Mesabi Trail – From Grand Rapids to Ely, the trail connects to towns across the Iron Range
Mine Pit Paddling – Along with several lakes in the area, enjoy several the pristine pit reclamations
Redhead Mountain Bike Park – Near Chisholm, find technical rock features, and fast flow sections
Tioga Recreation Area – Near Grand Rapids, find this reclaimed open mine pit for a mountain bike adventure
Spring Events To Checkout
Produced by Russ Lowthian and the HaveFunBiking.com team, we are now rolling into our 16th year of production covering destinations for biking, hiking and paddling. The 2025 edition is made possible thanks to Liz Warren for designing the guide and updating the maps, the editing support of Marcy Kelash, Jennifer Zacks, and our webmaster Sean Hayford Oleary. Also, a special thanks to all our Community Map Partners and the many advertisers who make this book popular for planning that next outdoor adventure. Please stop by our advertiser’s places of business and let them know you saw their ad or map in the Minnesota Bike/Hike/Paddle Guide. Thanks!
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
Demonstration Forest – Off-road riding old mining and timber railways trails
Gitchi-Gami Trail – The family-friendly paved path along Lake Superior
North Shore Paddling – Here find numerous lakes and river opportunities for paddling
Split Rock Wilds – Discover screaming terrain and vistas on this new mountain bike park
Superior Hiking Trail – Unparalleled hiking with breathtaking Lake Superior vistas.
See more in the Lake Co. Outdoor Guide below
Please scan/click here to see a wide range of fun spring challenges PLAN YOUR LOVIN LAKE CO. ADVENTURE HERE
Cover photo by Russ Lowthian; Capturing a fun day of mountain biking the trails at Detroit Mountain, in Detroit Lakes, MN.
Comments –editor@HaveFunbiking.com
Lake County Trail Map
Munger Trail – A scenic paved path out of Duluth, through several towns before reaching Hinckley
Spirit Mountain Bike Park – Find beginner to advanced levels, of fun, also great for winter fat biking Swiftwater Paddling – Offering scenic paddling adventures on the St Louis River.
MINNESOTA MOUNTAIN BIKE
TRAILS TO SHRED
SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
Crow Wing State Parks – Offers hiking trails that immerse visitors in the parks natural beauty
Cuyuna Country State Recreational Area – A bike/ hike park with paddling opportunities
Mississippi River Trail – Paddle stretches of the river winding along woodlands
Northland Arboretum – A nature reserve with trails for hiking and x-country skiing
Paul Bunyan State Trail – An extensive trail ideal for biking, hiking, and in-line skating
See more in the Brainerd Outdoor Guide
See Map Next Page
Brainerd/Baxter
Brainerd/Baxter Lodging
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Alexandria's LakesInterconnected, allowing paddlers to explore multiple bodies of water
Central Lakes State Trail Enjoy picturesque landscapes biking, walking, and in-line skating
Kensington Runestone Park Add historical element while hiking and mountain biking here
Lake Carlos State Park Provides opportunities for wildlife observation and nature immersion
Lake Brophy County Park A great spot for both casual walks and strenuous mountain Biking. See more in the Alexandria Outdoor Guide below
Boat Landing
Keep Your Bike Ready-to-Ride
Like any other mechanical device, your bicycle needs routine maintenance to ensure it’s safe to ride when you need it. Here are a few tips to put you on the right track!
Tip 1: Stay Away from the Hose
Helpful Bike Tools & Supplies
Every moving part on your bicycle needs lubrication to function properly. A hose forces water in and lubricant out, leaving your bicycle susceptible to corrosion and excess wear. Instead, fill a bucket with warm, soapy water (Dawn dish detergent works well) and use a large sponge or washcloth to clean all the parts of your bicycle. From top to bottom rinse it all off with fresh water, and let the bicycle air dry.
Tip 2: Focusing on the Drivetrain
If you have a particularly dirty drivetrain (the gears, chain, and the little pulley wheels on your derailleur) and want to get it sparkling you will need the following:
• Degreaser
• A sti bristled brush
• Rubber gloves
• Protective eyewear
Tip 3: Reapply Lubricant
Now that the bicycle is clean, reapply lubricant. The only places that need lube are the chain and possibly cables.
