As the County’s seat and largest city in Arkansas’s Saline County, Benton is a district of a Little Rock enclave. It was founded in 1837.

The city has a population of 27,717, placing it behind Texarkana as the sixteenth-largest city in the state, based on a Special Census that the local administration requested be carried out in 2006.

The city’s population climbed to 30,681 according to the census of 2010, making it Arkansas’s twelfth-largest city. The population rose once more in 2014, reaching 33,625.

The Metropolitan statistical region of Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Conway includes it.

Benton, named Thomas Hart Benton, a senator from Missouri, was established in 1833 and was given a formal charter in 1836, the year Arkansas was admitted as a state.

It’s nominally a city, with a little over 30,000 people, yet it has the feel of a little town in America, with a charming, historic atmosphere.

Here are some fun things to do in Benton, AR.

Things to Do in Benton, AR

1. Gann Museum of Saline County

Saline’s County is rife with historic structures and galleries which serve as records of the town’s long history as a pioneer settlement.

The Gann Gallery was first established in 1893 when it was a local doctor’s office. Today, it is the County’s premier collection of everything connected to the region’s past.

Entry to the gallery is at no cost. It is packed with interesting and enlightening artifacts from previous times, including displays, images, documents, and miscellaneous items.

ALCOA and Reynolds Company, two aluminum manufacturers that employed a large portion of the local labor, are prominently featured in the County’s economic history, which is also well-represented.

Address: 218 S Market St, Benton, AR 72015, United States

2. The Royal Theater

An excellent spot for an evening or afternoon to be spent in the Royal Theatre, which is a Benton legend taking in a local theater production by either the Young Royal or Royal Players.

The theatre may not be contemporary, but it offers a lot of charm which you won’t get at bigger, more modern locations.

If you enjoy supporting local artists, this is a suitable location because a large portion of the proceeds from the performances is used to maintain and renovate the historic theater.

View their calendar online if you’re interested in attending a performance on Market Street, close to downtown Benton, AR.

Address: 111 S Market St, Benton, AR 72015, United States

3. Olde Towne Benton Antiques & Collectibles

In the past, The antique store in Benton, AR, is called Benton’s Flea Markets, Antiques, and Collectibles.

The inventory is always changing, and numerous booths sell a wide range of goods.

Everybody will find something. Furniture, interior design; numerous collectibles, such as Vintage, Hot Wheels, Barbie, Coca-Cola, and brand-new Tupperware, handbags, plates, and compact appliances, antiques.

Also, minimally used toys; gardening supplies, glassware, books, and vacuum cleaners; as well as many different types of small appliances.

Address: 303 S East St, Benton, AR 72015, United States

4. Bauxite Historical Association Museum

The Museum of the Bauxite Historical Association is a fantastic find, particularly for anyone wishing to learn more about the area’s past, and is conveniently located a short distance down Interstate 30.

Most of the things on exhibit are donations from locals. As the name implies, a significant portion of this history is connected to the local bauxite mines, which provided the ore utilized by the region’s processing and production of aluminum businesses.

This museum is open to the public and has a sizable collection of memorabilia from the military.

Gifts are gratefully accepted.

Address: 6707 Benton St, Bauxite, AR 72011, United States

5. Saline County Courthouse

Benton’s picturesque and laid-back downtown district serves as home to a number of historic structures, some of which date as far back as the town’s establishment early in the nineteenth century.

Among the city’s oldest and most recognizable structures, the Saline County Courthouse is distinguished by its timepiece tower.

This structure has had various renovations over time, and it is ideally close to green spaces and gazebos, which make lovely spots for a picnic, a place to unwind, and a place to study a book.

A neighboring monument to the town’s war veterans is also worth a short visit.

6. Salty Harbor Mini Golf & Fun Park

Wherever you may be, a mini-golf course is often not very far away. The fact that they have been there for a very long time and haven’t changed much doesn’t change the fact that they are, even now, family-friendly locations that offer lots of enjoyment and fun without spending a fortune.

The Fun Park and Mini-Golf in Salty Harbor are again accepting visitors. It is still a popular destination for recreation in Benton, where they provide food, video games, and mini-golf.

Visit their website to learn more about the costs and other alternatives for renting the facilities, which are perfect for family gatherings and birthday celebrations.

Address: 17250 I-30, Benton, AR 72019, United States

7. Play Town

Children, why delay maturing and becoming adults when you could pass the day at PlayTown acting like one?

