Minnesota Trails Summer 2022

Summer 2022

Cycling

BLUFF COUNTRY A Taste of the

WILDERNESS Walk-in Camping at Minnesota State Parks

Minnesota

BIKE RIDES & TRAIL MAPS

Crosby / Ironton Deerwood / Bay Lake Cuyuna / Emily 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue Sauk Centre, MN 56378

www.MnTrails.com Minnesota Trails Staff Jan Lasar Editor/Publisher Joyce Frericks Accounting

ATTRACTIONS

Karen Knoblach Page Layout & Design Graphic Design

Editorial Board

SERVICES EAT / DRINK

Brett Feldman Executive Director Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Vol. 27, No. 2 May 2022

DEERSTAND RESTAURANT & BAR 24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood 218-534-9253 www.deerstandrestaurant.com Why limit happy to one hour?

COLDWELL BANKER CROWN REALTORS Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby 218-546-8346 www.coldwellbankercrown.com Impacting lives through real estate

SPECIALTY STORE CUYUNA LAKES CHAMBER PO Box 23, Crosby 218-546-8131 www.cuyunalakes.com

CRMC Cuyuna Regional Medical Center

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.

Continuing the

TRAILSIDE TAVERN & PATIO 212 West Main Street, Crosby 218-546-5465 www.trailsidetavern.com Crosby’s newest trail-friendly restaurant

LODGING

HOSPITAL, CLINIC, PHARMACY 320 East Main Street, Crosby 218-546-7000 www.cuyunamed.org

CYKEL 324 Curtis Ave, Ironton 218-772-0177 www.cykelonline.com Bike sales, rentals, repairs & custom builds

DEERWOOD

MOTEL

DEERWOOD MOTEL 23688 Forest Road, Deerwood 218-534-3163 www.deerwoodmotel.com Great rooms at great prices

RED RIDER RESORT 23457 Co. Rd. 31, Crosby 218-838-6858 www.redriderresort.com Cabins and camping right off the trail

SOO LINE DEPOT Cuyuna Range History Museum 101 1st Street NE, Crosby 218-546-6178 or 218-545-1166 www.cuyunahistory.org

OARS-N-MINE 22640 MN-6, Crosby 218-546-6912 www.oarsnmine.com Docks, lifts, bait and tackle

TIMBER BUILDING SUPPLY & ACE HARDWARE 14506 State Highway 6, Deerwood 218-678-2063 www.timberbuildingsupply.com Your local building supplier

218-546-8131

VICTUAL 124 W Main St., Crosby 218-545-1000 www.shopvictual.com Ice cream, cheese, charcuterie, gourmet, gifts, spirits

FINANCIAL

DEERWOOD BANK 21236 Archibald Rd., Deerwood 218-534-3111 www.deerwoodbank.com Banking Made Nice & Simple

MID MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 117 West Main Street, Crosby 218-546-5428 www.mmfcu.org Member owned and working for you

Cuyuna Lakes Chamber members are open & ready to serve you you!

www.CuyunaLakes.com 2 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

SUMMER 2022

Contents

‫ פ‬

FEATURES

8 Cycling Bluff Country Molly Brewer Hoeg

50 A Taste of the

Wilderness

Walk-in Camping at MN State Parks Tom Watson

52 Minnesota Nice Jan Lasar

COLUMNS

7 Minnesota Miles Jan Lasar

DEPARTMENTS

4 Parks & Trails Council News Lisa Filter

Mi s S c T s

12 Bike Rides & Tours Minnesota Events June-October

18 Minnesota Bike Trails Guide Minnesota Trails by Region

19 GOODHUE PIONEER TRAIL Lisa Filter

54 MN Trails Map Minnesota’s Trails At-A-Glance

55 Trail Partners Find Trail-Friendly Businesses

14+ Miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail ABOVE: North St. Paul’s famous snowman stands guard on the edge of the Gateway State Trail.

Botanical Garden • Museums • Public Art Dining & Shopping • Overnight Accommodations

Jan Lasar photo

COVER: One of the covered bridges on the southern segment of the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail. Jan Lasar photo

Plan your stay!

THANK YOU:

FIND US ON: Minnesota Trails

janesvillecvb.com • (800) 487-2757 Summer 2022 3

parksandtrails.org

Jan Lasar / Mn Trails Magazine

people saving special places

Hiker on the new trail at Sibley State Park that crosses oak savanna and currently leads to a tunnel under Hwy. 71.

P&TC Land Program

New trail at Sibley State Park made possible with land Parks & Trails Council acquired A long-awaited 3-mile, paved, multiuse trail has been completed at Sibley State Park. This scenic trail meanders through the prairie for a uniquely peaceful experience. Plus, its current end point— a tunnel under Hwy. 71— foreshadows an exciting next phase.

As it currently stands, the trail is entirely within the park. It takes users from the visitor center, past the beach, then through woodlands, and across the prairie, ending at a tunnel at the southwest corner of the park. The ribboncutting celebration is scheduled for this summer, but the public is invited to begin using the trail now.

The journey to constructing this trail began 11 years ago, with a vision put forward by the community to connect Sibley State Park with the nearby Glacial Lakes State Trail in the town of New London. While that full vision

is yet to be realized, this new park trail marks a half-way point, with about 4 miles left to be constructed west of the tunnel. All the necessary land has been acquired and the phase two is simply awaiting funding from the legislature.

In the meantime, this newest, completed segment is well worth celebrating, as it is perhaps the most scenic portion of trail and an incredible addition to the park experience.

Parks & Trails Council’s (P&TC) role in this project began in 2014 when it bought a 154-acre property for the park. This land, which was privately owned, was necessary for the placement of the tunnel, plus it added critical grassland to the park.

P&TC worked with volunteers from the Sibley State Park Improvement Association (SSPIA) who spent countless

hours laboring to clean up the property.

They removed tons of debris—literally—and numerous buildings. Restoration involved making prescribed burns and seeding the land with native plants.

“We look forward to celebrating this achievement with the many partners who made it happen,” says P&TC’s president Brett Feldman.

RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW TRAIL AT SIBLEY STATE PARK Saturday, June 11, 2022 10 am at the park beach Hosted by

Sibley State Park Improvement Association

more details at parksandtrails.org

Thank you to these generous sponsors of Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

4 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

people saving special places

P&TC Research Partnership

Digging in at three mountain bike trails Minnesota has excellent mountain biking destinations (see the spring edition of Minnesota Trails Magazine for a list of 90 mountain biking trails). Yet, relatively little information exists on who is using them and why. Research conducted last summer is shedding light on this situation through the use of detailed trail counts and visitor intercept surveys from three Minnesota destinations.

The three systems studied were Cook County Mountain Bike Trails, Duluth Traverse, and Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. Each has a distinctly different terrain, geographic location, and diversity of visitor profiles.

Work began around Memorial Day 2021, when Andrew Oftedal, research and policy manager at Parks & Trails

Council of Minnesota (P&TC), installed automated trail counters at key locations. These counters remained in place through Labor Day, plus additional counters were installed at other areas for shorter durations.

Meanwhile, throughout the summer, staff were deployed to key trailheads where they asked trail users to answer a 32-question survey. The questions delved into the demographics and motivations of trail users. The results are detailed in three separate 50-plus-page reports.

The research project was commissioned by the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, an organization created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2013 to undertake

Report Snapshots from

system planning for parks and trails of regional significance beyond the Twin Cities metro region. The commission is also tasked with providing recommendations to the legislature for some of the grants funded by the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment Funds.

This study is intended to aid those decisions.

P&TC regularly conducts research that complements the work of our public partners. If you or your local parks department are looking for data on user trends or trail conditions and want to know how P&TC can help, please email Andrew Oftedal at aoftedal@ parksandtrails.org.

View the full reports online at parksandtrails.org/advocacy/research/

Detroit Mountain

About: Detroit Mountain Rec Area, located near the city of Detroit Lakes, is a 360-acre site with 15+ miles of singletrack mountain biking trails. It is managed by a nonprofit of the same name. It has been designated as part of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails System since 2015.

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2022 5

parksandtrails.org

Report Snapshot from

Duluth Traverse

About: The Duluth Traverse is a 100+ mile mountain biking system with five trailheads that span the city.

It’s managed by the city of Duluth in partnership with the nonprofit Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores. It has been designated as part of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails system since 2018.

ptc/user-counts/

Report Snapshots from

Cook County

About: Cook County Mountain Bike system is comprised of two clusters: Britton Peak, near Tofte with 20 trail miles; and Pincushion, near Grand Marais with 8 trail miles. They are managed by Cook County in partnership with the Superior Cycling Association. The trails are designated as part of the Greater MN Regional Parks and Trails system since 2016.

6 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

Minnesota Miles

Where do you find these people?

Jan Lasar Trails Editor/Publisher

I just celebrated my anniversary at Minnesota Trails. Eight years ago, I made a life-changing decision and haven’t looked back. When Dave Simpkins, former editor and my mentor, put a reporter’s notepad in my hand and sent me to interview random people in our parks and on our trails, I had to swallow hard and take a deep breath. I’m not a natural conversationalist and it used to take a large amount of sweaty-palmdrying to walk up to someone and ask for an interview. Eventually, I got over it and I’m glad I did. After many dozen Trails Q&As, I’ve learned a lot and these encounters with strangers have shaped me into who I am today.

There was Joff Summerfield from London, England, who I met along the Soo Line Trail Wear a in central Minnesota, smile, riding a it weighs pennynothing. farthing bicycle, while wearing a South African style British Army pith helmet. It was his second 22,000-mile trip around the world at a blistering pace of about 40 miles a day. “You cannot stand up and give your bottom a rest, and the seat is quite uncomfortable. There is only one gear, and your pedals are always turning when you’re in motion,” he told me from high upon said seat as I craned my neck to speak with him. Even after being robbed in the Czech Republic and a bout of dysentery from drinking tainted water in Turkey he remained upbeat. “When you’re on the road, you remember every day, and that’s how I want to live,” he said. His parting advice as he slowly rolled away on his 90-lb steel behemoth: “Wear a smile, it weighs nothing.”

Travis and Fiona Saunders from Adelaide, Australia were traveling the Central Lakes Trail on their way across the northern part of the United States when I met them. Their son, Patrick, was riding in a seat on a platform at the front of Travis’ custom-made bike.

“Fiona and I wanted to reconnect and do something together as a family,” Travis told me. They were also filming a Minnesota Trails

documentary about Patrick’s experience as a child with autism on such a long journey.

Their trip, a mind-boggling feat, had been going smoothly even after they were forced to wait two hours for a herd of bison to exercise their road right-of-way at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Right there, on the Central Lakes Trail on a scorching summer day, about halfway through their 4,000-mile journey, with mosquitoes buzzing in our faces, they told what they had learned so far: “There’s nothing we can’t do.”

But you don’t have to be on an arduous journey to have good advice.

I found Terry Tacheny doing a yoga routine at one of the scenic overlooks on the Oberg Mountain loop of the Superior Hiking Trail. After she finished with a onelegged prayer pose, she had this to say: “Don't worry about the right gear, the right clothes, the right trail and leave your ego at home. Bring your heart and your sense of wonder instead.”

Teresa Mareck was walking across the swinging bridge at Jay Cooke State Park with her sister Jane after a hike. The St. Louis River was in rare form that day and its coffee-brown waters churned below with a roar, sending up a cool mist that settled on us. Before they left for their next adventure, she had this to say: “Take bug spray, turn off your phone, relax and enjoy the quiet.”

This is something I’m still working on, but I’m getting better at it, except the bug spray part.

Some things I heard didn’t register as advice right away. Retired elementary school teacher Susan Olivanti told me she bikes about 500 miles a year and keeps herself going with cashews and ginger snaps as a reward. While she was taking a break from riding the Dakota Rail Regional Trail with her husband Nick, she said “You're never too old for biking.” I tell myself this now every time I swing a creaking leg over my bike frame.

And it’s not just the well-aged who have dispensed good advice.

Andrew Hoffmann, then Bring your student in the 11th grade, Eagle Scout heart and your sense and proprietor of Bike Shop, of wonder. Andy’s’ was about to go on a hike with his parents and siblings

You’re

on a never too below-zero old for night at Flandrau State biking.

Park one New Year’s Eve years ago.

Before he disappeared into the darkness, he shared this with me: “Be prepared and bring a pocketknife.”

Sadly, there will not be a Trails Q&A page in this edition. Blame Covid, blame my sweaty palms, but staying six feet away from people and wearing a mask during an interview didn’t sit right with me. As a result, I didn’t approach many people last summer and ten months later the pipeline is dry. You’ll see me back out there again this year, so get ready.

Take a look at this edition and get into the parks and on the trails.

That’s where you find these people.

Hike 850 Minnesota Miles

Maggie Ferguson Photo

NORTHCOUNTRYTRAIL ORG / EVENTS NORTHCOUNTRYTRAIL.ORG NORTHCOUNTRYTRAIL.ORG / MINNESOTA Summer 2022 7

BLUFF

country CYCLING

By Molly Brewer Hoeg Photos Jan Lasar

IT WAS STILL MORNING BUT THE SUN WAS ALREADY BEATING DOWN ON THE LITTLE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN IN MINNESOTA’S BLUFF COUNTRY, PROMISING A HOT AND HUMID DAY. I SAID GOODBYE TO MY SHUTTLE DRIVER AND HUSBAND RICH, MOUNTED MY BIKE AND BEGAN TO TURN THE CRANKS WITH 42 MILES OF THE ROOT RIVER STATE TRAIL STRETCHED OUT AHEAD OF ME. THIS WASN’T MY FIRST VISIT. I HAD BIKED PIECES OF THIS TRAIL AND THE HARMONYPRESTON VALLEY STATE TRAIL BEFORE, BUT THIS TIME I SET OUT TO CONQUER THEIR FULL LENGTH OVER TWO DAYS. MY FEET ITCHED TO PEDAL THESE POPULAR PAVED BIKE TRAILS IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF MINNESOTA.

ROCK CUTS IN LANESBORO

The going was easy on the first ROOT six miles. I cruised down the longest hill on the trail and TRAIL it was no mistake that I chose to ride in that direction. I didn’t get far before stopping at a sinkhole viewing area.

The display boards explained that water works its way into soluble rocks like limestone under the soil, which erodes the rock and the ground caves in.

Once it collapses, the land is unusable, so trees take over. Walking out to the observation platform, I stared into the gnarly depression, one of over 10,000 of these found in Filmore County.

river

The trail crosses Watson Creek a number of times, and I spotted picnic tables dotting the rural route. Just beyond the Isinour Forestry Unit, I passed a particularly attractive house 8 Summer 2022

with gingerbread trim, surrounded by colorful gardens, like an oasis among the more utilitarian farmland.

Soon afterwards, I reached Isinours Junction where the Preston-Harmony Valley State Trail splits off and heads south. But that was for tomorrow’s exploration. At the same spot, I picked up the South Branch of the Root River, which would accompany me to Lanesboro.

ambiance. The abundant bike racks were filled with bikes of all types and the sidewalks brimmed with activity.

Cyclists loitered at the visitor center rest area while enjoying a drink and a snack, and I could hear a woman nearby rave about her e-bike to some avid onlookers. From what I saw, she was not alone in biking the trail with assistance, particularly on this popular stretch of trail.

Just outside of Lanesboro the trail passed through a narrow cut through massive rock walls that leached water and sported plant growth far overhead.