Step 1: To lube the chain, prop your bicycle up so you can freely backpedal. While backpedaling, coat the chain evenly with lubricant.
Step 2: Once the chain is well lubricated, fold a rag around the chain, backpedal, and remove all the excess lubricant you can (the chain will feel almost dry to the touch). Note: If you feel you need to lube the cables, apply lubricant in small doses, where the cable enters the housing. Cycle the gears, or squeeze the brakes until capillary action transports the lube into the cable housing.
Having a clean and properly lubricated bicycle is essential to making sure your bike is ready to go when you’re ready to ride.
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
Glacial Lakes State Trail – Enjoy the glacial terrain while biking or hiking here
Paddling the Lakes – Stay cool in over 30 lakes perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center Mountain bike woods and prairies
Robbins Island Regional Park – Offers bike/hike trails with opportunities to observe wildlife
Sibley State Park – Hike “Nature at its Best,” in Central Minnesota.
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
Eagle Lake Regional Park – Offers hiking and biking trails in a picturesque setting
Elm Creek Park Reserve –Boasts a network of trails for hiking and mountain biking
Fish Lake Regional Park – Offers tranquil waters and a sandy beach for paddling
Garden Libyrinth – A pathway in Central Park will lead visitor to its center and back
Maple Grove Parks and Trails – find many interconnecting path for both biking and hiking
See more in the Maple Grove Outdoor Guide below
Discover How Good You Will Feel
Tips from the Minnesota Department of Health
Physical Activity
D We all need to be active. People who participate in any amount of physical activity will benefit. Stay active throughout the day by walking or bicycling for errands and using the stairs. Taking short activity breaks is a great way to do it.
D Active kids are healthy kids. Make sure children are physically active for a minimum of 60 minutes each day for normal growth and development.
D Getting a variety of physical activity is important for adults, too.
u Two or more days a week you should schedule moderate or high-intensity musclestrengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups.
u Get a minimum of 2 1/2 hours a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes a week, at least 10 minutes at a time, of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity.
Avoiding Injury when Bicycling
D Ride on the roadway, rather than on sidewalks.
D Follow the same rules of the road as other vehicles.
D Wear a helmet every time you ride.
Healthy Eating
D Eat a variety of vitamin-packed foods, especially whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk or foods high in calcium, leaner meats and other proteins.
D Reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases by eating as many fruits and vegetables as you want. It is the best way for your body to get the nutrients it needs.
D Drink less pop and other sugary drinks drinks. It’s like drinking candy—a can of pop has the same amount of sugar as a six-inch Snickers candy bar.
D Limit saturated and trans fats, salt, cholesterol, added sugars and alcohol.
D Eat moderately at meals and limit excessive caloric intake.
D Limit the portion size of low-nutrient foods. Each portion should be no bigger than your fist.
D Pay attention to how much you are eating. Grazing or unconscious eating is a common reason people overeat.
D Eat within two hours of waking up so your body’s metabolism will increase slightly throughout the day and help you burn calories.
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
Mississippi River Paddle Share Program – Allows canoe/kayaks rentals to paddle down the river
D Make yourself visible, day and night. For more information, visit www.health.state.mn.us/mnpan
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park – (Coon Rapids Dam) bike, hike, or enjoy paddling here
Palmer Lake Nature Center – Ideal for nature walks and bird watching
Rush Creek Regional Trail – From Coon Rapids Dam connect to Elm Creek Park Reserve
Shingle Creek Regional Trail – this path provides connectivity between various community parks.
