The Exhibit Room & House
at Compton Gardens & Arboretum
Dr. Neil Compton Exhibit Room
Located inside The House at Compton Gardens & Arboretum, the Dr. Neil Compton Exhibit Room offers a meaningful glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Arkansas’s most influential conservationists.
This free, public exhibit features a curated collection of historical artifacts, personal photographs, and documents related to:
Dr. Neil Compton and his family
The Compton Gardens property
The Buffalo River preservation effort
The founding of the Ozark Society
The renovation to be revealed in 2025 will provide a more immersive experience, featuring enhanced storytelling elements and original photography captured by Dr. Compton himself along the Buffalo River. The exhibit will highlight his passion for native plants, conservation, and the role he played in protecting America’s first National River.
About Dr. Neil E. Compton
A physician, photographer, writer, and environmental advocate, Dr. Neil Compton is best known for his pivotal leadership in the fight to save the Buffalo River from damming. In 1962, he founded the Ozark Society, and by 1972, his efforts helped secure the Buffalo River’s designation as the first National River in the United States.
Inspired by the native flora he encountered along the river, Dr. Compton cultivated a diverse garden on his home property—now Compton Gardens & Arboretum—that continues to educate and inspire visitors today.
The House
Private Rental Space | Closed to the Public
Built in 1952 by Edna Swift Putman, a local entrepreneur and owner of Putman’s Ready-To-Wear Shops in Bentonville, the home was designed as a modern residence for her daughter, Laurene, and son-in-law, Dr. Neil Compton.
The house was designed by Cecil Stanfield, a Tulsa-based architect and schoolmate of renowned designers Fay Jones and Frank Lloyd Wright. The mid-century modern design reflects both style and function, embodying the spirit of innovation and environmental harmony that Dr. Compton championed.
The Compton family lived here for decades, filling the grounds with native Arkansas plants and turning the property into a living expression of their values.
Event & Meeting Spaces
The Garden Room
The Garden Room is a versatile indoor space designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. When completed, the room will feature a panoramic observation window overlooking the gardens, private ready rooms, balcony access, seating for up to 120 guests, and more! This space is ideal for weddings, receptions, and corporate events—providing natural beauty and historical context in one location.
Conference Rooms
Two flexible meeting spaces are available for smaller groups, including a Large Conference Room that seats up to 16 and a Small Conference Room that seats up to 8. All conference rooms have access to the Conference Lounge, which includes a wet bar and relaxed seating. Whether you’re hosting a board meeting, retreat, or creative workshop, these spaces offer modern amenities in a serene natural setting.
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