The railroad that preceded this trail blasted its way through these edifices decades ago, now affording cyclists a flat trail. It became one of my favorite stretches.

Outside of Lanesboro, I crossed a bridge where the South Branch and the main Root River converge. Below, folks in innertubes lazily flowed by on the low, slow waters. I watched them longingly from my sun-soaked perch on the bridge. Continuing on, the Root River was my constant companion, as the trail twisted and turned alongside the curvy bed of the river. It took me through the small village of Whalan, known for its

Lanesboro attracts cyclists for its array of restaurants, shops and quaint

Minnesota Trails

A HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY JUST OUTSIDE FOUNTAIN

THE SOUTH BRANCH SPLITS OFF FROM THE MAIN ROOT RIVER NEAR LANESBORO

famous pie shop, and on to Peterson where I stopped to explore the Historic Peterson Barn. Peter Peterson built the barn in 1855 out of black walnut—an unusual but very available resource on his land. In the mid 1970s, a corn crib was added at the back and trout farming began. Next to the barn is a pump house, which was the first public water source in the community back in 1915. An unmarked, but very worthwhile stop.

By this time I had left the casual cyclists behind, and the trail became my own. From Rushford to Houston at the far eastern end, the trail took on a wilder feel. The pavement lost its smooth surface, evidence that it had not been refreshed as recently as the more westerly sections. I passed tall grasses studded with colorful wildflowers – sunflowers, Queen Ann’s Lace, black eyed Susan and purple bee Minnesota Trails

FERTILE RIVER VALLEY ON THE WAY TO WHALAN balm vied for attention beside the trail on the edge of farm fields.

The further I went, the more prominent the limestone bluffs that dominated the countryside. The final stretch leading into Houston was the most challenging, with short but steep inclines added to the mix. But knowing my destination was in sight carried me through to the Houston Nature Center where I was happy to get out of the saddle after 42 hot miles.

WILDFLOWERS ON THE TRAIL NEAR RUSHFORD Summer 2022 9

EARLY MORNING ROOT RIVER ON THE HARMONY-PRESTON VALLEY TRAIL

I got a much earlier start the next morning, because of the rainy forecast. The Harmony-Preston TRAIL Valley State Trail is much shorter, but I hoped to traverse the 18 miles and back before getting wet. Parking at the trail access point on Highway 17 gave me quick access to Isinours Junction, and soon I was following the curvy, quiet trail south along the South Branch of the Root River. The water was so low that deer easily crossed the shallow stream as I pedaled by. The trail was flanked by farmland, so I was surprised to enter a tunnel of trees and feel the cool, damp and misty air trapped there.

HARMONY PRESTON

valley

At Preston, the trail takes a loop into town to reach Preston Trailhead Park which has convenient restrooms, a motel, ice cream shop and even an artificial chimney to provide chimney swifts a place to roost. When it turns south again, the trail hooks up with Camp Creek, crossing it many times on wooden bridge decks with bumpy approaches. This area is known for good trout fishing, and I found a number of wooden stepladders that provided access over fences to reach the creek. The lush, green farmland and rolling hills with abundant wildflowers made this a scenic ride, despite the dark clouds gathering overhead.

The northern two-thirds of the trail was built on an old railroad bed, but six miles out of Harmony it leaves that corridor. As a result, it’s hillier and takes a more varied path, weaving between and seemingly right through the middle of farm fields, then along a road. Some very determined trail builders had made sure the connection to Harmony was made. Just before I 10 Summer 2022

KARST INTERPRETIVE SITE OUTSIDE OF HARMONY

reached town, the Karst Interpretive Site provided another close-up view of a huge sink hole. I couldn’t resist having another look and reading the informative signs.

Unfortunately, I had little opportunity to explore this town on the southern end of the trail system. The weather was turning for the worse and the frequent thunder grumbles added to the threat. While I don’t mind a little

rain, I realized that there are very few places on this section of trail that cross any roads, should I need to bail because of the weather.

Squelching my disappointment, I called Rich for a ride. As I waited for him to arrive, I watched the skies grow darker and the thunder draw nearer and took heart in the fact that I had still accomplished my goal—covering the full extent of the two trails.

Minnesota Trails

PRESTON’S ROOT RIVER CROSSING

COME RIDE the 400 State Trail!

– Est. 1993 –

I WATCHED THE SKIES

Beautiful Scenery

GROW DARKER AND THE

22 Miles of Trails

THUNDER DRAW NEARER AND TOOK HEART IN THE FACT THAT I HAD STILL ACCOMPLISHED MY GOAL—COVERING THE FULL EXTENT OF THE TWO TRAILS.

ONE OF MANY CAMP CREEK CROSSINGS BETWEEN PRESTON AND HARMONY

“Something Different

Every Day”

Locally purchased trail passes support local trails.

Visit our website for more information

www.400statetrail.org Minnesota Trails

Summer 2022 11

2022

Bike Rides & Tours WIRTH ON WEDNESDAYS (WOW) Mountain Bike | Minneapolis, MN

Select Wednesdays Summer of 2022: June 1, 15, 29 · July 13, 27 · August 10

The popular WOW series of mountain bike races returns to Theodore Wirth Park. Race categories youth, novice, intermediate, and advanced provide every level of racer a safe, enjoyable challenge that fits their goals and abilities.

Tour of Lakes

KKD Gravel

Road | Brainerd, MN

Gravel | Farmington, MN

June 4, 2022

June 11, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/tour-of-lakes

www.mntrails.com/event/kkd-gravel

DETROIT MOUNTAIN SHAKEDOWN

Road/Trail | Austin, MN

Mountain Bike | Detroit Lakes, MN

June 11, 2022

SHOOTING STAR TRAIL RIDE

June 5, 2022

Sunrise Gravel Century

Don’t miss out on some really good singletrack racing. Come up early the day before the race and sample some lift-served downhill action and wooden features.

Gravel | Hugo, MN

www.mnmtbseries.com

www.loppet.org/wow

www.shootingstartrail.org

June 4, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/sunrise-gravelcentury

Bike MS: MS 150

Tour de Cure: Minnesota

June 11-12, 2022

Road | Minneapolis, MN

Road/Trail | starts in White Bear Lake, MN

www.mntrails.com/event/bike-ms-ms-150

June 4, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/tour-de-cureminnesota

TOUR DE PEPIN Road | Lake City, MN

June 4, 2022

Tour de Pepin is one of the Midwest’s most unique cycling tours where riders have several options to ride through the captivating terrain and historic towns around Lake Pepin. Distances: 32, 40, 50, 72, 100 miles.

www.lakecity.org/news-events/tour-de-pepin

Take a ride through Minnesota’s prairies on this southern Minnesota family favorite. All routes are fully supported with rest stops and SAG support and are either a combination of trail and hard surface county roads or trail only. Distances: 20, 40, 62, 100 miles

TOUR OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY (TOMRV) Road/Trail | Bettendorf, IA

June 11-12, 2022

CARAMEL ROLL RIDE Trail | Albany, MN

June 11, 2022

Choose from three options: East to Avon, Collegeville and Saint Joseph, west to Freeport, and of course, north to Holdingford and the covered bridge, then on the Soo Line Trail to Bowlus and Blanchard Dam on the Mighty Mississippi River. As always the best Caramel Rolls you can find anywhere will be available at all the rest stops along the way!

www.lakewobegontrail.com/lwta-rides

TOMRV is a Midwest cycling tradition now in its 45th year. Every year bicycling enthusiasts from across the country enjoy a ride on scenic paved roads, through Midwest farmland, and along the Mississippi River on this fully-supported celebration of cycling. Each day, choose between a short route (45-60 miles) or the full 100 miles. Registration covers rest stops, road support, the Saturday Happy Hour and a ride t-shirt. A fundraiser ride for the Quad Cities Bike Club.

www.qcbc.org/TOMRV

All ages & skill levels welcome.

23rd Annual

Shooting Star Bike Ride Saturday, June 11, 2022 Explore Minnesota’s Shooting Star Trail with rides of 20, 40 and 62 miles.

LOPPET.ORG/WOW for more information 12 Summer 2022

Starting in Austin, MN Fully Supported, Great Rest Stops

ShootingStarTrail.org Minnesota Trails

2022

Bike Rides & Tours

DAM2DAM RIDE

GREAT SCOTT BIKE RIDE

TOUR OF SAINTS

Road | Little Falls, MN

Prior Lake, MN

Road/Trail | Saint Joseph, MN

June 18, 2022

July 4, 2022

July 17, 2022

www.greatscottcycling.com/gsbr.php

www.bikemn.org/all-events/tour-of-saints

Bertram Blast

Bike MS: Ride Across Minnesota

Follow the Great River Road through Charles A. Lindbergh State Park to historic Blanchard Dam and enjoy miles of Mississippi riverfront and quiet back roads with two rest stops. The Dam2Dam Bike Ride is a great way to experience the Mississippi River and the Little Falls area and it’s free! Sign up on the day of the event. Distances: 20, 40 miles.

www.cmnbikeclub.com/dam2dam-ride

LADY SLIPPER RIDE Trail | Avon, MN

June 18, 2022

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of rural Scott County, Minnesota on this family-oriented ride hosted by the Great Scott Cycling Club. Route choices are 25 and 50 miles and a 10-mile family fun ride. SAG, rest stops and lunch are provided.

Mountain Bike | Monticello, MN

July 10, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/bertram-blast

See the Minnesota State Flower, the Pink and White Showy Lady’s Slipper in full bloom. This is a short ride to see the beautiful Lady’s Slipper orchids growing along the Lake Wobegon Trail. It’s a free ride, but donations will be accepted.

Distance: 6 miles

Habitat 500

www.lakewobegontrail.com/lwta-rides

Gravel | Granite Falls, MN

It’s not a race. It’s a heavenly little ride. From cities across Minnesota and neighboring states, each year 1,000 or more cyclists gather in St. Joseph to wind their way along quiet byways and rolling hills of central Minnesota. Distances: 18, 35, 50 miles.

Road | starts in Proctor, MN

July 18-22, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/bike-ms-rideacross-minnesota

Road | Fergus Falls, MN

July 14-17, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/habitat-500-bikeride

BLUENOSE GOPHER 50 July 16, 2022

Loop the Lake Ride Trail | Bemidji, MN

June 18, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/loop-the-lake

Minnesota Iron Man Bike Ride Road | Shakopee, MN

June 18, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/minnesota-ironman-bike-ride

The Tour of Minnesota Road/Trail | Brainerd, MN

June 18-25, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/the-tour-ofminnesota

Trans Mni Sota Wheel Race Road | White Bear Lake, MN

June 18, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/trans-mni-sotawheel-race

Lutsen 99er Mountain Bike | Lutsen, MN

June 25, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/lutsen-99er

THE SPRING BIKE FLING

Minnesota’s newest gravel ride explores the challenging ups and downs of the Minnesota River Valley in search of the route of a long-forgotten 1890s bike race. Breathtaking views, billion year old granite and quiet back roads steeped in history are the backdrop for a unique ride that starts and ends at Bluenose Gopher Public House.

www.bluenose.coop/bluenosegopher50

Get Some Southern Gravel!

Granite Falls, MN

Saturday, July 16

T W O D AY S O F C YC L I N G

Each day offers a century and a shorter route!

T W O DAY S O F A TO M R V F I R S T

Riverfront ride for partners, spouses and friends!

LIVE MUSIC BY:

Jason Evans 6-9 PM Bluenose Gopher outdoor beer garden www.bluenose.coop/bluenosegopher50

T W O DAY S O F F R I E N D LY V O LU N T E E R S

...plus, plenty of food!

Trail | Walker, MN

June 25, 2022

Take a ride on the Paul Bunyan Trail from Walker to Hackensack and experience the beauty of the Chippewa National Forest in Paul Bunyan’s back yard. Your ride options are plentiful: A 24 or 48-mile out and back or a 36-mile loop ride. Included in the registration are a t-shirt and a bag full of awesome swag.

www.leech-lake.com/spring-bike-fling

Up-to-Date Information and Details at www.mntrails.com/events Minnesota Trails

Tour de Bun Bike Classic

J U N E 11 & 1 2 , 2 0 2 2

July 23, 2022 A sweet ride in the heart of Minnesota Czech Country to celebrate Kolacky Days!

15, 35 and 50-mile routes montgomerymn.org/tour-de-bun-bike-classic

Register online at Q C B C . O R G / TO M R V or G E T M E R E G I S T E R E D. C O M / TO M R V A Q U A D C I T I E S B I C YC L E C LU B E V E N T, S I N C E 1978 Summer 2022 13

2022

Bike Rides & Tours Pine River Pedal

The Fox

DAIRYLAND DARE

Trail | Pine River, MN

Gravel | Finland, MN

Road | Dodgeville, WI

July 23, 2022

July 30-31, 2022

August 6, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/pine-river-pedal

www.mntrails.com/event/the-fox

TOUR DE BUN BICYCLE CLASSIC

Gritty Goose Gravel | Monticello, MN

Road | Montgomery, MN

August 6, 2022

July 23, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/gritty-goose

Ride your bike in the heart of Minnesota Czech Country in scenic Le Sueur County.

Each route will have refreshment stops at various points and will provide scenic rural countryside on paved, lightly traveled roads. After the tour, riders will have plenty of time to participate in all the Kolacky Days weekend festivities.

www.montgomerymn.org/tour-de-bun-bikeclassic

Set in southwest Wisconsin, the land untouched by glacial flattening during the last ice age, the Dairyland Dare offers some of the most extreme hills in the Midwest. The area is characterized by steep, forested ridges, and deeply carved river valleys. Distances: 50, 100, 150 or 200 km (31, 62, 93 or 124 miles)

www.dairylanddare.com

Tour de Tonka Road | Minnetonka, MN

August 6, 2022

RAIL TRAILS 100

www.mntrails.com/event/tour-de-tonka

Trail | Fergus Falls, MN

August 6, 2022

CANDAK Road | Riverdale, ND

August 6-13, 2022

TOUR DE SAVE Road or Gravel | Northfield, MN

July 30, 2022

Join SAVE and local area cycling clubs for the annual Tour de SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.) The ride supports SAVE’s mission to prevent suicide. Use Code TDS2022 for $5 off registration. Distances: 7, 25, 50-mile road routes and a 30-mile gravel route.

https://save.donordrive.com/ index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. event&eventID=810

This ride carries on the tradition of the CANDISK ride of North Dakota with daily routes ranging from 35 to 70 miles and a century option. This is a multi-day tour through North Dakota with terrain varying from flat fields to steep hills.

The Central Lakes and Lake Wobegon Trails offer some of the best trail riding in the state of Minnesota and this is your chance to conquer both of them in one day! You’ll board a luxury coach bus in Saint Joseph early in the morning and you and your bike get shuttled to the start in Fergus Falls. All you have to do is enjoy the 100-mile ride back.

www.railtrails100.com

www.candak.net

Bike Duluth Festival Duluth, MN

August 5-7, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/bike-duluth-festival

Up-to-Date Information and Details at www.mntrails.com/events

GREAT SCOTT BIKE RIDE

SECHLER PARK PAVILION 1200 Armstrong Rd Northfield, MN 7 AM – 2 PM

Riding to Prevent Suicide

25 & 50-mile road 7, 2 and 30 & 55-mile gravel routes

REGISTER AT: SAVE.org/events $5 OFF REGISTRATION, use code TDS2022 14 Summer 2022

Staggered start times starting at 7 am

JULY 4, 2022 25 & 50 miles Includes fully stocked rest stops & lunch

www www.GreatScottCycling.com

August 6-13, 2022 One week & 400+ miles.

