Fall at the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden
About Peel Museum & Botanical Gardens
The Peel Museum is located at 400 S. Walton Blvd. in Bentonville, AR, right in front of Walmart store #100. The museum is housed in the home of Congressman Samuel Peel, which was built in 1875 in an Italianate style. The museum features period furnishings, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of Bentonville, the Peel family, and what life might have been like in the late 1800s. Surrounding the home are gardens inspired by Victorian era design, including winding paths, shded walks, and plantings that shift with the seasons.
- Location: 400 S. Walton Blvd. Bentonville, AR 72712
- Hours of Operation: 10am-5pm
- Admission: Tours are free and walk-up (no booking required)
The museum’s first floor and the garden are wheelchair accessible.
Take a Tour of the Peel Museum
As you step through the grand front doors of the Peel Museum, it feels like walking into another time. A tour begins in the foyer, where the striking staircase and transom windows immediately show off the craftsmanship and elegance of the 1870s. You’ll be welcomed by a knowledgeable guide who shares stories of Congressman Samuel Peel, his wife Mary Emaline, and the nine children who once filled the home with life.
Moving through the Parlor, you’ll see courting sofas and an 1872 Steinway piano that hint at a time when music and conversation were key to entertainment. Pink floral wallpaper, restored using original fragments, reflects Mary Peel’s personal taste and love for beauty.
In the Study, you’ll feel the quiet intensity of Congressman Peel’s workspace. The wallpaper is darker, the furniture more serious — including a desk where legal and political work shaped both family life and regional history. A curio cabinet filled with geological specimens reminds us of the Victorian love for collecting and displaying.
You’ll continue through the Dining Room, where formal meals were a family tradition, and then into the Outdoor Kitchen — separate from the main house for safety. There, you can see a scale model of the property as it looked in 1875. Upstairs, simpler bedrooms hold family heirlooms, including “Bucky” the rocking horse and the Baltimore Friend Quilt. Every room tells a story, giving a full picture of what life looked like in Bentonville nearly 150 years ago.
Join the Seasonal Events
Mourning Tour: How the Victorians Grieved — October 21
Step into a different side of Victorian life with a themed tour focused on mourning customs and traditions. Learn about mourning attire, etiquette, keepsakes, and how the Peel family may have honored their loved ones.
4. Shop for Fall Goodies in the Museum Store
Our gift shop features Arkansas-made art, artisan foods, outdoor gifts, and souvenirs for history lovers. It’s a great spot to find something unique and local for the season.