DETAILS
With the unveiling of the spectacular Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2011, Arkansas suddenly hit the map for culture lovers around the United States. Its excellent art collection built by Walmart heiress Alice Walton and its dynamic architecture by Moshe Safdie immediately made it one of the most important museums opened in America in the last 50 years. The museum continues to expand and diversify, including its exciting “Momentary” center for contemporary art that opened in 2020. Beyond Crystal Bridges’ Bentonville campus, Arkansas has a beautiful cultural scene well worth exploring, from emerging young artists to soaring glass-enclosed chapels. This one-of-a-kind tour introduces travelers to artistic and architectural masterpieces spread throughout Northwest Arkansas. Tour museums with experts, learn about ongoing preservation projects, and enjoy fine dining in a variety of restaurants.
- Pricing from
- $3,895
- Trip Type
- Closer to Home
- Departure Dates
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Nov 7, 2027 - Nov 11, 2027
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John Meffert
John Meffert, consultant on Heritage Conservation Services, has a long tradition with the National Trust. He has served as the Director for our Southern Office and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the United States, responsible for preserving the historic resources of Charleston, S.C. John has delighted many study tour groups with his lectures and insights on preservation, and receives rave reviews as study leader.
ITINERARY
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day 1
Welcome to Bentonville
Arrive independently to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in the afternoon. An independent transfer to the 5 star Hotel Compton in Bentonville. Check into the hotel and get settled into your room. Enjoy a 5:00 pm lecture by study leader John Meffert. Following a short orientation walking tour, enjoy a lovely welcome dinner together.
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day 2
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Today is dedicated to the art haven that is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Walk along the Art Trail to Crystal Bridges, the brainchild of Alice Walton, daughter of the founder of Walmart, and designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie. The impressive collection includes works by great American artists. Begin with a guided tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman Wilson House, which is emblematic of the Usonian style followed by an architectural tour of the museum itself, which incorporates the beauty of its surrounding natural elements. Break for lunch at Eleven, the on-site restaurant at Crystal Bridges. Next delve into collection highlights of the American Art galleries during a self-guided tour and free time to further explore the museum’s collections and to see Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror room. Return to the hotel in the mid-afternoon or linger at the museum longer to continue your personal exploration of its vast collection and extensive sculpture trail and to experience James Turrell’s The Way of Color skyspace installation at sunset. Enjoy an independent dinner.
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day 3
Eureka Springs and Thorncrown Chapel
Drive an hour to the nearby town of Eureka Springs, a Victorian-era spa resort town that still preserves dozens of fine buildings from the 1870s through the 1930s. Stop at Thorncrown Chapel, a beautiful, soaring chapel designed by E. Fay Jones. Then enjoy a special narrated tram tour that will focus on the town’s most important architectural jewels. Following lunch together, return to Bentonville. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure or join an excursion to Crystal Bridges’ newest museum, The Momentary, an old cheese factory turned contemporary art and cultural space. Enjoy free time to see the contemporary exhibitions and then gather for a drink at The Momentary’s Tower Bar. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
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day 4
A Day in Fayetteville
Drive approximately 45 minutes south of Bentonville to Fayetteville to the E. Fay and Gus Jones house, the former residence of renowned architect Fay Jones. Completed in 1956, it was designed by Jones upon his return to Fayetteville after working in the office of Frank Lloyd Wright. Drive through the impressive campus of the University of Arkansas. After feasting on local barbecue, visit the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, a beautiful chapel designed by Jones and Maurice Jennings and commissioned by John Cooper to commemorate his late wife. It makes for a fascinating comparison with Jones’ more monumental Thorncrown Chapel seen the day before. Enjoy a refreshment hosted by the owners of a lovely Bella Vista home. After a break at the hotel, be treated to a memorable farewell dinner at one of Bentonville’s best gourmet restaurants.
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day 6
Depart on independent flights back home.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and take an independent taxi to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA).
Everything you need to know about the tour
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The Compton Bentonville
Opened in December 2025, The Compton Bentonville is the city’s newest upscale hotel, a breathtaking sanctuary ideally located in the downtown historic center, just a scenic stroll or five-minute drive from the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art. The architectural style masterfully blends modern luxury with regional naturalism, reflecting the rugged beauty of Northwest Arkansas. Its defining feature is a soaring, two-story skylit atrium centered on a sculptural limestone bluff wall and a flowing water feature, designed to mirror the iconic cliffs of the Buffalo National River.
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellation by participant must be made in writing to ISDI and is effective only upon acknowledged receipt by ISDI. There is a non-refundable registration and planning fee of $500 per person regardless of cancellation date. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or before July 1, 2027: full refund minus $500 per person registration and planning fee. Written cancellation received by ISDI between July 2, 2027 and September 22, 2027: full refund minus $1,950 per person cancellation fee (includes registration and planning fee). Written cancellation received by ISDI on or after September 23, 2027: no refund. Tour registration is nontransferable. In the case of cancellation, substitutions are not allowed. After the tour has commenced, no refunds will be issued for any reason including, but not limited to, unused portions of tour. If the tour is cancelled by ISDI or National Trust Tours due to low enrollment, active registrants will receive a full refund of all tour payments.
Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
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