JULY 30, 2022

20TH ANNUAL RIDE

NORTHFIELD, MN

Prior Lake, MN

CaNDak.net Minnesota Trails

2022 BRIDGE THE VALLEY BIKE RALLY Road/Gravel | Stillwater, MN

August 14, 2022

Join the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club on an epic trip through the hills and valleys around Stillwater, MN. Route options: 10, 25, 45, 70 and a 75 mile Gravel Challenge. Part of the Rivers, Lakes, Fields Tri-Ride Series including Pedal Prior and the Northfield Rotary Bike Tour. Ride all three for extra swag and entry into cash prize drawings.

www.sunrotary.org/page/btv

ROCK-N-ROLL THE LAKES Road/Albert Lea, MN

August 14, 2022

Albert Lea knows how to rock! Riders can choose from one of three different routes—10, 30, or 50 miles—of SAGsupported, “rolling” fun around our lakes and community. All three courses hug picturesque lake shores and offer a variety of beautiful southern Minnesota scenery.

www.bikemn.org/all-events/rock-and-rollthe-lakes

RED RIBBON RIDE Willow River, MN

August 19-21, 2022

The Red Ribbon Ride is a fully supported, 2 day, 150-mile bike ride through the wilderness of Minnesota to raise funds for HIV/AIDS service organizations. Whether you are a first time rider, experienced veteran, or have a connection to the cause, the Red Ribbon Ride is for you.

Bike Rides & Tours Hollo Gravel Classic

PEDAL PRIOR

Gravel | Battle Lake, MN

Road/Trail | Prior Lake, MN

August 20, 2022

August 27, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/hollo-gravel-classic

RIDE ACROSS WISCONSIN (RAW) La Crosse to Milwaukee, WI

August 20-21, 2022

This year’s ride will take you down the historic Elroy-Sparta Trail, through the iconic tunnels, across the Wisconsin River on a ferry, make a stop at Trek HQ and throw a huge party at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. Choose a one-day or two-day option to cover the 235 miles on this fully supported ride produced by the Wisconsin Bike Fed.

www.rideacrosswisconsin.com

Discover beautiful Prior Lake and Scott County as you pedal your way through quaint towns, picturesque lakes, and rolling farmland. Distances: 11, 40, 69 miles. Part of the Rivers, Lakes, Fields Tri-Ride Series including Bridge the Valley Bike Rally and the Northfield Rotary Bike Tour. Ride all three for extra swag and entry into cash prize drawings.

www.pedalprior.com

River Valley 100 Road or gravel | Mankato, MN

August 28, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/river-valley-100

CUYUNA CRUSHER

CARAMEL APPLE RIDE

Mountain Bike | Cuyuna Lakes State Rec Area

Trail | Sauk Centre, MN

August 21, 2022

September 10, 2022

Easily the state’s most visited mountain bike trail, Cuyuna’s rocky textures and swoopy singletrack brought the phase “Shred the Red.” Often voted the best race of the MN Mountain Bike Series, this event has it all.

Enjoy the fall colors and great apple refreshments at all the rest stops including caramel apples and other treats from local vendors. Spend the day riding the great Lake Wobegon Trail Country.

www.lakewobegontrail.com/lwta-rides

www.mnmtbseries.com

www.redribbonride.org

Bridges, Bikes & Brews Road | Woodbury, MN

August 20, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/bridges-bikes-brews

GITCHI-GAMI TRAIL RIDE Trail | Gooseberry Falls State Park

a series of Rotary-sponsored rides

rivers, lakes & fields

August 20, 2022

Enjoy a supported, recreational ride on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail along Lake Superior’s scenic North Shore. Get up close and personal with superior views, be serenaded by waterfalls, wind through multiple state parks and don’t forget: Snacks, t-shirts and SAG support provided! Ride lengths: 8, 28, 34 and 55 miles.

August 14, 2022 Stillwater MN

www.ggta.org/ride.php

SunRotary.org/page/btv

GREAT RIVER ENERGY MESABI TRAIL TOUR

10, 25, 45, 70 miles road & 75 miles gravel routes

Trail | Chisholm, MN

August 27, 2022 Prior Lake MN PedalPrior.com

September 24, 2022 Northfield MN NorthfieldRotary.org 4 road, 2 gravel , 1 family route

11, 40, 69 mile routes

August 20, 2022

The tour is back in 2022. Choose from four different routes of 12, 32, 46, or 64 miles—all traveling out and back on Trail from the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. While you pedal fully supported along one of Minnesota’s premiere paved bicycle trails you will encounter historic and scenic points of interest, enjoy food and music at rest stops, and a finish line celebration complete with lunch and more music.

www.mesabitrail.com/events-and-tours/ annual tour Minnesota Trails

REGISTER FOR ALL 3–GET EXTRA SWAG & ENTRY INTO 3 CASH PRIZE DRAWINGS Summer 2022 15

2022

Bike Rides & Tours RIDEMN1

SAINT PAUL CLASSIC BIKE TOUR

Road | Pipestone, MN

September 10-17, 2022

Trail | Saint Paul, MN

RideMN1 holds an annual bicycle ride across Minnesota to raise awareness and raise funds for cancer research. This year they visit Pipestone, Granite Falls, New London, St. Cloud, Sandstone and Superior, WI. There’s optional pre-ride camping and a dinner the day before.

September 11, 2022

The Saint Paul Classic is back and tours the Grand Rounds. The ride will be held on bike trails and lanes only, there’ll be no road closures at all. Attendance is limited to 1,850. Mileages: 14, 32

www.bikemn.org/all-events/st-paul-classic

www.ridemn1.org

North Star Bicycle Race Road | Saint Paul, MN to US-Canada border

TASTE OF THE TRAIL

September 14, 2022

September 10, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/north-star-bicycle-race

Trail | Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, MN

September 17, 2022

MAYOR’S BIKE RIDE

Trail | Fountain, Preston, Harmony, MN

Trail | Spicer, New London & Willmar, MN

September 24, 2022 Trail | Houston, Rushford Area, MN Three consecutive weekends, each feature a different selection of towns. Get a taste of each community with different activities, food and music. Enjoy what is special about each town while you pedal your way through the beauty of Bluff Country along the Root River.

www.rootrivertrail.org/events/taste-of-the-trail

Mora Bike Tour Road | Mora, MN

September 17, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/mora-bike-tour

RIDE THE RIDGES Road | Winona, MN

September 17, 2022

Ride the Ridges will take riders through some of the most scenic areas in southeastern Minnesota, from lush valleys along streams to bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. All routes have well-stocked rest stops featuring local delicacies. Rider amenities include a longsleeve t-shirt, meal coupon, showers, and SAG support. Distances: 18, 42, 65, 106 miles

www.ridetheridges.bike

September 16, 2022

Mayors from Spicer, New London and Willmar will be leading a ride starting at 5:00pm in each of their towns to come together for a picnic at Goat Ridge Brewing in New London, MN. All three towns are connected by the Glacial Lakes State Trail.

www.willmarlakesarea.com/event/mayorsbike-ride

Up-to-Date Information and Details at www.mntrails.com/events

NORTHFIELD ROTARY BIKE TOUR Road/Gravel | Northfield, MN

September 24, 2022

Explore the hills and valleys of Dakota and Rice Counties on this popular tour and choose from tar and gravel routes from 10 to 100 miles. Part of the Rivers, Lakes, Fields Tri-Ride Series including Bridge the Valley Bike Rally and the Pedal Prior. Ride all three for extra swag and entry into cash prize drawings.

www.northfieldrotary.org

JOIN THE RIDE. END HIV. Register to Ride or Crew for the 20th Celebration Red Ribbon Ride, to support people living with HIV in Minnesota.

DONATE | RIDE | CREW REDRIBBONRIDE.ORG

Beneficiary Organizations

AUGUST 19-21 16 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

2022

Bike Rides & Tours

Winston County Gravel Cup

The Filthy 50

Gravel | Houston, MN

Gravel | Lanesboro, MN

September 24, 2022

October 8, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/winston-countygravel-cup

www.mntrails.com/event/filthy-50

PARK2PARK BICYCLE RIDE

Road | Mankato, MN

Road | Little Falls, MN

September 24, 2022

Get to know the future route of the Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail and explore Little Falls. When complete, this unique trail will connect The Soo Line bike trail with Crow Wing State Park and join together the Central Lakes, Lake Wobegon, Soo Line, Paul Bunyan, Heartland and Mi-GiZi Trails! Leave Charles A. Lindbergh State Park and choose from several options.

www.littlefallsmn.com/events/park2parkbicycle-ride

Fall de Tonka Road | Minnetonka, MN

September 25, 2022

MANKATO RIVER RAMBLE October 9, 2022

This fall classic features great rest stops, ride support, delicious food and beverages, live music and much more.

All routes pass through beautiful Sibley Park where the Blue Earth River joins the Minnesota River. Distances:12, 26, 42 miles

www.bikemn.org/all-events/mankato-riverramble

Gray Duck Grit Gravel | Northfield, MN

October 14-15, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/gray-duck-grit

Pie Burner Fat Bike Ride

www.mntrails.com/event/fall-de-tonka

Road, Trail, Gravel | Hibbing, MN

Headwaters 100

www.mntrails.com/event/pie-burner-fatbike-ride

Road | Park Rapids, MN

September 24, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/headwaters-100

Heck of the North Gravel | Two Harbors, MN

October 1, 2022

www.mntrails.com/event/heck-of-the-north

2022RIDEMN1 The Annual Minnesota Crossing for a Good Cause!

November 26, 2022

As of deadline, the information in this calendar was accurate. Check MnTrails.com/events for additional information.

PEDAL LAKEVILLE

SEPTEMBER 10-17, 2022 Pipestone, MN to Superior, WI RIDEMN1.ORG

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Ride Winona’s beautiful Bluff Country!

Saturday,

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Sept. 17, 2022 23, 44, 67 & Century routes

RideTheRidges.bike Minnesota Trails

Summer 2022 17

Minnesota

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Destinations for Adventures across the State Afton to Lakeland Trail • 4 miles Afton

a 2.5-mile trail starts and runs east toward and across Highway 52 toward the town of Oronoco.

This paved, flat trail travels through the scenic St. Croix Valley. Start at Afton City Hall and ride north through St. Mary's Point and Lake St. Croix Beach. In Lakeland, you'll cross the I-94 bridge across the Mississippi River into Hudson, WI where the trail ends at a Dairy Queen between Birkmose and Lakefront Parks.

Fairfax to Fort Ridgely State Park

Centennial Trail • 8 miles

Flower Valley Trail • 4.25 miles

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

Cuyuna Lakes State Trail • 10.3 miles Riverton to Deerwood The longest completed part of the Cuyuna Lakes Trail travels through the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area between Riverton and Deerwood. There is one more mile of trail in Aitkin, not yet connected to the rest of the trail. The Cuyuna Lakes State Trail will eventually link the cities of Aitkin, Cuyuna, Deerwood, Crosby, Riverton and make a connection to the Paul Bunyan State Trail in Baxter. The segment between Riverton and Crosby is groomed for fat tire biking in the winter.

Dairyland Trail • 10 miles Elrosa to New Munich This limestone surfaced trail connects the villages of New Munich and Elrosa and will one day connect the Lake Wobegon Trail to Brooten, MN.

Dakota Rail Regional Trail • 28.5 miles Wayzata to Lester Prairie This paved trail follows what was once the corridor of the Dakota Rail through the towns of Wayzata, Orono, Minnetonka Beach, Spring Park, Mound, Minnetrista, St. Bonifacius, Mayer, New Germany and Lester Prairie. Wonderful lake views and scenery that changes from urban to rural make it worth a trip. After you pass through New Germany, the trail continues paved for about another two miles. The last couple of miles to Lester Prairie are gravel. An extension of the Dakota Rail Trail west into Lester Prairie in McLeod County was completed in 2019 and the long-term vision has it extend west into Hutchinson to link up with the Luce Line State Trail. In Wayzata, trail users can connect to the 63-mile Luce Line state trail and go east to Plymouth and west to Cosmos on a variety of surfaces.

Douglas State Trail • 12.7 miles Rochester to Pine Island 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. Connections: At Pine Island Elementary School 18 Summer 2022

Fair Ridge Bike Trail • 5 miles 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.

Near Wacouta This paved trail is not currently connected to anything, but makes for a nice, short trip into the countryside. It'll take some exploring to get to, but you can access its eastern end just south of the intersection of Highway 61 and Flower Valley Road near Red Wing. It currently ends at the intersection of Flower Valley Road and Highway 58 near the Red Wing State College campus, but a two and a half-mile combination of city trails and roads takes you past Twin Bluffs Middle School where, near the intersection of Pioneer Road and County Road 1, you'll find the trailhead for the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail.

Great Northern Trail • 11 miles in two segments Elk River to Zimmerman This paved trail on an abandoned railroad grade connects Elk River and the town of Zimmerman to the north. There are an additional two miles in the town of Princeton, not yet connected to the other segment. On the southern end the trail starts at Elk Lake Road NW, but there’s no parking. It’s best to access the trail at Woodland Trails Park in Elk River, about a mile from where it starts.

In Zimmerman, there’s trail parking at the disc golf course next to Lions Park. The trail travels through quiet, wooded wetlands and sparsely populated residential areas. Plans are to extend it north to Milaca, eventually.

Glendalough Trail • 12 miles Battle Lake to Glendalough State Park The trail starts at the Battle Lake Community Center and connects with a loop trail around Annie Battle and Molly Stark Lakes inside the park. Ride back to Battle Lake to complete a 12-mile loop.

Great River Ridge Trail in Elgin, MN. Jan Lasar photo

Goodhue Pioneer State Trail • 9 miles in two sections Red Wing and Zumbrota Currently, this trail exists in two unconnected segments, each less than six miles long. The northern segment does, however, connect seamlessly to the 19-mile Cannon Valley Trail via a short city trail connection in Red Wing. Meanwhile, the southern segment is anchored in the city of Zumbrota at Covered Bridge Park, home to a historic covered bridge. ■ When complete, these two segments will be joined together and the trail will extend for 47 miles with Red Wing in the north and Pine Island in the south. It will pass through several other small cities in between. It will also serve as a link in the chain to connect the Cannon Valley Trail and Douglas State Trail. ■ This trail passes through a scenic mix of tall grass prairies, maple and basswood forests, and oak savanna. Deer, fox, wild turkeys, beavers, pheasant, eagles and opossum can often be seen from the trail. ■ The trail is paved and used by bicyclists, hikers, in-line skaters, wheelchair users and snowmobilers. There’s an adjacent natural surface treadway for horseback riders in the area around the Hay Creek Unit of the Richard J. Dorer State Forest.

Great River Ridge State Trail • 13 miles Plainview 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.

Hardwood Creek Trail • 9.5 miles Hugo The 9.5-mile Hardwood Creek Trail starts in Hugo and travels through Forest Lake. At the Washington/Chisago County line it connects with the 17.5-mile Sunrise Prairie Trail.

Hay Creek Trail · 1.5 miles Red Wing This scenic trail along the namesake creek is short, but it makes the vital connection between the Cannon Valley Trail in Red Wing and the Goodhue Pioneer Trail.

Lake Bronson Trail • 2.5 miles This short, paved trail connects the town of Lake Bronson with Lake Bronson State Park's visitor center and the Pioneer Cemetery.

