10 of the Best Places to Go Biking in Minneapolis-St. Paul

The Cannon Valley Trail occupies the former Chicago Great Western Railroad line, which once linked Minneapolis to Chicago, Omaha, and Kansas City. The flat, paved bike trail spans 20 blissful miles between the charming towns of Cannon Falls and Red Wing.

Smack dab in the middle sits Welch Station, a former railroad service area popular among picnickers. Along the trail, you’ll capture intermittent views of the Cannon River as well as limestone cliffs, hardwood forests, prairies, and wildflowers.

A daily wheel pass is required for adults 18 and older from April 1–November 1.

The City of Minneapolis claims at least 22 lakes. Five of the finest — Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet — comprise the Chain of Lakes Byway District, part of the much larger Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.

Featuring 15 miles of paved cycling trails, riders of the Chain of Lakes circle the shoreline, sailing past countless options for food, coffee, and other refreshments around the vibrant Uptown neighborhood. Further south, the Roberts Bird Sanctuary and peaceful Lyndale Park Rose Garden hug Lake Harriet, offering respite for weary riders.

Soak up panoramic views of the Mississippi River from the marvelous Coon Rapids Dam, located 12 miles north of downtown Minneapolis. From here, you might hop on the Mississippi River Regional Trail, which links regional bike trails in Coon Rapids, Fridley, and Columbia Heights to the peerless parkway system of the City of Minneapolis.

Or you might pedal the North Hennepin Regional Trail for an excursion to the Elm Creek Park Reserve, where an additional 20 miles of paved biking trails await. Why not explore some of them?

Five miles of paved bike trails. Ten miles of mostly flat, scenic singletrack and doubletrack for mountain biking. Quiet, low-traffic roads surrounded by big leafy trees and water. Fort Snelling State Park is a cyclist’s dream, sandwiched between the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers.

Pack a PB&J for lunch and watch for deer, beaver, muskrat, and snapping turtles as you pedal past Snelling Lake and around Picnic Island. Strap a fishing pole to your top tube and stop to cast a line for crappie, bluegill, or largemouth bass while jets soar high above. If you’ve got nowhere to go, this is the place to be.

Saddle up for an easygoing 18-mile ride from downtown St. Paul to the rural landscapes surrounding Stillwater, the birthplace of Minnesota. Built on an abandoned Soo Line Railroad corridor, the Gateway State Trail’s generally flat path unwinds through woodland, wetland, and farmland. 

You’ll roll past the not-quite-world-famous 44’ tall stucco snowman in North St. Paul, as well as pine stands, open prairie, and grazing livestock. For 10 miles in Washington county, an adjacent unpaved trail puts horseback riders beside cyclists. Giddy up!

On one end of the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail is the Carver Park Reserve in Victoria, a wonderful spot for camping under the stars. On the other end is downtown Hopkins, a fabulous neighborhood to grab grub and do some shopping. 

In between, a traffic-free crushed limestone trail extends for 15 quiet miles, offering up a leafy canopy and unbeatable views of Lake Minnetonka, the largest lake in the Twin Cities metro. To complete a full loop around Minnetonka, riders can link up with the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, which skirts the lake’s north side.

Famous among mountain bikers well beyond Minnesota’s borders, Eagan’s Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers up nearly 12 miles of sublime singletrack and excellent scenery ranging from dense wood to open meadow. The trails feature riding for all skill levels — beginners, intermediates, and even experts looking for a fun challenge. 

Come prepared for rolling terrain with short, punchy climbs, quick downhills, and all manner of optional obstacles, including rock gardens, log rollers, jumps, drops, skinny bridges, and more. Get after it!

Beginning at the south end of Lake Harriet and stretching all the way to the mighty Mississippi River, the Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail follows its namesake creek for six-and-a-half rolling, snaking miles. Winding past picture-perfect picnic areas, gorgeous homes, and towering oak, cottonwood, and silver maple, the popular path offers riders stunning views at every turn. 

Along the way, the gently flowing stream meets Lake Nokomis and Lake Hiawatha before tumbling over a majestic 53’ high waterfall at Minnehaha Park.

You’ve walked The Great Minnesota Get-Together among massive September crowds. But have you ever experienced the Minnesota State Fairgrounds when nobody’s around? Open all year long from 6 a.m.–11 p.m., except during special events, riders can pop in nearly anytime for a casual spin and see the fair’s iconic attractions in a new light. 

Cruise down Dan Patch past the Grandstand and Giant Slide. Pedal Judson from the Ag-Hort Building to the Horse Barn. As every Minnesotan knows, it’s never too soon to get in line for a bucket of Sweet Martha’s Cookies.

Forest scenery and dazzling views of the Minneapolis city skyline provide the backdrop to some of the region’s raddest singletrack at Theodore Wirth Regional Park. Together the Loppet Foundation and Minnesota Off Road Cyclists manage and maintain nearly 12 miles of top-quality mountain bike trails for riders of varying skill levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced. 

Test your abilities on rollers, jumps, steep rock climbs, and downhill switchbacks — if you’re feeling brave! And don’t forget to stop at the Trailhead for snacks.