Children under the age of eight are welcome to embrace their inner adults and play out a variety of adult jobs at this entertaining indoor play area in Arkansas. It’s participatory entertainment at its finest, allowing for CRAZY imagination!

In addition, parents can participate by collaborating with the children and assisting them in their crucial growth.

Address: 19800 I-30 #11, Benton, AR 72019, United States

8. Brown’s Country Store

Consider eating at Brown’s Country market if you’ve been exploring northwest Arkansas all day and can’t stand the thought of mineral water and a small salad.

For one fee, you may eat as much as you like at a restaurant with a buffet. There should be no problem discovering a variety of things you enjoy among the over 100 items.

A wide variety of fruit, vegetables, and desserts are also available, along with hot and cold dishes including ham, mac & cheese, and roast meat.

It’s pretty affordable for the quantity of food you’ll have accessibility to, which accounts for the popularity of the location.

Address: 18718 I-30, Benton, AR 72019, United States

9. Red Door Escapes

There are rooms for escape of every kind popping up everywhere; if you’ve never played one, you might want to think about it when visiting the Benton region.

The local Bryant location of Red Door Exits offers a cheap and enjoyable way to spend time with family and friends while participating in activities that stimulate your mind.

Red Door Escapes provides a solution that will work irrespective of your friends’ age or mental capacity, ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy themselves.

They are in Bryant, within MarketPlace Avenue.

Address: 3614 Market Pl Ave #5, Bryant, AR 72022, United States

10. Painted Tree Marketplace

Among those trendy contemporary phrases, “vintage,” often means “relatively ancient and rarely used.” A visit to West Small Rock Painted Tree Marketplace will be a sensible way to pass one or two hours if you enjoy looking for bargains and viewing unique items from bygone times that you won’t find anyplace else.

There is a clear distinction between antiques and vintage, and they have workers dedicated to discovering rare and vintage products to give their consumers.

The showroom features a wide variety of items, including chandeliers, clocks, lamps, jewelry, and original works of art.

Address: 24351 I-30, Bryant, AR 72022, United States

11. Benton Event Center

Local families can find a range of entertainment alternatives at Benton’s Event Center, which was constructed for that purpose.

A live musical or theatrical performance, an art exhibition, a knife and gun display, or a sizable flea market have all been featured on previous occasions.

Examining the events calendar on the city website is the best way to remain informed.

Fundraisers for neighborhood institutions like the Girls and Boys Club and Humanity’s Habitat make up a large portion of the organized community activities.

So, in addition to being amused, you’ll also help the less fortunate and support the local economy.

Address: 17322 I-30, Benton, AR 72019, United States

12. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Urban Air Adventure Park is ideal if you’re searching for the top indoor attractions available year-round in the Hot Springs, Bryant, and Benton regions.

We are your family’s best indoor playground since there are new adventures around every bend. You’ll understand why we’re more than simply a trampoline park if you upgrade your child’s birthday celebration or enjoy a day of family fun.

Address: 1512 Military Rd, Benton, AR 72015, United States

13. Best Western Benton Inn

Greetings from the Benton Best Western Inn! At our Benton hotel, you’ll appreciate the ease of having lodgings in a beautiful spot and being proximate to the well-known Hot Springs.

The local Hot and Magic Springs attractions draw many visitors to our Benton inn. We place a high focus on safety and are dedicated to ensuring that each of our visitors feels at ease all the time.

While only a short distance from Magic Springs’ Amusement Park, enjoy an unmatched location and fantastic curb appeal. Family holidays are wonderful, and our roomy accommodations provide a particular touch.

Nearby popular attractions include the short-track nationals and the Clinton Library. Many out-of-town visitors attend the Champions’ Tournament for softball and baseball.

When visiting both towns in Arkansas, the Best Western Benton is ideally situated halfway between Hot Springs and Little Rock.

Whether you’re here for recreation or sports, you can rely on our reputed hotel to enhance your home mood.

Our Benton inn also hosts many business people who travel, including personnel from TimberRidge, St. Gobain, Birch Tree, as well as Almatis (Alcoa). We provide services for leisure and business tourists because we recognize you can always find one way to fit in some downtime.

While staying with us, you may appreciate tranquil surroundings, plush beds, and easy access to the neighborhood. A welcoming staff member can create a world of difference, and our Benton inn is renowned for having one.

Obtain advice and suggestions for dining, attractions, and shopping. We are pleased to be your host throughout your visit to Arkansas because we have a reputation for being welcoming and comfortable.