Minnesota Trails

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Minnesota

By Lisa Filter | External Relations Director, Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota

Extending the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail

IF YOU’VE TRAVELED THE NORTHERN SECTION OF THE GOODHUE PIONEER STATE TRAIL YOU MAY HAVE BEEN CURIOUS WHY IT COMES TO AN ABRUPT STOP AT A DIRT ROAD. ACROSS THE ROAD, A LOGICAL CONTINUATION IS VISIBLE IN THE One of the covered bridges OVERGROWN CORRIDOR MARKED along the southern section of the WITH A PRIVATE PROPERTY SIGN. Goodhue Pioneer State Trail WHAT YOU WOULDN’T HAVE KNOWN IS THAT BEYOND THIS ONE PARCEL, SITS FOUR MILES OF Jan Lasar photo ABANDONED RAILROAD LAND OWNED BY THE DNR FOR THE takes patience. “I just had trust that it would PURPOSE OF EXTENDING THE happen eventually...you’ve got to stay optimistic,” TRAIL. THAT’S THE CHALLENGE she said. “And now I’m so grateful that Parks WITH TRAILS—ONE SMALL PARCEL & Trails Council did it—this wouldn’t have OF PRIVATELY OWNED LAND CAN happened without them.”

STOP ALL PROGRESS. The property includes portions of Hay

Parks & Trails Council first attempted to buy this parcel for the trail about a decade ago. At that time, the property encompassed 134 acres, which was much more than what was needed for the trail. Unable to come to an agreement with the owner, it looked as if this land would be lost to the trail for good.

Hope returned last year as we learned that this parcel had been subdivided and what remained unsold was the 61-acre parcel needed for the trail.

In March of 2021, P&TC bought the land and will now hold it in trust while the DNR secures public funds to buy it for the trail.

Roxanne Bartsh, who has been volunteering with the Goodhue Pioneer Trail Association for about 25 years, has learned that building trails Minnesota Trails

Creek, a waterway that is considered one of the best trout streams in close proximity to the Twin Cities Metro, according to the DNR Division of Fisheries.

Over the years, the DNR has actively worked to improve the habitat along Hay Creek with projects including erosion control and native plantings.

Through this property, the trail corridor runs along the base of a bluff with exposed rock outcrops, making for some scenic views for the planned trail extension. It’s an area well suited for wildlife thanks to the diverse landscape that also includes mature hardwood forest and former cropland.

This is some of the most beautiful trail in southern Minnesota, according to Bartsh, who says her group “will now do all we can to make this trail development a priority for the DNR.”

Map courtesy of Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota

Summer 2022 19

2022

Minnesota

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Lake Koronis Trail • 18 miles

Rattlesnake Bluff Trail • 4 miles

Saint James and Watline Trail • 9 miles

Paynesville

Wacouta

St. James

The trail is a combination of paved trail and signed on-road route on the shoulder of a Rustic Road with very little traffic and many wonderful lake views along the shore of Lake Koronis. Parking is available at Veterans Park near Paynesville and a connecting trail crosses Highway 23 and connects with the Glacial Lakes State Trail.

This short, paved loop with some out and back connections starts at the Wacouta township hall and circles Grotes Pond. It's worth exploring for its majestic views of Rattlesnake Bluff on the Mississippi River.

This trail will become part of the Mississippi Blufflands State Trail, which is currently in the planning stages.

The four-mile St. James Area Bike Trail circles Saint James Lake and connects to the 5-mile Watline Trail which takes you to Long Lake Wayside Park in southwestern Watonwan County. An extension of the trail south into Normsby is in the works.

Mi-Gi-Zi Trail • 14 miles Cass Lake This loop around Pike Bay is easily accessible from the Heartland Trail. Near Cass Lake, where the trail intersects with County Road 76, connect with the Mi-Gi-Zi Trail by riding about a half a mile east on a signed road route. Follow the 14-mile trail counterclockwise around Pike Bay’s beautiful shores and the Chippewa National Forest and arrive at a trailhead north of Pike Bay after about ten miles. From there, a signed bike route will take you back to the Heartland Trail on quiet city streets through Cass Lake.

Red Jacket Trail • 12 miles Mankato The Red Jacket Trail between Mankato and Rapidan crosses over three railroad trestles, including historic Red Jacket Trestle, which is 80 feet high and 550 feet long and has great views of the Blue Earth River. It connects to Mankato's city network of trails and the Minneopa Trail into Minneopa State Park.

Sleepy Eye Bike Trail. Jan Lasar photo

Sleepy Eye Lake Bike Trail • 3 miles Sleepy Eye Ride this paved trail around Sleepy Eye Lake year-round. Access at Allison and Sportsmen’s Parks.

Minnesota River State Trail • 12 miles in three segments This paved trail is envisioned to connect Ortonville, MN with LeSueur via Granite Falls and Mankato as it follows the Minnesota River. Currently, three unconnected segments exist. In Ortonville, a 4.5-mile section links the city with Big Stone Lake National Wildlife Refuge starting at the Minnesota River headwaters at Riverside Park. After a very short paved segment the route runs on city roads for less than a mile and picks up again for the rest of the way at Mill Road. The route crosses the river three times, travels past 30-foot granite outcroppings and joins with roads inside the refuge. The next piece of three miles starts at the town of Milan and heads west to Milan Beach Resort on Lac Qui Parle Lake along Highway 40. The last segment of five miles takes off from the outskirts of Montevideo and travels south to the town of Wegdahl following Highway 15.

Minnesota Valley State Trail

Starbuck Trail • 5 miles 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.

Sunrise Prairie Trail • 15 miles North Branch

Trestle bridge crossing over the Le Sueur River on the Red Jacket Trail. Jan Lasar photo

ROCORI Trail • 5 miles

Rainy Lake Trail • 12 miles Rainy Lake to International Falls The Rainy Lake Recreation Trail is a combination road route and paved standalone trail.

It starts near the Rainy Lake Visitor Bureau, follows the south shore of Rainy River and terminates at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center for Voyageurs National Park. It travels through lakeside residential areas and the forest in Voyageur National Park.

Details at www.mntrails.com/trails 20 Summer 2022

Swedish Immigrant Trail • 10.4 miles Two segments between Chisago City and Taylors Falls

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail

When complete, the Swedish Immigrant Trail will connect the town of Wyoming on the Sunrise Prairie Trail to Interstate State Park and be about 20 miles long. Currently, two short segments exist: A four-mile paved section between Center City and Chisago City and a 6.4-mile route traveling southwest from Taylors Falls to a dead-end west of Shafer.

• 39 miles Mankato to Faribault

Duluth

Cold Spring The paved Rockville-Cold Spring-Richmond (RoCoRi) Trail is a great ride through granite country in Southwest Stearns County. Currently completed: A 5-mile section between Cold Spring and Richmond.

• 29 miles in two segments This trail consists of two unconnected sections. The first piece runs in a northeasterly direction from Belle Plaine through the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area and ends in Shakopee. Of this segment 19.5 miles are unpaved between Belle Plaine and Chaska, the rest is paved. The second, paved piece of this trail starts about six miles to the east near 35W and heads east for 1.7 miles to Blackdog Lake in Bloomington.

The Sunrise Prairie Trail starts in North Branch. At the Washington/Chisago County line it connects with the Hardwood Creek Trail into Hugo.

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. 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, where it connects to the Cannon Valley Trail into Red Wing.

Western Waterfront Trail • 5 miles At the end of the Willard Munger State Trail in Duluth, at Pulaski Street, you can access the Western Waterfront Trail. This packed gravel trail runs along the St. Louis River shoreline from the Spirit Lake Marina to near Fremont Street in Duluth’s Irving neighborhood.

Willard Munger State Trail • 70 miles Hinckley to Duluth A continuous trail offers a changing experience as you travel along. The southern segment from Hinckley to Carlton is flat, straight and sometimes out in the open. The so-called Hinckley Fire Trail section follows the railroad line that carried many area residents to safety during the devastating 1894 Hinckley Fire. It goes about 55 miles from Hinckley to Carlton, with entry points at Finlayson, Willow River, Sturgeon Lake and Moose Lake.

Minnesota Trails

2022

Gitchi-Gami

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Gitchi-Gami State Trail 33.4 miles Destined to become one of the most scenic paved trails in the nation, the GitchiGami parallels the North Shore Scenic Drive Byway, the popular Superior Hiking Trail and the Lake Superior Water Trail. Gitchi-Gami offers an active way to enjoy Minnesota’s North Shore with fantastic views of its namesake lake.

Along the Trail: The Gitchi-Gami State Trail will eventually trace 89 miles of the North Shore, weaving its way through five state parks from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. The longest trail section to date runs more than 17 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 half -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. Navigating through the Town of Tofte, there is a half-mile gap in the trail. Make plans to take the Town Park Road, which can bring riders some excellent opportunities to engage with Lake Superior. The trail once again picks up on the northeast side of Tofte where it continues another 7.3 miles.

Trail 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 through traffic, 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: Seven miles east of Silver Creek Cliff is the popular Gooseberry Falls State Park where the next segment of the Gitchi-Gami Trail starts. The trail may be accessed near the Visitors Center, or add another mile to your ride by winding through the park, past the campground and near the mouth of the Gooseberry River, find the trailhead for a gentle sweeping ride up towards the Visitor Center and Highway 61 bridge over the falls. This trail segment winds through Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural area, before leading to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and the towns of Beaver Bay and Silver Bay. Minnesota Trails

GITCHI-GAMI

STATE TRAIL

Grand Marais

Cut Face Creek State Wayside

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33.4 MILES PAVED

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Split Rock Lighthouse Gooseberry Falls

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Find More Maps at

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www.MNTrails.com

Two Harbors

Temperance River State Park: The Gitchi-Gami State Trail picks up again at the east parking lot in Schroeder and travels through Temperance River State Park, about four miles to the west of Tofte. This segment crosses the Temperance River Gorge and an ancient streambed that is thought to have been an ancient route for the Temperance River into Lake Superior. There Temperance River Gorge offers spectacular views of the river and rocks below. You can also view the 1,526-foot Carlton Peak. You’ll have to cross Highway 61 in the middle 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, and at the Tofte Public Water Access. Food, beverages and restroom facilities are available in Tofte.

Tofte to Grand Marais: This 7.4-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 4.8-mile segment of completed Gitchi-Gami State Trail connecting Grand Marais to the Cut Face Creek State Wayside is a flowy trail with many opportunities to see the lake. A highlight is a wooden arched bridge with viewing platforms on each side with views of the Fall River to one side, and Lake Superior on the other. Additionally, this 4.8mile segment connects to the Grand Marais Corridor Trail, a one-mile paved bike trail that travels through the heart of downtown Grand Marais.

offering 8, 28, 34, or 55-mile fully supported options

AUGUST 20, 2022 Summer 2022 21

Mesabi

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE g Lake

MESABI

Lake Vermilion

TRAIL

Hull Rust Mine Overlook Greyhound Bus Museum

Mt. Iron Kinney

Hoyt Lakes

25

110

135 37

16.3 29.3 39.3 46.3 51.3 64.3 74.5 83 13 23 30 35 48 58.2 66.7 10 17 22 35 45.2 53.7 7

Ma

Oxhide Lake Overlook

The wonders of the Mesabi Iron Range are in a class by themselves. Via the Mesabi Trail, cyclists, walkers and hikers can enjoy over 145 miles of paved trail stretching from

bin

LEGEND 2

Grand Rapids to Ely

10.2 18.7 8.5

les Mi

Itasca County Fairgrounds

Mesabi Trail 145 miles

13 23.2 31.7

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65

18 28.2 36.7

Ch g is Bu holm h Vir l g Mc i n i a Kin Gia l nts ey R id ge ®

Swan Lake

Calumet

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73

12 25 35.2 43.7 5

Ke ew ati n

37

Aurora

McKinley Gilbert 7 Sparta Eveleth Fayal 53 Veterans Park & Campground

US Hockey Hall fo Fame

169

the Mississippi River (Grand Rapids) to the Boundary Waters (Ely), and connecting 28 communities. When completed in just a couple of years, that mileage will expand to 165 miles. The trail runs through a wide range of scenery, from dramatic views of

visitgrandrapids.com | mesabitrail.com | ironrange.org

145 miles of

PAVED TRAIL 22 Summer 2022

Biwabik

ist

169

169

Nashwauk

Minnesota Discovery Center and Redhead Mountain Bike Park

Virginia

169

Buhl 169

Hibbing

Keewatin

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26

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73 Chisholm Museum of Mining

65

Birch Lake

21 53

5

Bear Head Lake State Park Bear Head Lake

21

State Park Points of Interest

Hill Annex Mine State Park Marble

135

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

21

Soudan

Tower

169

International Wolf Center

1

Embarrass

Chisholm

Tioga Recreation Area

1

McCarthy Beach State Park

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

Grand Rapids

Fortune Bay Bois Forte Heritage Museum and RV Park

Ely

North American Bear Center

169

145 MILES PAVED

Bike Trail Future Trail Public Campground

57

Lake Vermilion - Soudan Underground Mine State Park

mining operations, to secluded woods, a jungle of vegetation, mine lakes and reservoirs.

It traverses forest, meadows, rivers, streams and lakes in a region bound on the east end by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and on the west by the Mississippi River. In between, the Mesabi Trail takes visitors past the edges of the open pit mines of the Iron Range and areas abundant with wildlife, nature and the rich heritage of hardy pioneers.

Unlike a lot of paved trails in the state, the Mesabi Trail is created from old logging and mining roads, former roadways, some abandoned rail grade and new trail through the forest. There are even a couple of floating bridges. The trail crosses Minnesota’s tallest bridge just outside of Virginia. It spans 1,132 feet and crosses the Rouchleau mine lake 200 feet above the water’s surface for a spectacular view from your bike seat.

Currently, over 75 continuous miles stretch from Grand Rapids to McKinley. After a short diversion to the shoulder of Hwy. 135, riders can re-connect with the trail again just outside of Biwabik. Another 24 miles travel through Giant’s Ridge Recreation Area to nine miles beyond Embarrass on the way to Tower. This section includes a ¾-mile long floating bridge across the Embarrass Wetland Complex and the Darwin Meyers Wildlife Management Area.

There are another 14 miles going northeast from Tower, through the new Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park, extending 4.5 miles past Eagles Nest Township on the way to Ely. Additional spurs connect into communities like Chisholm with the Minnesota Discovery Center, and Eveleth with the US Hockey Hall of Fame and the world's largest hockey stick sculpture.

Off the bike you can tour a mine, a logging camp, the Greyhound bus museum or visit the childhood homes of Judy Garland and Bob Dylan. Many campgrounds and local parks are easily accessible from the trail, Minnesota Trails

2022

Mesabi

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

A floating bridge crosses a wetland on the Mesabi Trail’s newest section near Ely. Jan Lasar photo highways and nearby communities. Food, lodging, shopping, antiquing, golfing, fishing, camping and swimming are all in close proximity to segments of the trail, with communities and services available near all entry points.

One between McKinley and Biwabik and one from Benson Road/Hwy. 26, north of Embarrass, into Tower.

Check for Trail Updates at mesabitrail.com, before planning your cycling adventure.

Details at www.mntrails.com/ bike-trails/

2022 Construction Four segments of trail are planned for the 2022 construction season: • Two miles from the Darwin Meyers Wildlife Management Area along County Road 21 into Embarrass.

