Experience Osage Park
Tucked in the bustling city of Bentonville, just off of I Street, is a quiet escape in a luscious garden setting. Experiencing all Osage Park offers could be an outing that requires an all-day slot.
Though a kid could have fun here, this park is for everyone, including the dog. So as not to overlook any of the park’s features, we’ll detail them here so you can make a plan to experience the fullness of Osage Park.
Location: 700 SW 16th St, Bentonville, AR
The Experience
The thing that attracted my family to Osage Park was the unique kid’s playground. It’s whimsical with a traditionally based look. With an industrial look, the park has several climbing, maneuvering, and hiding structures within the parameters.
If you have an uninhibited climber, as I do, this place will be a huge hit (even if you’re holding your breath the whole time). While my 12-year-old scaled straight to the top of the tallest point outside the safety netting, I’ve also seen many toddlers teetering around the park.
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It usually takes about an hour of climbing and balancing before my son remembers all the other gems this park holds for adventure. Then we’re off to find the next vision quest. Osage park offers:
A Wildlife Walk
Archery with Instructors
Fenced Dog Park
Kayaking
Food Truck Pavilion
Thaden Field House
Wildlife Walk
Exiting the playground and taking a left, you’ll be led to a 12-acre path through wetland territory. You can take this trail by foot or bicycle, but either way, you’ll feel like you’ve slipped away from the hustle and bustle to pause in the peace of nature.
I’ll warn you that even when you think you might not experience wildlife, you could have a shocking surprise. The last time I was here and faced with the fork in the road dividing two paths, the largest spider I’ve ever seen in my life steered me to the left.
While the spider took the right path and I was good on the left, keep your eyes open for the various birds, amphibians, and a family of beavers called The Van Dams. They all make their homes inside Osage Park.
The Quiver
In a surprising twist, this urban oasis offers archery lessons and target practice. Available to experienced bowmen with a yearly pass, or beginners looking to get a lesson, The Quiver is a place to develop and hone your archery skill.
You can pay for an hour lesson at $20/individual and have a fun activity to do with your family, or get a yearly pass for $100. This would be an excellent place for a birthday party rental space, which is available.
Outdoor Amenities
While walking through the wetlands, look around you towards the end of the trails. You’ll see several appealing attractions and monuments that will have you wondering: What else does Osage Park offer?
There are several areas throughout the park that are structured around different activities. There’s a large fenced-in dog park with obstacles and drinking stations. You’ll see places to sit and observe the beauty of the little pond. You might see some kayakers while you’re there.
You can also grab a bite to eat at the food truck gathering over by the pavilion towards the back of the park. Events are hosted at this site on most weekends. Last week, we accidentally joined a 2-mile pet walk to raise money for an animal shelter.
Thadden Field House
If you haven’t already gotten the impression that Osage Park is the hideaway with impressive secrets, we’ll add one more. The Thadden Field House is a small airport for personal flying. While there is a way to book flights or flight instructions, all I can tell you about is the restaurant.
The Thadden Field House is the home to a culinary experience. You can eat finer dining while watching the planes come and go. Louise is the name of the restaurant inside the small terminal.
Planning Your Visit
The summers tend to get a little warm, so you might plan an early morning or evening trip, especially if you want to use the metal climbing structures. The nature walking trails provide pretty adequate shade and a nice breeze that would be fine in the Summer.
Depending on what time of year you visit Osage Park, you might be able to do it all with proper planning. Hit the parks early to beat the heat, then make your way to the food trucks through a nature stroll for a variety lunch.
Make your afternoon centered on the leisurely activities of archery or kayaking. Take in the scenes of nature and enjoy Bentonville. You can round out your visit with an indoor view of the planes and a delicious meal at Louise.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the first sight fool you. Osage Park has so many different activities that it could deserve its own day. Maybe fall would be the perfect season to get it all in here. Whatever season you visit this little oasis, check it all out and come back for more.
Get the Most out of Bentonville
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