We provide the cool, cozy accommodations you deserve, whether you’re visiting for a family trip, business, or a quiet retreat. Book a comfortable room at the Benton Best Western hotel right away! Enjoy your time here.

Address: 17036 I-30, Benton, AR 72019, USA

14. The Bed-Warmer Quilt & Sew

In-bed heater The best quilting store in Arkansas Central is Quilt & Sew. They are committed to offering quilters and sewers a helpful, affable, and competent service.

Their store has evolved into another residence for artists who congregate there to hone their craft and pick up new tricks, together with their love of quilting and sewing with family, neighbors, and friends.

They understand how crucial top-notch sewing machines are. As a result, they are the exclusive authorized dealer for Pfaff and the approved service provider.

They carefully choose the most innovative materials and accessories available in the market. All skill levels can take monthly embroidery, sewing, and quilting lessons.

Address: 17270 I-30 #9, Benton, AR 72019, United States

15. The River Center

An entirely fresh River Center has taken over the location of the former Saline County Airport in Benton. A new senior centre, convention facility, and aquatic center are all included in the venue, which will host local and state events.

There are two pools at the Aquatic Center: one for competitions and one for recreation.

The recreation pool has a Vortex pool, a pair of lap lanes, a waiting room for guests, an ADA lift, an ADA ramp, likewise a kid’s play area with a water fountain with an umbrella, slides, and other amenities.

Two stories of water slides will be the focal point of this area, which is ideal for birthday parties because it will take visitors outside before spiraling back inside.

There are water polo and basketball goals, a diving board, climbing walls, and an ADA lift in the competitive pool.

It is a 25-yard, 8-lane pool. With the support of the viewing deck, which has 250 seats, this pool will accommodate huge swimming competitions and will also serve as a location for swimming lessons, pool parties, and youth swim events at the River Centre.

The River Centre will be accessible five hours a day from Monday through Friday, seven hours a day on Saturdays, and twelve hours a day on Sundays.

Locker rooms, a gym with either eight volleyball or four basketball courts that can be rented, a fitness facility, and indoor tracks are available to members.

In addition to free weights and a comprehensive circuit for strengthening and conditioning, the fitness area has cardio equipment. Kinship memberships are offered for $35 per month.

Address: 1800 Citizens Dr, Benton, AR 72015, United States

16. The Torture Chamber

An attraction in a haunted home called The Torture Chamber is made for people who aren’t easily scared and seek to frighten everyone who enters its doors.

But, with experienced staff, you can be sure to have a memorable experience at the haunted home.

Address: 706 Center St, Benton, AR 72015, United States

17. Dianne Roberts Art Studio & Gallery

Dianne completed her undergraduate studies at Ouachita Baptist University, located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, a place where she earned a degree in fine arts. She later added training by individual artists to her education.

“Artistically speaking, I enjoy working in a variety of mediums, including mixed media, pen and ink, oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, and colored pencil.

My previous experience instructing artwork in public schools sparked this passion. Dian Roberts

Although Dianne’s subject matter is varied and her form of art ranges from impressionism to realism, she tends to focus on still-lifes and people to convey to the viewer an understanding of their historical past.

She employs various glazing processes, light capture, and the play of one texture against another to enhance compositions.

Whenever you visit, you’ll have an incredible time.

Address: 1209 Military Rd, Benton, AR 72015, United States

18. Bray’s Training Center

Bray’s Training Center is a training and boarding stable for horses selling half-Arabian and Arabian horses. Along with horse boarding, riding instruction, and show services, the facility also provides access to an enclosed arena, an oval pen, and meadows.

Address: 201 Peeler Bend Road, Benton, AR

19. Cinemark Tinseltown

Cinemark Tinseltown, a member of Cinemark group, is a multiplex that predominantly broadcasts first-run Hollywood movies with audio and digital video.

Additionally, the theater presents vintage movie premieres and occasionally shows athletic occasions.

Address:17314 Hwy I-30 N Benton, AR

20. Kanis Park

Light-up baseball and softball fields, practice baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, as well as basketball hoop surfaces are just a few of the many recreational grounds available to visitors of Kanis State Park.

Also accessible at the location are a playground, a structure, and sixteen picnic tables.

Address: 11993 Kanis Road North Little Rock, AR 72205

21. Maumelle Park

Maumelle Park’s campground encourages outdoor pursuits like fishing, boating, and birding. It is located close to the River in Arkansas.

Runners, walkers, and mountain bikers can all use the area’s trail.

Address: 9009 Pinnacle Valley Road, Little Rock, AR