Why Minnesota is the Best Biking State in America
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or jumping on a bike for the first time in years, Minnesota offers spectacular cycling experiences in every corner of the state.
The Star of the North is home to more than 4,000 miles of paved bike paths. Beyond the pavement, natural surface trails wind through forests, farmland, flat prairie, rolling hills, and river valleys. From Lake Country to the City of Lakes, riders of all ages keep rolling in all seasons.
In communities across Minnesota, investments in safe cycling infrastructure have made our state a haven for bike lovers. Year after year, Minnesota is ranked among the most bike-friendly states in America. Minneapolis stands out among U.S. cities; it was named the best city for biking in 2024 (with 300,000 residents or more).
But these surveys only scratch the surface. What truly makes Minnesota the best biking state is that there’s something for everyone: bicycle commuters, recreational riders, and even competitive racers.
Where else can you cruise kid-friendly routes for ice cream, ride a fat bike on frozen creeks, and experience world-class mountain biking in abandoned iron ore mines? Grab your water bottle and keep scrolling for a rundown of Minnesota’s very best bicycle trails, races, events, shops, and more.
Bike Trails
Because Minnesota is one of the greatest states for biking, it’s easy to find the right trail for the kind of ride you have in mind. From twisty singletrack to packed limestone to some of the flattest, smoothest pavement you’ve ever seen, these rides are sure to pump you up.
The Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area offers more than 50 miles of top-rated singletrack for mountain bikers of all skill levels. Once known for its iron ore mines, the region now attracts thrill-seekers worldwide for adrenaline-fueled adventures. Come to Cuyuna to ride the red dirt and take in breathtaking views of turquoise-tinted mine lakes.
Built on former railroad lines, the Central Lakes State Trail provides a flat and easy ride for all ages and abilities. Running for 55 miles between Fergus Falls and Osakis, the paved trail puts you within sniffing distance of wildflowers, wetland ponds, and the rural charm of farm country. Gentle hills, red barns, and lakes dot the landscape, while the Alexandria section takes riders past the Runestone Museum and Big Ole, the 28-foot-tall Viking.
The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway stitches together over 50 miles of off-street urban bike trails. It’s the perfect way to take in all of Minneapolis on two wheels, whether you ride the full loop or break it into segments. For wooded trails with skyline views, head to Theo Wirth. Other landmarks include the Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Falls, and the riverfront in downtown Minneapolis.
The Luce Line State Trail spans 63 miles on a former railway corridor. The mostly flat trail offers a variety of surfaces—pavement, grass, crushed granite, and limestone. Riders pass through wetlands, woodlands, prairies, and farmlands alongside horseback trails and lakes.
Stretching 115 miles, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the U.S., connecting Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park. The trail links scenic towns and passes meadows, lakes, and forests. Future extensions will connect with the Blue Ox Trail, forming a 210-mile route.
The Root River State Trail is a 42-mile paved path through southeastern Minnesota’s Driftless Region. Surrounded by limestone bluffs, it runs mostly flat over rail bridges and dams. Points of interest include Mystery Cave in Preston, the International Owl Center in Houston, and a massive sinkhole in Fountain. Restaurants and B&Bs make this ideal for a multi-day ride.
Bike Races
The Arrowhead Ultra 135 is one of the world’s most challenging endurance races, spanning 135 miles of Minnesota’s Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail. Held each year in late January, racers must contend with temperatures from -30 to -40°F, unpredictable snowstorms, and unforgiving terrain on fat bikes, skis, or by foot. Running through the frozen forest between International Falls and Tower, the punishing race attracts some of the top winter ultra-athletes anywhere. The race boasts an average finish rate close to 50%.
The Heywood Ride is a mid-May gravel road ride with five courses ranging from 30 miles to 390. Featuring long rollers, short, punchy climbs, and a few fast descents, the route takes riders through Northfield and greater Rice County for a springtime tour of active farms.
The Lutsen 99er takes place high above the shores of Lake Superior each June. Mountain bike riders can choose from four courses — 99, 69, 49, or 25 miles — all originating in Minnesota’s Sawtooth Mountains. All four distances feature terrain shaped by glaciers and surrounded by boreal forest. Moose are known to make the occasional appearance.
The Day Across MN (DAMN) is a single-day gravel road race every August that starts at midnight in Gary, South Dakota, and ends at midnight in Hager City, WI. Riders have 24 hours to complete the 240-mile course, which gets progressively steeper and more punishing as you close in on the finish line.
Every September, Winona’s Ride the Ridges event invites participants to take in some of Minnesota’s most beautiful scenery. As lush valleys lead to rolling hills, there’s a challenge for every rider. Choose from distances ranging from 22 miles to over 100, then enjoy a pleasant after-ride picnic with apples, lefse, and doughnuts.
