It is located on Highway 12, approximately 28 km (17 mi) northwest of Red Deer.

The first settlers came from the U.S. in 1888-1890 and either walked or drove oxen from Lacombe, which was the closest railroad station at that time.

The centre roadway was made 36 metres (118 ft) wide and new buildings could not be constructed inside that area.

In 1930, a centre boulevard was constructed for fire protection and street lights installed.

When Major William B. McPherson, a U.S. Civil War veteran, opened a post office, settlers preferred McPherson's name, but they were outnumbered by the sawmill employees, who wanted Bentley.