MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL

Minneapolis' Chain of Lakes — Maka Ska, Harriet, Cedar, Brownie, and Lake of the Isles — is popular with locals and visitors alike. It connects more than 11 miles of paved walking, running, and biking paths, and is part of the larger Grand Rounds Scenic Byway system that encompasses 51 miles of trails. 

Pick a lake and make a loop — the biggest, Bde Maka Ska, is a perfect 5K — then reward yourself with a snack, lunch or dinner from nearby eateries like Chilango, Brim,Pimento on the Lake, and Bread & Pickle.

While Minneapolis is a city full of lakes, St. Paul is all about its proximity to the Mississippi River. A paved ped/bike path parallels Mississippi River Boulevard on the capital city’s western edge, turning east past downtown and beyond, with beautiful views of the mighty river, lakefront homes and cityscapes along the 15-mile route. 

If a loop is more your speed, head to Como Lake or Lake Phalen for a lap or two around the water. The latter also features a Chinese Friendship Garden developed in collaboration with Changsha, St. Paul's sister city since 1988.  

Three Rivers, a park district on the west side of the metro area, offers runners and walkers lots of options, including races like the Autumn Woods Classic. At Carver Park Reserve, two paved loops wind past lakes and woods with plentiful wildlife. As an added bonus, those who like to exercise with their dogs can take advantage of the off-leash dog area just off the trail.

Stretching 13 miles from Lake Waconia to Wayzata, the Dakota Rail Regional Trail follows a former rail corridor, traveling between Lake Minnetonka’s many bays, over bridges, and past attractions like Gale Woods Farm and Big Stone Mini Golf. More paved loops can be found in Hyland Lake, Elm Creek, Baker, Lake Rebecca and other park reserves throughout the Three Rivers system.

East of St. Paul, Lake Elmo Park Reserve has five miles of paved trails with gently rolling hills and a variety of landscapes. The Mississippi and Minnesota rivers in this region are both paralleled by paved trails, including segments of the Mississippi River Trail in Hastings (Spring Lake Park) and the Minnesota River Greenway in Burnsville. 

Catch a view of both rivers from the 4.5-mile Big Rivers Regional Trail. It runs from Eagan to Lilydale, and overlooks the confluence of the two rivers.

NORTHEAST MINNESOTA

Duluth

Duluth's beautiful Lakewalk stretches 7.5 miles along the Lake Superior shore, offering lake views as far as the eye can see and passing landmarks including the Aerial Lift Bridge, Fitger’s, Leif Erikson Park and Brighton Beach. 

For a change of scenery, head inland to Hartley Park, where you’ll find 10 miles of multi-use trails weaving through the woods.

Ely

Ely’s Trezona Trail is a nearly 4-mile loop around Miners Lake, a former mining pit just north of downtown, with relatively flat terrain on the southern end and hillier portions as you move north. 

After your workout, cool off with a beer at the Boathouse Brewpub or iced coffee at Northern Grounds on downtown's charming Sheridan Street. The latter also hosts special events and tastings as part of its Ely Wine Society offshoot.

International Falls

The 1.7-mile Rainy Lake Recreation Trail in Voyageurs National Park starts at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and connects with the International Falls Bike Trail at Highway 11 for another 10 miles. After hiking, take a guided canoe or boat tour into this unique water-based park. (Reservations are recommended for its seasonal programming.) 

Iron Range

The Mesabi Trail is well established as a premier bicycling destination, but the 120-mile (and counting) paved trail is also open to people traveling on foot. Pick any of the 20+ access points along the trail, from Grand Rapids on the western end to Biwabik on the east, and take in the views of the many rock cuts and mine lakes along the way.

NORTHWEST MINNESOTA 

Bemidji

The longest paved rail-trail in the country, the aptly named Paul Bunyan Trail gets its start in Lake Bemidji State Park, traveling south along the shore of Lake Bemidji for nearly 7 miles to downtown. For a 5K loop in the city limits, start at the iconic Paul & Babe statues and follow the lake’s southwest shore through the picturesque Bemidji State University campus.

