The racers may be here for podiums and stages, but the rest of the family is about to discover why so many people fall in love with Bentonville. Whether you’re bringing bikes, planning to explore downtown, or just looking for good food and places to relax while the racers hit the trails, Bentonville makes it easy to build a fun weekend around the race.

 

🚵  The Race

 

The OZ Stage Race brings riders from around the country to Northwest Arkansas for several days of mountain bike racing across the OZ Trails network. Racers will spend long days on trails in Bentonville and Bella Vista, while many families stay nearby and enjoy everything else the area has to offer.

 

If You’re Bringing Bikes

 

Good news: not everyone here rides at an elite level.

 

Bentonville has:

 

  • Beginner mountain bike trails

  • Paved greenway riding

  • Family-friendly trail systems

  • Coffee stops directly on the trail networks

 

Families often spend mornings riding easy trails while racers warm up or recover between stages.

 

Great Areas for Casual Riding

Razorback Greenway Experience Guide

The Razorback Greenway stretches over 40 miles through Northwest Arkansas, linking communities from Bella Vista in the north to Fayetteville in the south, with seven cities along the way, including…

No Bike? No Problem.

 

A lot of race families don’t ride at all. Everything is close together, which makes it easy to fill a day without driving all over Northwest Arkansas. Bentonville is also great for:

Where Families Usually Hang Out

 
Downtown Bentonville

​It’s easy to spend an afternoon here while racers are out on course.

The downtown square is full of local shops, coffee spots, ice cream shops, casual restaurants, outdoor seating, and public art.

 

Crystal Bridges Museum

One of the most popular spots in the region, even people who “aren’t museum people” usually end up enjoying it. 

Families love the walking trails, outdoor sculptures, art exhibits, forest paths, and museum café.

 

Scott Family Amazeum

Families love the hands-on exhibits, interactive play spaces, creative activities, climbing structures, and indoor adventures

Family-Friendly Food Stops

 

Pedaler’s Pub

A favorite during cycling weekends, this spot is known for its pizza, burgers, patio seating, and casual atmosphere. It’s an easy choice for groups and a great place for post-race dinners.

 

Onyc Coffee Lab

Onyx Coffee Lab is a must-visit coffee stop in downtown Bentonville. It’s a great place for breakfast, remote work, or meeting up between race stages, with standout coffee and pastries.

 

Crepes Paulette

Quick, casual, and family-friendly. Sweet and savory crepes make this an easy lunch stop before heading back out to explore.

 

Table Mesa 

Relaxed downtown dining with options for groups, families, and different dietary preferences. Great for dinner after a long day outside.

Oz Stage Race
 
Quick Tips for Race Weekend

 

  • Book dinner reservations early

  • Bring lightweight rain layers for unexpected weather. 

  • Expect downtown and trails to feel busy. Keep an eye out for cyclists or race volunteers directing traffic!

  • Download trail maps ahead of time

  • Don’t try to over-schedule every hour

 

The Best Part About Race Weekend

Stay for a while and enjoy our city. It’s easy to get lost exploring trails and spending the entire day outside together. The race may bring people here. But Bentonville is usually what makes them want to come back.