Where to bike in Minnesota: 25, 50 or 70 miles
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The Minneapolis Grand Rounds passes the Stone Arch Bridge. Photo: David Brewster/Star Tribune via Getty Images
By now, you know the Twin Cities are great for bicycling, but deciding where to go for a long ride can be overwhelming. We've got you covered.
Why it matters: Biking is good exercise, loads of fun and offers views of the state's beauty that can't be seen from a car.
Be smart: Trail construction is frequent during Minnesota summers. Be sure to check for any closures ahead of time.
Here are three great rides of varying distances in Minnesota:
🏙 Grand Rounds of Minneapolis
Why we love it: You spend most of the ride just feet from the city's best natural assets: The Chain of Lakes, the Mississippi River and Minnehaha Creek.
- There are lots of routes, but the one we recommend is 25 miles.
Where to stop along the way: Lake Harriet Bandshell, Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, Cedar Lake South Beach, Utepils Brewing, Pryes Brewing, the Stone Arch Bridge and Sea Salt Eatery.
Pro tip: There are several spots to fill a water bottle on the route.
🌉 Gateway State Trail from St. Paul to Stillwater
Why we love it: Beautiful rolling farmland on the northern half of the trip is worth it alone.
- For this 50-mile, there-and-back trip, we start at St. Paul's Lake Como and also loop around Lake Phalen.
Where to stop along the way: Dock & Paddle and downtown Stillwater.
Pro tip: Consider biking to the city's historic downtown, spending the night in a hotel and riding back the next day.
🌲 Willard Munger State Trail from Hinckley to Duluth
Why we love it: This is the northern half of the MS 150 ride held every June. It cuts through forests, streams and rivers.
Where to stop along the way: Moose Lake Brewing, Jay Cooke State Park.
Pro tip: Pick any stretch along here and do as many miles as you want. If you're going to do the full 70 miles both ways, it would be wise to spend the night in Duluth.
Go deeper: Check out our guide to Minnesota's mountain biking trails.