• Three miles from Wolf Creek (near Eagles Nest) to Hwy. 169 going toward Ely. • Three miles from County Road 88 to Ely. • The Trail between Tower and Soudan will be completely re-constructed, watch for announcements of trail closures.

By the end of 2022, the Mesabi Trail will be short just two connections to completion.

The Hawkins Mine Overlook on the edge of Nashwauk. Jan Lasar photo Minnesota Trails

DISCOVER

Reclaimed mınelands

Discover Redhead. With onsite bike and kayak rentals and Mesabi Trail access, you’ll need a weekend (or more) to explore it all. Find nearby lodging and dining at IronRange.org.

Summer 2022 23

Paul Bunyan

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

2022

Paul Bunyan State Trail 120 miles The paved Paul Bunyan Trail is Minnesota’s and the country’s longest rail trail. It has been inducted into the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame, as a “Signature Minnesota Destination.”

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 and you'll see many incarnations of Paul Bunyan and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox, in towns along this one-of-a-kind trail.

Along the Trail: 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.

Trail Sections: Crow Wing State Park to Walker: 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. North of Brainerd you’ll find wetlands, gardens and the little towns of Merrifield and 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

Purple coneflowers line the trail through the Chippewa National Forest. Jan Lasar photo

ONE STEP FOR ME

120 miles for you

IT’S LEGENDARY

MNBIKETRAIL.COM 24 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

2022

Paul Bunyan

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

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 to stand in. 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. Farther down the trail you can meet Paul Bunyan’s girlfriend, Lucette, in Hackensack, home to an annual chainsaw carving festival. After Hackensack, take either the hilly route through the Chippewa National Forest to the shared section of the Heartland and Paul Bunyan Trail or the Shingobee Connector trail. Both routes connect to downtown Walker, but the Shingobee trail is shorter and easier.

Connections: Traveling north on the Paul Bunyan State Trail after Hackensack, you’ll enter the Chippewa National Forest and come to a Y intersection. Go left and ride the hilly section of the Paul Bunyan Trail through the 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.

After you cross Paul Bunyan Drive on the bridge in Bemidji, connect to the 17-mile Lake Bemidji Trail around Lake Bemidji. It doesn’t matter which way you go around the lake, the route ends at Lake Bemidji State Park.

The Paul Bunyan Trail is also part of the Mississippi River Trail Scenic Bikeway, a

The southern terminus of the Paul Bunyan State Trail is at Crow Wing State Park.

Jan Lasar photo signed route from the Mississippi Headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico.

History: 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 opened to the public and it has since more than doubled in length.

Walker, MN is connected to more than 150 miles of paved trails!

Photo Credit: Explore MN

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.

leech-lake.com | 218-547-1313 3

bike & “paddle” northern minnesota.

Catch a Bemidji Beer & take a crowler to go. // Downtown Bemidji off the Paul Bunyan Trail // BemidjiBeer.com Minnesota Trails

Summer 2022 25

Heartland

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Heartland State Trail 54 miles The Heartland State Trail is another mustsee destination in the heart of Minnesota's lake country. Numerous towns, resorts and parks provide amenities to the rider on one of Minnesota’s most visited recreational trail systems.

Trail Sections: Park Rapids to Dorset: The official start of the Heartland Trail is at 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 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.

Shaded trail section between Dorset and Park Rapids. Jan Lasar photo

Dorset to Nevis: The next five miles to

Nevis to Akeley: The rest area in Nevis

Nevis are quite pleasant. The trail travels through the woods with glimpses of an occasional pond. Pines and poplar trees are plentiful and birch stand out nicely from the green background. Just before you get to Nevis, enjoy views of Shallow and Belle Taine Lakes as you cross over the channel connecting the two. Stop here for a selfie with the World’s Largest Muskie statue.

Akeley to Walker: The Heartland Trail

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. and the Paul Bunyan Trail share a trail segment from just northeast of Akeley to 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 eight-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 town, 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.

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.

THE SOURCE OF Pedal at your own pace

Explore Itasca Park on two wheels

| 26 Summer 2022

Discovery

800-247-0054

Cruise the Heartland Trail

| www.parkrapids.com

Connections: In Walker, connect to the Shingobee Trail near Chase on the Lake Resort. This seven-mile combination of road routes and standalone trail crosses Shingobee Bay on the south end of Leech Lake and will take you to the Paul Bunyan Trail. Go south at this intersection toward Hackensack or west through the Chippewa National Forest and loop back to Walker via the Heartland/Paul Bunyan Trail. Near Cass Lake, where the trail intersects with County Road 76, connect with the Mi-Gi-Zi Trail by riding about a half a mile east on a signed road route. Follow the 14-mile trail counterclockwise around Pike Bay’s beautiful shores and the Chippewa National Forest and arrive at a trailhead north of Pike Bay after about ten miles. From there, a signed bike route will take you back to the Heartland Trail on quiet city streets through Cass Lake.

Future expansions of the Heartland include a 20-mile extension north from Park Rapids to Itasca State Park and an 86-mile segment from Park Rapids west to Moorhead. Of this segment, about five miles are paved going northwest from Frazee to connect with existing trails in Detroit Lakes.

Minnesota Trails

2022

Paul Bunyan/Heartland Map

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

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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Map Courtesy of

P Pleasant Lake

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LEGEND

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Pine Mountain Lake

More Maps at MNTrails.com

P Backus

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Summer 2022 27

Central Lakes

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Central Lakes State Trail 55 miles The 55-mile-long, paved trail starts at the Fergus Falls trailhead on Highway 210 and travels southeast through the communities of Dalton, Ashby, Melby, Evansville, Brandon, Garfield, Alexandria, Nelson and Osakis. 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.

Along the Trail: The official Fergus Falls Trailhead is near the intersection of Minnesota Highway 210 and 19th Street, where you can find parking, bathrooms, picnic facilities, a bike repair station and play sculpture. Camping is available at DeLagoon Park, about a mile down the trail from the trailhead. This large park also offers a swimming beach and picnic facilities.

Traveling from Fergus Falls you'll cross the Continental Divide, where water flows south into the Mississippi or north into Hudson Bay. The small communities along the trail tuck in neatly between reed-lined lakes and the occasional farm field and you'll easily

BIKE SHUTTLE | TRIKE RENTAL

It’s a good day for a ride!

SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS

320.219.7433

Right off the Central Lakes Trail 419 N. Nokomis Street, Alexandria

TRANSPORT OR TRIKE

www.centrallakestrikes.com

320-760-8033

find camping, restaurants and places to rest.

Stop for a photo op at the well-known statue of Big Ole the Viking at the north end of downtown Alexandria, near the Runestone Museum. If you're visiting in early summer, keep an eye out for pink or yellow Lady’s Slippers blooming along the trail.

A Combined History: The Lake and Central Lakes Trail are built on the rail corridor formerly owned by Burlington Northern Railroad Company. 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 until1991, 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.

Connections: Just east of Osakis, the Central Lakes State Trail connects to the 65-mile-long, paved Lake Wobegon Trail.

From DeLagoon Park, city bike routes take you to Grotto Lake Park with the famous statue of Otto the Otter. Feasibility of a connecting trail between Fergus Falls and Pelican Rapids is being explored. Another trail in the planning stages would connect Ashby to Battle Lake and Glendalough State Park.

The Central Lakes Trail Starts Here BikeFergusFalls.com

Up close and personal with agriculture in Osakis, MN. Jan Lasar photo

Enjoy 55 miles

of beautiful, paved rail-trails across central Minnesota. ac SAVE THE DATE

RAIL TRAILS 100 BIKE TOUR

28 Summer 2022

AUGUST TH

202

Minnesota Trails

2022

Central Lakes

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

CENTRAL LAKES

5

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11 19 25 31 36 40 45 55

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Minnesota Trails

Summer 2022 29

Lake Wobegon Lake Wobegon Regional Trail trail ends in Osakis and connects to Central Lakes Trail

Lake Osakis

Osakis P

127

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

LAKE WOBEGON

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

Little Falls

REGIONAL TRAIL 65 MILES PAVED

10

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9

10

6 12.5 18.5 27.0 34.5 40.5

Alb a Fre ny epo Me r t lr Sau ose We k Cen s Os t Uni tre aki on s

a Tot

Wa ite P St. Jos ark Co e p h lle g Avo evi lle n

3

Mill Pond

P Holdingford

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

ip

pi

Ri

ve r

NORTHERN SPUR Lake Wobegon Albany to Holdingford Holdingford to County Line

9.4 miles 3.5 miles

Soo Line County Line to Bowlus Bowlus to Blanchard Dam Blanchard Dam to HWY 10

4.0 miles 3.5 miles 2.5 miles

Two Rivers Lakes

P

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

Kraemer Lake

River’s Edge Park

P

Sagatagan Lake

College of St. Benedict’s

kR

Sau

r ive

St. Cloud Waite Park

Lake Wobegon Regional Trail 65 miles The Lake Wobegon Trail is a 10-foot wide, bituminous surfaced hike-and-bike pathway. It travels through the central Minnesota counties of Stearns and Todd from the city of Waite Park to the city of Osakis. The trail also has an extension from Albany heading northeast to Holdingford and the Stearns/Morrison County line.

Starting at River’s Edge Park in Waite Park, you'll cross the Sauk River on this newest section of the Lake Wobegon Trail. En route to St. Joseph you ride along natural areas and farm fields. 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. 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 are 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 west 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 30 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

Caramel R ll

Where every season is above average!

RIDE

2ND SATURDAY IN JUNE

100 miles: Shuttle out, ride back.

1st Saturday in August

LakeWobegonTrail.com Lake Wobegon businesses are open and ready to serve you!

INFO

EAT & DRINK

Visit Joetown

Oak Station Coffee & Cone

216 1st Ave. S, Freeport Facebook: @oakstationcc (320) 836-2053 Ice cream and coffee in a barn!

Art in Motion

1400 4th St,, Holdingford www.

ArtInMotionOnThe LakeWobegonTrail .com (320) 746-0680 Art, music, food, craft beer, ice cream

Jordie’s Trailside Café

105 1st Ave., Bowlus wwwJordiesTrailside.com (320) 584-8193 Best pie on the trail

Minnesota Trails

75 Callaway St E, St Joseph www.JoetownMn.com (320) 363-7201 Small town warmth. Big city cool.

Avon Cabin Café

105 Avon Ave. S, Avon www.AvonCabinCafe.com (320) 356-7198 Home cooking at its Ɠnest

STAY The Estates Bed and Breakfast

29 E Minnesota St., Saint Joseph www.EstatesBed AndBreakfast.com (320) 557-0300 info@estatesbedandbreakfast.com

Gathering Grounds 200 Avon Ave. S, Avon www.

GatheringGroundsAvon .com (320) 356-1106 Hot and cold coffee drinks, pastries and more

Bad Habit Brewing

25 College Ave. N, St. Joseph www.BadHabitBeer.com (320) 271-3108 Grab an after-ride pint

SHOP

The Outpost Mercantile

615 6th St. S, Sauk Centre www.TheOutpost Mercantile.com (320) 351-7678 Healthy sandwiches, smoothies and goodies.

Minnesota Street Market

27 W Minnesota St., St.Joseph www.MnStreetMarket.com (320) 363-7733 Food, Drink, Art and Conversation Summer 2022 31

Lake Wobegon

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

2022

a

ll town wa r m

Start YOUR JOURNEY Here on the Lake Wobegon Trail!

th

sm

Long-distance bike travelers ride the Lake Wobegon Trail as part of Adventure Cycling’s Northern Tier route between Washington and Maine. Jan Lasar photo

big

city c

ool

History: See Central Lakes Trail

•M Murall Tour T ur - callll ffor ddetailsil • Self-Guided Historic Tour - call for details • Chalk in Sauk (June 25-26) on Sinclair Lewis Avenue

town e o J t i s Vi

had the inspiration for some of his fictional places here. Head west for 5.7 miles to Melrose 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.

• Sinclair Lewis Days (July 13-17) See SaukCentreChamber.com

Connections: Just outside of Osakis, continue on to the Central Lakes State Trail, a 55-mile paved trail to Fergus Falls. At the Stearns/Morrison County line north of Albany, the Wobegon connects to the paved Soo Line Trail.

A link from Sauk Centre north to Browerville is being explored.

• Stearns County Fair (July 27-31) • Art on the Ave. (September 17) STAY AND PLAY Golf all three golf courses, experience art, camp, explore & enjoy great fishing, and dining! g shopping, g, p pp GOPHER PRAIRIE INN

Just west of St. Cloud on the Wobegon Trail

joetownmn.com

WWW.VISITSAUKCENTRE.ORG 320-352-5201 • visitsaukcentre@gmail.com

Your stop for on the Lake Wobegon Trail

Open May-October | 1400 4th Street, Holdingford | 320-746-0680

www.ArtInMotionOnTheLakeWobegonTrail.com

32 Summer 2022

The smiling water tower has been welcoming travelers to Freeport for over 100 years. Jan Lasar photo Minnesota Trails

2022

Soo Line

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Mi-Gi-Zi trails and become a major connector between central and northern Minnesota’s trails. The first mile between Little Falls’ Mill Ruins Park and the state park has been built.

the southern terminus of the Paul Bunyan State Trail at Crow Wing State Park. When complete, the Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail will link the Central Lakes, Lake Wobegon, Paul Bunyan, Heartland and

Along the Trail: 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 on the Mississippi, which has a 1920s hydroelectric station still in use today.

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, WI with another paved 11-mile segment between Isle and Onamia near Mille Lacs and Father Hennepin State Parks.

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

Little Falls Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

LEGEND

SOO LINE

TRAIL 10 MILES PAVED

Blanchard Dam

Connections: A few miles north of Holdingford, the Soo Line Trail connects with the Lake Wobegon Trail in Stearns County.

A future trail connection to the Paul Bunyan Trail, the Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail, is currently in the planning stages.

This link will start at Blanchard Dam, run through Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, then on to Camp Ripley, and finally reach

ver

26

Mis

siss

ipp

i Ri

ver

Soo

Lin

County Line

Mississippi River Trail

Royalton

Bowlus Two River

Paved Trail Shelter State Park P Parking Restrooms

P

10

Little Two Ri

Tra il

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.

e

Soo Line Trail

THE BLACK & WHITE

8

10

4

6 2

in

Mi

les

320.632.5374

ces

116 First Street SE Little Falls, MN 56345

L

o W

an

- Innovative Menu - Craft Beers on Tap - Great Wine Selection - Historic Setting

e ak

on

ist

g be

l

4

lD

Best Dining inalls!

Little F

ai Tr

3.6 7.6 11.6 13.6

a Tot

www.attheblacknwhite.com

P Holdingford

Bla nch Hw ard y1 Da 0 m

17

Ho ldin gfo Co unt rd yL Bo wlu ine s

A. T.

Details at www.mntrails.com/bike-trails/

LittleFallsMN.com

LITTLE FALLS IS NEAR MILES & MILES OF PAVED BIKE TRAILS, PROVIDING SMOOTH & EASY RIDING. Minnesota Trails

Summer 2022 33

Glacial Lakes

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Glacial Lakes State Trail 28 miles The area around the Glacial Lakes Trail is dotted with countless lakes shaped by retreating glaciers some 10,000 years ago.

Today, communities in this popular tourist area welcome visitors who come here to recreate at the lake, on the bike or both.

