Bentonville, a town in northwest Arkansas best known as the headquarters of Walmart, is emerging as a notable destination for cycling enthusiasts, supported by an expanding infrastructure and philanthropic investments. Once a modest farming settlement in the Ozark Mountains, Bentonville has undergone significant transformation, partly driven by the Walton family, descendants of Walmart founder Sam Walton.
The town now features a network of well-maintained bike lanes and trails, attracting both amateur and serious cyclists. The Compton hotel in downtown Bentonville offers specialized cycling services including a valet and concierge to help guests navigate local routes, highlighting the community’s commitment to the sport. The area boasts hundreds of kilometers of gravel roads and several mountain bike trails, some designed to be accessible without using a car.
Alice Walton, Sam Walton’s daughter, contributed to Bentonville’s cultural growth by founding the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, while her nephews Tom and Steuart Walton have invested in cycling infrastructure. Tom Walton, an avid cyclist himself, helped develop the area’s first mountain biking trail, Slaughter Pen, in 2007. Originally an 8-kilometer beginner-friendly trail near downtown, Slaughter Pen has since expanded to over 48 kilometers. The Walton Family Foundation also supported the creation of the Razorback Greenway, a 64-kilometer paved trail connecting seven communities in Northwest Arkansas, facilitating easy access to local riding and cultural locations.
Additionally, the Oz Trails Bike Park, sitting between Bentonville and nearby Bella Vista, recently opened the region’s first dedicated mountain bike lift. This facility offers various trail difficulties, including runs designed for novice riders. Instruction is provided to help road cyclists transition to mountain biking techniques.
Visitors to Bentonville have praised the abundance of outdoor activities, the scenic landscape, and the vibrant local scene including restaurants, microbreweries, and coffee shops. Newcomers to the area, many of whom have arrived within the last five years, have embraced cycling as part of their lifestyle, with some noting a significant increase in their cycling activity since moving to the region.
Despite some challenges for less experienced riders—such as the steep and technical “J Street” trail—a growing community organizes regular group rides, including themed events like women’s gravel rides that explore routes around historical sites like Pea Ridge.
The Walton family’s ongoing investments appear to be positioning Bentonville and the surrounding region as a serious contender on the global cycling map. Tom Walton has expressed the goal of establishing Northwest Arkansas as a premier cycling destination, a vision supported by the expanding trail systems and community engagement visible across the area.