Legends Outlets Kansas City | Kansas City KS

The Walmart Museum is located in Bentonville, Arkansas, and occupies the original store where Sam Walton began his retail enterprise.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a two-story structure constructed from red brick. The ground floor features large display windows and a prominent entrance. The architectural style is vernacular commercial, typical of early 20th-century American main street buildings. The exterior paint is a muted cream color around the windows and doors.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 105 North Main Street in downtown Bentonville, approximately 0.5km North of the Bentonville Square. It is easily accessible by car, with public parking available in the adjacent municipal lot. Several bus routes serve the downtown area, with stops within a 2-block radius of the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed in 1914 and served as the site of the first Walmart store, opened by Sam Walton in 1962. It operated as a retail space until 1970. The original purpose was to provide a variety of goods to the local community.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the preserved original store interior, including the soda fountain and the upstairs living quarters of Sam and Helen Walton. Interactive exhibits detail the company's founding and growth. Self-guided tours are available throughout the day.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the ground floor. Limited seating is provided within the museum. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in the downtown area. Food and beverage options are available at the on-site Spark Cafe and at numerous restaurants located on nearby Main Street.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Mid-morning or late afternoon visits typically offer fewer crowds. The best time of year for comfortable walking and exploring the surrounding downtown area is from April to October.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the museum is the preserved original soda fountain, which still serves ice cream floats and milkshakes. It is said that Sam Walton himself would often eat lunch at this soda fountain during the store's early years.

Nearby Landmarks

• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - 0.8km West
• Bentonville Square - 0.5km North
• The Momentary - 1.5km Southwest
• Lawrence Plaza - 0.3km South