Along the trail: The trail starts at the Civic Center on the northern edge of Willmar.

It goes northeast through beautiful farm land, prairie, and communities along the way including Spicer, New London, Hawick and Paynesville, where the trail currently terminates. A five-mile segment between Roscoe and Richmond is also paved.

Connections: Just northeast of Willmar, take the five-mile Eagle Lake Loop Trail which circles back to the Civic Center. A city bike route also takes you to downtown Willmar. In Spicer, take a ride around Green Lake on a combination of trails and signed routes. At the eastern end of the Glacial Lakes Trail, take Paynesville’s connector route to the Lake Koronis Trail. At Richmond, the Glacial Lakes Trail connects to the RoCoRi Trail, which will connect Richmond, Cold Spring and Rockville. Currently, this trail ends about a mile east of Cold Spring, but will

Between New London and Paynesville. Jan Lasar photo

Jump Right In!

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

320-235-3552 www.willmarlakesarea.com 34 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

2022

Glacial Lakes

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

GLACIAL LAKES

Connects to Rocori Trail

STATE TRAIL

d Mid o rk le F

5

Richmond

Roscoe

28 MILES PAVED Paynesville

City Bike Trail 71

Norway Lake

23

Lake Koronis Trail (road & paved trail)

Lake Koronis Regional Park

Andrew Lake

48

38

40

Lake Koronis

Hawick

9

New London 40

P

2 ow Cr

Nest Lake

r

P Parking

(road & paved trail)

Spicer P

6.5 12 18 16 25 36 41

10

5.5 11.5 9.5 18.5 30.5 35.5

4

cer Ne wL Ha ond wic on k

26

D al Tot

Diamond Lake

7

18 23

17 28 33 13.5 18.5 5

ces an ist

8

(paved trail)

13 24 29

Sib l Pay ey Sta te P nes R ic vill ark hm e Co o ld S nd pri ng

P

4 10

Spi

Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake Loop

6

Wi llm ar

P

9

Public Campground State Park

ve

71

Green Lake Bike Way

County Route

Ri

Green Lake

U.S. Route Paved Trail Other Trails Future Trail State Route

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com

LEGEND

Games Lake

Sibley State Park 48

City Bike Trail

(paved)

5

M in

s ile

P

Kandiyohi

Atwater

Willmar

continue on to Rockville soon and eventually reach the Lake Wobegon Trail.

A three-mile section of the trail has just been finished inside of Sibley State Park. It meanders from the park border at Highway 71 through prairie and woodlands and past the visitor center, the beach, the new amphitheater next to the trail center and ends at the boat landing. A connection from Highway 71 to nearby New London is in the works.

RIBBON CUTTING for new trail at

Sibley State Park Saturday, June 11, 2022 · 10 am at the park beach

Details at www.mntrails.com/ bike-trails/ Minnesota Trails

PAYNESVILLE INN & SUITES

Hosted by Sibley State Park Improvement Association

More Details: ParksAndTrails.org

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

700 Diekmann Drive Paynesville, MN 56362 320-243-4146 www.paynesvilleinn.com Summer 2022 35

Gateway/Brown’s Creek

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE P

GATEWAY/ BROWN’S CREEK

Pine Point Regional Park

STATE TRAIL

Grant

and St. Croix River Crossing Loop

St. Croix River White Bear Lake

Vadnais-Snail Lakes Reg. Parks

Historic Lift Bridge

P

28. MILES PAVED Mahtomedi

35E

Duluth Junction

Brown’s Cre ek

WI

P State Trail

P

Vadnais Lakes

P Stillwater

P P

P

P

iver St. Croix RLo op P Crossing 694

Little Canada Gervais L.

P

61

Roseville

35E

Maplewood Keller L.

P P P

P

North St. Paul

P

ay ew Gat

St. Croix Crossing Bridge

ail e Tr tS at

18 miles of paved trail from St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park.

5.9 miles Brown’s Creek Trail.

4.9 miles St. Croix River Crossing Loop.

Lake Phalen

Phalen-Keller Regional Park

Oakdale

Minnehaha Ave.

LEGEND

L. Owasso

Paved Trail Horseback Riding Picnic/Rest Area P Parking Restroom

Find More Maps at

St. Paul

www.MNTrails.com

Gateway State Trail

18 miles

The Gateway Trail is a true getaway trail starting deep in metropolitan St. Paul, just a mile from the State Capitol. It finishes after 18 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. This paved trail on the old Soo

Line railway grade quickly changes from an urban to a rural setting with forests, lakes, wetlands and prairies.

Connections: At Duluth Junction the Gateway State Trail connects with the Brown's Creek State Trail, which in turn links with the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail in Stillwater and provides access to other trail opportunities in Phalen-Keller Regional Park

Details at www.mntrails.com/bike-trails/

ramseybicycle.com

Your friendly neighborhood bicycle shop!

763.784.6966 CARSBikeShop.com 36 Summer 2022

Brown’s Creek State Trail 5.9 miles About 14 miles from St. Paul on the Gateway Trail, at Duluth Junction, the Brown’s Creek Trail starts and runs 5.9 miles into downtown Stillwater. It 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. The final miles of the Brown’s Creek trail follow the St. Croix River into Stillwater.

St. Croix River Crossing Loop 4.9 miles

We feature quality bicycles from Marin, Reid, Specialized, Sun, Torker & Worksman.

Open 7 days a week.

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

and the Bruce Vento Trail. (It 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). An extension of the Gateway north into Taylors Falls is being explored.

TREK • HARO • ELECTRA 6825 Hwy 10 • Ramsey, MN

763-323-6666

This paved trail takes off from the end of the Brown's Creek State Trail, travels through downtown Stillwater and makes a loop across the river into Wisconsin. Riders cross the river on the iconic Stillwater lift bridge open only to non-motorized traffic, and the new St. Croix Crossing Bridge, which has separated bike and pedestrian lanes. Lots of scenic views on this section.

Minnesota Trails

2022

LUCE LINE

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

LUCE LINE

19 29 39 44 51.5 63

7

Vic ksb urg Wa Lan kef eT ield Stu rai -Co lhe bb’ nry ad s Ba Wa R e yR ter s t d. T tow Are Wi rai n a nst lA ed c ce Silv ss er Lak Hu e tch ins Ced on ar Mil Th ls om pso nL ake (n

6

LEGEND

12 22 30 37 44.5 55

STATE TRAIL

10 18 25 32.5 43 8

15 22.5 33 7 14.5 24.5 7.5 17.5

a Tot

lD

63 MILES ON A VARIETY OF SURFACES

Paved (Asphalt) Undeveloped Adjacent Horse Trail Crushed Aggregate Base Crushed Limestone Public Campground State Park P Parking Restroom Picnic/Rest Area

13 23 31 38 45.5 56

1

ist

10

an

in

ear Co sm os)

ces

Mi

Find More Maps at

les

Western Portion Eastern Portion Cedar

35

10

7

7

Cosmos

P

Cedar 22 Mills

26 MEEKER CO. Boon Lake

20

19

7

Belle Lake

15

12

12

Otter Lake

22 14

RENVILLE CO.

20

P

7

76 12

10

Winsted Winsted Lake

21 5

Proposed

9

6

MCLEOD CO. CARVER CO.

WRIGHT CO.

103

20 122

261 South Lake

Luce Line State Trail

33

17 Rice Lake

25

P 21

63 miles

The Luce Line State Trail stretches 63 miles in a westerly direction from the metro suburb of Plymouth to the small town of Cosmos in west-central Minnesota. Along the way you'll visit the communities of Wayzata, Watertown, Winsted, Hutchinson, Silver Lake and Cedar Mills.

It runs on a former railroad line covered with a variety of surfaces ranging from crushed limestone between Plymouth and Winsted, pavement between Winsted and just west of Hutchinson, gravel between Hutchinson and Cedar Mills to a mowed grass path between Cedar Mills and Cosmos.

The western trailhead is just west of Cosmos in a county park on Thompson Lake. While it starts in the heart of the western suburbs,

Independence

P

P 10

Watertown

24

122

25

10

P

20

Oak Lake Mud L.

24

83

Katrina Lake

P

19

92 15

Minnetrista Dutch Lake

the Luce Line Trail offers a varied landscape of woodland, marsh and lakes with a portion running through remnants of the Big Woods and stands of maple and basswood. A horse trail parallels the Luce Line between Hutchinson and Plymouth.

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 and extended it 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.

101

Plymouth

Wood-Rill S.N.A.

6

P

Long Lake

84

146

Orono

15

15

16

Lake Minnetonka

61

Parkers Lake

12

Wayzata

il Trail Dakota Ra

51 West Arm

P Gleason Lake

135

Mound Whaletail Lake

55

24

12 Stubbs Bay

151

p Lester Prairie

15

www.MNTrails.com

6 Summer Only

26

Mud Lake

2

201

19

26 Ox Yoke Lake

7

Baker Park Reserve

6

Lyndale

261

2

71

Maple Plain

90

16

20

4

12

92 HENNEPIN CO.

13

M ar y

Butler Lake

17

P

Silver Lake

7

Hutchinson

Crow River

16

South Fork

n An

L.

6

8

30

Swan Lake

79

P

7

Silver Lake

16

61

115

L. L. Emma

Proposed Winsted Lake

5

4

Eastern Portion 30

33 Winsted

2

5

73

6

16

5

71

Hooke Lake

19

(mowed grass)

4

Lake

Th om p

1

P

South Fork Crow River

MCLEOD CO.

4 Thompson Lake

www.MNTrails.com

394

494

5

Connections: The Luce Line State Trail allows access to many Twin Cities metro area trails. In Plymouth, the natural surface part of the Luce Line State Trail connects to the paved Luce Line Regional Trail, which ends east of Sweeney Lake in Golden Valley, but further connections are ahead. At Medicine Lake this section connects to the 13-mile Medicine Lake Regional Trail and the Basset Creek Regional Trail. The Medicine Lake Trail ends at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. Connections from here include the Rush Creek and Crystal Lake Regional Trails.

In Wayzata, a short ride on city roads will take trail users to the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, which continues roughly southwest for 26 miles and ends in Lester Prairie.

EXPLORE… the LUCE LINE STATE TRAIL

Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

800.572.6689 info@explorehutchinson.com Minnesota Trails

ExploreHUTCHINSON.com #MuchInHutch

Summer 2022 37

CANNON VALLEY

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

CANNON VALLEY

3.6 9.6 11.1 19.4 316

TRAIL

Ca nno nF a der son lls We lch Re Ma st A St a rsh tio n A rea all Re dW Re s t A c cess ing rea

6.0 7.5 15.8

To Hastings

a Tot

19.7 MILES PAVED

lD

An

1.5 9.8 61

8.3

Silvernale Archaeology Preserve

7

ist

P

W

an

Cannon Rver Turtle Preserve SNA

Welch Station Access

ces

in

Red Wing

Mi

Cann o

Red Wing Archaeological Preserve

n Riv er

ut Tro

Goodhue Pioneer State Trail

Bro

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Anderson Memorial Rest Area

Cannon Falls

P

19

Goodhue County Park

Tangential Wildlife Management Area

Oak Lane

Lake Byllesby

Marshall Memorial Rest Area

Find More Maps at

To Rochester

Cannon Valley Trail 19.7 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

www.MNTrails.com

by cliffs and lined with wildflowers, often under the canopy of lush trees. The trail is open year-round for non-motorized use and groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter. It also has several interpretive sites as well as rest stops with benches, water

LEGEND

River Terrace Prairie SNA

Mill Towns 52 State Trail

Sprin

P

Bell e Cre ek

To Twin Cities

g Cr eek

ok

Pine Rive r

Hay Creek Trail

Hay Creek

les

Welch

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

and toilets. Trail users need to purchase a wheel pass.

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 winds

Marshall Memorial Rest Area. Jan Lasar photo 38 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2022 39

Cannon Valley

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

2022

Cannon Falls Trailhead. Jan Lasar photo

around the park, picnic areas and ponds before heading through a residential area to the official start of the Cannon Valley Trail. 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 explains why you’ll see these same markers on the Sakatah Trail. The little town of Welch is the midpoint of the ride and has a rest stop that includes bathrooms. 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.

Connections: At Cannon Falls the trail connects to the Mill Towns Trail, which will eventually link to the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail at Faribault. Currently paved sections of the Mill Towns Trail: Two miles at Cannon Falls, three miles between Dundas and Northfield, two miles east from Faribault.

Another connection in Red Wing takes you down the 5-mile northern portion of the Goodhue Pioneer Trail, which currently ends at the Hay Creek Campground, but will one day connect to the Douglas State Trail near Rochester. Another future trail connection includes the Mississippi Blufflands State Trail, which will link Red Wing with Lake City.

View of the Cannon Falls grain elevator from the Mill Towns State Trail.

Jan Lasar photo

+

FIND MAGIC ON THE CANNON VALLEY TRAIL AND THE CANNON RIVER.

CANNON FALLS, MN 40 Summer 2022

CannonFalls.org Minnesota Trails

2022

Casey Jones

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

CASEY JONES STATE

Find More Maps at LEGEND

TRAIL 23

Lake Shetek State Park

P

Lake Shetek

Paved Trail Gravel Trail Natural Surface P Parking Restroom

37

30 35

MURRAY CO.

75

PIPESTONE CO.

19 TOTAL MILES Holland

Currie Loop

www.MNTrails.com

38

P 38

Currie

Lake Shetek

8 miles Pipestone

2 miles

30

30

91

Currie 59

2 miles Woodstock P

5.5 mile

59

Lake Wilson

30

Hadley 30

1.5 miles

Slayton

75

Hatfield

267

91

59

Avoca

Casey Jones State Trail 19 miles total Pipestone, Woodstock, Lake Wilson, Currie The Casey Jones Trail is the first rails to trails conversion in Minnesota, authorized in 1967. It consists of three main sections, not yet connected to one another: Eight paved miles and two gravel miles between Pipestone and Woodstock, followed by two miles of natural surface trail, 1.5 miles of natural surface west of Lake Wilson and a 5.5-mile mile paved loop between Lake Shetek State Park and Currie. The out and back ride from the Pipestone trailhead gives riders a close up look at farm fields and wind turbines and makes for an easy afternoon outing. The so-called Currie Loop does not have a designated trailhead, but parking is available at Forman Acres County Park just outside Lake Shetek State Park or End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum. Another option is to park at the picnic area inside the state park, ride the park road and access the trail at the park office. Traveling counter-clockwise from there, you'll first pass the Lake Shetek State Monument and ride between Smith

D

i s cove r

and Shetek Lakes. At a dam at the very southern tip of Lake Shetek, the Des Moines River emerges. After another mile, the trail takes a sharp left turn at End-O-Line and

WHAT'S #ONLYINPIPESTONE

PHOTO: LINDA FLANAGAN

Minnesota Trails

The Casey Jones State Trail between Pipestone and Woodstock. Jan Lasar photo

makes its way back to the park.

Eventually, the Casey Jones Trail will span 100 miles from Luverne through Pipestone to Redwood Falls.

