Minnesota Trails Summer 2016

125 Year Anniversary

First Century Ride

Summer 2016

40 33 Top Bike Rides

Bike Trails

Tr ai Pa l Bu ge ild 5 er

Getting Kids Outdoors

522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue Sauk Centre, MN 56378

www.MnTrails.com Minnesota Trails Staff Dave Simpkins Editor/Publisher

Minnesota vacations begin in the city.

Jan Lasar Publisher/Advertising Joyce Frericks Accounting Brian Dingmann Page Layout & Design Pat Turner Graphics Manager Tara Pitschka Amanda Thooft Graphic Artists

Editorial Board

Brett Feldman Executive Director Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Vol. 21, No. 2 May 2016 Minnesota Trails magazine is a continuation of Minnesota Bike Trails & Rides, published quarterly in cooperation with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that acquires, protects and enhances critical lands for public enjoyment. Your $35 membership subscription supports this work.

Minnesota Trails is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials and reserves the right to reject unsuitable advertising. Information in this publication is as accurate as possible.

Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not of Minnesota Trails.

Find the best gear and clothing for your next outdoor adventure, including: Canoes Kayaks SUPs Footwear Outdoor

Backpacking Camping Climbing Nordic Skiing Adventure Travel Ask us. We’ve been there.

Continuing the

309 Cedar Ave S Minneapolis MN 55454 | 612.339.3433 www.midwestmtn.com

Photo: Paddling the Lake Superior Water Trail - Tettegouche State Park by Mark Erickson 2 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

Features

Columns

Departments

8

4

5

Getting Kids Outdoors Tom Watson

Celebrating a 125-year struggle Dave Simpkins

9

125 Year Anniversary

Dave Simpkins

Upcoming Issues:

10

My First Century

Bea Winkler

Fall: August 2016 Hiking, Scenic Byways

Cover photo:

Cross-country cyclists pass through the Lake Wobegon covered trail bridge in Holdingford on Adventure Cycling’s Northern Tier Route. Jan Lasar photo

Winter: November 2016 Ski Trails, Winter Getaway

Trails Q&A

People we meet on the Trails

6-7 Parks & Trails News 12

Bike Ride Guide

17

Bike Trail Guide

46

Business Directory

Events from June to October

Maps and Info

Find Your Trail Partners

Index photo:

Riding through the wildflowers of Glacial Lakes State Park near Starbuck. Jan Lasar photo

Proud sponsor of the

Thank yous!

Minnesota Trails

Find us on:

Summer 2016 3

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y

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his year we’ll be celebrating parks would be made through $50,000 that the Council filled with a the 125th anniversary of the a group of civic and business no-interest loan for IMBA to start the Minnesota Parks & Trail system leaders that started in 1954 what project. Without this help the worldalong with the millions of visitors is now the Parks & Trails Council class mountain bike park would not that will be taking in all the hiking, of Minnesota. Samuel Morgan had have happened. camping, birding, biking, swimming, the vision that it is good to be an Currently the Council is working canoeing, geocaching, rock climbing, advocate for state parks but to get with partners to create a two-trail picnicking, photographing, campfires anything accomplished an advocacy corridor for a 13-mile stretch of the and the hundreds of other things we organization would have to Minnesota Valley State Trail love to do in this have money. The group – preserving the current unCommon great land of ours. raised that money and natural surface trail used Ground Along with their first project was by mountain bikers celebrating all the outright purchase while adding another these joys, I also of land for the Afton hardened surface want to celebrate State Park. Nearby trail that meets the all the struggles land owners were Americans with and the people upset and burned a Disabilities Act who fought so dummy of Morgan requirements and hard to make in effigy. provides broad this great park Once the park public access to the and trail system was complete the Minnesota River possible. neighbors were Valley.

Dave Simpkins From the happy with the park The dual-trail Editor/Publisher very start, the and Morgan could joke will connect to several M magnificent Itasca State Park passed that he would rather be regional attractions and ary Gibbs out of the state legislature in 1891 burned in effigy than in trail networks, including: with only a one vote majority to person.

Bloomington’s Old Cedar become the second state park in the Today, the Parks & Trails Avenue Bridge, Hyland Regional nation behind Niagara Falls. This Council’s Samuel H. Morgan Land Trail and Park, Nine Mile Creek didn’t impress the timber companies Fund, which is used to acquire land Regional Trail, Nokomis-Minnesota who tried to rescind the legislation. for parks and trails, is valued at $5 River Regional Trail, downtown Jacob V. Brower fought hard to million. The Council has helped Chaska, downtown Shakopee, Valley protect those gorgeous white pine create Grand Portage State Park, Fair, Minnesota River Valley Refuge trees from being harvested. worked to double the size of Visitor Center, Mall of America, When Mary Gibbs William O’Brien State Park Metro Transit’s Blue Line (LRT), took over for her and Tettegouche State Fort Snelling State Park, Historic deceased father as Parks as well as adding Fort Snelling, Minnehaha Falls Itasca Park Manager, mileage to most of the Regional Park and both downtown she had to fight off state’s bike trails.

Minneapolis and St. Paul via existing the lumbermen The Council regional trails. who were flooding came to the aid of the The Minnesota Valley project Lake Itasca with Paul Bunyan Trail in has its detractors, just like so many logs. They said they 2004 when adjoining projects before it. And like the early would shoot anyone land owners of an development of Itasca State Park 125 who put their hand undeveloped portion years ago, it will become a valued on the lever to lower argued the land recreational asset for the entire state the water. She went to should return to them to enjoy. the lever and said, “I rather than become a I can’t help but wonder what Ja r co e will put my hand there, paved trail.

Working kind of protests we’d see if the state b V. Brow and you will not shoot it with trail organizer started to close our parks, trails, off either.”

Terry McGaughey, rivers and forests. Instead There was a great deal of the Council provided of protests, we get to building in the the state parks during legal counsel in a friend celebrate 125 years of the Great Depression because the of the court brief to the our beautiful parks and government wanted to put people Minnesota Supreme trails and I’ll give a tip to work and also because the parks Court winning a of my camping hat gave everyone a chance to enjoy the landmark case to all those people outdoors. impacting trails who stood up and At a labor rally during the nationwide. struggled to make Minneapolis Trucker’s strike of 1934, In 2010, this all happen.

Vincent Dunne told the strikers the Congressman Jim day would come in Minnesota when Oberstar secured the average working person would $800,000 to build a have a place at the lake just like the mountain bike trail Terry McGaughey’s vision er wealthy people did. For many that system at Cuyuna was to turn an abandoned e ry place was in a state park.

Country SRA, but there railroad grade into the Paul McGaugh Bunyan Trail.

Ironically, many of those state was a funding gap of 4 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

TrailsQ&A

Terri Tacheny

Minnetrista, MN

Gear: Vasque hiking shoes, Outdoor Products hiking pole and backpack.

When did you start hiking: As a child. I had the good fortune to grow up near woods and fields.

Best trail experience: A summer working at a camp in the Cascade Mountains.

Your favorite Minnesota hiking trail?

The hike to Shovel Point at Tettegouche State Park.

Occupation: Naturalist at Sibley State Park.

Seen: Interpretive Center at Sibley State Park.

Gear: DNR uniform How long have you been a naturalist? About five years, three with the Minnesota DNR. Why are you a naturalist?

I am drawn to working with people and I grew up outdoors.

This is the perfect combination of those two worlds.

Why Sibley State Park?

My great-grandfather homesteaded an area that is now part of the park. I’m 5th generation Norwegian.

Sibley’s special features?

The combination of prairie, oak savannah, and prairie potholes with wetlands is very unique.

Your favorite Minnesota state park?

If I had to choose one besides this one, it would be Blue Mounds.

Best experience?

I have those almost every day.

Last week I saw a bird of prey eat a snake in a tree.

Worst experience?

Poison ivy. It happens all the time.

Trail treat: Good, homemade jerky and dried fruit.

Advice for aspiring naturalists: Get out and get active in the field. Volunteer, and do citizen science.

Cindy Morgan

Andrea Sweeney

Park Rapids, MN

Occupation: Service Dog Trainer Seen: Heartland Trail Park, Park Rapids

Minneapolis, MN

Occupation: Director of Cardiovascular Programs at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

QA

Seen: Doing yoga at one of the scenic overlooks of the Oberg Mountain Loop on the Superior Hiking Trail.

Worst trail experience: Hiking a muddy footpath in Borneo’s Mulu National Park and sinking thigh-deep into a mud pit.

Trails Q & A

Snapshots of people we meet along the trail

Kelsey Olson

St. Paul, MN

Occupation: Retired Special Ed Teacher, currently a therapeutic harpist doing volunteer work.

2016

How many miles do you hike a year: I would guess it’s between 50 and 100.

Trail Treat: I could say a nice glass of wine or a great foot massage, but there’s nothing more memorable than being with the people you hiked with, sharing the adventures of the day and laughing at all of the funny things that happened on the trail.

With $1,000 dollars I would: Give it to someone who really needs the money.

Gear: ICE three-wheel recumbent bike with 36 gears and dog Jake in a Wike trailer

Best trail experience: A trip from Park Rapids to Duluth on the Heartland, Paul Bunyan and Willard Munger Trails.

Worst trail experience: None come to mind.

Seen: Riding her road bike on a 40mile loop on the Centennial Trail between Villard and Glenwood and the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway.

Why do you ride?

I’m a marathoner and I wanted to diversify my workouts.

Trail Treat: Pie from Third Street Market in Park Rapids.

Favorite Minnesota place to ride: I don’t discriminate, because I’m always looking for a new places to explore.

How many miles do you bike a year?

About 1000. I like long-distance rides.

Best Experience: Seeing nature in a different way and meeting friendly, helpful people along the way.

How long have you been riding a bike?

All of my life.

Worst Experience: Pouring rain at Hillfest in Prescott, Wisconsin. But you learn from your mistakes.

Favorite Trail: The Willard Munger Trail, because of the scenery.

Future plans: I want to ride all of Minnesota’s trails eventually.

Trail treat: Salted Nut Roll.

With $1000 I would: Spend half on gear and give half to trail advocacy.

With $1000 I would: Advice for a novice biker: Help someone get a service dog. Find a riding buddy or a group to ride with. Don’t be intimidated Advice for a novice biker: by spandex. My padded bike Take water and snacks along. shorts are my favorite piece of gear.

Advice for a novice hiker: Just start walking, even if you only walk around the block.

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2016 5

p a rks & trai ls cou n c il of mn

www.parksandtrails.org

Letter from the executive director

Help us “pass it on”

By Brett Feldman f you are a regular MN Trails magazine reader you likely turned to this page because you are a fan of Mike Tegeder’s columns.

Mike’s column ended in March when he completed his three-year term as president and seven-year tenure on the Parks & Trails Council’s board.

As a self proclaimed Mike Tegeder fan who has had the privilege of working with him for the past decade, I would like to thank Mike for his outstanding service on behalf of Minnesota’s trails and parks.

Mike is a kind, humble and courageous leader who has been highly effective at making our world a better place. Those of us who have spent time with Mike know that there is no recreational pursuit he won’t try, he loves Minnesota’s great outdoors, and his positive spirit and outlook are second to none. He is one of the great souls of the earth, and we have all benefited from his leadership.

Mike is both visionary and inspirational. He has a special way of staying focused on the big picture even when our state’s parks and trails are far too often confronted with budget shortfalls and political forces opposed to public land.

So how do we show our appreciation to a man like Mike who

I

has worked so hard to share Minnesota’s most special outdoor places with others? That is a question we answered on March 30 at our Annual Dinner when we gave out 200 numbered tokens inscribed with the words “Inspired by Mike Tegeder” and “Pass it On” and asked everyone to “bike/hike/paddle/recreate with a loved one” and then to pass it on in honor of Mike.

This was shortly after Mike was diagnosed with cancer. While we always show our appreciation for our outgoing presidents, this became a particularly poignant time to think about the important contributions

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota would like to thank the following sponsor

that Mike has made to parks and trails. He has given countless hours and dedication to helping advance the mission of acquiring and protecting critical land for the public to enjoy. These tokens are truly inspired by the way Mike has gone out of his way to share these special places with friends and family.

If you would like to join the movement to honor Mike, you can request a token by emailing info@ parksandtrails.org. Each token is numbered so after you finish your adventure we need you to log into parksandtrails.org and record some basic information about your experience. By completing this step we can follow the path of each outdoor experience that has been inspired

by Mike. At the same time you will be fulfilling Mike’s mission and our organization’s mission to get more people connected to the outdoors.

People saving special places

Since 1954, the nonprofit, member-supported Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota has been saving special places for the public’s use and benefit. Members make it happen! By responding quickly to purchase critical land when it goes up for sale, we preserve outstanding natural lands for parks and trails. We are your voice in advocating and educating on behalf of parks and trails.

Plus, members receive four issues of Minnesota Trails Magazine!

Join Today! Mail in an enclosed subscription card or join online

www.ParksAndTrails.org www.pincushiontrailsinn.com

Minnesota 6 Summer Trails 2016

Summer 2016Trails 5 Minnesota

p a rk s & trai ls c ou n cil of mn

www.parksandtrails.org

2016 Parks & Trails Photo Contest

tion photo by

ble men 2015 honora

Lisa Nilles

2015 Winning photo by Janelle Wesenberg

2015 Winning photo by

Manda Baldwin

Seeing the beauty protected within Minnesota’s parks and trailsit’s worth a thousands words. Help tell the story of these special places with your photo!

Submit your photos May 20 – August 20, 2016

www.ParksAndTrails.org/photo-contest

1ST PlAce

2nd PlAce ~ $75 cash prize

$250 gift certificate to print & frame a photo at Minneapolis Frame Shop

3rd PlAce ~ $50 cash prize

+ $100 cash prize

Minnesota Trails Minnesota Trails

All WinnerS Will be featured in the published issue of Minnesota Trails Magazine and on Parks & Trails Council website and facebook pages Summer 2016 6 Summer 2016 7

Getting Kids Outdoors!

by Tom Watson, Outdoor Writer

State parks & trails offer many choices

I n n o v a t i o n cabin or even around your city block Award, is a series featuring themes such as: Evergreens of outdoor skill- in Winter, The Fallen Log, Adopt a building programs Tree, Birds and Worms, Soil Stories developed to and more.

Geocaching - A popular state park attract new visitors, particularly young program for several years, geocaching families and with kids introduces them to exploring racially diverse in the field while they discover all the audiences, to natural attractions and activities in state parks and our state parks. Geocaching kits and their activities. programs are available at parks across Aimed primarily the state.

Kids hone their target skills at an Archery in the Parks event In addition to these statewide at participants who Tom Watson photo are single parents programs, individual state parks with school-aged offer a wide range of topical activities throughout the seasons.

A kid’s first introduction to children, “I Can…” offers an Everything from local experiencing the natural world might introduction to camping flora and fauna to other outdoor be through a backyard sleepover and myriad natural history or a fishing derby hosted by a local adventuring by providing and science theme are sportsmen’s association. Or, it may be equipment and hands-on among the vast array just an afternoon of geocaching with instruction for free or at a of programs offered. family. Whatever that introduction “family friendly” price.

Opportunities range The “I Can” series to nature’s grand theater is, the only from clinics on critters thing better than helping our youth includes most of the to different fisheries and available experience the outdoors for the first activities time is getting them to come back throughout Minnesota’s state parks everything in between - and all listed on each state park’s website: and waterways: again, and again, and again!

“Camp” - an introduction to www.dnr.state.mn.us/dnrkids.

Encouraging and nurturing young Many community programs people’s interest in the outdoors is overnight camping with kids and introduce kids to an activity during the enthusiastic and creative goal families; “Fish” - all the basics on how to just one event such as Take a Kid promoted by Minnesota state parks.

Fishing Day and others. The kid’s and From organized projects in the field fish, gear and bait included; “Climb” - a literal cliff hanger, and family programs at our state parks to programs kids can do at their own provide an ongoing opportunity to pace, the rewards go far beyond a rock scramble for the entire family; “Paddle” - a range of paddling encourage, sustain and nurture that well-deserved badge or certificate.

Here’s a look at a few of the many know-how, from canoes and kayaks spark of interest in kids by introducing educational and entertaining ways to paddle boards, on all Minnesota’s them to all that our wonderful and exciting outdoor world offers them state parks help kids become more waterways; “Mountain Bike” - Off-roading at throughout our statewide system of vested in our great outdoors: parks.

