The Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens is one of Bentonville’s most beautiful historic sites — a grand 1875 Italianate mansion surrounded by acres of heritage gardens, and it’s free to visit. Once the home of Colonel Samuel W. Peel, the restored house and its rose-filled grounds offer a window into 19th-century Northwest Arkansas, just minutes from the downtown square.
History of the Peel Mansion
Built in 1875, the mansion was the home of Colonel Samuel W. Peel — a Civil War veteran who became a prominent attorney and the first native-born Arkansan elected to the U.S. Congress. The 14-room brick house is a remarkably intact example of Italianate architecture, with tall arched windows, ornate balconies, bracketed eaves, and a stately central tower. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has been carefully restored and furnished to reflect the period, and today operates as a house museum under the Peel Compton Foundation.
The Heritage Gardens
Surrounding the mansion, the Heritage Gardens are a destination in their own right. Developed since 1992 as an outdoor museum of historic plants, they feature antique and heirloom roses, perennials, and native species arranged in vignette gardens with curving walks that recreate the property’s 19th-century appearance. Spring and early summer — when the roses peak — are especially lovely, and the grounds are a favorite for strolling, photography, and weddings.
Visiting the Peel Mansion
- Admission: Free.
- House tours: Walk-up guided tours run every 30 minutes, Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Gardens: Free to walk during open hours; best in late spring for the roses.
- Great for: History and architecture lovers, garden enthusiasts, and an easy, free cultural stop.
- Nearby: Pair it with the downtown Bentonville square and the city’s museums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Peel Mansion free to visit?
Yes. Admission and guided house tours are free. Walk-up tours run every 30 minutes, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How old is the Peel Mansion?
It was built in 1875 as the home of Colonel Samuel W. Peel, making it one of the oldest and best-preserved Italianate houses in Northwest Arkansas.
Can you visit the gardens without a house tour?
Yes — the Heritage Gardens are free to stroll during open hours, and they’re at their best in late spring when the historic roses bloom.
Location & Directions
- Address: 400 S Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712
- Hours: Tue–Sat, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Admission: Free
- Managed by: Peel Compton Foundation
Explore more in our guide to Things to Do in Bentonville.
