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.

Free Fall Events at Osage Park You Won’t Want to Miss

Ever wondered about the stories behind Osage Park? Curious about the wetlands and what makes them so special? This fall, Osage Park invites you to get up close and personal with nature—and the people who care for it—with two free events you won’t want to miss.

Coffee with the Site Manager

Sept 6 & Oct 4 | 9:00 AM at the Pavilion
Enjoy a warm cup of locally brewed coffee (courtesy of Third Space Coffee) and have a relaxed conversation with the park’s site managers. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, learn about local wildlife, and get a sneak peek at upcoming projects.

Off the Boardwalk Tours

Nov 8 & Dec 6 | 9:00 AM at the Pavilion
Take your curiosity off the beaten path! These guided tours go beyond the boardwalk to give you a rare, hands-on look at Osage’s wetland ecosystem. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, learning, and discovery.

Meet-up spot for both events:

Osage Park Pavilion
700 SW 16th St, Bentonville, AR 72712

No registration needed—just show up and explore!