Junior Park Naturalist - Introduces it’s adventuring beginner’s best; “Archery In The Park” - close kin kids to Minnesota’s rich and diverse biomes - Pinelands, Hardwoods or to the “I Can…” Prairies - by offering activities in parks, series, it’ all about at school or in many natural settings. bow, arrows and To complete the program, kids visit a target shooting.

P r o j e c t state park where they are recognized for their efforts with a badge that Learning Tree certifies them as an official Junior Park Offers educational “fun family Naturalist.

Park Explorer - Encourages kids to activities” at your advance beyond their junior naturalist own pace - and level through three more in-depth and place. This program diverse, outdoor adventure programs: e n c o u r a g e s Nature Explorer, History Explorer, and children ages 3-15 Earth Explorer. Young “explorers” and their families earn points through various activity to share in puzzles, book challenges and are rewarded games and other activities to enjoy with an explorer’s badge.

“I Can“: This program, recipient while hiking in I Can Fish teaches children ages 3-15 the basics of fishing. of a Minnesota State Government the woods, at your DNR photo 8 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

125th Anniversary

by Dave Simpkins, Trails Editor/Publisher

Celebrating 125 Years of outdoor fun

parks, forests Minnesota state parks and on and trails, paddle Minnesota state trails, and activities Minnesota rivers that bond family and friends. Visitors and water trails or have been encouraged to create a piece hike the Superior of art and submit to be part of the 125th Commemorative Quilt. The quilt Hiking Trail.

F i n i s h e r s will be on display during the 2016 will appear in a picnics at Jay Cooke, Maplewood, Fort Finisher’s Gallery Snelling and Itasca State Parks.

In celebration of the 125th on the DNR anniversary, the parks are issuing website.

The State a new geocaching challenge where Parks are on a visitors will help two Travel Bugs visit mission to fill all 81 “Call of the Wildflower” caches every campsite during 2016.

Track their progress online at in the system on Saturday, June 11, geocaching.com, enter in the Travel which is National Bug reference numbers TB278JM and Get Outdoors TB278J6.

Bill and Jeannine Rogers received their 125 sticker at Whitewater Day. Campers are State Park. DNR photo encouraged to go online and register for the many good There is a big birthday party going campsites yet to fill. on at Minnesota’s state parks, rivers Park and trail users are designing and recreational bike trails this year. a new license plate for Minnesota State The Minnesota Parks and Trails Parks and Trails during the anniversary division of the Department of Natural celebration. The agency is looking Resources is celebrating the 125th for original designs that capture the anniversary of the agency that began essence of your Minnesota State Parks with the opening of Itasca State Park and Trails experience. Whether it’s an in 1891. iconic location, representative scenery Since the system’s beginnings it or your favorite state park or trail has added 74 state parks and state activity, your design could appear on recreation areas, 25 multi-use state vehicles across the state.

Tim Caroline was one of the first to trails and state water trails. complete the 125 Bike, Boot or Boat The celebration will include a 125EVENTS Challenge during the 125th Anniversary mile Bike, Boot or Boat Challenge, a Check the parks and trails events of Minnesota State Parks. DNR photo Total Takeover of every campsite in page of the the system, a license plate contest, Parks website many park and trails events, picnics, for specific park a comparative quilt and a special events and trail geocaching bug. rides.

People can learn more and S p e c i a l participate through the Parks website picnics will be at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/125. held at Interstate, The 125-mile Bike, Boot and M a p l e w o o d , Boat Challenge started the first of Itasca, Fort January. Participants can accrue miles S n e l l i n g at any Minnesota state park, state G l e n d a l o u g h forest, state trail or state water trail and Jay Cooke and they can keep track of their miles state parks on the DNR website. Snowshoe hikes, throughout the wildflower walks and many other summer. naturalist-led programs will count The parks toward your total, as well as any miles are creating a you log on your own. Check the Parks special work calendar of events and look for the of fabric art green icon for Challenge opportunities c a p t u r i n g or do your own thing. b e a u t i f u l Shawn Severson finished her 125th mile at Glacial Lakes State

You can travel within state places within Park. DNR photo Minnesota Trails

Summer 2016 9

My First Century

by Bea Winkler

I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. Just tell me I can’t do something and sheer determination is my usual response.

After getting back into biking a few years ago, I couldn’t let my bum knee or neck tell me “You’re too old for this,” and I decided to ride 100 miles in one day.

It wasn’t easy to train for a ride like this. I’m one of the early baby boomers, didn’t have any friends who were able to join me, and who wants to ride 100 miles by themselves?

I found a wonderful group of likeminded individuals in the Central Minnesota Bicycle Club, where I’m in good company: Our physical challenges comprise various joint replacements, back or neck fusions, cancer effects and traumatic brain injuries. There may be some who are unscathed youth, but it’s mostly a motley group of warriors who refuse to choose the couch.

Last summer I got in a lot of miles: weekly club rides and lots of trips with friends or on my own. I took longer and longer rides as the summer progressed and started to feel confident that this was the year for my first ever 100-mile ride, a socalled century.

To make it official, I signed up for the Headwaters 100 in Park Rapids, and kept training. The weekend before the Headwaters ride I was ready. Almost one year to the date after my knee replacement, I felt strong, fit and up for the century ride. I didn’t care if it took me all day.

I didn’t even care if I rode alone. It

was my time to do this!

Our group left Century High School in Park Rapids early in the morning, heading north on good roads with broad, paved shoulders with rolling hills. We took a break at Itasca State Park and moved on to Wilderness Drive. It was narrower with many scenic views of fall colors and red pines. Once through the park, the road opened up, but the hills got longer. I had to summon my strength because I am not a hill climber. As soon as I crested one, there was another in front of me and I was

Still smiling at mile 99 of the Headwaters 100 bike ride.

Jan Lasar photo

really looking forward to the Emmaville rest stop for reunions with fellow riders, food and a grassy place to recline.

At every stop we compared notes: Any mishaps?

Average speed?

Fastest descent? Did you see that road named “Get Around Road?” The friendly encouragement and support from my fellow long distance riders kept me on the road and in good spirits.

By the time we got to Nevis my derrière was a bit weary of the saddle and I was exhausted. The last 15 miles on the Heartland Trail were a blur of laughing and singing and silly jokes.

We did everything we could to take our minds off the task of pedaling and each mile marker brought us a bit closer to the finish.

Late in the afternoon I rolled into Park Rapids, my odometer read 100 miles and I had completed my first century ride.

This year I’ll try to ride two centuries. Who doesn’t like a challenge?

Taking a break at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park.

Jan Lasar photo

10 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

Ron & Lee An

n Plinske

photo

Crosby - Ironton - Deerwood - Bay Lake - Cuyuna - Emily

~ LODGING ~ Camp Holiday Resort and Campground 27406 Round Lake Road, Deerwood 218-678-2495 www.campholiday.com Country Inn Deerwood 23884 Front St., Deerwood 218-534-3101 www.countryinndeerwood.com Deerwood Motel 23688 Forest Rd., Deerwood 218-534-3163 www.deerwoodmotel.com Hallett House B&B 22418 State Hwy. 6, Deerwood 612-269-6616 www.halletthouse.lodgify.com True North Basecamp 825 1st St. SW, Crosby 218-833-2267 www.truenorthbasecamp.com Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge 25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd., Deerwood (Open May-October) 218-678-2885 www.ruttgers.com Woodland Beach Resort 15596 Woodland Beach Lane, Deerwood 218-866-0711 www.woodlandbeachresort.com

hoto n Plinske p

n Ron & LeeA

~ EAT & DRINK ~ Crosby Dairy Queen 714 Oak St., Crosby 218-546-6124 www.dairyqueen.com Deerstand Restaurant and Bar 24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood 218-534-9253 www.deerstandrestaurant.com Mixed Company - A Kava House 128 W Main St., Crosby 218-545-1010 Coffee Shop · Panini/Sandwiches · Ice Cream North Country Café 12 W Main St., Crosby 218-545-9908 Homestyle cooking w/friendly service.

Woodtick Inn 24916 Minnesota Ave., Cuyuna 218-772-0252 All trails lead to the tick.

Spalding House 1 W Main St., Crosby 218-546-6060 Craft beers on-tap. Overnight rooms available.

~ SERVICES ~ Cuyuna Regional Medical Center 320 E Main St., Crosby 218-546-7000 www.cuyunamed.org Cycle Path and Paddle 115 3rd Ave SW, Crosby 218-545-4545 www.cyclepathpaddle.com Deerwood Bank Deerwood-Garrison-Brainerd-Baxter 800-291-6597 www.deerwoodbank.com

Contact Us for More Information

218-546-8131 • www.cuyunalakes.com Minnesota Trails

Jacobs Realty Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby 218-546-8346 www.jacobsrealtymn.com Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union 117 W Main St., Crosby 218-546-5428 www.mmfcu.org Summer 2016 11

2016

bike rides & tours TOUR OF LAKES

Saturday, June 4 Location: Pequot Lakes High School, Pequot Lakes, MN Email: bodie@brainerd.net Website: www.paulbunyancyclists.com Distances: 35 and 65 miles

Experience the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area.

TWIN CITIES TOUR DE CURE

THE TOUR OF MINNESOTA

Friday, June 17 Location: Brainerd, MN Phone: 952-215-5056 Email: drumminglibrarian@hotmail.com Website: www.tourofminnesota.com Distances: 30-75 miles daily

The Tour of Minnesota is heading north to Paul Bunyan territory this year. Enjoy a rest day at Lake Itasca State Park.

Saturday, June 4 Location: Minnehaha Falls, MN Phone: 763-593-5333 x 6784 Email: joatman@diabetes.org Website: www.diabetes.org Distances: 7, 18, 29, 43, 62, 100 paved miles (22-mile mountain bike option)

Join us for the Twin Cities Tour de Cure at Minnehaha Falls.

LADY SLIPPER RIDE

TOUR DE PEPIN

LOOP THE LAKE FESTIVAL

Saturday, June 4 Location: Lake City, MN Phone: 651-345-4123 Email: lcchamber@lakecity.org Website: www.lakecity.org/tourdepepin

Begin your tour in historic Lake City and end with a steamboat ride.

WATER CARNIVAL BIKE RIDE

Saturday, June 11 Location: Hutchinson, MN Phone: 320-339-0038 Email: sara.turrell@gmail.com Website: www.hutchinsonrotary.org Distances: 12, 25, 50 miles

This beautiful rural ride has a new route this year.

CARAMEL ROLL RIDE

Saturday, June 11 Location: Albany, MN Email: lwtevent@gmail.com Website: www.caramelrollride.com

This is our annual “Beginning of Summer” ride on the trail.

Saturday, June 18 Location: Avon, MN Email: lwtevent@gmail.com Website: www.ladyslipperride.com

This is a short ride, about 6 miles round trip, to see the beautiful lady’s slipper orchids growing along the Lake Wobegon Trail.

Saturday, June 18 Location: The Sanford Center, Bemidji, MN Phone: 218-759-0164 Email: info@bikebemidji.com Website: www.bikebemidji.com Distance: 17 miles

Family-friendly bike ride around Lake Bemidji. Easy, paved route with festive rest stops and evening programs.

DAM2DAM RIDE

Saturday, June 18 Location: Little Falls, MN Phone: 800-325-5916 Email: cmnbikeclub@yahoo.com Website: www.cmnbikeclub.com

Follow the Great River Road through Charles A. Lindbergh State Park to historic Blanchard Dam.

SHOOTING STAR TRAIL RIDE

Saturday, June 25 Location: Rose Creek, MN Phone: 507-324-5119/612-499-5555 Email: skjacobson@frontiernet.net Website: www.shootingstartrail.org Distances: 20, 40, 50, 62, 100 miles

All routes are fully supported with rest stops and SAG support.

Need more details?

Visit mntrails.com/events June 17-24, 2016

keep on

adventuring

Start in Brainerd, MN, on to Walker, Park Rapids, Itasca State Park, Bemidji, Pine River and back to Brainerd.

24-hour ATM

at Rest dayful beauti te Itasca Sta Park!

15 E MAIN ST CROSBY, MN 56441

MAKE YOUR DIFFERENCE. FORMERLY THE KLOBUCHAR RIDE

A total of 300 miles through Paul Bunyan country

4 DAYS | 300 MILES | FIGHT AIDS JULY 21-24, 2016 REDRIBBONRIDE.ORG

www.tourofminnesota.com 12 Summer 2016

www.unitybanking.com

Minnesota Trails

2016

bike rides & tours

SWISS CHEESE & SPOTTED COWS BICYCLE TOUR

TOUR D’AMICO

PARKS & TRAILS EXPEDITION

ROOT RIVER BLUFF & VALLEY BICYCLE TOUR

Saturday, June 25 - Thursday, June 30 Location: Mineral Point, WI Phone: 651-335-6505 Email: scscbiketour@yahoo.com Website: www.scscbiketour.com

Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows is a 5-day bicycle tour featuring the best of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

June 25, 2016 Location: Prior Lake & Shakopee, MN Phone: 651-726-2457 Email: info@parksandtrails.org Website: www.parksandtrails.org Distance: 40 miles

Enjoy a one-day ride filled with camaraderie and learning for parks enthusiasts. Guided stops feature experts on parks and trails as well as history and local culture.

WATERMELON RIDE

Monday, July 4 Location: Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview, MN Email: watermelon@biketcbc.org Website: www.biketcbc.org/watermelon Distances: 15, 25, 50 miles The Twin Cities Bike Club’s annual ride is a family favorite.

Minnesota Bed

Monday, July 4 Location: D’Amico & Sons, Golden Valley, MN Phone: 651-994-1265 Email: info@tourdamico.org Website: www.tourdamico.org Distances: 29, 45, 62 miles

Routes cover western metro area. Multiple supported rest stops with refreshments.

Friday, July 8 - Monday, July 11 Location: Whalan, MN Phone: 612-723-4511 Email: mntrip25@aol.com Website: www.havefunbiking.com Distances: 50 to 60 miles each day

Discover the magic of riding your bike in Southeast Minnesota’s scenic driftless area.

TOUR OF SAINTS

Sunday, July 10 Location: College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN Phone: 218-290-6247 Email: jo@bikemn.org Website: www.tourofsaints.com Distances: 18-50 miles

It’s not a race. It’s a heavenly little ride.

HEADWATERS TO HILLS TOUR

Sunday, July 10 - Sunday, July 17 Location: Itasca State Park Phone: 651-280-7299 Email: kerri@mywahooadventures.com Website: www.bikemn.org Distance: 50 miles per day

This bicycle tour celebrates the Mississippi River Trail Bikeway (MRT).

SPLIT ROCK TOUR

Saturday, July 16 Location: Ordean Building, Duluth, MN Phone: 218-624-4008 Email: twinportscyclery@gmail.com Website: www.veloduluth.com

It’s our 40th Anniversary! Come join us for one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the Midwest.

BIKE MS: TRAM

Wednesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 24 Location: Northern Minnesota Phone: 855-372-1331 Email: specialevents@MSsociety.org Website: www.myMSbike.org

Bike MS: TRAM Ride 2016 is a fully supported cycling vacation in central Minnesota.

Breakfast Association For your peace-of-mind, all members of the Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association have passed our Quality Assurance Inspection. When you arrive you will find clean, comfortable, and safe accommodations.

Baptism River Inn B&B 6125 Highway 1, Silver Bay baptismriverinn.com (877) 353-0707

Park Street Inn 106 Park St., Nevis parkstreetinn.com (218) 652-4500

Summit Inn B&B 208 Summit Ave., Center City summitinnbb.com (651) 257-4987

Green Heron B&B 2810 Meyers Bay Rd., Grand Rapids greenheronbandb.com (218) 999-5795

Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B 11 Poplar Creek Dr., Grand Marais poplarcreekbnb.com (800) 322-8237

The Ellery House 28 S 21st Ave. E, Duluth elleryhouse.com (218) 724-7639

Historic Hutchinson House B&B 305 NW 2nd Street, Faribault historichutchhouse.com (507) 384-3291

The Pillar Inn 419 Main Street, Cold Spring thepillarinn.com (320) 685-3828

Lake Le Homme Dieu B&B 441 S Le Homme Dieu Dr. NE, Alexandria llbedandbreakfast.com (320) 846-5875

Turning Waters B&B & Adventure 136 Bridge Ave., Wabasha turningwatersbandb.com (651) 564-1568

Visit us at

www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org Minnesota Trails

Summer 2016 13

2016

bike rides & tours RED RIBBON RIDE

TOUR DE TONKA

TOUR DE BUN BIKE CLASSIC

MESABI TRAIL TOUR

Thursday, July 21 Location: Mall of America, Bloomington, MN Phone: 612-345-5584 Email: marni@redribbonride.org Website: www.redribbonride.org

Red Ribbon Ride is a fully supported 4-day, 300-mile bike ride to raise vital funds for HIV/AIDS services, treatment, prevention and awareness.

