Don’t have a bike? Not sure how to take your bike cross-country? Here are some tips
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Root River Trail Biking. Photo credit: Wikipedia photo by Kstoerz system. It offers great views of Albert Lea and Goose lakes, and includes both paved and unpaved sections. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Blazing Star trail runs through some of the best bird-watching territory in southern Minnesota.
Shooting Star
This trail features 20 miles of paved bikeway between LeRoy and Rose Creek, and runs through Lake Louise State Park. The highlight of this trail is the abundance of wildflowers. Among the varieties you’ll see are: prairie smoke, rattlesnake master and wild indigo, sunflowers, asters, goldenrods, and blazing stars. According to the DNR, “The trail passes by several additional interpretive/recreational opportunities, including Rustic Retreat Wildlife Management Area, Shooting Star Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, Taopi Prairie Interpretive Area, and Mower County Natural and Scenic Area.”
Douglas
This 12-mile trail begins near Rochester and cuts through acres of agricultural land. Douglas Trail has two separate “treadways,” as they’re called: one for biking and hiking, and another for horseback riding and crosscountry skiing. The trail goes through the town of Douglas, and ends at Pine Island.
Glacial Lakes
Biking this 22-mile trail, you’ll be able to visit the towns of Willmar, Spicer, New London and Hawick. (When you’re in Spicer, stop at Little Melvin’s on Green Lake for a cold brew and tasty burger.) This trail is known for its wildlife. Along the way you’ll spot deer, fox, various birds, reptiles and butterflies.
Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley
The 42-mile Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail system — one of the state’s most popular — begins in Fountain and connects a series of quaint Minnesota towns, including Lanesboro. This trail includes stunning views over river bluffs and ravines. If you love exploring the state on two wheels, this one should be on your bucket list.
Great River Ridge
Great River Ridge boasts 13 miles (soon to be 15) of paved trail. Like Root River, it’s got some stunning river bluff views. This trail also has a parallel treadway that is used for horseback riding and snowmobiling in the winter.
Goodhue Pioneer
This trail is a work in progress but, when it’s complete, it’ll be a path more than 40 miles in length connecting a series of towns in southeast Minnesota. A companion treadway for horseback and carriage riding connects with an equestrian trail system near Hay Creek.
ot everyone has a bike for touring the state’s bike trails. And even among those who do, most don’t have a bike rack for their vehicle. Fear not. While the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a run on bike sales and exercise equipment, things are starting to loosen up out there. If you’re looking for a decent bike or bike rack, try these local retailers:
n Nicollet South Bike Shop
One of the oldest and most trusted purveyors of bikes and accessories, Nicollet South can get you squared away with a new ride or whatever else you might need. Nicolletbike.com (507) 399-9390 607 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato
n Scheels
Don’t let the corporate sheen fool you. Located in the River Hills Mall, Scheels has been a trusted source of quality bikes — and sporting goods and apparel of all kinds — for years. scheels.com (507) 386-7767 1850 Adams St., Mankato
n Key City Bike
This one’s a little different. You can’t just walk into Key City Bike and buy something. You have to earn the right to purchase through volunteering. See their website for rules, and then grab a wrench! Do some good, earn some points, and eventually earn a bike. Keycitybike.org (507) 304-1936 204 E. Vine St., Mankato
MANKATO MAGAZINE • JULY 2020 • 15