Historic Bentonville motel on Rainbow Curve, The Bike Inn is one of the oldest continuously operating motels in Northwest Arkansas. Originally built as The Pines Motel along historic Rainbow Curve in Bentonville, the property has evolved from a classic roadside motel into one of the most unique boutique lodging experiences in Northwest Arkansas.
Long before Bentonville became internationally known for mountain biking, Crystal Bridges, and outdoor tourism, travelers were already stopping along Rainbow Curve.
The road itself became famous because of its unusual curved alignment entering Bentonville. In the early days of highway travel, the sweeping bend became locally known as “Rainbow Curve,” eventually turning into one of Bentonville’s recognizable historic roadside locations.
That is where The Pines Motel was built.
Today, that same property lives on as The Bike Inn.
The History of The Pines Motel in Bentonville
The original Pines Motel opened during the golden era of American roadside travel.
During the 1950s and 1960s, family-owned roadside motels were a major part of travel culture across the United States. Travelers driving through Northwest Arkansas needed simple, accessible lodging near the highway, restaurants, and Downtown Bentonville.
The Pines Motel became part of that history.
Old black-and-white photographs from the 1950s still show the original motel sitting along Rainbow Curve during the early years of Bentonville tourism.
While Bentonville has changed dramatically over the decades, the property itself has continued operating continuously through multiple generations of travel.
That makes The Bike Inn one of the oldest continuously operating motels in the Bentonville area.
From Historic Roadside Motel to Boutique Bentonville Lodging
Bentonville has evolved far beyond its early highway travel roots.
Today, visitors come to Bentonville for:
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- The Momentary
- Downtown Bentonville
- mountain biking
- outdoor recreation
- restaurants and breweries
- live music
- Northwest Arkansas tourism
As Bentonville changed, the former Pines Motel changed with it.
The property was eventually reimagined as The Bike Inn — a boutique Bentonville lodging experience built around outdoor recreation, community, and Northwest Arkansas culture.
While the property has been modernized over time, the original roadside motel character still remains part of the experience.
The Bike Inn Today
Today, The Bike Inn combines Bentonville history with modern outdoor hospitality.
The property now includes:
- hot tub
- sauna
- cold plunge
- outdoor kitchen
- pavilion
- fire pit
- picnic tables
- outdoor gathering spaces
- bike-friendly lodging
Guests staying at The Bike Inn are located near:
- Downtown Bentonville
- Crystal Bridges
- Slaughter Pen Trails
- Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
- restaurants and breweries
- Bentonville Square
- Northwest Arkansas attractions
That combination of historic character and modern amenities is part of what makes The Bike Inn different from a standard hotel experience.
Preserving a Piece of Bentonville History
Many historic roadside motels across America have disappeared.
The Bike Inn represents a surviving piece of Bentonville’s earlier travel history while continuing to evolve alongside the city itself.
The property has transitioned from:
- roadside motel
- family travel lodging
- Bentonville motor court
- cycling destination
- outdoor-focused boutique lodging
while still maintaining connections to its original history along Rainbow Curve.
For many guests, that history adds personality and authenticity that newer hotels simply cannot replicate.
Staying at One of Bentonville’s Oldest Motels
Visitors looking for unique Bentonville lodging often want more than a generic chain hotel.
The Bike Inn offers:
- historic Bentonville character
- boutique lodging
- outdoor gathering spaces
- recovery amenities
- locally owned hospitality
- access to Downtown Bentonville
- Northwest Arkansas atmosphere
That combination continues attracting visitors looking for a more memorable Bentonville experience.
Why Rainbow Curve Still Matters
Rainbow Curve remains part of Bentonville’s historic identity.
Long before Bentonville became a major tourism destination, travelers recognized Rainbow Curve as one of the gateway routes into town.
Today, thousands of visitors still pass through the same area while exploring:
- Downtown Bentonville
- Crystal Bridges
- Northwest Arkansas trails
- restaurants and breweries
- outdoor attractions
The Bike Inn continues operating from that same historic location while serving a completely new generation of travelers.
FAQ About The Historic Bike Inn Property
What was The Bike Inn before it became The Bike Inn?
The property originally operated as The Pines Motel along historic Rainbow Curve in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Is The Bike Inn one of the oldest motels in Bentonville?
Yes. The property is considered one of the oldest continuously operating motel properties in the Bentonville area.
Why is it called Rainbow Curve?
Rainbow Curve became known for its curved roadway alignment entering Bentonville during the early days of highway travel.
Is The Bike Inn still a historic motel?
Yes. While the property has been modernized into boutique lodging, much of the original roadside motel character and history still remain.
BIKE. SLEEP. REPEAT.