Saturday, July 23 Location: Public Works Garage, Montgomery, MN Phone: 612-919-3331 Email: kolackydays@gmail.com Website: www.montgomerymn.org

Come and join us for a ride through scenic Le Sueur County on the Saturday of Kolacky Days.

CANDISC

Saturday, August 6 - Saturday, August 13 Location: Garrison, ND Phone: 800-799-4242 Email: ndfm@restel.com Website: www.candisc.net

CANDISC, Cycling Around North Dakota in Sakakawea Country, is a bicycle ride around some of the greatest frontier of North America.

Saturday, August 6 Location: Minnetonka, MN Phone: 952-401-6800 Email: tim.litfin@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Website: www.tourdetonka.org Distances: 16, 28, 49, 57, 77, 100 miles.

Tour de Tonka is a scenic bike ride that travels through the Lake Minnetonka area and its surrounding communities.

Saturday, August 6 Location: Virginia, MN Phone: 218-749-4331 Email: tourinfor@mesabitrail.com Website: www.mesabitrail.com Distances: 12, 25, 48, 67 miles

Enjoy this unique riding experience on the Mesabi Trail, Minnesota’s premier paved bicycle trail.

SURLY KLUNKERFUNK

Saturday, August 6 Location: Ironton, MN Email: info@cuyunaklunkerride.com Website: www.cuyunaklunkerride.com

Join the crew for this family-friendly ride and bring your funkiest klunker. It’ll be a day of riding, live music, prize drawings and you get to ride your rig in the klunker parade.

BREAST CANCER RIDE

Saturday, August 13 Location: Eagan Community Center Phone: 651-571-2873 Email: breastcancerride@ charityeventsofminnesota.org Website: www.charityeventsofminnesota.org Distances: 12, 23, 35, 42, 65 miles

The 9th Annual Breast Cancer Ride is a 1-day bicycle ride to raise money and awareness for local breast cancer service organizations.

BIKE DULUTH FESTIVAL

Saturday, August 13 - Sunday, August 14 Location: Duluth, MN Phone: 218-727-1552 Email: tyra.guldseth@flint-group.com Website:www.bikeduluthfestival.com

The Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival is a chain-rattling Minnesota mountain and road biking event that you do not want to miss.

(BAM) BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA

Thursday, August 18 - Sunday, August 21 Location: Southwest Minnesota Phone: 651-335-6505 Email: bambiketour@gmail.com Website: www.bambiketour.org

A fully supported tour in southwestern Minnesota with its rolling hills and beautiful farmland on low traffic roads.

Chanhassen

Willmar

550 Lake Drive .......................................... 952-934-6468 www.bokoobikes.com

320 SW 3rd Street. ................................... 320-235-0202 www.rickscycling.com

BOKOO BIKES

RICK’S CYCLING & SPORTS CENTER

Blaine

Duluth

12741 Central Avenue NE ..................... 763-755-8871 www.pioneercycle.com

102 S 29th Avenue .................................. 218-724-5101 www.stewartsbikesandsports.com

PIONEER CYCLE

STEWART’S BIKES AND SPORT

Ramsey

Maplewood

6825 Highway 10 ..................................... 763-323-6666 www.ramseybicycle.com

1751 Cope Avenue E ............................... 651-770-1344 www.straussskatesandbicycles.com

St. Cloud

Minneapolis

RAMSEY BICYCLES

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI

160 29th Avenue S .................................. 320-251-2453 www.revolutioncycleandski.com

STRAUSS SKATES AND BICYCLES

THE HUB BIKE CO-OP

3020 Minnehaha Ave ............................. 612-729-0437 www.thehubbikecoop.org Hopkins

TONKA CYCLE AND SKI

16 Shady Oak Road S.............................. 952-938-8336 www.tonkacycleandski.com Champlin

TRAILHEAD CYCLING

11350 Aquila Drive.................................. 763-712-0312 www.trailheadcycling.com

Giant is the world leader in cycling innovation, combining engineering and manufacturing expertise to create bikes that are suited to every type of rider.

14 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

bike rides & tours

TASTE OF THE TRAIL

Saturday, September 10 Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson Saturday, September 17 Fountain, Preston and Harmony Saturday, September 24 Houston, Rushford, Rushford Village Location: Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley Trail Phone: 507-429-2464 Email: info@rootrivertrail.org Website: www.rootrivertrail.org

Three consecutive weekends each feature a different selection of towns.

CARAMEL APPLE RIDE

Riders of the Headwaters 100 pass through Itasca State Park on Wilderness Drive. Jan Lasar photo

GITCHI-GAMI RIDE

Saturday, August 20 Location: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, MN Phone: 218-370-1003 Email: annualride@ggta.org Website: www.ggta.org Distances: 28, 37, 55 miles

The Gitchi-Gami Ride returns to the format of three loops beginning at Gooseberry Falls State Park.

TOUR DE PINES RIDE

Saturday, August 20 Location: Itasca State Park Phone: 651-251-1495 Email: tourdepines@gmail.com Website: www.tourdepines.org

The Tour De Pines is a beautiful single day bike tour in Northern Minnesota, in and around Itasca State Park.

JESSE JAMES BIKE TOUR

Saturday, September 10 Location: Northfield, MN Website: www.jessejamesbiketour.org Distances: 12, 30, 45, 60, 100 miles

This fabulous bike tour is an official event of Defeat of Jesse James Days, one of Minnesota’s largest community celebrations. The best century ride around.

Saturday, September 10, Sponsor: Lake Wobegon Trails Association Location: Sauk Centre, MN Email: lwtevent@gmail.com Website: www.caramelappleride.com

Enjoy the fall colors and great apple refreshments at all the rest stops including caramel apples in Lake Wobegon Country.

RIDE THE RIDGES

Saturday, September 17 Location: Minnesota State College, Winona, MN Phone: 507-457-9808 Email: mbernatz@hbci.com Website: www.ridetheridges.info

Choice of four routes in southeastern Minnesota along the Mississippi River.

MORA BIKE TOUR

Saturday, September 17 Location: Vasaloppet Nordic Center, Mora, MN Phone: 320-309-0697 Email: masmith@flaschools.org Website: www.morabiketour.org Distances: 25, 50 miles

The 36th annual Mora Bike Tour will start and finish at Vasaloppet Nordic Center.

ST. PAUL CLASSIC BIKE TOUR

Sunday, September 11 Location: University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN Phone: 651-290-0309 Email: arey@visi.com Website: www.bikeclassic.org Distances: 15, 45 miles

Discover traffic-free glee on Minnesota’s biggest bike tour!

TOUR DE PRAIRIE LAKES RIDE

Saturday, September 17 Location: Pope County, MN Phone: 320-634-0335 Email: angies@habitatprairielakes.org

This is a wonderful tour of Pope County for anyone who loves to bicycle and enjoy the outdoors.

PURPLERIDESTRIDE MN

Saturday, September 17 Location: Elm Creek Park, Maple Grove, MN Phone: 763-420-5677 Email: dkreusch@pancanvolunteer.org Website: www.support.pancan.org Distances: 50, 25, 8 miles

PurpleRideStride is a signature event of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. A 5k run and walk are part of the celebration.

SAT., August 20, 2016

CANDISC Tour 2016 August 6th-13th, 2016

“Best of the West”

Starts & Ends in Garrison, ND Teddy Roosevelt National Park and Medora Badlands

www.candisc.net 1-800-799-4242 Minnesota Trails

July 4th 2016

1400 5th Place NW Rochester, MN

15, 25 and 50 mile routes Shoreview, MN biketcbc.org/watermelon

www.bicyclesportsinc.com

Twin Cities Bicycling Club

(507) 281-5007 Summer 2016 15

2016

bike rides & tours

HEADWATERS 100

Saturday, September 24 Sponsor: Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club Location: Park Rapids, MN Email: bike@itascatur.org Website: www.itascatur.org Distances: 25, 45, 75, 100 miles

The premier fall event in Northern Minnesota, the Headwaters 100 has something for everyone.

SALSA OREMAGEDDON

Saturday, October 8 Location: Cuyuna Lakes, MN Mountain Bike Trails Email: info@cuyuna5-0.com Website: www.cuyuna5-0.com Distances: 12, 25 and 50 miles

The premier mountain bike race of the season on world-class mountain bike trails.

MANKATO RIVER RAMBLE Riders on the Minneapolis Bike Tour pass under the Guthrie Theater.

Minneapolis Parks photo

MINNEAPOLIS BIKE TOUR

Sunday, September 18 Location: Boom Island in Minneapolis, MN Phone: 612-230-6479 Email: abriner@minneapolisparks.org Website: www.minneapolisbiketour.com Distances: 16, 25, 32 miles

The 11th annual Minneapolis Bike Tour starts and ends at beautiful Boom Island. All three routes are fully supported.

AUTUMN TREK

Sunday, September 18 Location: Hoffman Park in River Falls, WI Phone: 715-386-6649 Email: jmwebber@sbcglobal.net Website: www.rivervalleytrails.org Distances: 25, 45, 65 miles and the 101-mile

Century Super Challenge with over 8,200 feet of climb through Western Wisconsin.

Sunday, October 9 Location: Mankato, MN Phone: 218-290-6247 Email: jo@bikemn.org Website: www.bikeriverramble.org Distances: 12-50 miles

If you have never participated in the River Ramble, mark your calendar for this classic Minnesota ride!

ramseybicycle.com Your friendly neighborhood bicycle shop!

We feature quality bicycles from GT, Redline, Schwinn, Specialized, Sun, Torker & Worksman.

Open 7 days a week.

Children’s, Road, Comfort, BMX, Mountain Bikes & Unicycles 2661 County Road I - Mounds View MN

763.784.6966 CARSBikeShop.com

GET IN YOUR

TREK • GIANT 6825 Hwy 10 • Ramsey, MN

763-323-6666

10 !

Saturday, September 10, 2016 H Northfield, Minnesota

Sunday, September 18, 2016 16, 25 or 32 mile route

Starts & ends at Boom Island

100 mile H 60 mile H 45 mile H 30 mile H 12 mile Scenic Routes H Sheltered Rest Stops

REGISTRATION $35 register by September 2 $45 day of registration

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Northfield

www.minneapolisbiketour.com

www.jessejamesbiketour.org

16 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016 Blazing Star State Trail • 6.5 miles Albert Lea to Myre-Big Island State Park Blazing Star Bike Trail connects the City of Albert Lea with Myre-Big Island State Park and will eventually continue west for 20 miles, connecting with the city of Austin and the Shooting Star Bike Trail. The trail is groomed for fat tire biking in the winter.

www.dnr.state.mn.us

SHORT & SWEET Douglas State Trail • 12.7 miles Pine Island to Rochester

A pleasant ride from Pine Island to Rochester via the town of Douglas.

It’s the perfect out-and-back ride and it connects with Rochester’s extensive city trail network.

www.dnr.state.mn.us

Fair Ridge Bike Trail • 5 miles Fairfax to Fort Ridgely State Park

Blue Mounds Bike Trail • 6 miles

Luverne to Blue Mounds State Park

A multi-purpose bike and pedestrian trail from Luverne to Blue Mounds State Park, across rolling prairies, woodlands and striking rock formations. Future connection to planned 6-mile Luverne Loop city trail.

bike trail guide

Connects the city of Fairfax with Fort Ridgely State Park. Start at the Fairfax Railroad Depot Museum and bike south toward the state park and the Minnesota River.

BLUE MOUNDS BIKE TRAIL BLUE MOUNDS BIKE TRAIL

www.cityoffairfax-mn.gov

www.luvernechamber.com

Casey Jones State Trail • 12 miles total

Pipestone & Currie

The trail consists of three main sections, not yet connected to one another: Five paved miles east out of Pipestone, 2.5 miles of natural surface west of Lake Wilsion and a sixmile paved loop between Lake Shetek State Park and Currie. Eventually, the Casey Jones Trail will span 120 miles between Luverne and Redwood Falls.

e arth BluE Coming Soon Coming Soon

www.caseyjonestrail.org

Camden Regional Trail • 10 miles Marshall to Camden State Park

The Camden Regional Trail extends from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) through Marshall and connects to Camden State Park. About 4 miles of additional paved trail connect to a network of city bike lanes.

Minnesota

www.lyonco.org

Centennial Trail • 8 miles

2 NEW Shelters for Picnicking at Steinberg & Water Park

Start in Villard and ride the paved trail to Glenwood. Connects with a bike route around Lake Minnewaska.

• Visit www.blueearthchamber.com for Details on WALK/BIKE Trails • GIANT PARK Located Near Highways 169-16 & I-90 • Park - Trail - Seasonal Tourist Info Center, 55’ Jolly Green Giant Statue

Villard

www.glenwoodlakesarea.org

Cuyuna Lakes State Trail • 9 miles

Crosby

The longest completed part of the Cuyuna Country Trail starts in Crosby, and travels through the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area. Two more sections are currently paved: Brainerd (1.5 miles) and Aitkin (0.5 miles). It will eventually connect the city of Aitkin to the Paul Bunyan Trail. The 7-mile segment is groomed for fat tire biking in the winter.

www.dnr.state.mn.us

~ Located Near FREE Camping ~ Lodging ~ Variety of “Eats” ~ FUN-FOOD-FESTIVALS ~ Unique Gifts, Antiques & Lattes

chamber@bevcomm.net 507.526.2916

www.luvernechamber.com www.luvernechamber.com

Casey Jones State Trail | Bike Rentals | Civil War Days, August 13-14

Pedal the Prairie

…Discover what’s #OnlyinPipestone

PipestoneMinnesota.com Minnesota Trails

Civil W

ar Da

ys

Pipestone

ument Nat’l Mon

Ghost W alks Summer 2016 17

bike trail guide

2016

SHORT & SWEET

Glendalough Trail • 3 miles Battle Lake to Glendalough State Park

The 3-mile trail starts at the Battle Lake Community Center and connects with a 5.5-mile loop trail around Annie Battle and Molly Stark Lakes inside the park. Ride back to Battle Lake to complete a 12-mile loop.

www.morethanatrail.com

Leaf River Recreational Trail • 4 miles

Wadena

Starts in Wadena and connects to a bike route to make a loop of 10.5 miles.

www.wadena.org

Sleepy Eye Bike Trail • 3 miles

Sleepy Eye

Great River Ridge State Trail • 13 miles

Carley

This paved trail is flat and level and travels through scenic bluff country near Carley and Whitewater State Parks. Future expansions will connect it to the town of Eyota and Carley State Park.

Ride this paved trail around Sleepy Eye Lake year-round. Access at Allison and Sportsmen’s Parks.

St. James Bike Trail • 4 miles St. James

Hardwood Creek / Sunrise Prairie Trail • 26.5 miles

Starbuck Trail • 5 miles

www.co.washington.mn.us and www.co.chisago.mn.us

Lake Okabena Trail • 5.5 miles Worthington

This loop around Lake Okabena crosses a bicycle bridge near Lakefront Park.

www.worthingtonmnchamber.com

Join us for

Buttered Corn Days August 19 & 20, 2016

www.dnr.state.mn.us

The 9.5-mile Hardwood Creek Trail starts in Hugo and travels through Forest Lake. At the Washington/Chisago County line it continues on for 17 miles as the Sunrise Prairie Trail into North Branch.

Check out the 3.12 mile trail around Sleepy Eye Lake.

Bike Trail • Family Aquatic Center Golf Course • Ball Fields Eight Parks • Veterans Park

www.sleepyeyechamber.com

A nice four-mile, paved bike ride through the countryside southwest of St. James.