East Grand Forks

Mosey your way along the Red Lake and Red rivers on The Greenway, a 2,200-acre natural open space hugging the Minnesota-North Dakota border. The Minnesota side features multiple trailheads and parks with everything from pickleball courts to horseshoe pits. Passing right by downtown, it’s also perfect for pre- or post-dinner strolls.

Thief River Falls

Pick a section or conquer all seven miles of the River Walk in Thief River Falls, which winds along the river through numerous parks, past a dam, and the historic Soo Line Railroad Depot and steam locomotive. Historical markers along the way depict what the area looked like many years ago.

CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Hutchinson

Meander along the Crow River on the Luce Line State Trail in Hutchinson, passing between lakes and through city parks along the way. Around the midway point of this 6-mile stretch of trail, take a detour down Hutchinson's charming Main Street for a fresh pint at Bobbing Bobber Brewing Company.

Otter Tail County

Stretching from Fergus Falls to Osakis, the 55-mile Central Lakes Trail is a mostly flat, paved rail-trail with minimal road crossings and charming towns to explore every seven miles or so. Alexandria’s Legacy of the Lakes and Runestone museums are just a block off the trail, and in Osakis, it connects with the Lake Wobegon Trail for another 62 paved miles. 

For a long loop, check out the 12-mile Glendalough Trail, which runs from downtown Battle Lake along the lake shore and through Glendalough State Park.

Perham

The walking/biking path at Perham’s Arvig Park makes a full, more than 3-mile loop around the park and adjacent golf course. Plan your visit in August to coincide with the annual Pioneer Fest, or head downtown for the weekly turtle races in summer or Turtle Fest in June. Disgruntled Brewing is open year-round.

St. Cloud

The Mississippi River creates a beautiful backdrop for walking and running in the Granite City. Downtown, the half-mile River Walk on the west bank hooks up with the Beaver Island Trail for a 3-mile jaunt. 

Cross over to the other side at University Drive and loop back up past the beautiful Munsinger and Clemens Gardens. Several miles of trails wind through Quarry Park & Nature Preserve west of downtown, past 20 quarries and over a floating boardwalk.

Willmar Lakes Area

Start at the trailhead on the north end of Willmar and head north through the rolling hills of the Glacial Lakes State Trail. It’s just over 10K to the south end of Green Lake in Spicer, where ice-cold beverages await at the popular lakefront restaurant, Zorbaz. 

From there, it’s another five miles to the charming town of New London, where you can catch a water ski show by the Little Crow Ski Team on most Friday nights in the summer.

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA 

Marshall

The multipurpose Camden Regional Trail connects the city of Marshall to Camden State Park. Once outside the city limits, the trail travels over 10 miles of gently rolling hills alongside Highway 23 all the way to the park.

New Ulm

A 13-mile loop encircles the charming city of New Ulm, five miles of which is a paved off-street trail. The trail passes through city parks with unique amenities like a dog park, skate park, and graffiti art wall. It also puts visitors within blocks of such landmarks as the Hermann the German monument and Schell’s Brewery.

Owatonna

Owatonna’s city trails — including Kaplan's Woods Park, the Buxton, and the connecting Muckle Trail — offer a wide range of views, passing through parks, under bridges and adjacent to city streets. Be sure to plan your route to include a stop at the trailside Blast Soft Serve; you’ve earned it.

Rochester

Choose from more than 85 miles of paved trails in Rochester, ranging from lakeside loops to downtown river walks. Take a nearly 2-mile lap around Silver Lake, where you can also rent paddleboats and bikes, or travel a similar distance along the banks of the Zumbro River, passing by the Rochester Art Center, Mayo Civic Center and other downtown landmarks. Northeast of downtown, Quarry Hill Nature Center has blacktopped “family trails” that link up to all three parking lots, as well as the park’s many unpaved trails.

Winona

Take a leisurely stroll around lovely Lake Winona, which features a 5-mile blacktop trail that circles both segments of the lake and passes through Lake Park. Home to a rose garden, historic bandshell and playground, it has incredible views of the lake and surrounding bluffs await at every turn.

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