BENTONVILLE — Residents and visitors have a new way of learning about what all they can do in the city.
Visit Bentonville this week announced the opening of a mobile information center at 207 N.E. Second St. downtown off the city square.
The “Big Blue Truck” has information on Bentonville’s attractions, dining establishments, arts, events and outdoor experiences, according to a news release.
Kalene Griffith, president and chief executive officer of Visit Bentonville, said the initiative is about making information about Bentonville more accessible and showcasing what the city has to offer.
Initiatives like the Big Blue Truck also help strengthen the impact of tourism on Bentonville’s economy by inviting more people to explore, stay longer and support local businesses, according to the release. Visit Bentonville helped generate more than $4 million in tourism-related tax revenue and supported 310 events that contributed an estimated $41 million economic impact in 2024.
Griffith said via email Thursday the Big Blue Truck has been in a soft opening phase since April 5. It offers brochures and maps highlighting Bentonville’s attractions and culture, as well as an on-site team to personally answer questions and provide guidance.
Visit Bentonville has operated its visitor center at 406 S.E. Fifth St. — near the Momentary — since relocating from the city square in 2023, according to Griffith. She said it also maintains its website to provide 24/7 access to information about the city.
“We’re thrilled to return to the heart of our city while maintaining multiple convenient options for visitors and residents to access information,” she said.
The Big Blue Truck operates 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, according to the news release. It offers extended hours during downtown events like the Farmers Market and First Friday.
(NWA Democrat-Gazette/Charlie Kaijo)