Hugo/North Branch

SLEEPY EYE

There is always something to do in Sleepy Eye.

www.ci.stjames.mn.us.

Visitors Information

800-290-0588

www.sleepyeyechamber.com

Starbuck to Glacial Lakes State Park

Connects the city of Starbuck with Glacial Lakes State Park. Access a bike route around Lake Minnewaska from this trail. (see Centennial Trail)

www.starbuckcitygov.com

ROCORI Trail • 5 miles

Cold Spring

The paved Rockville-Cold Spring-Richmond Trail is a great ride through granite country in Southwest Stearns County. Currently completed: A 5-mile section between Cold Spring and Richmond, connecting to the Glacial Lakes State Trail, and a short section in Rockville.

www.rockvillecity.org

St. Cloud Scheels 40 North Waite Ave Waite Park, MN, 56387

Moorhead Scheels 505 Center Ave Moorhead, MN, 56560

Mankato Scheels 1850 Adams Street Mankato, MN, 56001

Rochester Scheels 1220 12th Street SW Rochester, MN, 55902

18 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

SHOOTING STAR

Jay C. Hormel

Austin Nature Center 58

45

bike trail guide

SHOOTING STAR STATE

13

90

Elkton

TRAIL

LEGEND

3

56

4

Undeveloped Trail Paved Trail P Parking Restroom

Rose Creek

22 MILES PAVED

7

207

4

218

19

ek

s

203

Cre

ces

an

ist

in

les

Mi

Ro se

lD

19

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com

6

7

Little Cedar River

i

a Tot

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Adams City Park

5

56

P

208 56

14

8

River

Adams

5

6

Ad am

wa Upper Io

217

10

LeR oy

240

27

10 14 20 4

4

9

North Branch

Taopi

230

11

P Underpass

63

18

63

9 56

Lake Louise State Park

P

56 278

Lake Louise

244

56

245

6

6 9

236

P P

LeRoy

Shooting Star State Trail • 22 miles

The Shooting Star Trail is a 22-mile, paved trail through remnants of tall grass prairies with an abundance of native wildflowers.

Much of it is built on an abandoned railroad grade.

The eastern terminus is in LeRoy, MN, which is on MN Hwy 56 just west of its junction with US 63 right above the Iowa/ Minnesota state line. The trail soon passes through Lake Louise State Park and continues northwest to the town of Taopi and then on to Adams. The western trail head is the town of Rose Creek. A connection to Austin is underway and the trail will terminate at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and connect to Austin’s city trail network.

Highlights:

Remnant tallgrass prairie with wildflowers like prairie smoke, rattlesnake master, wild indigo, sunflower, aster, goldenrod and blazing star.

The trail passes by several interpretive and 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.

Minnesota Trails

Between Adams and Rose Creek take a break in a wooden shelter built to resemble a Norwegian church. Becky Hartwig photo

Summer 2016 19

South Lake

Western Portion Eastern Portion n An

P

L. Emma

10 6

Cosmos

7

L.

Butler Lake

South Fork Crow River

8

P

7

M ar y

Proposed

20

MEEKER CO. Boon 122 Lake

9

261 South Lake

P 12

33

16

19 Rice Lake

14

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17

Otter 10 P Lake P 22 Watertown P20 76 122

10

Mud L.

61 Ox Yoke Lake

P

79

Hutchinson

7

4

Whaletail Lake

10

South Fork Crow River

P

7

7

Cedar 22 Mills

Wayzata

Minnetonka

5

Find More Maps at

71

83

Baker Park Reserve Katrina Lake

5

201

Minnetrista

7

2

Dutch Lake

4

P

Stubbs Bay

84

2

Silver Lake

24

51

2

P

20 61

Gleason Lake

146

Orono

15

Parkers Lake

15

12

Wayzata

il Trail

Dakota Ra

7

Proposed Winsted Lake

Plymouth

5 6

12

135

Mound West Arm 71

101 Wood-Rill S.N.A.

6

Lake

33 Winsted

55

24

19

151

6

16

5

Long Lake Silver P P 19 16 Lake Swan

26

MEEKER CO. Boon Lake

12

20

19

7

Belle Lake

73

Hooke Lake

261

394

16

Mud Lake Lake

15 Minnetonka

494

Lester Prairie 5

RENVILLE CO.

Otter Lake

22 14

115

4

61

on the Luce 76 79 P Cairns 12 nearPCosmos.

Line Jan Lasar photo 7 7

7

6 The Luce Line State Trail 16 stretches 63 5 direction 71 33 Winsted miles in a westerly from the metro suburb of Plymouth of 2 to the small town 5 5 Cosmos in west-central Minnesota. The trail runs on a former railroad line covered with20 a variety of surfaces ranging from crushed Silver 16 limestone between Plymouth and Winsted, Lake 261 Swan 2 Lake P between pavement Winsted and just west of 7 Hutchinson, gravel between Hutchinson and Silver Lake Cedar Mills to a mowed grass path between Mud

Proposed Winsted Lake

15

12 19

(mowed grass) 26

4

Lake

MCLEOD CO.

1

Cosmos

Parkers Lake

Luce Line State Trail • 63 miles

Cedar

35

4

P

West Arm

Summer Only

Western Portion Thompson Lake

Mound

Maple Plain

6

Lyndale

7

26

Gleason Lake

Stubbs Bay

s)

Independence

P

201

www.MNTrails.com

90

92 15

Oak Lake

24

115

Dutch Lake

12

92

15

12

12

RENVILLE CO. 21

Minnetrista

Whaletail Lake

Hooke Lake

17

19

151

7

16

20

P

Co

92 15

19 Summer Only

sm o

Vic k

fiel Belle Lake

73

25

26

MCLEOD CO. CARVER CO.

21 5

6

Winsted Lake

20

19

Katrina Lake

83

7.5 17.5 26 10

Ox Yoke Lake

Mud L.

13

WRIGHT CO.

Winsted

Lake

Cedar 22 Mills

10

(mowed grass)

103

4

30 1

MCLEOD CO.

430

90

Undeveloped Adjacent Horse Trail 55 24 101 Plymouth Crushed Aggregate Base Wood-Rill S.N.A. LimestoneP Crushed 6 6 61 12 Public Campground Long Lake 15 P State Park 394 12 15 Parking P 146 il Trail 84 Orono Dakota Ra 135 Restroom 16 494 51 Picnic/Rest Area Lake

Baker Park Reserve

Maple Plain

Lyndale

26

Oak Lake

10

Cedar

35

L.

Thompson Lake

122

21

P

20

Find More Maps at

6 24.5 14.5

P7

State Park P Parking Restroom Picnic/Rest Area

www.MNTrails.com Paved (Asphalt)

15 22.5 33 Independence

ear

122

17

les Mi

9

Rice Lake

Watertown

24

261 ON A VARIETY 63 MILES OF SURFACES 25 33

5

8

16

P 10

12

10 18 25 32.5 43

HENNEPIN CO.

Proposed

25 20

P

92

in ces

21

20

13 23 31 38 45.5 56

Crow River

6

Winsted Lake

13

tan Dis

Winsted

MCLEOD CO. CARVER CO.

103

1

12 22 30 37 44.5 55

South Fork

10

WRIGHT CO.

19 29 39 44 51.5 63

Wa ke

M ar y

16

Stu

Butler Lake

7

17

al Tot

TRAIL L.

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8

30

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n An

6

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LUCE LINE STATE

6

Eastern Portion

LE

Lan eT S d-C rai lhe bb’ onr ad s y Ba South Fo Re Wa Wa y R rk CrowsRit ter t ert d. T tow Averre ow Wi Wi rai n a nst nst lA e e c d d ces Silv Si l v s er er Lak Lak HENNEPIN CO. Hu Hu e e tch tch i i n n son son Ced Ced ar ar Mil Mil Th Th ls ls om om pso pso nL nL ake ake (n (n

al Tot

bike trail guide LUCE LINE 63 MILES ON A VARIETY OF SURFACES

2016

7.5 17.5

LEGEND

TRAIL

7 14.5 24.5

Hutchinson

4

71

ExploreHUTCHINSON.com

24

2

Lake

15

Lester Prairie

EXPLORE…

#MuchInHutch

… the LUCE LINE STATE TRAIL AmericInn 1115 Hwy. 7 E, Hutchinson 320-587-5515 www.americinn.com

Lillians 21 Main Street N, Hutchinson 320-234-3708 www.lilliansshoppe.com

Outdoor Motion 141 Main Street S, Hutchinson 320-587-2453 www.outdoormotionbikes.com

Crow River Winery 14848 Hwy. 7 E, Hutchinson 320-587-2922 www.crowriverwinery.com

Elena’s Bakery 8 Main Street N, Hutchinson 320-429-2253 www.elenasbakery.com

Quilt Haven on Main 7 N Main Street, Hutchinson 320-587-8341 www.quilthavenonmain.com

Hutchinson Chamber & Tourism

800.572.6689 | info@explorehutchinson.com 20 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

16

10

103 Winsted Winsted Lake

21 5

Proposed

9

261 South Lake

6

MCLEOD CO. CARVER CO.

WRIGHT CO.

20 33

25

P 10

Watertown

P

25

10

L

osm os)

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Th om pso nL ake

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Lyndale Ox Yoke Lake

Mud L.

Katrina Lake

P

26 Minnetrista Dutch Lake

Whaletail Lake

19

P

Plymouth

Long Lake

84

P

6

12

Stubbs Bay

151

101 Wood-Rill S.N.A.

6 Summer Only

55

24

201

19

6

P

92 15

Oak Lake

83

Independence

26

20

24

122

21

17

Baker Park Reserve

Maple Plain

90

16

20

P

122

Rice Lake

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com 12

92 HENNEPIN CO.

13

M ar y

17

South Fork

n An

L.

Butler Lake

8

30

Crow River

L.

6

L. Emma

bike trail guide

(ne a

tch i Hu

les Mi

Eastern Portion 30

P Parking Restroom Picnic/Rest Area

LUCE LINE

rM ills

in ces

63 MILES ON A VARIETY OF SURFACES

10

nso n

tan Dis

Wi nst ed Si l v er Lak e

l ota

TRAIL 2016

7.5 17.5

Gleason Lake

146

Orono

15

15

12

Wayzata

il Trail

Dakota Ra

135

Mound

16

51

Lake Minnetonka

West Arm

61

Parkers Lake

394

494

5

Western Portion

Cedar Mills and Cosmos. The western 4 is just west of Cosmos in a35county trailhead Fork Crow River 1 South 22 park on Thompson Lake. While it starts in theCedar Mills P heart ofPthe western suburbs, the Luce Line 10 7 Trail offers a varied7landscape of woodland, Cosmos marsh and lakes with a portion running (mowed grass) through remnants of the Big Woods and stands of maple and basswood. A horse trail26 parallels the Luce Line between Hutchinson MEEKER CO. and Plymouth.

12 RENVILLE CO. 4 Boon Note that east of Vicksburg Lake Lane in Plymouth, the natural surface part of the Luce Line State Trail connects to the paved Luce Line Regional Trail. It continues nine miles into Theodore Wirth Park, as part of the Minneapolis Parks System and allows access to the Cedar Lake Trail, Grand Rounds, the Midtown Greenway and more.

Cedar

Lake

20

19

7

Belle Lake

73

Otter Lake

22 14

115

2

5

15

12

6

16

5

71

Hooke Lake

33 Winsted

5

Proposed Winsted Lake

4

19

MCLEOD CO.

Thompson Lake

20

Silver 16 Lake Swan

61

P

76 12 7

7

P

Lake

79

Hutchinson

7

P

Silver Lake

4

71

261

2

24

2

7 Mud Lake

15

Lester Prairie

History:

The trailway dates back to the old Electric Short Line of 1908 which moved goods and passengers in and out of the Twin Cities. It was renamed Luce Line after the family who owned it and extended as far as Lake Lillian.

After the railroad ceased operations, the DNR acquired parts of the corridor to create the state’s first nature trail in 1970. By 1975 the state owned most of the right of way and between 1977 and 1980 built the trail to Winsted. In 2015, a 23-mile section between Winsted and Hutchinson was paved.

Bridge between Otter Lake and Campbell Lake on the paved part of the Luce Line in Hutchinson. Jan Lasar photo

Runner on limestone surface near Watertown. Jan Lasar photo Minnesota Trails

Summer 2016 21

bike trail guide

GATEWAY/BROWNS CREEK

2016 96), the Brown’s Creek Trail starts and runs 5.9 miles into downtown Stillwater. The trail passes through heavily-wooded areas and past golf courses. Riders can view a historic stone bridge from the mid-1800s. At about the halfway point, Brown’s Creek Park provides restrooms and ample parking. Then, riders will descend a canyon to Highway 95.

This section of the trail provides views of spectacular fall colors and small waterfalls. In this area, Brown’s Creek is a designated trout stream. The final miles of the Brown’s Creek trail follow the St. Croix River into Stillwater.

The trail will eventually cross the St. Croix River into Wisconsin on the historic lift bridge, once it is turned into a bike/pedestrian bridge and motor vehicle traffic is re-routed to a new bridge.

Visit Minnesota’s Oldest General Store

MARINE GENERAL STORE

Crossing Browns Creek. Jan Lasar photo.

Gateway/ Browns Creek Trail 18.3 miles

The Gateway Trail is a true getaway trail starting deep in metropolitan St. Paul, at Cayuga/L’Orient streets, just a mile north of the State Capitol. It finishes after 18.3 miles at Pine Point Regional Park, five miles north of Stillwater. The trail is open to biking, hiking, horseback riding, in-line skating and skiing and is wheelchair accessible (electric wheelchairs are allowed). The paved trail on the old Soo Line railway grade quickly changes from an urban trail to a rural trail with forests, lakes, wetlands and prairies, with very little development and road noise.

It isn’t as wide as current trails and can be busy, especially on weekends. The trail from Cayuga Street to Jamaca Avenue (11.9 miles) is plowed and open to all winter biking. East

Marine on St. Croix off Highway 95

from Jamaca Avenue it is groomed for crosscountry skiing only. There is an unpaved trail north of Hadley, paralleling the paved trail used by horses, as well as dog sleds in the winter.

The Gateway State Trail provides access to other trail opportunities in PhalenKeller Regional Park, Bruce Vento Trail, and connections to Stillwater and other destinations in Washington County.

It is is also close to Como Park, Lake Elmo Regional Park, Afton State Park, William O’Brien State Park and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

1.5 mi. so. of William O’Brien State Park

Made-to-order Deli Sandwiches & Hot Lunches, Picnic Boxes, Picnic Supplies, Pop & Snacks, Brats, Burgers, Hotdogs, Fresh Meats, Groceries, Ice, Bait, Camping Supplies.

Summers: Have Ice Cream on the Mill Stream at the General Scoop

Brown’s Creek Trail Connection 5.9 miles

About 9 miles from St. Paul on the Gateway Trail, at Duluth Junction (about Highway

GATEWAY/BROWNS CREEK STATE

P Pine Point County Park

TRAIL 24 MILES PAVED

Grant P

Stillwater

White Bear Lake Vadnais-Snail Lakes Reg. Parks

Mahtomedi

Duluth Browns Creek Trail Junction

35E

Vadnais Lakes P

694

Little Canada Gervais L.

L. Owasso

North St. Paul

61

Roseville

35E

Maplewood P

Keller L. P

P St. Paul

ail e Tr tat yS a ew Gat

18.3 miles of paved trail from St. Paul to Stillwater.

5.9 miles Browns Creek Trail.

Lake Phalen Phalen-Keller Regional Park

Minnehaha Ave.

Oakdale Bike Trail Rest Area P Parking

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com

22 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

CANNON VALLEY

CANNON VALLEY

3.6 9.6 19.4

TRAIL

To Hastings

9.8 61

7

s on

D al Tot

19.4 MILES PAVED

More detailed information at www.cannonvalleytrail.com

316

An d er

Ca nno n

Fal ls

Re hS st A t rea Wi ation ng Ac c es s

6.0 15.8

in ces an ist

P

W

Welch Station Access

Red Wing

Re d

We lc

bike trail guide

les

Mi Hidden Valley Campground (private)

Cann o

n Riv er

Welch

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Anderson Memorial Rest Area

Cannon Falls

19

Goodhue County Park

Cannon Falls Campground (private)

Oak Lane

Lake Byllesby

52

Bike Hastings!

