Walmart Visitor Center

Newly Renovated, Newly Expanded

Following more than 18 months of planning, design, construction, and exhibit fabrication, the Walmart Visitor Center held its grand re-opening on May 21. A family-friendly experience in 3 parts, the Visitor Center features Walton’s 5&10, a world-class exhibit gallery, and the Spark Café’.

Walton's 5&10

Begin your self-guided tour where it all began. Walton’s 5&10 is a step back in time chock full of retro toys, candies, souvenirs and actual memorabilia for sale. From whirly pops and wax lips to Ol’ Roy coloring books and sock monkeys, you’ll get a taste of what it was like to shop back in the dime store era. Listen for the sounds of yesteryear while examining the original floor tiles Sam Walton installed or the tin ceiling covered over in the store’s 1951 remodel.

The Exhibit Gallery

A photo mural of Sam Walton giving out balloons to children signals to youth that they’re more than welcome at the Walmart Visitor Center. The gallery begins with the Sam Walton Theatre, where an engaging 8-minute video explores Sam Walton’s life as an American leader and Walmart’s role in helping people save money – and live better.

The display cases that hold irreplaceable artifacts are designed as giant scrapbooks based on Sam Walton’s autobiography “Made in America.” The gallery includes such inspiring memorabilia as Sam Walton’s Medal of Freedom and his original office, painstakingly recreated from photographs taken after his passing in 1992. All artifacts in the exhibit gallery are authentic – no replicas or facsimiles allowed – including, of course, Mr. Sam’s iconic 1979 Ford F150 pickup truck, preserved and intact with dents, rust and even Ol’ Roy’s teeth marks on the steering wheel.

The exhibit gallery is home to a variety of interactive exhibits from informational videos, audio stations, touch screens and interactive drawers that both kids and grownups will find both educational and fun. The Global Window touch table at the gallery entrance to the Spark Café keeps fingers tapping and exploring the wide world of Walmart associates, customers, suppliers, and store locations. And every now and then, you’ll hear the sounds of Visitor Center staff or a visiting group breaking into a Walmart Cheer.

The Spark Cafe

There’s nothing like a freshly ground and locally roasted cup of coffee, a bakery-fresh treat, or a cool drink after taking in one of the most remarkable stories in global business. Linger over your choice while taking in the beautiful and historic Bentonville Square or peruse the unique assortment of spark-inspired items on our gift wall. You’ll find the Spark Café baristas – like all of the staff at the Walmart Visitor Center – living the Walmart mantra of fast, clean, and friendly.