PIPESTONEMINNESOTA.COM Summer 2022 41

Blazing Star

38

133 35

65

LEGEND

Albert Lea

91

P 109

P

Paved Trail Unpaved Trail Goose Lake P Parking Restroom

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com

Hayward 102

P

P

38

Albert Lea Lake

26

BLAZING STAR STATE

P

119 120 18

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

38

P

Myre-Big Island State Park

65 19

38 48

P

Blazing Star State Trail 7.5 miles Albert Lea to Myre-Big Island State Park The Blazing Star State Trail connects the city of Albert Lea with Myre Big Island State Park with a paved six-mile segment. Another paved 1.5-mile segment can be found in Hayward, MN. The master plan for the Blazing Star State Trail is to eventually link Albert

TRAIL 7.5 MILES PAVED

Lea, Hayward and Austin. Here, it'll connect to the Shooting Star State Trail which runs from Austin to Le Roy for about 28 miles. The resulting trail system will be about 50 miles long and connect Myre Big Island and Lake Louise State Parks. Although short, this trail is a favorite with southern Minnesota birdwatchers, especially during migration time at the state park.

The Blazing Star State Trail at Myre-Big Island State Park. Andrew Oftedal photo 42 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

2022

Shooting Star

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE Jay C. Hormel

Austin Nature Center

P

58

45

SHOOTING STAR

13

90

215th Street

Elkton

LEGEND

3

56

4

STATE TRAIL

Picnic/Rest Area Paved Trail P Parking Restroom

Rose Creek

28.75 MILES PAVED 7

207

4

4

218

Le

ces an ist

les Mi in

Find More Maps at

203

6

7

Taopi

Shooting Star State Trail The Shooting Star Trail is a 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 towns of Taopi, Adams and Rose Creek.

The final leg of the trail travels north out of Rose Creek and picks up Austin's network of city trails north of I-90.

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

63

56

Lake Louise State Park

P

56 278

Lake Louise

244

56

245

6

6

www.MNTrails.com

28.75 miles

P Underpass 9

208 56

11

63

18 Little Cedar River

19

Ad am

lD

a Tot

5

s Ro se C Au stin reek

North Branch

Adams City Park

9

Tao pi

56

P

230

r

Adams

5

15

14

8

wa Rive

Ro y

217

10 19 6

Upper Io

27

9.75 13.75 19.75 28.75 4

240

9

19

9

Connections: The last leg of the project calls for the trail to drop south from Austin to the town of Lyle on the Minnesota-Iowa border. While a timeline for this last part has not been established, another extension has the potential to become a reality much sooner.

236

P P

Le Roy

From near Taopi, a four-mile leg will extend to the Minnesota-Iowa border and connect to the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail.

This 27-mile paved trail travels southeast from the state border into Elma, IA. Together with Austin's city trails, the resulting network will be 72 miles long.

The Shooting Star State Trail travels through Lake Louise State Park. Jan Lasar photo

Join us for the

Shooting Star Ride!

SCHINDLER’S WAY SPAM TOWN MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL TRAIL BIKE TM

Austin, MN has been awarded Honorable Mention for being a

BIKE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

from the League of American Bicyclist.

June 11, 2022 Austin, MN is becoming a well-known destination for biking enthusiasts!

Over 13 miles of hard-surfaced trails connect you with many locations in the city as well as to the Shooting Star, adding an additional 30 miles through the southern region.

Minnesota Trails

Learn more at: www.

Shooting StarTrail .org

www.AustinMN.com

View the history of over 80 bicycles displayed on the walls inside the shop. Including the 1868 “Boneshaker” and a bike from the late Robin Williams’ personal collection.

507-437-4563 | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101• Austin, MN Summer 2022 43

Root River/Harmony-Preston Valley

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Isinours Trail Junction

ROOT RIVER/ HARMONY-PRESTON VALLEY

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

Ho ust on shf ord Pet ers Wh on a

8.9 13.5 18.2 24.7 23.7 36 4.6 9.3 15.8 14.8 27.1

Ru

lD

12 24.3

60 MILES PAVED

an

12.3

ces

Tra il

ist

in

Mi

les

LEGEND

6.5 5.5 17.8

Lan lan esb oro J unc Fou tio nta n Pre i sto n Ha n rm ony

a Tot

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

STATE TRAIL

4.7 12.2 10.2 22.5

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

Root River/Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail 60 miles The Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail system in the heart of southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country is one of the major trail destinations in Minnesota. Scenic views, historic buildings and points of interest along both trails attract visitors from all over and the rural communities in this trail network provide many services. Campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, museums, outfitters and unique stores can be found in many of the trail towns.

The Root River Trail runs from Fountain all the way through Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson,

Fall scenery in the valley near Rushford. Jan Lasar photo

Don’t miss

Èä i >À>}i -> i Õ i£n £ June 17-18

'PLQ[[ OQTG G VJCP P OKNGUU QHH RCXGF F VTCKNU NU

#GetHookedOnPreston #PrestonMN

www.gethookedonpreston.com | 507-765-2100

44 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Root River/Harmony-Preston Valley

e r o l Exp ony m r a H sota Minne

So m treas any to dis ures cove r!

Come for the bike trail . . .

Rock cut near Lanesboro. Jan Lasar photo

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 two thirds 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. Summer uses on both trails include hiking, biking and inline skating.

Trails are groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter. The Root River Trail is groomed for cross-country skiing between Isinours Junction and Houston.

.. .. .. Stay Stay to to explore! explore!

• Niagara Cave • Niagara Cave • Amish Tours • Antique Mall • Gift Shops • Casual & Fine Dining

Call for a free visitor guide!

1-877-886-2469 www.exploreharmony.com

Rush hour in Harmony. Jan Lasar photo Minnesota Trails

Photo Three Rivers Parks District Summer 2022 45

Root River/Harmony-Preston Valley

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Preston’s historic elevator at the trailhead. Jan Lasar photo

Visit

Along the Trail: Fountain: Official Sinkhole Capital of the United States. View them from the trail.

Harmony: Home of Niagara Cave, which has an underground waterfall.

Houston: International Owl Center with live owls on display.

Lanesboro: The Commonweal Theatre and public art displays make Lanesboro a destination for the art lover.

THE VALLEY Explore Southeast Minnesota's Driftless Area

up to 60 miles on the BIKE paved Root River Trail System HIKE groomed or primitive bluff trails ENJOY PIE, ICE CREAM, PIZZA, LOCAL FOODS & MORE! STAY AT INNS, CAMPGROUNDS OR VACATION RENTALS

www.rushfordpetersonvalley.com 46 Summer 2022

Peterson: Peterson Station Museum of Norwegian culture.

Preston: Minnesota’s Trout Capital has the National Trout Center, and is close to Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.

Rushford: The historic train depot on the trail houses a museum and rest area.

Whalan: A small town with a world-famous pie shop. Home of the annual Standstill Parade, where the parade marchers stand still and the spectators walk around.

Connections: An extension of the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail south toward Niagara Cave and then the Iowa border is currently being worked on. On the Iowa side trail groups are working to connect the Trout Run and Prairie Farmer trails near Decorah to the Minnesota side to form an interstate trail network.

Another leg of the trail linking Preston with Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is in the works as well.

Minnesota Trails

2022

Luverne Loop

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Luverne Loop Trail

P

12.5 miles with Blue Mounds Trail and Christopher Martin Ashby Memorial Trail

LUVERNE

TRAILS

Blue Mounds State Park

12.5 MILES PAVED

Eagle Rock Vista

8

8

Luverne Loop Bike Trail (6.5 miles) Future Trail Hwy 75 Bike Lanes Blue Mounds Trail (4 miles) Christopher Martin Ashby Memorial Trail (2 miles) State Park P Parking Picnic/Rest Area Restroom Camping

75

Sanford Medical Center 131ST ST

P

E BARCK ST

P E DODGE ST

Hawkinson Park

Luverne Loop Trailhead Riverside P Park

E LUVERNE ST

P Kolbert Park

E MAIN ST WARREN ST

147

P Redbird Field

VER

The Lake

Blue Mound Ice Arena

P

W KOEHN AVE

4 9

River Road Campground

DR

HATTING ST

9

Luverne City Park

K RI

P

4

P ROC

Luverne Campground EDGEHILL ST

Luverne Aquatics Center

Ro

N KNISS AVE/HWY 75

Prairie View Complex

ve r

P

Ri

Evergreen Park

Rotary Expected to be paved by Park the end of 2022. Use roads to complete the loop.

P

75

111TH ST

Luverne’s trail system connects many of the city’s parks. Luverne Chamber photo

90

of paved trails www.luvernechamber.com

BIKE _ HIKE _ EXPLORE

15+ miles

Minnesota Trails

Connections: In the north, the Luverne Loop connects to the Blue Mounds Trail which adds another paved four-mile leg into Blue Mounds State Park. See the striking rock formations of the park rise up from the ground as you travel north across the prairie.

The paved Christopher Martin Ashby Memorial Trail takes off from the trailhead and travels approximately two miles east through River Road Campground and ends at County Road 9.

A final segment of the Loop Trail is expected to be completed by the end of 2022 and will close a one-mile gap in the southeastern section. To make the loop, riders currently need to use neighborhood roads.

ck

BLUE MOUND AVE

Tonto Park

This paved trail in the far southwestern corner of Minnesota circles downtown Luverne and connects many of the town’s parks and sights. Downtown and its many shops and restaurants are never far away and the scenery varies between prairie views, quaint neighborhoods and the meandering Rock River. Start your trip at the modern trailhead building on the southeastern edge of town and make a 6.5-mile loop in either direction.

Summer 2022 47

Camden

2022

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

CAMDEN REGIONAL

59 Justice

68

23

Park

P

P

TRAIL

Southwest MN State University

Marshall 19

P

19 Red Baron Arena

23

15 MILES PAVED P Victory Park

23 59

23

Paved Trail P Parking Restroom

4.1 8.7 11.8 4.6 7.7 3.1

M in

s ile

P

LEGEND

23

ces an ist

www.MNTrails.com

D al Tot

Find More Maps at

7.1 11.7 14.8

Lyn ark d Ca md en Sta te P ark

23

Jus

Lynd

Re dB ar tice on Ar Vic ena Par tor k yP

3

Camden State Park

VISITMARSHALLMN.COM 507-537-1865 MARSHALL, MN

Camden Regional Trail 15 miles Marshall, MN to Camden State Park The Camden Regional Trail connects the southwestern Minnesota town of Marshall to nearby Camden State Park.

Start your trip at the Red Baron Arena and Expo on the southeastern edge of town, where a tunnel takes you safely under Hwy. 23 and onto the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University. The route starts north, then cuts west across the northern outskirts of Marshall. After the airport and the golf course, the trail starts heading southwest through a scenic stretch along the banks

of the Redwood River, then along Hwy. 23.

You’ll pass through the small town of Lynd, MN before you begin your ascent to the edge of Camden State Park. After another mile on a very scenic and winding section, you’ll reach the park office and the end of the trail.

There are plenty of benches to rest along the Camden Regional Trail and interpretive kiosks with maps tell the natural and historical story of the area.

Connections: Marshall’s network of on and off-street bike routes take you to some of the city’s numerous parks and Camden State Park offers about 5 miles of mountain bike trails.

Rural scene near Marshall, MN. Jan Lasar photo 48 Summer 2022

Minnesota Trails

2022

Hastings Loop

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

SCHAAR’S BLUFF TRAILHEAD

P

10.1 Miles

10

MISSISSIPP I RIVER GREENW AY

LOCK AND DAM NO. 2 TRAILHEAD

WEST TRAILHEAD

P

MN

P 10

42

FAHEY AVE. S

42

i ipp iss r iss ve M Ri

NI SPRING LAKE PARK RESERVE

WI

La ke Re be NI NG cca ER RD

1ST ST W

42

JAYCEE PARK

POINT DOUGLAS PARK

61

10

P

3.5 Miles

P

P

PRESCOTT

P

LEVEE PARK

55

Parks

P Parking 160TH ST. E

15TH ST. W

HASTINGS BIKE TRAILS

County Route

23.7 MILES 160TH ST. E

HASTINGS

NO

RT

HR

ID

GE

DR

.

PLEASANT DR.

U.S. Route

5.6 Miles GENERAL SIEBEN DR.

LEGEND

Hastings City Trails (5.6 miles) Mississippi River Greenway (10.1 miles) Vermillion River Greenway (4.5 miles) Point Douglas Trail (3.5 miles) Hastings 10-mile Loop

55

BAILEY ST.

4TH ST. W

61

RIVERTOWN DOG PARK

P

CP ADAMS PARK 18TH ST. E

Bullfrog Pond

P

HASTINGS SNA

P

RAVEN NA TRL

54

OLD MILL PARK

P VERMILLION FALLS PARK

r ion Rive Vermill

46

Lake Isabel

10TH ST. E VERMILLION ST.

55

PINE ST

2ND ST W

55

SPIRAL BLVD

160TH ST. E

61

G IN W D D RE BLV

4.5 Miles

316

Hastings Bike Trails 23.7 miles The paved Ten Mile Loop is the highlight of Hasting's 23.7-mile trail system. Numerous city parks and points of interest invite you to park the bike and explore. The trail takes you along the Mississippi River, allowing you to practically step out onto the river on an overlook platform and watch the boats and barges go by.

Continue along the trail past Lock and Dam #2, over a dike holding back the Mississippi backwaters, and up to a gorgeous river bluff overlook and catch glimpses of Bald Eagles soaring overhead. Travel along the Mississippi River, but also along the banks of the Vermillion River, using underpasses on County Road 46/47 and Highway 61 to stop for a break at Vermillion Falls Park, where you can take in beautiful, 35-foot Vermillion Falls in a limestone ravine.

Another highlight along the route is the new Hastings Riverwalk, which connects two city parks located right on the Mississippi River.

Levee Park is a perfect spot for summer entertainment with an outdoor concert venue that fills up with live music, classes and outdoor movies from May through September. Other must-see stops are the Vermillion Gorge Bridge with its expansive river views and ruins of the old Ramsey Mill.

Crossing the Mississippi River on the iconic Hastings bridge. Jan Lasar photo

Connections: On the northwestern edge of the loop near Eagle Bluff Park, connect with the Mississippi River Trail Scenic Bikeway (MRT) and the Mississippi River Greenway (Dakota County Parks) and reach the Fahey Ave. trailhead at Spring Lake Park Reserve after another eight miles. A future completion of another 2.8-mile segment will have this route connect into Saint Paul.

At Hastings Bridge Plaza the northeastern edge of the trail, take the paved Point Douglas Regional Trail, also part of the MRT, across the Mississippi River into Prescott, WI. visitHASTINGSmn.org Minnesota Trails

Summer 2022 49

By Tom Watson

Wilderness A TASTE OF THE

Walk-in Camping at Minnesota State Parks

JOHN MUIR, RECOGNIZED AS THE FATHER OF AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS, IS QUOTED AS SAYING:”OF ALL THE PATHS YOU TAKE IN LIFE, MAKE SURE A FEW OF THEM ARE DIRT.” THAT SAME PHILOSOPHY CAN BE DIRECTLY APPLIED TO CAMPING IN MINNESOTA’S STATE PARKS, TOO—ESPECIALLY TO THOSE CAMPSITES REACHED ONLY ON FOOT. You may be familiar with the look of a typical campsite that includes a parking spot for a vehicle, but more than 40 of our state parks also offer campsites that cannot be accessed by driving up to it—you must walk in and carry your gear on your back or use a two-wheeled cart provided by the park.

Campsites for either option are all within a half mile or less of the parking area. Walk-in and cart-in campsites offer the standard amenities of a regular drive-up campsite like a tent area, fire ring, picnic table and access to a toilet and drinking water. Some state parks offer both types of foot-access camping and most such sites are in a separate area from the drive-up campgrounds, often within a small campground area of their own.