Find More Maps at

To Rochester

www.MNTrails.com

explains why you’ll see these same markers on the Sakatah Trail.

About two-and-a-half miles into your trip you’ll find a scenic overlook 40 feet above the Cannon River. It is the largest southeastern Minnesota river, beginning in Rice County and emptying into the Mississippi River. The Anderson Memorial Rest Area, under tall trees and along a bridge over Trail Run Creek, offers picnic tables and toilets.

The little town of Welch is the midpoint of the ride and has a rest stop that includes

LEGEND

To Twin Cities

U.S. Route Bike Trail Paved City Trail 200 State Route County Route Public Campground State Park P Parking Restroom Picnic W Water

bathrooms.

A 1912 train wreck spilled a load of granite blocks on the hillside near Welch. These blocks, rumored to be tombstones, can still be seen today.

The trail then passes by Cannon River Turtle Preserve SNA, Red Wing, Silvernale Archaeology Preserves and a wetland observation deck, before reaching the downtown Red Wing trailhead near the historic Pottery Place.

• 30 miles of city trails with breathtaking views of the Mississippi and Vermillion Falls • Ride the MRT • Explore Afton State Park

The Cannon Valley Trail offers a nice ride with breath taking views.

Dave Simpkins photo.

Cannon Valley Trail • 19.4 miles

The paved Cannon Valley Trail from Cannon Falls to Red Wing follows an old Chicago Great Western railroad route and hugs the Cannon River. The trail is bordered by cliffs and lined with wildflowers, often under the canopy of lush trees.

The trail is open year-round for nonmotorized use and groomed for crosscountry skiing in the winter.

It also has several interpretive sites as well as rest stops with benches, water and toilets.

Trail users are required to purchase a wheel pass ($4/day, $25/season).

More than 28 miles of stunning trails along the Mississippi River, Vermillion Falls and other scenic byways.

Hastings Area

Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

For more information or to request a trail map, please call (651) 437-6775 · (888) 612-6122

or visit www.HastingsMN.org

Bridge photo courtesy of David R. Youngren, 2013

651-437-6775 or visit www.HastingsMN.org

Along the Trail: In Cannon Falls, the city

section of the trail begins in a park on the Cannon River near the falls that gave the city its name.

This half-mile trail has some steep hills as it winds around the park, picnic areas and ponds before heading through a residential area to the official start of the Cannon Valley Trail at the top of the hill with an old, stillused highway bridge in view.

Seventeen old mileage markers can be seen along the trail’s route. Originally, these concrete posts were used to identify the number of miles from Mankato, which

Minnesota Trails

Outdoor fun for everyone

www.redwing.org

Summer 2016 23

SAKATAH SINGING HILLS STATE

Kasota M in ne so ta Ri ve r

169

22

14

P

Ballantyne Lake

Lower Sakatah Sakatah Lake

27

Tetonka Lake

P

Bray County Park

Janesville Sportsman’s Park

Lake Elysian 18 3

5.7 8.7 13.0 14.7 21.5 29.0 39.0

16

3.0 7.0 9.0 15.7 23.2 33.2 7

4.2 6.0 12.7 20.2 30.2 1.7 8.5 16.0 26.0 6.0 13.5 23.5

13

14

Rapidan

The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs 39 miles between Mankato and Faribault.

This paved, abandoned railroad bed passes through cool, wooded areas as well as open, sun-drenched farm fields and connects the communities of Mankato, Madison Lake, Elysian, Waterville, Morristown, Warsaw and Faribault.

Besides the woods and open fields, there are several river crossings, fields of sumac, many ponds, several lakes and lots of benches for resting. At Madison Lake, a historical marker tells of Charles Lindbergh’s barnstorming days when he gave rides in his Jenny for $5 in a nearby field.

About three-fourths of the trail is under a canopy of tall trees, giving it a boulevard feeling at times and a forested feeling at other times. At Waterville, the trail passes through Sakatah Lake State Park under a dense canopy of trees and provides a separate bicycling campground, picnic grounds, lake access and hiking trails.

The Faribault access to the Sakatah Trail is at the White Sands trailhead one-half mile north of Highway 60.

There are several other lakes and public parks within an easy ride of the trail.

The trail is open to biking, hiking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling in some sections.

10.0

les

Waseca

Sakatah Singing Trail • 39 miles

7.5 17.5

Mi

U.S. Route Paved Trail 200 State Route County Route Public Campground State Park P Parking

in

Red Jacket Trail

Jenesville

22

Sakatah Lake State Park

P

35 Morristown Centennial Park

ces an

State Park

Morristown

Waterville

P

ist

14

83

Elysian

60

P

Reeds Lake

60

Eagle Lake

Mankato

Lake Francis City Park

Madison Lake

Cannon Lake

D al Tot

Minneopa Minneopa Trail

Eagle Lake

Madison Lake

Round Lake

Faribault

Wells Lake

Warsaw

14

10

LEGEND

North Minnesota River Trail

Eagle Lake County Park

P

Duck Lake

Duck Lake County Park

Cedar Lake

16

39 MILES PAVED

Wita Lake

10

13

TRAIL

Lake Washington

21

P

2016

SAKATAH SINGING HILLS

St. Peter

Fai rba ult Wa rsa w Mo rris Sak tow at a n hL Wa ake ter vill Sta Ely e te P sia n ark Ma d Ma ison Lak nka e to

bike trail guide

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

Other connections include the paved 12-mile Red Jacket trail between Mankato and Rapidan. It crosses over three railroad trestles, including historic Red Jacket Trestle, which is 80 feet high and 550 feet long. The North Minnesota River Trail brings cyclists from the Sakatah Trail through downtown Mankato into the Sibley City Park, where they can connect with the paved Minneopa Trail directly into Minneopa State Park. Also accessible is Mankato’s city bike trail system of over 50 miles.

Future connections on the Faribault side include the Mill Towns Trail into Cannon Falls, the starting point of the Cannon Valley Trail into Red Wing.

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REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI

160 29th Ave S St. Cloud, MN 56301 320-251-2453 www.revolutioncycleandski.com

ROCHESTER CYCLING

NORTH DAKOTA

TONKA CYCLE AND SKI

1711 S Washington Grand Forks, ND 58201 701-772-5567 www.skiandbikeshop.net

1211 7th St NW Rochester , MN 55901 507-289-7410 www.cycling-fitness.com

16 Shady Oak Rd S Hopkins, MN 55343 952-938-8336 www.tonkacycleandski.com

THE SKI & BIKE SHOP

WWW.SALSACYCLES.COM 24 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

CENTRAL LAKES

bike trail guide

Cyclists stop in Osakis for the annual Quilts along the Trail celebration. Jan Lasar photo.

Central Lakes Trail • 55 miles

The 55-mile-long Central Lakes Trail starts in Fergus Falls and travels southeast through the communities of Dalton, Ashby, Melby, Evansville, Brandon, Garfield, Alexandria, Nelson and Osakis. Just east of Osakis, it connects to the 49-mile-long, paved Lake Wobegon Trail.

The trail, a former railroad grade, is generally flat and level. It passes through a varied landscape of woods, grasslands, lakes, wetlands and farm fields. Communities with rest stops and amenities are generally seven to ten miles apart. The Central Lakes Trail is open to non-motorized use and groomed for snowmobiling in the winter.

DeLagoon Park is named for Lucy and Philip DeLagoon, who homesteaded the land in 1914. This large park offers camping,

swimming and picnic facilities, and is connected to the city with bike routes that take you to Grotto Lake Park with the famous

Along the Trail: The official Fergus Falls

Trailhead is at DeLagoon Park, where you can find parking, bathroom, picnic and camping facilities about a mile south of the intersection of Minnesota Highway 210 and Pebble Lake Road.

SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS One block off Central Lakes Trail

611 3rd Ave. East ALEXANDRIA, MN

320-219-7433

CALL

Rates Greaat ckages &P E ONLIN

jake@jakesbikes.com www.jakesbikes.com Minnesota Trails

Summer 2016 25

2016 13 19 25 30 34 39 49 8

14 20 25 29 34 44 12 17 21 26 36

n

6

11 15 20 30 9

14 24

4

9

19

5

15

Bra ield n Eva don nsv Me lby ille As hby Da lt Fer on gus Fal ls

5

Ga rf

Ale x

an d

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6

in ces an ist

55 MILES PAVED

5

D al Tot

TRAIL

11 19 25 31 36 40 45 55

aki s

CENTRAL LAKES

6

Os

CENTRAL LAKES

Ne lso

bike trail guide

10

les Mi

The Central Lakes Trail is a 14’ foot wide black top trail open to non-motorized travel extending 55 miles from Osakis to Fergus Falls passing through nine towns, farm and marsh land as well as lakes.

statue of Otto the Otter.

Watch for the well-known statue of Big Ole the Viking at the north end of downtown Alexandria, near the Runestone Museum.

Other trail highlights: You will cross the Continental Divide near Fergus Falls, where water flows south into the Mississippi or north into Hudson Bay. Keep an eye out for pink or yellow Lady’s Slippers growing along the trail in early summer.

A Combined History:

The Lake Wobegon and Central Lakes Trail are built on the rail corridor formerly owned

by Burlington Northern Railroad Company, a successor to the original Great Northern

Railway founded by ‘Empire Builder’ James J. Hill.

As the profitability of the railroad line declined, Burlington Northern leased use of the tracks to smaller short line railroads. One of the last such companies was the Otter Tail Valley Railroad, which ran trains between Moorhead, MN and Avon, MN, from 1986 until 1991, when the line was officially abandoned.

The Lake Wobegon Regional Trail opened in 1998 and the Central Lakes State Trail was dedicated in 2005. The two trails officially joined near Osakis, MN, in 2007.

Sources: Wikipedia and Lake Wobegon Trails Association

Garrison Keillor drives the spike where the trails meet in Osakis Paul Post photo

of beautiful, paved rail-trails across Central MN.

Call for a free trail map,

800-245-2539

26 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

LAKE WOBEGON TRAIL

bike trail guide

Minnesota

Unleash your inner explorer on the paved 55-mile Central Lakes State Trail

ExploreAlex.com

Exit 103

Minnesota ExploreAlex.com Over 300 area Lakes • Plentiful Trails • Museums • Winery & Distillery • Quaint Downtown

Exit 103

Lake Osakis

LAKE WOBEGON

ExploreAlex.com

TRAIL

Connects to Central Lakes Trail

Osakis

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

62 MILES PAVED

127

Little Falls

P

10

Blanchard Dam

Royalton West Union

26

Bowlus

Tra il

Sauk Lake

ine McCormick Lake

Sauk Centre

17

Mill Pond Sauk River

8

14 20.5 28.5 35 42.5

5

11 17.5 23.5 32 39.5

94

St. Jos eph lleg e Avo vill e n Alb

6.5 12.5 21 28.5

Co

6 14.5 22

LEGEND

re Un

ion

ent

kC

We st

les

Mi

Sau

in

Me

lro

se

ort

ces

an

ist

Fre ep

lD

any

a Tot

8.5 16

Minnesota Trails

i Riv er

P

State Park Lake Wobegon/ Soo Line Trail City Trail Museum Campground Parking Restroom Shelter

P Holdingford

9

10 Melrose P

Freeport Lake

Freeport P

Uhlenholts Lake

6 12.5 18.5 27 34.5

7.5

ipp

So

17

P

3

siss

oL

71

Mis

County Line

ALBANY TO HOLDINGFORD Albany to Holdingford Holdingford to Bowlus Bowlus to County Line

Two Rivers Lakes

P

9.4 7.6 4.0

Albany

Albany Lake

Avon P

Lower Spunk Lake

Ochotto Lake Lake Anna

Middle Spunk Lake

Upper Spunk Lake

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

Linneman Lake Minnie Lake

94

Saint John’s University

St. Joseph P

Sagatagan Lake Kraemer Lake

College of St. Benedict’s

Summer 2016 27

bike trail guide

LAKE WOBEGON TRAIL

2016

Lady’s Slippers brighten the Lake Wobegon Trail between Avon and Albany. Dave Simpkins photo

Lake Wobegon Trail • 62 miles

Church steeples, colleges, cows, lakes and the mythical city of Lake Wobegon greet you on the 49 miles of the Lake Wobegon Trail from St. Joseph to Osakis, with a 9.4 mile spur north from Albany to Holdingford with an additional 7.6 miles to Bowlus. The paved trail goes through the state’s leading dairy county, seven communities, three lakes, two colleges, two monasteries and the boyhood home of Nobel Prize winner Sinclair Lewis. While much of the trail follows I-94, there are beautiful stretches of woodlands and lakes.

The St. Joseph Trailhead is easy to find, just under the water tower. A few miles outside of St. Joseph, see the old town of Collegeville, which now consists of only a few homes, but once had a popular train depot, boarding house, post office and store. You can turn left at Collegeville for a 2.5-mile side trip to Saint John’s University.

Eight miles down the trail at Avon, you’ll find shelters, bathrooms, a water fountain and a two-storied lookout tower/shelter that gives you a bird’s eye view of the surrounding region.

The next 5.5 miles is perhaps the most beautiful along this stretch of trail, with deeper woods, prairies and lakes. Keep an eye out for lady’s slipper orchids in May and June.

Just east of Albany, a spur of the Lake Wobegon Trail goes north nine miles to Holdingford, home of Minnesota’s longest covered bridge. This spur connects with the paved Soo Line Trail at the county line and offers pastoral views of a natural landscape. The Soo Line trail goes through Bowlus, crosses the Mississippi River at Blanchard Dam and ends at a trailhead on Highway 10.

West of Albany, you’ll find Freeport, the birthplace of Lake Wobegon. Garrison Keillor is said to have had the inspiration for some of

his fictional places here.

Head west for 5.7 miles to Melrose, home of the historic St. Mary’s Church and Rectory and the Melrose Area Museum. The official Melrose Trailhead is across the road near the Melrose Feed Mill.

When you arrive in Sauk Centre, take a detour to see the Original Main Street made famous by Sinclair Lewis in his novel, “Main Street.” Farther up, you will find a city trail dropping back to Sinclair Lewis Park where you can find camping, bathrooms and parking.

The 12-mile stretch between Sauk Centre and Osakis veers off into the country through the tiny town of West Union before entering Osakis.

Just outside of Osakis, continue onto the Central Lakes State Trail, a 55-mile paved trail to Fergus Falls.

A connection into St. Cloud, the so-called Saintly Seven, is currently being worked on.

Camping!

Next to the Trail

Primitive tent camping & 8 campsites with cement pads and electrical hook-ups

320-293-6687

Biking!

Visit Home of Sinclair Lewis’ Original “Main Street”

PickSauk up the Lake Wobegon Centre Trail on any street in Sauk Centre.

Holdingford

Home of the Lake Wobegon Trail Covered Bridge

N Lake Wobegon Trail

L

Stop by for a bite, an overnight or even shopping on Original “Main Street.” www.visitsaukcentre.com • 855-444-SAUK

Explore the newest stretch of Lake Wobegon Trail and bike the new Soo Line Trail!

Visit us Online www.holdingfordmn.us Ad courtesy of Holdingford Municipal Liquor • On Sale/Off Sale 320-746-2264 Cyclists Welcome!

28 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

Where every season is above average!

ur Join us for o il a enjoyable tr rides!!

lakewobegontrails.com Shop

Eat & Drink

Pot Spot

Lisa’s on Main

409 E Main St., Melrose Best Lunches & Lattes (320) 256-5472

Avon Cabin Café

107 Avon Ave. N, Avon www.potspotavon.blogspot.com (320) 356-2233

Lake Wobegon Trail Gallery

Whispering Oaks Winery

Kay’s Kitchen

431 Railroad Ave., Albany www.lakewobegontrailgallery.com (320) 845-4100

Heaven and Earth Essentials

605 S Main St., Sauk Centre www.heavenandearthessentials.com (320) 828-2774

Sleep America’s Best Value Inn 322 12th St. S, Sauk Centre www.americasbestvalueinn.com (320) 351-7256

of ny amenities Enjoy the ma begon Trail! the Lake Wo actions ttr Shopping - A ore! d an Much M Restaurants

Minnesota Trails

33578 Co Rd 30, Melrose www.whisperingoakswinerymn.com (320) 256-7118

The Outpost Mercantile

615 6th St., Sauk Centre www.theoutpostmercantile.com (320) 351-7678

Cornerstone Buffet

223 Kraft Dr SE, Melrose www.cornerstonebuffetrestaurant.com (320) 249-2498

105 Avon Ave. S, Avon Best Breakfast on the Trail (320) 356-7198

303 College Ave. N, St Joseph www.kayskitchen.us (320) 557-0030

Jordie’s Trailside Café

105 1st Ave., Bowlus www.jordiestrailside.com (320) 584-8193

Fisher’s Club

428 Stratford St. Avon, MN www.fishersclub.com (320) 356-7372

Services Joel Schneider Auto Service

701 Railroad Ave., Albany Auto, Cycle, Snowmobile & ATV service & accessories (320) 845-4856

Helping Hands Outreach Rent a surrey bike in Holdingford! www.holdingfordhelpinghands.org (320) 746-9960

Summer 2016 29

bike trail guide

2016

MESABI

Cyclists will find beauty and grandeur that sets the Iron 1 Lake 169 Vermilion Range apart from most of the world.