See more in the Minneapolis NW Outdoor Guide below
/ Edina 952-893-9300
www.marriott com
Edinborough Park 952-833-9540 www edinamn.gov/158/Edinborough-Park Wooden Hill Brewing Co 952-960-9663 https://woodenhillbrewing.com/beers/ Centennial Lakes Park 952-833-9580 h tps://www
gov/154/Centennial-Lakes-Park Galleria
952-925-4321 https://www galleriaedina com/ The Westin Edina Galleria 952-567-5000
http://www westinedinagalleria com/ Southdale Shopping Center 952-925-7874
http://www.simon com/mall/southdale-center Homewood Suites by Hilton Edina Minneapolis 952-926-0224
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Edina Aquatic Center 952-833-9560
https://www edinamn.gov/156/Aquatic-Center Edina Art Center 952-903-5780
https://www edinamn.gov/150/Ar -Center Edina Library 952-543-6325
https://www.hclib org/edina 50th & France 952-922-1524 http://50thandfrance com/
952-567-5000 http://www westinedinagalleria com/ Southdale Shopping Center 952-925-7874 http://www.simon com/mall/southdale-center Homewood Suites by Hilton Edina Minneapolis 952-926-0224 http://www.homewardsuitessbyhilton com Edina Aquatic Center 952-833-9560 https://www.edinamn.gov/156/Aquatic-Center Edina Art Center 952-903-5780 https://www edinamn.gov/150/Ar -Center Edina Library 952-543-6325 https://www.hclib org/edina 50th & France 952-922-1524 http://50thandfrance com/
Summer Events To Checkout
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
Please scan/click here to see a wide range of fun summer challenges PLAN YOUR
66th Street Cycle Track– A barrier separates bikes from car across the city
Nine Mile Creek Trail – A scenic paved trail winding through woodlands and wetlands
Taft Bike Park – A skills pump track with berms, rollers, jumps for various skill levels
Taft Lake – Enjoy paddling this urban setting, while watching planes takeoff and land overhead
Wood Lake Nature Center – A scenic wildlife trail winding through woodlands and wetlands.
See more in the Richfield Outdoor Guide See Map Next Page
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Test Ride an e-Bike
Tips From Test Ride an e- e-Bike
Test riding an electric bike before purchasing
One of the most important, and yet fun parts of buying an electric bike is taking the models you are most interested in out for a test ride. Just like buying a car, once you have narrowed the selection down a test ride will help you finalize your decision.
Visiting several bicycle shops that carry the e-bike brands you are most interested in will allow you to put aside skeptics, reviews, and research. Helping you answer the most basic question, which e-bike do I love the most?
So put on your bike shorts and helmet and go for a ride. Check your list and get a feel for which electric bike is best for you. Also, don’t forget to bring your driver’s license and a credit card along. Some shops may require you to leave your identification card with them. Or, they may want to swipe your credit card in case some damage happens on your test ride.
While test riding an e-bike:
• does the bike climb hills the way you need it to
• will the e-bike fit you the way you would like it to
• and finally, while riding, is the quality and functionality what you expected?
Now that you are back from your test ride, does the e-bike you like the best fit into your budget and is there a warranty? Buying an electric bike is a big investment, regardless if it is $1,500 or $10,000. With a warranty, you can rest assured that your investment is somewhat covered. A two-year warranty on parts, motor, and battery (with no exclusions for normal use) is reasonable to expect from most electric bike manufacturers with bikes selling for over $1,500.
Most of the questions above can be answered at a bike shop that carries the model you are most interested in. So, make your list of questions and come prepared to test ride some of the best e-bikes available in the market.
Minutes from the Mall of America:
Bird Watching – Along the Minnesota River, and around several Bloomington lakes
Bush Lake - A popular spot for paddling enthusiasts
Hyland Lake Park Reserve – Offers several biking and hiking trails
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Off-road trails for biking and hiking.
Minnesota River – Paddle to the confluence of the Mississippi, also several lakes and wetlands.
See more in the Bloomington Outdoor Guide
Fall Events To Checkout
Please scan/click here to see a wide range of fun fall challenges PLAN YOUR LAKEVILLE ADVENTURE HERE
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
Buck Hill – offers mountain bikers a scenic view of the lakes on a downhill trail system
City Parks and Lakes – Enjoy the many parks, and four lakes for fishing, paddling, and swimming
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve – Offers a hilly single-track mountain bike challenges
Ritter Farm Park – A historic farmland site remains in its scenic natural state for hiking
West Marion Lake Park – This mountain bike trail offers multiple berms and rollers in a prairie setting.