The Headwaters 100 allows riders to choose from three distances: 42, 75 or 100 miles. Taking place in late September, the route moves through Itasca State Park and Minnesota’s rural Northwoods on its way past Lake George, Emmaville, Dorset, and Nevis.
For more races and events, make sure to visit BikeMN.org.
Bike Shops
When you’re in need of a tune-up, new tubes for your tires, or help finding the right bike for the kind of riding you want to do, your local independent bike shop is a wonderful resource. During your visit, you might ask about participating in community events, joining group rides, or taking classes to learn about common bicycle repairs.
Here are some locally owned shops to check out across Minnesota:
- Angry Catfish Bike Shop, Minneapolis
- Behind Bars Bicycle Shop, Minneapolis
- Erik’s Bike Shop, Multiple Locations
- Freewheel Bike Shop, Multiple Locations
- Heath Creek Cycles, Northfield
- One on One Bicycle Studio, Minneapolis
- Perennial Cycle, Minneapolis
- Red Raven, Crosby
- SpokeNGear Cyclery & Outdoor, Two Harbors
Bike Clubs
One of the only things better than riding your bike is riding your bike with friends. Linking up with a local cycling club can help you find like-minded riders who enjoy the routes and experiences you do. You’ll also pick up new skills quickly and discover new paths to explore.
If you’re looking for a training partner to log miles with you before the upcoming race season, or if you want to join a social ride for casual spins around town, you’re in luck. Minnesota is home to dozens of friendly and welcoming cycling clubs, and there’s probably an option or two near you.
Here are just a few to peruse:
- Chilkoot Velo, Stillwater
- Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, Duluth
- Handup Racing, Minneapolis
- Joyful Riders, Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Loppet Ride Club, Minneapolis
- Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota, Minneapolis
- Minnesota Randonneurs, Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Paul Bunyan Cyclists, Bemidji
- Superior Cycling Association, Grand Marais
- Team Recess, Minneapolis
- Utepils Cycling, Minneapolis
Mountain Biking
Breathtaking climbs. Steep descents. Quiet wooded two-track. Gnarly singletrack. Sublime river valleys. Whatever mountain biking experience you’re after, whatever your skill level, you can find the perfect ride in Minnesota.
Minnesotans have enjoyed mountain biking since its earliest days. In fact, Quality Bicycle Parts, one of the world’s largest distributors of bicycle parts, has called Minnesota home since it started sourcing hard-to-get mountain bike parts in the early 1980s.
New and well-designed trails continue popping up all around the state, and many stay open year-round for winter fat biking. For the best experience, start exploring trail systems rated by the International Mountain Biking Association. These can be found in Duluth, Cuyuna, and the Twin Cities.
Fat Biking
Outfitted with enormous snowshoe-like tires, a fat bike invites you to experience winter fully and changes how you look at landscapes. It’s your ticket to take any trail and roll over any rock, root, or other obstacle. Whether your ride is fast, slow, scenic, or through a familiar shortcut, fat biking makes every route feel new.
In other words, fat biking isn't just fun. It feels like freedom.
Some of the best places to ride a fat bike are nothing more than snow-covered remixes of your favorite spots for mountain biking. When it’s time to get out on two humongous wheels for a little winter fun, don’t miss Mission Creek and Jay Cooke State Park up north, the Minnesota River Bottoms in the Twin Cities metro, and the Douglas State Trail in the south.
How to Bike in the Winter
Riding in Minnesota means you’ll be confronting all kinds of weather – wet, hot, cold, and worse. But once you learn to layer and regulate your body heat, riding in bitterly cold temperatures becomes something you can look forward to doing rather than something you dread.
The first thing to remember is the more you move, the warmer you’ll be. Always pay attention to your effort and wear appropriate layers around your hands and feet. If you start running hot, peel off a layer or two to cool down before your clothes become wet.
If you’re riding in the dark, be sure to wear bright, reflective colors and outfit yourself with basic blinking lights. When your route includes more than the occasional patch of ice, you may also want to consider adding studded tires to your bike.
Additional Resources
These resources may be helpful as you continue on your journey to enjoy every mile of bikeable surface across Minnesota:
- The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota engages people, provides education, and advocates for biking and walking.
- The Minnesota Cycling Federation is a group of cycling enthusiasts and advocates passionate about advancing the sport of bike racing. They are also the local association for the national governing body, USA Cycling.
- Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources offers a curated list of paved, unpaved, and singletrack trails in Minnesota.
- MNTrails.com works to inspire riders to explore the Outdoors by telling the story of Minnesota’s parks and trails and the people who love them.
- Since 1880 The League of American Cyclists has worked to create safer roads, stronger communities, and a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. Through education, advocacy and promotion, the League works to celebrate and preserve the freedom cycling brings to our members everywhere.