21 Soudan 1 Tower You can also take Birch U.S. Route Bar Head Lake Lake time out to tour a Bike Trail 135 169 Future Trail mine, a logging camp, 120 MILES PAVED State Route Babbitt the Greyhound bus 21 County Route McCarthy Beach museum or visit the State Park Public Campground Embarrass 21 childhood homes of State Park P Parking Judy Garland and Bob 169 53 Dylan.

Find More Maps at Many campgrounds Biwabik Virginia 5 73 Mt. Iron www.MNTrails.com Hoyt Lakes and local parks are Kinney 110 169 Aurora easily accessible Chisholm McKinley 135 Gilbert 37 16.3 29.3 39.3 46.3 51.3 64.3 74.5 83 Buhl 7 from the trail, 169 Sparta 65 13 23 30 35 48 58.2 66.7 25 Eveleth highways and nearby Fayal Kelly Lake 10 17 22 35 45.2 53.7 57 Hibbing 53 Veteran’s Park 8 communities. Food, Keewatin 37 & Campground 7 12 25 35.2 43.7 169 Hill Annex Nashwauk lodging, shopping, 5 18 28.2 36.7 Mine State Park antiquing, golfing, 13 23.2 31.7 38 73 Pengilly Marble Taconite 10.2 18.7 fishing, camping and Swan Calumet Lake Coleraine 8.5 swimming are all in Trail is closed between Virginia and Gilbert Bovey 61 Grand 65 close proximity to Rapids 169 until 2018 because of Hwy. 53 reconstruction.

2 segments of the trail, See mesabitrail.com for detour maps. with communities and 169 LaPrairie 2 services available near all entry points.

Mesabi Trail • 120 miles Rapids and Ely. The route runs through a The trail traverses forest, meadows, rivers, The wonders of the Mesabi Iron Range wide range of scenery, from dramatic views streams and lakes in a region bound on the are in a class by themselves. Bikers can ride of mining operations, to secluded woods, east end by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area over 75 paved miles from Grand Rapids to a jungle of vegetation, mine lakes and Wilderness and on the west by the Mississippi McKinley and from Biwabik past Giant’s reservoirs.

River.

Ridge Ski Resort for another 15 miles. Spurs The Mesabi is unlike most paved trails In between, the Mesabi Trail takes visitors into communities like Chisholm, Eveleth and in the state that are straight, flat and on past the edges of the open pit mines of Aurora bring the current mileage up to 120. abandoned railroad beds. the Iron Range and areas abundant with When complete, it will be 145 miles long and It follows an occasional bikeway, mining wildlife, nature and the rich heritage of hardy connect 28 communities between Grand road and even a floating bog walk. pioneers.

MESABI

LEGEND

TRAIL

Winton

Shagawa Lake

Lake Vermillion - Soudan Underground Mine State Park

Ely

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

North American Bear Center

International Wolf Center

Fortune Bay Bois Forte Heritage Museum and RV Park

Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort

Chisholm Museum of Mining

US Hockey Hall fo Fame

ces an ist

in

Mc

Gia

les

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Vir gin i Kin a l nts ey Rid ge ®

D al Tot

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Oxhide Lake Overlook

Bu hl

Minnesota Discovery Center

Gra Ma nd Ra rbl pid e Ke s e Hib wati n b

Hull Rush Mine Overlook Greyhound Bus Museum

CYCLE THE MESABI WAY. www.mesabitrail.com/visitor

Organic trail treats & Grab-n-Go Deli just steps off the Mesabi Trail!

Hours: Monday-Friday 8-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-6

505 North 3rd Street, Virginia, MN

218-741-4663

www.naturalharvest.coop

ITASCA TRAIL SPORTS

www.itascatrailsports.net

Bicycle Sales, Repairs, & Rentals Authorized Dealer: Toll Free: (844) 373-7815 • info@itascatrailsports.net 316 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

30 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

WILLARD MUNGER

bike trail guide

The St. Louis River along the Willard Munger Trail near Carlton Jan Lasar photo

WILLARD MUNGER STATE

TRAIL

Cloquet Scanlon Sawyer

P

Carlton

Otter Creek

P

P Jay Cooke State Park

St. Louis River

Wrenshall

13 23 32 36 45 55 59 70

Alex Laveau Memorial Trail 23

4

hto wa

15 19

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les

Mi

Sturgeon Lake

11 15 26

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Nickerson

Sturgeon Lake

17 21 32

m

Ba

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Holyoke

Moose Lake State Park

P

Kettle River

6

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Moose Lake

10 23 27 38

ose

P

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27

13 19 32 36 47 4

Mo

Barnum

Kettle River

9

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35

10 19 23 29 42 46 57

r

Mahtowa 73

Superior

ive

210

St. Louis River Trail

Hin ckl ey lay son

Cromwell

P

Proctor

70 MILES PAVED

Lake Superior

Duluth

2

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The 70-mile Hinkley-Duluth segment of the Willard Munger State Trail The trail passes through the spectacular scenery of Jay Cooke State Park and connects Hinkley, Finlayson, Willow River, Moose Lake, Barnum, Mahtowa, Carlton and Duluth, where it terminates near the Lake Superior Zoo. It provides scenic views of the St. Louis River and the twin ports of Duluth and Superior. Riders can stop on a high railroad trestle to enjoy a breathtaking look over the St. Louis River near Carlton and watch kayakers take on the rapids cut through the rock. Move on and view the wonders of a hydroelectric power plant, pedal through now-rare stands of hemlock trees, and relax on a hillside rest stop overlooking western Duluth and Lake Superior.

The 16-mile Alex Laveau Memorial Trail segment starts in Carlton, passes through Wrenshall and ends at Highway 23, a combination of bike routes on paved road shoulders, city streets and paved off-road bike trail. Trail connections include the 2.5-mile paved St. Louis River Trail between Carlton and Scanlon.

Ma

Willard Munger Trail • 70 miles

Duquette Kerrick

P

Willow River

Nemadji State Forest

Bruno

Rutledge 23

Finlayson 18

Askov

LEGEND

P

Banning State Park

Groningen

Sandstone

St. Croix State Park

Friesland

U.S. Route Paved Trail Trail Bike Way State Route County Route Public Campground State Park

P Parking

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com P

Hinckley

48

St. Croix State Park

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2016 31 Chengwatana State Park

bike trail guide

ROOT RIVER/HARMONY-PRESTON VALLEY

2016

PARKING

Eat Shop Bike Tour

Fountain: From Highway 52 take County

Road 8 about one mile to the parking lot by the city park/softball field.

Preston: Highway 52 to Fillmore St. (Co. Road 12), approximately 1/2 mile to the parking lot.

Lanesboro: Parking along streets, at the parking lot by the Community Center and Sylvan Park.

Whalan: Parking is on the street.

Peterson: From Highway 16, turn west onto

Find Harmony

Highway 25 (Mill St.) into town; turn south on Fillmore St. to the city park/campground.

in Your Life.

Explore the Root River and Harmony/Preston Valley trails.

Rushford: From Highway 16, turn north on “Bridge ahead” is a common call on the Root River Trail. Dave Simpkins photo.

Root River Trail/ Harmony-Preston Valley Trail 60 miles

and

Home of Niagara Cave More exploreharmony.com To request your FREE Visitor Guide, call

1-800-247-MINN

The scenic Root River Trail in the heart of southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country runs from Fountain all the way through Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Houston for a total of 42 miles. The former rail bed follows the meandering Root River through spectacular limestone bluffs, picturesque farms and small towns. It is generally flat and level, except for short stretches on its eastern segment.

At Isinours Junction it connects with the 18-mile-long Harmony-Preston Valley Trail which connects the two communities for which it was named. The northern twothirds of this trail are built on abandoned railroad grade and are fairly flat. The southern segment leaves the constraints of the railroad bed and climbs to the rim of the valley with great views of the countryside. Stop and see a large sinkhole at the Karst Interpretive Site a half-mile from Harmony. A similar site is about a mile from Fountain on the Root River Trail.

Historic buildings and rural communities along both trails have points of interest to trail users. They also provide many services. Campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, museums, outfitters and unique stores are found in many of the trail towns.

Summer uses on both trails include hiking, biking and inline skating. Trails are groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Three Times the Fun in 2016!

June 24-24: 60 mile Garage Sale July 8-10: Root River Bluff and Valley Bicycle Tour September 10, 17 and 24: Taste of the Trail

Elm Street (State Hwy. 43), go one block west.

The parking lot is by the old depot.

Houston: Houston Nature Center, turn west on Plum Street off of Hwy. 76, go one block.

Harmony: Hwy. 52 to 4th Street NW,

approximately one-half mile west to the parking lot.

Other DNR facilities include Forestville State Park, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Root River Water Trail, R.J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest and Rushford Sand Barrens S.N.A.

Bike The Root River Trail

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We’ll Drop You Off! 35455 State Highway 16 Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-467-2598 • www.eagle-cliff.com

Come join the fun!

rootrivertrail.org

32 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

ROOT RIVER/HARMONY-PRESTON VALLEY

bike trail guide

Minnesota www.lanesboro.com

Isinours Trail Junction

12.6 17.4 26.3 30.9 35.6 42.1 41.1 53.4 4.8 13.7 18.3 23 29.5 28.5 40.8

rd

4.6 9.3 15.8 14.8 27.1

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4.7 12.2 10.2 22.5

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TRAILS 60 MILES PAVED

Jun

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U.S. Route Paved Trail 200 State Route County Route Public Campground P Parking

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8.9 13.5 18.2 24.7 23.7 36

ROOT RIVER/ HARMONY-PRESTON VALLEY STATE

Minnesota

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

“ 10 Most

Beautiful Towns in the Midwest

”

– The Culture Trip

www.lanesboro.com Minnesota

www.lanesboro.com

“ 10 Most

Towns Most “10Beautiful in theTowns Midwest Beautiful

”

– The Culture Trip

in the Midwest

”

– The Trip Minnesota Trails Culture

Summer 2016 33

bike trail guide

2016

SOO LINE

Little Falls

Outdoor Dining

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

SOO LINE

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

TRAIL 10 MILES PAVED

Nestled along the Soo Line Trail!

105 1st Ave, Bowlus, MN (320) 584-8193

Little Two Ri

ver

www.jordiestrailside.com

Royalton

Bowlus

Mis

siss

View Our Menu Online www.attheblacknwhite.com

17

P Holdingford

i Ri

ver

3.6 7.6 11.6 13.6 4

ine

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10

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116 First Street Southeast Little Falls, MN 56345 (320) 632-5374

Le Cordon Bleu trained chefs

ipp

S oo

County Line

Lin e

A. T.

26

Tra il

Two River

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Large selection of Minnesota craft beers and wines from family-owned vineyards.

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10

Blanchard Dam

34 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

SOO LINE

bike trail guide

Soo Line Trail • 10 miles

This scenic trail starts at the northern end of the Lake Wobegon Trail between Holdingford and Bowlus at the Stearns and Morrison County line. The quiet trail crosses a pastoral landscape with an occasional farm and wetland.

Bowlus’ trailhead resembles the long-gone railroad stop and has bathrooms, parking and water.

Four miles farther to the northeast, the trail crosses the railroad trestle just downstream of Blanchard Dam, the tallest dam on the Mississippi, with a 1920s hydroelectric station still in use today.

At Blanchard Dam, search the river banks for Twinned Staurolite, a naturally occurring mineral. These so-called cross rocks or fairy stones will occasionally form in the shape of a Maltese Cross and can only be found in a few places in the world.

Cyclists have access to Charles A. Lindbergh State Park via the Mississippi River Trail Scenic Bikeway on the west side of the river.

The paved section ends at a trailhead at Highway 10 near Royalton, but continues unpaved to Superior, Wisc., with another paved 11-mile segment between Isle and Onamia near Mille Lacs and Father Hennepin State Parks.

The connection to the Lake Wobegon Trail was completed in 2007. A future trail connection to the Paul Bunyan Trail, the Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail, is currently in the planning stages.

The Blanchard Dam Bridge is a highlight of the Soo Line. Jan Lasar photo.

Morrison County Bike Route Guide

WHERE THE MISSISSIPPI PAUSES…YOUR DISCOVERY BEGINS

Mansions and Museums on the Mississippi River

BOWLUS • LINCOLN LAKES • RANDALL • ROYALTON • PIERZ • SWANVILLE

THE FUN!” D N A D O O F E H T R O “STAY F 1.800.325.5916

www.littlefallsmn.com

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2016 35

Future Trail

bike trail guide

Temperance River State Park

GITCHI-GAMI STATE

TRAIL

GITCHI-GAMI STATE

2016

GITCHI-GAMI

Grand Marais Cascade River State Park

29 MILES PAVED

Lutsen P Tofte P

TRAIL

Temperance River State Park

GrandPMarais Schroeder P Cascade River State Park Taconite Harbor r 29 MILES PAVED rio George H. Crosby ManitouLutsen State Park P pe Tofte P

Temperance River State Park Tettegouche State P Park

L

u eS ak

Future Trail Bike Trail State Park

P Parking Picnic/Rest Area Restroom Camping

Schroeder P Silver Bay P Taconite Harbor Beaver Bay ior

ge H. Crosby Manitou State Park Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Gooseberry Falls State Park P Tettegouche State Park

La

Tofte to Grand Marais

er

p SPu

PkeP

This 7.3-mile trail segment starts at the northeast end of the town of Tofte. At County Road 34, where the trail used to dead-end, a tunnel underpass beneath Highway 61 connects to a new trail segment that ends at County Road 5 (Lutsen Ski Hill Road).

The 1.5-mile segment of completed GitchiGami State Trail in Grand Marais lies within the Grand Marais city limits. This trail segment connects to the Grand Marais Corridor Trail, a one-mile paved bike trail that travels through the heart of downtown Grand Marais.

P Silver Bay Two P Beaver Bay Harbors

e State Park

e Park

P PP

P

Maps at

ls.com

The Gitchi-Gami State Trail picks up again at the east parking lot in Schroeder and travels through Temperance River State Future Trail Park, about four miles to the west of Tofte.

This segment Bike Trail crosses the Temperance River GorgeState andPark an ancient stream bed that is thought to have been an ancient route for P Parking the Temperance River into Lake Superior. The Picnic/Rest AreaGorge offers spectacular Temperance River views Restroom of the river and rocks below. You can also view the 1,526-foot Carlton Peak.

Camping You’ll have to cross Highway 61 at the east end of Tofte and use the Town Road to access the community of Tofte. Trail users can use the Blue Fin Bay lake walk trail for about a half-mile to rejoin the trail on the east edge of town.

This trail segment currently offers parking in Schroeder at the Tofte Public Water Access.

Food, beverages and restroom facilities are available in Tofte.

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com

Gitchi-Gami State Trail Four Sections Silver Creek Cliff

The Gitchi-Gami State Trail begins with a short yet impressive one-mile section of the original North Shore Drive, running 4,000 feet around the Silver Cliff Creek Tunnel northwest of Two Harbors. This section of the trail offers a spectacular vista of Lake Superior and has a reproduction of the original 1924 North Shore Gateway arch and brass plaque welcoming visitors.

While this section isn’t ready for throughtraffic, you may want to park just east of the tunnel and walk across the trail bridge to enjoy the view. This is also an area to see rock climbers and a great place for travel photos.