See more in the Lakeville Outdoor Guide below
See Map Next Page
A
B - Baymount Inn & Suites 17145 Kenyon Ave. 952-892-5422
C - Quality Inn of Lakeville 17605 Kenrick Ave. 952-898-3700
D - Motel 6 11274 210th St. 952-469-1900
E - Candlewood Suites 21060 Keswick Loop 612-808-5580
F - Hampton Inn 20851 Keokuk Ave. 952-213-3144
IGH Parks – Enjoy 31 parks including the Rock Island Swing Bridge
Mississippi River – Paddle from the I-494 Wakota Bridge down to Mooers Lake
Pine Bend Bluffs SNA – A MRT trailhead, hike with Mississippi River views
Salem Hills – A mountain bike park with trails for riders of all skill levels
Spring Lake Park Reserve – Archery, bison viewing and MRT trailhead.
Photo by Todd Bauer, TMB Images
A. AmericInn
5861 Blaine Avenue East ~ (651) 450-7511
B. Holiday Inn Express
5653 Bishop Avenue~ (651) 450-1100
C. Microtel
5681 Bishop Avenue~ (651) 552-0555
D. Coratel Inn & Suites
5492 S Robert Trail ~ (651) 414-9893
EXPLORE MINNESOTA’S MANY PAVED AND SURFACE TRAILS
SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
· Arbor Meadows and 37 other Park – Connected by paved city trails for all ages to enjoy
· Cottage Grove Bike Park – A mountain biking/ BMX area, suitable for different skill levels
· Dodge Nature Center – Hike and learn about nature, or enjoy a naturalist led program
· Hazen P. Mooers Park – A popular paddling route along the Grey Cloud Dunes shoreline Washington Co. Ravine Regional Park – Find paved and natural trails for biking and hiking
See more in the Cottage Grove Outdoor Guide
PLAN YOUR COTTAGE GROVE ADVENTURE HERE
See Map Next Page
Cottage Grove
IMBA developed the “Rules of the Trail” to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-use trails. Keep in mind that conventions for yielding and passing may vary in different locations, or with traffic conditions.
1. Ride Open Trails: Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness.
2. Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
3. Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.
4. Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you're coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.
5. Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.
6. Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
Search here for a www.IMBA.com Club to join and have fun!
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
Cannon River – offers paddlers scenic views of forests and farmland
City Parks and Trails – The community offers 37 parks, many with trails connecting
Local Lakes – Find ten lakes within a ten-mile radius for fishing, paddling, and swimming
River Bend Nature Center – Along the Straight River, enjoy hiking and Mountain biking
Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail – This paved trail connects Faribault to Mankato.
Photo by Chris Chavie
APRIL
April
April
EXPLORE MINNESOTA’S BIKE SKILLS PARKS AND PUMP TRACKS
SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
City Parks and Trails – A suitable for biking, walking, and skating
Kaplan's Woods – Off-road trails are single-track and offers challenging experiences
Lake Kohlmier – Offers a beach facility for swimming, canoeing, and docks for fishing
Rice Lake State Park – Is a haven for nature lovers, and paddling enthusiasts
Straight River – A popular paddling route offering several water trail adventures.
See more in the Owatonna Outdoor Guide below See Map Next Page
PLAN YOUR OWATONNA ADVENTURE HERE
Winter Events To Checkout
Please
Find a variety of outdoor adventures here:
Bluffside Park Trail System – Mountain bike or hike the bluffs above the city of Winona
C. A. Rohrer Rose Garden – Stop and smell the flowers, with Sugar Loaf in the background
Great River Bluffs State Park – Birding and hiking with views of Mississippi River Valley
Paddling Opportunities – Enjoy kayaking Lake Winona, or the backwaters of the Mississippi
Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest enjoy Minnesota's natural landscapes.
