Thaden Fieldhouse celebrates Bentonville’s aviation heritage — named for Louise Thaden, the record-setting Bentonville-born aviator who beat the men to win the 1936 Bendix Trophy. At the city’s municipal airport, its exhibition hangar displays vintage aircraft, and the campus is home to a flight school and scenic flights, making it a fun, off-the-beaten-path stop for families and aviation buffs.
About Thaden Fieldhouse
Set at Louise Thaden Field (Bentonville Municipal Airport), the fieldhouse honors one of aviation’s pioneering women while serving as a working community hub. Visitors can view historic and vintage planes in the exhibition hangar, learn about Thaden’s remarkable career, and watch small aircraft come and go. It’s open to the public — you don’t have to be a pilot.
Things to Do
- Exhibition hangar — vintage aircraft and displays on Louise Thaden and Bentonville aviation history.
- Scenic flights & discovery flights — take to the air over Northwest Arkansas (booked through the on-site flight operators).
- Flight school — for those who want to learn to fly.
- Plane watching — a fun, free activity for kids.
Good to Know
- Cost: Free to visit the fieldhouse; flights and tours are paid.
- Location: 2205 SW I St, at the Bentonville Municipal Airport.
- Great for: Aviation fans, families, and a quick, unusual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Thaden Fieldhouse if you’re not a pilot?
Yes — the fieldhouse and exhibition hangar are open to the public, and it’s free to visit. Scenic and discovery flights can be booked through the on-site operators.
Who was Louise Thaden?
A pioneering aviator from Bentonville who set multiple flight records in the 1920s–30s, including winning the 1936 Bendix Trophy. The fieldhouse and airport are named in her honor.
Location & Directions
- Address: 2205 SW I St, Bentonville, AR 72712
- Cost: Free to visit (flights paid)
Back to Museums in Bentonville or Things to Do in Bentonville.