Gooseberry State Park to Silver Bay

Experience all our area has to offer!

Seven miles east of Silver Creek Cliff is the popular Gooseberry Falls State Park where the next segment of the Gitchi-Gami Trail starts just a quarter-mile east of the TH 61 Bridge. This trail segment leads to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and the towns of Beaver Bay and Silver Bay.

Biking • Birding • Hiking Canoeing • Kayaking • ATVing

AmericInn of Silver Bay 218-226-4300 Mariner Motel • 218-226-4488

Silver Bay Area Tourism Association

Gateway to the Superior Natl. Forest Byway

www.heartofthenorthshore.com

218-226-4408

36 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

GITCHI-GAMI

bike trail guide

Gitchi-Gami State Trail • 29 miles

The Gitchi-Gami State Trail will eventually trace 88 miles of the North Shore, weaving its way through five state parks from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. Destined to become one of the most scenic paved trails in the nation, the Gitchi-Gami parallels U.S. Highway 61, the popular Superior Hiking Trail and the Lake Superior Water Trail. Gitchi-Gami offers one more active way to enjoy Minnesota’s North Shore.

The longest trail section to date runs 14.6 miles from Gooseberry Falls State Park across the Split Rock River, through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Beaver Bay, and on to Silver Bay. At Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, you ride just below a wayside rest and scenic overlook with a picture-perfect view of the lighthouse. To visit the lighthouse and interpretive center, take the short spur trail leading there.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Beaver Bay both have trail centers with parking.

The one-mile lakeside swing around Highway 61’s Silver Creek Tunnel is worth visiting on wheels or on foot for its panoramic views of Lake Superior.

There’s also a three-mile stretch of trail from Schroeder to Tofte, passing through Temperance River State Park and offering a view of Carlton Peak. This stretch could make a nice out-and-back casual ride or family trip of six miles with a stop for a hike to see the Temperance River Gorge.

The Gitchi Gami Trail comes close to the Superior Hiking Trail and Water Trail at Split Rock Creek near Split Rock State Park. Dave Simpkins photo.

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Summer 2016 37 2/5/13 4:05 PM

2016

GLACIAL LAKES

Glacial Lakes State Trail • 27 miles

communities of Rockville, Cold Spring and Richmond.

the Glacial Lakes State Trail connects to the Rocori Trail, a planned trail to connect the

GLACIAL LAKES dle

Connects to Rocori Trail Roscoe

27 MILES PAVED

For

City Bike Trail 23

k

5

Richmond

TRAIL

Mid

The area of Glacial Lakes State Trail was originally created by retreating glaciers some 10,000 years ago. The 22-mile, paved trail is located on a former Burlington Northern Railroad grade. It starts on the north side of Willmar and goes northeast around beautiful lakes and prairie, and the towns of Spicer, New London and Hawick, to just shy of Paynesville. A five-mile segment between Roscoe and Richmond is also completed.

City trails take riders through Paynesville and to the 18-mile Lake Koronis Trail, one of three bikeways off the trail. The Green Lake Trail near Spicer runs on a country road between the lake and homes. You can also bike into Sibley State Park from New London on a bikeway. Just east of Richmond,

71

Sibley Park Sibley State Bike Way Park 9

Games Lake Norway Lake

Paynesville City Bike Trail

Lake Koronis

Hawick

Andrea Lake

148

New London 40

P

40

PAYNESVILLE INN & SUITES

2

6.5 12 18 16 25 36 41

10

5.5 11.5 9.5 18.5 30.5 35.5

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700 Diekmann Drive Paynesville, MN 56362 320-243-4146 www.paynesvilleinn.com

P

26

Public Campground State Park

4

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County Route

P Parking

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Green Lake Bike Way

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Green Lake

71

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Nest Lake

U.S. Route Paved Trail Trail Bike Way Future Trail State Route

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com

Spicer P

Right on the Bike Trail Ride the Glacial Lakes & Lake Koronis Trail

Lake Koronis Trail

Lake Koronis Regional Park

LEGEND

bike trail guide

P

Atwater

Kandiyohi Willmar

Jump Right In!

WILLMAR LAKES AREA 360 lakes and miles of trails to explore!

• • • •

Ride the Glacial Lakes State Trail Explore Sibley State Park Discover the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway Just a short drive west of the Twin Cities

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

800.845.8747 ext. 79 www.willmarlakesarea.com 38 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

PAUL BUNYAN

bike trail guide

The Paul Bunyan Trail winds through the tall pines of the Chippewa National Forest. Jan Lasar photo.

Paul Bunyan Trail • 115 miles

The 115-mile, paved Paul Bunyan Trail is Minnesota’s and the country’s longest paved rail trail. It has been inducted into the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame, as a “signature Minnesota destination.” The trail starts at Crow Wing State Park near Brainerd and ends at Lake Bemidji State Park near Bemidji. Including a few on-road connections, the total mileage is closer to 123 miles.

The trail’s namesake, Paul Bunyan, is a reminder of the rich forestlands that supported a robust timber industry and are ever present on your ride through the pines.

Much of the old red pine forest has been preserved in the Chippewa National Forest, which hosts a portion of the trail near Walker.

The northern trailhead is located in Lake

Minnesota Trails

Shop. Bike. Eat. Repeat.

ASSOCIATION www.mnbiketrail.com

Summer 2016 39

bike trail guide

PAUL BUNYAN

2016

Bemidji State Park.

You will see many incarnations of Paul Bunyan and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox, in towns along this one-of-a-kind trail, but there are some things you can only find with the help of technology. Geocachers call the Paul Bunyan trail a Power Trail because almost 1000 geocaches wait to be discovered along the route.

Crow Wing State Park to the Chippewa National Forest

Riders can catch glimpses of the Mississippi River on their way through the park towards Brainerd’s Northland Arboretum. The Brainerd lakes area is a favorite with tourists seeking an Up North experience with creature comforts.

Countless resorts, hotels and campgrounds cater to cyclists and are located near the trail.

The area has a large number of hiking and cross-country ski trails, too. North of Brainerd you’ll find wetlands, gardens and the little towns of Merrifield and Lake Hubert. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the many area lakes on the way to Nisswa. Downtown Nisswa is a bustling tourist town with many shops and restaurants to explore. Stop for a tour of the historic pioneer village and regular turtle races throughout the summer.

The Pequot Lakes Visitor’s Center is a good place to rest and recharge. Rumor has it Paul Bunyan’s bobber now serves as the town’s water tower. Stop and take a rest in Paul Bunyan’s chair at Bobber Park.

At the Pine River Information Center you can see vintage displays, including a pair of Paul Bunyan’s baby shoes, big enough

Entering the Paul Bunyan Trail at Crow Wing State Park. Jan Lasar photo.

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40 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

PAUL BUNYAN

bike trail guide

This golden spike was hammered into the tar when the Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trails officially joined in 2006. Thousands hike, bike and skate over this spot every year in a silent testament to the realization of Terry McGaughey’s dream.

Jan Lasar photo. to stand in. You can meet Paul Bunyan’s girlfriend, Lucette, in Hackensack, home to an annual chainsaw carving festival.

Keep an eye out for carved critters along the trail, like Colonel Cobber in Backus. This 10-foot chainsaw carving of a corncob man is a favorite picture opportunity with cyclists.

After Hackensack, you’ll come to a Y intersection. Go left and ride the hilly section of the Paul Bunyan Trail through Chippewa National Forest to the intersection with the Heartland Trail west of Walker. Go right and take the easier Shingobee Trail into Walker from the south. Both routes connect to downtown Walker, called the city on the bay on the south side of Leech Lake.

Walker is another hub for visitors because it is at the crossroads of the Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trail and the North Country Hiking Trail, surrounded by state forests and the Chippewa National Forest.

Walker to Bemidji

On the way to Bemidji, you will cross the Kabekona River and go through Benedict, Laporte and Guthrie in a mix of quiet, rolling farmlands, crystal clear lakes and forest lands.

Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi River, is on the south side of Lake Bemidji and flanked by the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest to the west and Lake Bemidji State Park to the north. In Bemidji, you’ll want to visit the famous statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox named Babe. Continue on to Lake Bemidji State Park or ride a 17-mile scenic loop around Lake Bemidji.

The Paul Bunyan trail follows the original railroad line built in 1893 and abandoned by Burlington Northern in 1983.

In October 1992, the first 50 miles of the Paul Bunyan Trail from Brainerd to Hackensack, MN, opened to the public and it has since more than doubled in length.

Trail sign near Walker, MN Jan Lasar photo.

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Summer 2016 41

bike trail guide

2016

PAUL BUNYAN/HEARTLAND MAP

TRAIL MAP Heartland, Paul Bunyan, Mi-Gi-Zi and Itasca Wilderness Trail

Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary Scientific & Natural Area

Lake Bemidji State Park

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Lake Ave.

Grant Ave.

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Cass Lake

P Cass Lake

Washington Ave.

2

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40

Lake Itasca

State Trail Paul Bunyan

8

Mississippi River Trail

Mill St.

P

12

H

7

71

Itasca State Park Wilderness Trail

Lake Bemidji

Little Norway Ave.

Bemidji

39

P

Clauson Ave.

Lake Itasca 14

20

Gould Ave.

Lake Bemidji

Wilkinson

★

Ca

Ten Mile Lake

16

Birch

Hackensack

Park Rapids

★

★★

★

★★

★★★

★★

★★ ★

★★★ ★ Trail ★ ★State

83

★★★★

★★★★

★★

P

Paul Bunyan

★

★★★

P

P

★★★

★★

★

★★★★

★★★★★

★★

★

★★★

★

★★★★★

P

★★★

371 ★ ★

★★

★★

★

★

26

200

★

★

Shingobee Connection Trail ★ ★★

12

★

ak e

★★★

ss L

★★

★★★ ★

★

200

★

★ ★★

Akeley

34

Walker Trail Loop

Stony Lake

P

13.0 24.0 28.9 45.1 38.4 44.4 53.7 61.2 84.0 90.6 95.8 104.0 107.2 113.6 123.0

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34

★★

Pa Do rk R Ne rset apid s Ak vis W eley a W lke r ilk 2m in i. so S. n of

★

12

★★

P

H

★★

★★★★★★★

Heartland State Trail Nevis

★★

★★★★

P P

Leech Lake

★

7.2

Dorset

371

Heartland State Trail

★★

Agency Bay

P

★

12.5 19.7

Traders Bay

Walker Bay

Walker

★★

9.4 21.9 29.1

H Di ea st rt an la ce nd in Tr M ai ile l s

Benedict Lake

64 ★★

6.3 15.7 28.2 35.4

★

Benedict

★

Long Lake

★

★★

★

★★ ★

★★

★★★

5.3 11.6 21.0 33.5 40.7

Leech Lake

★

★★★

North Country Hiking Trail

6.3 11.6 17.9 27.3 39.8 47.0 71

Kabekona Bay

Kabekona Lake

★

★★★★

P

★

★

★★★★

North Country Hiking Trail ★★ ★★★

★

★★★★★

P

May Lake

371 Ste am Bayboat

★

★

★ ★★

★

★★★★★★★★★★★★

Garfield Lake

P

★

Laporte

Lake George

Itasca State Park

Map Courtesy of Pleasant Lake

9.0 15.9 22.1 25.4 31.4 40.7 48.2 71.0 77.6 82.8 89.0 94.2 100.6 110.0

W in

6.2

5

10

371

9.5 15.5 24.8 32.3 55.1 61.7 66.9 72.1 78.3 84.7 92.0

3.3

Br a

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0

6.9 13.1 16.4 22.4 31.7 39.2 62.0 68.6 73.8 80.0 85.2 91.6 98.9

9.3 18.6 26.1 48.9 55.5 60.7 66.9 73.1 78.5 85.8

9.3 16.8 39.6 46.2 51.4 57.6 62.8 69.2 76.5 7.5 30.3 36.9 42.1 48.3 53.5 59.9 67.2 22.8 29.4 34.6 40.8 46.0 52.4 59.7 6.6 11.8 18.2 23.2 29.6 36.9

l ai Tr es an il ny in M Bu e ul anc Pa ist D

5.2 11.4 16.6 23.0 30.3 6.2 11.4 17.8 25.1 5.2 11.6 18.9 6.4 13.7

LEGEND

6.0 15.3 22.8 45.6 52.2 57.4 63.6 68.8 75.2 82.5

Pine Mountain Lake

84

P

More Maps at MNTrails.com

Backus

Norway Lake

84

P

Big Trout Lake

Pine River

Paul Bunyan State Trail

Upper Whitefish Lake

P

Upper Hay Lake

P

Hig

Rollinger St.

1st St.

2nd St.

34

iss ip p

Jasperwood Rd.

Charles St.

ss Mis

30th Ave.

Downtown

Franklin Ave.

King St.

P

S nd hla

Ri

i cen

ver

Crow Wing State Park

Pelican Lake Lower Cullen Lake

Nisswa

P Boom Lake

P

Gull Lake

371

Brainerd

i

Bridge St.

Minnesota St.

Northland Arboretum

c Dr.

Rush Lake

210 Perch Lake

Cuyuna Lakes State Trail

P

Excelsior Rd.

371

Heartland Park

P

Baxter

Park Rapids

Heartland St.

Pearle St.

White Sand Lake

Evergreen Rd.

North St.

371 Eastern Ave.

East River Dr.

Lawn St.

Todd St.

Pequot Lakes

Kaywood Dr.

Fish Hook River

Forestview Ave.

71

Lower Whitefish Lake

Jenkins

dj i

St at ep

ar k

7.3

U.S. Route Paved Trail Bikeway (MRT) Horse Trail 200 State Route County Route Public Campground State Park P Parking Restroom Picnic H Hospital

North Long Lake

Mississippi River Trail

Wilson Bay

Buffalo Lake

B371 123

Baxter

210

Merrifield

PH

210

Brainerd

Crow Wing State Park

42 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

2016

HEARTLAND

bike trail guide

Heartland Trail

The Heartland Trail starts in Heartland Park in Park Rapids and runs nearly 50 miles northeast to Cass Lake through the heart of lake country. Numerous towns, resorts and parks provide amenities to the rider on one of Minnesota’s most visited recreational trail systems.

Park Rapids to Dorset

The official start of the Heartland Trail is in Park Rapids’ Heartland Park, which has shelters, restrooms, a swimming beach and a bridge across the Fish Hook River.

Your six-mile journey to Dorset will take you through scenery ranging from thick woods to grasslands dotted with lakes.

The popular trailhead in Dorset has access to shops and restaurants, a large paved parking lot, outdoor toilet, playground and shaded picnic areas.

The corral on the other side of the trail is for those on horses who use the unpaved trail parallel to the paved trail.

Dorset to Nevis

The next five miles to Nevis are quite pleasant. For three miles, the trail travels through the woods with glimpses of an occasional pond. Pines and poplar trees dominate with some birch.

Nevis to Akeley

The rest area in Nevis has water and restrooms. Stop and see a statue of the World’s Largest Tiger Muskie. In Akeley, stop and sit in Paul Bunyan’s hand for a picture.

Akeley to Walker

The Heartland Trail and the Paul Bunyan Trail (Crow Wing State Park to Bemidji) share a trail segment from just outside of Akeley to just outside of Walker. At a parking lot a few miles outside of Akeley, riders can turn onto the Paul Bunyan Trail and ride through the Chippewa National Forest. This 8-mile segment on paved logging roads-turned-trail has a grade of up to 8 percent. It hooks up to the Shingobee Connection Trail into Walker.

Alternatively, you can continue on the shared segment and access the town of Walker that way. Just outside of Walker, the Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trails part ways. The Paul Bunyan Trail continues northwest to Bemidji, while the Heartland Trail continues northeast to Cass Lake. At 23.3 miles, the North Country Hiking Trail crosses the trail.

WALKER 218.547.2231

Boats • Bikes Bed & Breakfast All Included www.leechlakebb.com Minnesota Trails

An early-season ride through Nevis on the Heartland Trail. Jan Lasar photo.

M A K E

YO U R

OW N

O U T D O O R G E TAWAY

Recreation & Lodging Information: LeechLake.org 800-735-3297

Minnesota’s Original “Up North” Nobody does Minnesota’s outdoors bigger or better than Leech Lake!

Afterall, we’re Minnesota’s “Originial Up North.”

Biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and, of course, our legendary lake, make Leech Lake an outdoors getaway adventure for the whole family!

Summer 2016 43

bike trail guide

HEARTLAND/ITASCA

2016

Paul Bunyan invites you to rest in Akeley on the Heartland Trail. Jan Lasar photo.

Walker to Cass Lake

North of Walker, you’ll need to ride two miles on a paved road shoulder to get from one section of the trail to the other. The trail skirts the west side of Leech Lake, then cuts through some woods and marshland and parallels Highway 371 for 10 miles to Cass Lake. At 41 miles, there is a large steel bridge which once carried trains across Steamboat River.

In Cass Lake, connect with the Mi-Gi-Zi Trail, a 20-mile route around Pike Bay’s beautiful shores. Future expansions include an 86-mile segment from Park Rapids west to Moorhead and a 20-mile extension north from Park Rapids to Itasca State Park.

Rental • Repair

Rental • Repair Rental • Repair

Sales • Accessories Sales • Accessories Sales Accessories Sales • •Accessories Rental • Repair

SAVE THE !

DATE

August 11-13, 2016

800-247-0054

www.parkrapids.com

150ofmiles of the beautiful Heartland PaulBunyan Bunyan Trails Trails Enjoy overEnjoy 150 over miles the beautiful Heartland andand Paul

Rentals available: Rentals available: over 150 miles of the beautiful Enjoy over 150Enjoy miles of the beautiful Heartland and Paul Bunyan Trails Comfort, Road, Childrens bikesand and trailers Comfort, Road, Childrens bikes Heartland and Paul Bunyan Trails trailers Rentals available:

Comfort, Road, Childrens bikes and trailers RENTALS AVAILABLE:

Itasca State Park is Celebrating 125 years with events scheduled throughout the year!

Can you log 125 miles by Bike, Boot or Boat?

12 hikes on the North Country Trail will commemorate 100 years of the National Park Service.

Home of

WORLD FAMOUS ITASCA STATE PARK

Home of

WORLD FAMOUS ITASCA STATE PARK

Comfort, Road, Childrens bikes and trailers On the Heartland Trail By the Paul Bunyan Trail 501 E 1st St, Park Rapids, MN 117 3rd St. NW, Bemidji, MN 218-732-5971 218-751-BIKE (2453)

44 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

Northwest Angle

Lake of the Woods Lost River

Garden Island Zippel Bay

Parks, Trails, Forests, Rivers

Franz Jevne

Hayes Lake

Smokey Bear

Beltrami Island

Littlefork

Thief Lakes

Old Mill

Rainy Lake Trail

Pine Island

Voyageurs National Park

Big Bog Rec. Area

Upper Red Lake r

Red River Rec. Area

Lit

Red Lake

Lower Red Lake

Big

71

tle

Fo Koochiching rk Riv er

Fo rk

Riv er

er i Riv

Trail

Sibley

Nort

h Fo

Monson Lake

Glacial Lakes Trail

Willmar

rk C

row Rive r

Kettl e

River

Shurburne National

Mis

St. Cloud

siss

Lake Maria

ipp

i Riv er T rail

Upper Sioux Agency

ot

aR

BWCAW VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS DESIGNATED WATER WAYS BIKING TRAILS BIKEWAY May 2013

Afton Fort Snelling

MN National Wildlife Refuge

r

NATIONAL FORESTS

Gateway Trail

71

ive

WILDLIFE REFUGES

Browns Creek Trail

Grand Rounds

l Luce Line Trai l LRT

es

WITH FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT

Interstate

Dakota Trai

inn

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

STATE PARKS

William O’Brein

Lac qui Parle

M

e

Maps • Guides • Features

Nemadji

Wild River

Carlos Avery

94

ai Tr

St. Croix

Sunrise Prairie Hardwood Creek Trail

r Rive Terr e e de

pew a Riv er

Pom m

Lac qui Parie

Chip

Big Stone Lake

il Tra

Big Stone National

River

l

er at rW

rio

DESIGNATED FOREST

35

Wob eg

Sauk River

Jay Cooke

St. Croix

Ru m

on

Glacial Lakes

S ke La

Banning

Rum River

ipp

Lake

Mille Lacs

siss

Soo Line

Moose Lake

Father Hennepin

Soo Line Trail

up

n

iki

io er

gw ata n

Charles A. Lindbergh

x Aleeau t Lav men Seg

Willard Munger Trail

Solana

Lake Mille Lacs

Mis

sT rail

S

il ra gT

Duluth

Fond du Lac

River

Lake Carlos

ke

Rice Lake National

Mille Lacs Kathio

Long Prairie River l La

up

Snake

Ce ntr a

Brainerd Crow Wing

71

q

Clou

rH

Savanna Portage

Wealthwood

Wing River

Glendalough Trail

r ve

Ri

Gooseberry Falls

r Rive uet

Savanna

Cuyuna Country Rec. Area

Pillsbury

Crow

Cloquet Valley

Che n

Lyons

Glendalough

M

Paul Bunyan Trail

Maplewood

pi

ip

iss

iss

Tettegouche

a

Pine River

r

l rai rT

Badoura

Foot Hills

Ottertail River

Trail Hill River

Huntersville

94

River

Rive

Whiteface River

ive

North Country Trail

North Country

Heartland Trail

Anniversary

Remer

iR

Two Inlets Smoky Hills

Schoolcraft Golden

Leech Lake

ouis St. L

Grand Portage

Split Rock Lighthouse

i pp iss iss

Tamarac National

Moorhead

Hill Annex Mine

Battleground

Paul Bunyan Trail

White Earth

Buffalo River

Migizi Trail

Grand Portage

George H. Crosby Manitou

Finland

sa Me

Judge C.R.Magney

River Superior National Forest Temperance

Lake

M

Red River

Itasca State Park

Pat Bayle Cascade

Bear Island

Soudan Underground Mine Bear Head

rail bi T

Hibbing

Bowstring Lake Winnibigoshish

Bemidji Paul Bunyan

McCarthy Beach George Washington

Chippewa National Forest

Blackduck Buena Vista

Vermilion State Park

Sturgeon River

Scenic Lake Bemidji

BWCA BWCWA

Burntside

Big Fork

Itasca Wilderness Trail

Border Route Trail

Kekekabic Trail

iT ra il

Rive

am

Lake

er Riv

Red

Kabetogama

lion mil Ver

Agassiz National

iG

Twin Lakes

tc h

Lake Bronson

Gi

Roseau River

Minnesota Valley

Split Rock Creek

Lake Shetek

Nerstrand Big Woods

Mankato Minneopa Watonwo n River

Sakatah Singing Hills Trail

Sakatah Lake

iver

r

Rive

Frontenac GoodhuePioneer

Rice Lake

Douglas Trail

Kilen Woods

r ive at R rail Greidge T Whitewater R

Rochester

Des Moines River

35 Blue Mounds Blue Mounds Trail

bro R

ood onw Cott

Straight River

Camden

Casey Jones Trail

Cannon Valley Trail Flandrau

Marshall Pipestone National Monument

er Cannon Riv

Albert Lea Blazing Star Trail

Myre Big Island

Carley

Zum

Fort Ridgely

Fair Ridge Trail

John A. Latsch

Whitewater

Ro

ot

Riv er

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood

Root River Trail

Austin Shooting Star Trail

Lake Louise

Forestville/ Mystery Cave

HarmonyPreston Valley Trail

Great River Bluffs

Beaver Creek Valley

COME CLEAN. LEAVE CLEAN Give Invasive Species The Brush Off.

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2016 45

Business Directory Online & In Print $250/annually • Call Jan @320-266-5132

CYCLE PATH AND PADDLE 115 3rd Avenue SW, Crosby www.cyclepathpaddle.com

218-545-4545

EASY RIDERS BICYCLE & SPORT 218-829-5516

415 Washington Street, Brainerd www.easyridersbikes.com

ITASCA TRAIL SPORTS 316 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids www.itascatrailsports.net

Southern MN

320-251-2844

218-326-1716

JAKE’S BIKES ALEXANDRIA 611 3rd Avenue E, Alexandria www.jakesbikes.com

320-219-7433

NORTHERN CYCLE 100 Mill Road, Park Rapids e-mail: northerncycle@charter.net

218-732-5971

NORTHERN CYCLE 117 3rd Street NW, Bemidji e-mail: northerncycle@charter.net

218-751-(BIKE) 2453

Bemidji

BEHIND BARS BICYCLE SHOP 612-436-0255

61

71

208 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis www.behind-bars.com

2

35

BIKE KING

651-457-7766

St. Cloud

Southern Region

Metro Region

Mankato

CARS BIKE SHOP

763-784-6966

GATEWAY CYCLE

651-777-0188

2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy 10, Mounds View www.CarsBikeShop.com 6028 Hwy 36 Blvd N, Oakdale www.gatewaycycle.com

MICHAEL’S CYCLES PRIOR LAKE 952-447-2453

16731 Hwy. 13 S, Prior Lake www.michaelscycles-mn.com

MICHAEL’S CYCLES CHASKA

700 N Chestnut Street, Chaska www.michaelscycles-mn.com

PIONEER CYCLE 12741 Central Ave., NE, Blaine www.pioneercycle.com

952-361-6550

RAMSEY BICYCLE 6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramsey www.ramseybicycles.com

763-323-6666

763-755-8871

STRAUSS SKATES AND BICYCLES 651-770-1344

1751 Cope Avenue E, Maplewood www.straussskatesandbicycles.com

TONKA CYCLE AND SKI

16 Shady Oak Road S, Hopkins www.tonkacycleandski.com

952-938-8336

TRAILHEAD CYCLING & FITNESS

763-712-0312

CARLTON BIKE RENTAL

218-384-4696

100 Chestnut Ave., Carlton www.carltonbikerental.com

TRAILBLAZER BIKES BAXTER 218-963-0699 14843 Edgewood Drive, Baxter www.trailblazerbikesmn.com TRAILBLAZER BIKES NISSWA 218-829-8542 Nisswa Square, Nisswa, MN www.trailblazerbikesmn.com

FUN www.spiritmt.com

A quick and easy reference for planning your adventure!

LODGING BERT’S CABINS

15782 Wilderness Drive, Lake Itasca www.bertscabins.com

218-266-3312

MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS HOSTEL Itasca State Park 218-266-3415

27910 Forest Lane, Park Rapids www.hiusa.org/parkrapids

SINCLAIR LEWIS CAMPGROUND 320-352-2203

826 Park Road, Sauk Centre www.ci.sauk-centre.mn.us

AMERICINN SILVER BAY

218-226-4300

AMERICINN TOFTE/LUTSEN

218-663-7899

AMERICINN TWO HARBORS

218-834-3000

50 Mensing Drive, Silver Bay www.americinn.com

1088 Hwy. 61 N, Two Harbors www.americinn.com

COUNTRY INN TWO HARBORS 877-604-5332

1204 7th Avenue, Two Harbors www.countryinntwoharbors.com

BP COLLEGE SQUARE 218-829-4384

8218 Highland Scenic Drive, Baxter www.qsquares.com

HEAVEN & EARTH ESSENTIALS 320-828-2774

320-587-2453

www.nevischamber.com

90

TRAIL TREATS

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN 218-628-2891 9500 Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth 800-642-6377

The Muskie is calling!!

35

90

7231 W Hwy. 61, Tofte www.americinn.com

TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP 124 2nd Street NE, Little Falls www.tourightbicycleshop.com

320-639-2453

Duluth

94

6489 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights www.bike-king.com

11350 Aquila Drive, Suite 505, Champlin www.trailheadcyclingandfitness.com

OUTDOOR MOTION

Northeast Region

2

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI 320-251-2453 160 29th Avenue South, St. Cloud www.revolutioncycleandski.com

141 Main Street South, Hutchinson www.outdoormotionbikes.com

Minnesota Trails Directory Regions

Northwest Region

71

218-739-5651

Northwestern MN

550 Lake Drive, Chanhassen www.bokoobikes.com

CENTRAL LAKES CYCLE 2010 Hwy. 210 E., Fergus Falls www.centrallakescycle.com

105 7th Avenue S, St. Cloud www.fitzharrismn.com

Metropolitan MN

BOKOO BIKES & PADDLE SPORTS 952-934-6468

BIKE SHOPS

FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT

Northeastern MN

605 Main Street South, Sauk Centre www.heavenandearthessentials.com

Nevis 2016 Summer Events June 12: July 10: July 29 & 30: August 6:

Sites’n’Bites: Art, Music, Food Pig Races Muskie Days Music Festival City Garage Sale

A great place to stop for lunch, shopping & family fun!

Right along the Heartland Trail!

46 Summer 2016

Minnesota Trails

B&Bs EMBRACING PINES B&B

218-224-3519 218-731-5026

LEECH LAKE B&B

218-547-2231

WALLER HOUSE INN

320-632-2836

32287 Mississippi Road, Walker www.embracingpines.com 11058 Steamboat Loop, Walker www.leechlakebb.com 310 3rd St SE, Little Falls www.wallerhouseinn.com

COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST 5 miles from Taylors Falls 651-257-4773 www.countrybedandbreakfast.us GREEN HERON B&B

218-999-5795

2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids www.greenheronbandb.com

POPLAR CREEK GUESTHOUSE B&B 800-322-8327

11 Poplar Creek Drive, Grand Marais www.boundarycountry.com

INFORMATION CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION 320-763-0102

324 Broadway, Alexandria www.centrallakestrail.com

FERGUS FALLS CVB

112 Washington Ave. W, Fergus Falls www.visitfergusfalls.com

218-332-5425

NEVIS CIVIC & COMMERCE

PO Box 268, Nevis www.nevischamber.com

VISIT BRAINERD

14084 Baxter Drive, STE 12, Brainerd www.visitbrainerd.com

800-450-7247

HUTCHINSON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 320-587-5252

2 Main St., Hutchinson www.explorehutchinson.com

VISIT WINONA

160 Johnson Street, Winona www.visitwinona.com

507-452-0735

Landscape. History. Adventure!

Bicycle Minnesota’s Mississippi River Trail from Itasca to Iowa!

July 10-17, 2016

Adventure Cycle & Ski

Gateway Cycle

OneTen Cycles

507-452-4228 www.advcycle.com

651-777-0188 www.gatewaycycle.com

651-454-2066 www.onetencycles.com

178 Center St, Winona, MN 55987

6028 Hwy. 36 Blvd. N, Oakdale, MN 55128

1040 Dakota Dr., Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Boehms Cycle

Jake’s Bikes

Penn Cycle (7 locations)

651-644-4990 www.boehmscycle.com

320-219-7433 www.jakesbikes.com

651-882-1241 www.penncycle.com

1592 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104

611 3rd Avenue E, Alexandria, MN 56308

3916 W Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN 55437

Central Lakes Cycle

Maple Grove Cycling

Ramsey Bicycle

218-739-5651 www.centrallakescycle.com

763-420-8878 www.maplegrovecycling.com

763-323-6666 www.ramseybicycle.com

2010 Hwy. 210 E, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

13950 Grove Dr., Maple Grove, MN 55311

6825 Hwy. 10, Ramsey, MN 55303

County Cycles

Milltown Premium Adventure Goods Rochester Cycling

651-482-9609 www.countycycles.com

507-331-2636 www.milltownsports.com

507-289-7410 www.cycling-fitness.com

2700 Lexington Ave., Roseville, MN 55113 311 Central Avenue., Faribault, MN 55021

1211 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Freewheel Bike (3 locations)

Northern Cycle (2 locations)

Rydjor Bike Shop

612-339-2219 www.freewheelbike.com

218-732-5971 northerncycle@charter.net

507-433-7571 www.rydjor.com

1812 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55454

117 3rd St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601

219 N Main St., Austin, MN 55912

This fully supported tour is limited to 50 riders.

bikemn.org/H2H Minnesota Trails

Summer 2016 47

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[800] 634.3444 AMERICINN.COM

See more about these locations at AmericInn.com. ©2012 AMERICINN INTERNATIONAL, LLC

From the lakes of Minnesota to the big skies of Texas, the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Seaboard, taking good care of people in this great big country of ours is what we do best. We’ve earned our stripes when it comes to genuine hospitality, and you’ll feel it the moment you walk through our doors. From a friendly smile to a free, hot American breakfast, stop in and discover true AmericInn® hospitality.

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