails to protect larvae habitats
• Wear comfortable clothing and insect protection
• Respect the environment—leave no trace

These small actions play a big role in preserving the sanctuary.

Why the Firefly Sanctuary Matters

Fireflies are more than just beautiful. They’re an indicator of environmental health! Unfortunately, their populations are declining due to:

• Habitat loss
• Light pollution
• Pesticide use

The Firefly Sanctuary at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve serves as a model for conservation, proving that thoughtful land management can create thriving ecosystems without major intervention.

The Ozark Spark: A Rare Firefly Worth Discovering

Beyond the general firefly experience, Northwest Arkansas is also home to something even more unique: a rediscovered species known as the Ozark Spark (Photinus tenuicinctus).

This rare firefly hadn’t been officially documented in decades before being rediscovered in the Ozark region. It’s known for its rapid flashing pattern and distinct movement through the forest understory.

While you might catch glimpses of this species at Coler, there’s much more to its story, from its rediscovery to where and when to best see it.

Full Guide Coming Soon

FAQs About Fireflies at Coler

Where can I see fireflies in Northwest Arkansas?

The Coler Firefly Sanctuary in Bentonville is one of the best places to see fireflies in the region.

When do fireflies come out in Bentonville?

Fireflies are most active from late May through July, just after sunset.

Are the Firefly Walks free?

Yes, guided Firefly Walks at Coler are free and open to the public.

What makes Coler ideal for fireflies?

Its pesticide-free practices, dark skies, preserved leaf litter, and native ecosystem create the perfect habitat.

What is the Ozark Spark firefly?

The Ozark Spark is a rediscovered firefly species native to the Ozarks, known for its rapid flashing pattern and unique behavior.

At Osage Park, your experience doesn’t begin on the trails or along the wetlands. It begins the moment you step into the pavilion.

Designed by modus studio, the Osage Park Pavilion is more than just a structure. It’s a transition. A shift from the pace of the city to something quieter, slower, and more connected to nature.

It’s the gateway to everything that follows.

EDG

A Gateway by Design

The Osage Park Pavilion was never meant to be just a structure. It was designed to be a threshold.

As Michael Pope of modus studio explains, “the pavilion really sets up the experience for the visitors… it’s a transition piece, moving from the city into the wetlands.”

From the moment you arrive, the pavilion begins to shift your perspective. It frames your entry into the park and prepares you for something different.

“It kind of prepares you mentally for a different experience… it puts you in a good mindset for disconnecting from the city and starting to tune your senses to nature.”

That sense of movement is intentional. Set beside an airport, “the pavilion derives its playful form and structural expression from aircraft wing design,” as modus studio describes.

The result is a structure that doesn’t just sit in the landscape. It guides you into it.

EDG

A Gateway to a Restored Landscape

Before Osage Park became what it is today, this land told a very different story.

As Michael Pope shared, “thousands of people drive past the property every day, and it was this kind of damp, wet, swampland that collected trash and was almost an eyesore in the community, and nobody really paid any attention to it.”

That perception could have defined the site. Instead, it became the starting point for restoration.

“By cleaning it up and bringing attention to the amazing natural resource that was there… most people… would say, ‘there’s no way… we should just fill it in and build something else.’”

But the vision was different.

“I think the vision to restore the wetlands and allow them to perform the hugely important task that they have in the ecology of the city… the amount of cleaning that it’s doing for our waterways is phenomenal.”

The pavilion does not just sit beside this system. It introduces you to it.

Novo Studio

A Gateway Through Light and Movement

That transition is felt most clearly through light.

With no opaque roof, sunlight filters through the structure and transforms the space throughout the day. Shadows shift. Brightness softens. The entire pavilion feels alive.

As Pope describes, “one of my favorite times is when there is a partly cloudy day… when the sun is moving behind the clouds, and then the whole pavilion animates from the shadows and the light.”

It is not just something you see. It is something you experience as you move through it.

Novo Studio

A Gateway That Feels Like an Invitation

Material choice plays a powerful role in how the pavilion welcomes visitors.

“The wood is all cypress… sourced in Arkansas,” Pope explains. “Having wood, people relate really well to wood… that warm color welcomes you from the parking lot.”

Before you even step inside, the pavilion feels approachable. Natural. Familiar.

It does not just mark an entrance. It invites you forward.

Novo Studio

A Gateway for Community Connection

Once you pass through the pavilion, it becomes more than a threshold. It becomes a place to gather.

As modus studio notes, “the pavilion acts as a hub within the larger park and contains a covered gathering space, restrooms, green room, and an outdoor stage and amphitheater.”

From events and performances to quiet afternoons and shared moments, the pavilion supports connection in all its forms.

And as it rises from the ground, the green roof becomes a viewing platform, offering a place to pause, look out, and take in both the park and the sky above.

Novo Studio

A Gateway That Had to Be Different

For a gateway to work, it has to feel distinct.

“I think if you had put more of a catalog building on that site, I don’t think it would set the experience as well as it does right now,” Pope says.

Instead, the pavilion was designed to stand apart.

“It’s a gateway and a marker… something that looks different, that feels different, that performs different.”

It signals, clearly and immediately, that you are entering a place unlike anywhere else in the city.

Recognized for Design Excellence

The Osage Park Pavilion has earned national recognition for its design, including:

• Merit Award for Design Excellence from the Gulf States Region of the American Institute of Architects (2021)
• AIA Arkansas Honor Award (2022)
• Finalist, Architizer A+ Awards (2023)
• Popular Choice Winner, Architizer A+ Awards – Pavilions (2023)
• Honorable Mention, Architecture MasterPrize (2024)

These recognitions reflect what visitors experience every day. This is not just a pavilion. It is a defining feature of Osage Park.

Step Through and See for Yourself

At Osage Park, the pavilion is not where your visit ends. It is where it begins.

It marks the shift from city to nature, from movement to stillness, from passing through to truly experiencing a place.

Step inside and see where it takes you.