Campers in a walk-in site enjoy a quieter setting away from the vehicle traffic of a regular campground. Walkin and cart-in campsites also tend to be spaced farther apart with more privacy than regular campgrounds, which adds to the appeal.

For those seeking to get even farther away, there is another option. Nineteen state parks also offer more of a back country experience with campsites up to five miles from the trail head. These remote backpacking campsites provide a primitive toilet, water, tent pad, fire ring and sometimes a shelter. Some parks offer this back country camping 50 Summer 2022

option in addition to walk-in and cartin sites. At least 18 parks offer footaccess sites situated along a river or beside a lake, adding that special scenic aspect to these more remote, secluded campsites.

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park features three backpacking sites alongside small lakes and a beaver pond. Walkins at George H. Crosby Manitou are part of a wild, north-country landscape; spartan sites nestled in amid the lush forest floor, stretched out along one of Minnesota’s iconic, cascading rivers.

Walk-in campers at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park can enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake Superior from majestic campsite perches above its rocky shoreline. Long hikes along streams at Lake Itasca bring backpackers to individual campsites scattered throughout the remote regions of the park, miles beyond its road system.

Savanna Portage State Park offers wooden shelters in addition to tent sites as part of their walk-in camping along historic portage routes while Glendalough’s campsites overlooking Annie Battle Lake are laid out more like a conventional drive-up campground.

In western Minnesota’s prairie area, Upper Sioux Agency State Park offers foot-access camping in clearings along riverbanks of the Yellow Medicine River while at Lac Qui Parle State Park campers enjoy views from high slopes above the Minnesota River.

Because some walk-in sites are within only a few dozen yards of their parking areas, novice campers can enjoy all the amenities of driveup camping while learning to become more self-reliant and selective in their camping style. Walk-in camping may open the door to a whole new sensibility about camping in Minnesota’s treasure chest of state parks and introduce campers to a unique, “Taste of the Wilderness” experience not realized by conventional car camping.

Lake Bronson Jan Lasar photo

Glendalough Tom Watson photo

Upper Sioux Agency Tom Watson photo Minnesota Trails

Hayes Lake Jan Lasar photo

of walk-in campsites = Number at Minnesota State Parks

3

2

Lake Bronson

4

3 Franz Jevne

Hayes Lake

Red River SRA

Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine

5

2

Cuyuna Country SRA

22

6

2

6 St. Croix

8 Wild River

Lake Maria Minnesota Valley SRA

3 3

Upper Sioux Agency

Fort Ridgely

7

1

Nerstrand Big Woods

Flandrau

Blue Mounds

4 Kilen Woods

9

Afton

8 Frontenac

8

4

Rice Lake Whitewater

Lake Shetek

14

30 2

3

6

5 Myre-Big Island

Savannah Portage Roy Heilman photo Great River Bluffs

Beaver Creek Valley

Before You Head Out Call the park directly for current conditions, especially for more remote sites. Think bugs, mud, fire bans, etc. Find the number here:

www.dnr.state.mn.us/parkfinder/index.html Minnesota Trails

Split Rock Lighthouse Katie Foshay (MNDNR) photo

Mille Lacs Kathio

17 3

Temperance River George H. Crosby Manitou Tettegouche

Moose Lake

Charles A. Lindbergh

4

Cascade River

2 7

Glendalough

6

5

Split Rock Lighthouse Jay Cooke

8

4

21

24 20

Savanna Portage

Itasca

4

Lac Qui Parle

Bear Head Lake

McCarthy Beach

22

Glacial Lakes

4

3

Scenic

Maplewood

Scenic Jan Lasar photo

Want More Wilderness?

Minnesota state forests offer dispersed camping without any amenities for that true, “on your own” experience. Bonus: It’s free.

www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/ dispersed-camping.html Summer 2022 51

“Everywhere we went we ran into some really

friendly

folks.”

Nice

MINNESOTA

Story and photo by Jan Lasar

THE LAKE WOBEGON AND CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL SYSTEM CONNECTS WAITE PARK AND FERGUS FALLS WITH A CONTINUOUS PATH THAT BRINGS THOUSANDS OF VISITORS TO CENTRAL MINNESOTA EACH YEAR. FOR THOSE WHO LIVE IN ONE OF THE COMMUNITIES ALONG THE WAY IT’S A BACKYARD GYM OR JUST A PLACE TO WALK THE DOG. OTHERS, LIKE CAROL AND CHRIS JACOBSEN PLAN A SPECIAL TRIP AND DRIVE NEARLY 900 MILES TO EXPERIENCE THE FORMER RAILROAD TURNED RECREATIONAL TRAIL. 52 Summer 2022

At home in the Denver, CO area, the retired couple goes on regular bike rides and leads an active life. “Instead of just driving around and looking at stuff we like to bike and still see some new things,” Chris said. After visiting places like the George S. Mickelson Trail in South Dakota and Missouri’s Katy Trail it didn’t take long for them to set their sights on the Central Lakes and Lake Wobegon Trail when a nephew’s graduation had them traveling to Minnesota last July.

After getting a ride from Waite Park the day before, they set off early from the Fergus Falls trailhead on the Central Lakes Trail and finished 44 miles later in Alexandria where they enjoyed dinner on the patio of a restaurant right on the trail and later visited the brewery. “It was like a little celebration when we rolled into town,” Chris said. On day two they crossed into Lake Wobegon territory in Osakis and called it a day in Melrose after 41 miles. They finished their trip the next day and arrived back in Waite Park with a total of 115 miles.

Both appreciated the peaceful riding on trails they had to themselves for the most part.

“Lots of times we’d go for hours without seeing anybody,” Chris said.

Carol loved views of the landscape that couldn’t be more different from that at their home in the Colorado mountains at 8,500 feet elevation. She said she enjoyed the varied landscape, the farms and the lakes along the trail. “[I liked] seeing the country that you can’t see from the Interstate,” she said and mentioned stopping in West Union to look at the farmthemed trail art there. The couple even had a special central Minnesota treat when they stopped at the Avon Cabin Café for a fish fry lunch.

Besides an easy to bike, paved trail and plenty of oxygen available at our Minnesota elevation, the couple kept their daily treks at around 40 to 50 miles.

“It was a relaxing ride, but after riding for five hours you’re kinda glad to get off the bike at the end of the day,” Chris said.

Planning a trip like this takes training and some equipment like padded bike shorts and a first aid kit, for example, but the right attitude is key, Chris said. “You don’t need to turn it into a job.”

The couple also credited Jean Bowman of Visit Fergus Falls and Cliff Borgerding of the Lake Wobegon Trails Association with helping arrange lodging and transportation, saying the people they met along the trail made their trip special.

“Everywhere we went we ran into some really friendly folks,” Chris said.

Minnesota Trails

You, a canoe and a day of fun.

Find a state water trail near you at mnDNR.gov/watertrails

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2022 53

Garden Island Rec. Area

Minnesota’s bike trails, long distance hiking trails, water trails, state parks, state recreation areas and biomes

Lake of the Woods

Zippel Bay Lake Bronson

Red River of the North

Rainy River

Hayes Lake

Franz Jevne

75

International Falls

Old Mill

Red Lake

59

Crookston

Lake Bemidji

2

Lake Cass Winnibigoshish Lake Paul Bunyan Migizi Schoolcraft

Bemidji

La Salle Lake Rec. Area

75

Eveleth

Mesabi

Leech Lake Walker

Grand Rapids

OHV Rec. Area

St. Louis

Grand Portage National Monument

Grand Marais

Temperance Cascade River River

Lake Superior

Tofte

Tettegouche

Chisholm Iron Range

Hill Annex Mine

Judge C.R. Magney

Kekekabic Trail

Bear Head Lake

Grand Portage

BWCA

Ely

Lake Vermilion /Soudan Undergound Mine 169

McCarthy Beach

Scenic

Erskine

Border Route Trail

53 Vermillion

Big Fork

71

Lower Red Lake

Red River Rec. Area

Voyageurs National Park

Little Fork

Big Bog Rec. Area

Upper Red Lake

Rainy Lake

Rainy Lake

George H. Crosby Manitou Silver Bay

Gooseberry Falls

Split Rock Lighthouse

Gitchi Gami Trail Cloquet Two Harbors Heartland 169 Mississippi Park Buffalo River Detroit Superior Hiking Trail North Paul Rapids Lakes Country Lake Superior 2 Bunyan Trail North Duluth Country Jay Cooke Pine Trail Crow Savanna 59 Cuyuna Wing Portage Willard Alex Country Otter Maplewood Laveau Rec. Area Munger Tail Segment Moose 94 Brainerd Wadena Kettle Crosby Lake

Itasca

Moorhead

MAP LEGEND

Crow Wing

Glendalough

Fergus Falls

Glendalough

Mille Lacs Kathio

71 Long Prairie 10

Central Lakes

Soo Line Little Falls

Lake Carlos Lake Wobegon

Alexandria

75

Glacial Lakes Pomme de Terre Chippewa

Monson Lake

59 71

Redwood

Camden

212

Minnesota

Fair Ridge

Marshall Fort Ridgely Camden Cottonwood

Lake Shetek Pipestone National Monument

Split Rock Creek

Pipestone Casey Jones

Blue Mounds

Blue Mounds Luverne

59

Des Moines

Watonwan St. James

Kilen Woods

90 Worthington

35

St. Croix River

STATE PARKS

Rum

North Branch Sunrise Prairie Hardwood Creek Grand Rounds Hugo Saint Paul

STATE RECREATION AREAS

Wild River

BIKE TRAILS Interstate

ROADS

William O’Brien Marine on St. Croix Brown’s Creek Stillwater Gateway

Afton

Hastings Fort 52 Snelling Cannon Red Wing Minnesota Valley 61 Frontenac Valley Cannon Rec. Area

Flandrau

14

75

TALLGRASS ASPEN PARKLAND Snake

Lake Maria

Lake Rec. Area

CONIFEROUS FOREST

St. Croix

Minneapolis Luce Line Hutchinson Crow, Dakota LRT South Fork Greenleaf Rail

212 Upper Sioux Agency

12

Willmar

Lac qui Parle

DECIDUOUS FOREST

Banning

Mora

Charles A. Lindbergh

Crow, Glacial North Fork Lakes

PRAIRIE

Sandstone

Father Hennepin Hinckley

169 Sauk Sauk Centre Soo Line Albany Saint Cloud St. Joseph ROCORI 94 Mississippi Paynesville Sibley

Big Stone Lake 12

Mille Lacs Lake

New Ulm Mankato

Sakatah Lake

35 Falls Cannon

Goodhue

STATE WATER TRAILS CITIES LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS Not for Navigation May 2022

Lake City

Mississippi Pioneer 63 Nerstrand Great Zumbro Big Woods River Carley

Faribault Straight Douglas Ridge John A. Latsch Sakatah Singing Hills Whitewater 14 Winona Owatanna Rice Lake Great River Bluffs Rochester Whitewater 52 Root Cedar Root River Myre Blue Blazing 90 Lanesboro Big Island Earth Star Shooting Beaver Creek Valley Preston Star 63 Blue Austin Shell Albert Harmony-Preston Valley Earth Rock Lea Lake Louise Harmony Forestville /

Minneopa

Mystery Cave

VISITBRAINERD Choose C hoo ose Your Your Adventure.

Adventture.

54 Summer 2022

VisitBrainerd.com Minnesota Trails

TRAIL PARTNERS A quick and easy reference for planning your adventure!

B&Bs COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST 651-257-4773

5 miles from Taylors Falls www.countrybedandbreakfast.us

GREEN HERON B&B

Minnesota Trails Directory Regions

Northwest Region

Northeast Region

2

Bemidji

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

61

71

218-999-5795

2

35

Central Region

94

Duluth

St. Cloud

LODGING/CAMPING

BIKE SHOPS BIKE KING

651-457-7766

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

CARS BIKE SHOP

763-784-6966

2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy 10, Mounds View www.CarsBikeShop.com

CYKEL

218-772-0177

324 Curtis Avenue, Ironton www.cykelonline.com

FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT

320-251-2844

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

JAKE’S BIKES

320-219-7433

419 N. Nokomis St., Alexandria www.jakesbikes.com

RAMSEY BICYCLE

763-323-6666

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

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI

320-251-2453

320-639-2453

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

TRAILHEAD CYCLING & FITNESS

651-565-9932

DEERWOOD MOTEL

35

218-838-6858

CANNON FALLS CHAMBER

218-444-7011

324 Broadway, Alexandria www.centrallakestrail.com

HUTCHINSON CHAMBER

THE DEERSTAND RESTAURANT AND BAR 24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood 218-534-9253 212 West Main Street, Crosby www.trailsidetavern.com

218-332-5425

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

VISIT LAKEVILLE 218-545-1000

800-450-7247

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

VISIT FERGUS FALLS

SPECIALTY STORES

320-587-5252

2 Main St., Hutchinson www.explorehutchinson.com

VISIT BRAINERD 218-546-5465

VICTUAL 763-712-0312

507-263-2289

CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION 320-763-0102

BEMIDJI BREWING

124 West Main Street, Crosby www.shopvictual.com

INFORMATION 103 4th St N, Cannon Falls www.cannonfalls.org

EAT & DRINK

TRAILSIDE TAVERN & PATIO

90

218-534-3163

23457 Co. Rd. 31, Crosby www.redriderresort.com

211 America Avenue NW Bemidji www.bemidjibeer.com

Mankato

90

23688 Forest Road, Deerwood Great rooms at great prices.

RED RIDER RESORT

Metro Region

71

www.deerstandrestaurant.com

160 29th Avenue South, St. Cloud www.revolutioncycleandski.com

TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP

BIG RIVER RESORT 1110 Hiawatha Dr. E www.bigriverresort.com

Southern Region

952-469-2020

19950 Dodd Blvd., Lakeville www.visitlakeville.org

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

TRAILHEAD CYCLING & FITNESS

763-712-0312

12901 16th Ave. N, Plymouth www.trailheadcyclingandfitness.com

SERVICES CENTRAL LAKES TRIKES

320-760-8033

Osakis, MN | Trike Rental & Shuttle Service www.centrallakestrikes.com

COLDWELL BANKER CROWN REALTORS 218-546-8346

Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby www.coldwellbankercrown.com

CUYUNA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 218-546-7000

320 East Main Street, Crosby www.cuyunamed.org

DEERWOOD BANK

218-534-3111

21236 Archibald Road, Deerwood www.deerwoodbank.com

DRIFTLESS TRADING POST

507-875-7733

318 Mill S, Peterson www.driftlesstradingpost.com

MID MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 218-546-5428

117 West Main Street, Crosby www.mmfcu.org

OARS-N-MINE

218-546-6912

22640 MN-6, Crosby www.oarsnmine.com

TIMBER BUILDING SUPPLY

218-678-2063

14506 State Highway 6, Deerwood www.timberbuildingsupply.com

More details at:

www.mntrails.com/trail-partners Minnesota Trails

Summer 2022 55

THE TRAILS ARE CALLING Looking to hit the trails, but don’t know where to start? Visit your authorized Trek retailer today to learn about the different ways to ride offroad. We’re here to help you choose the right mountain bike for however and wherever you want to ride.

Adventure Cycle & Ski advcycle.bike | Winona

Revolution Cycle and Ski revolutioncycleandski.com | St. Cloud

DL Bike Shop dlbikeshop.com | Detroit Lakes

Rick’s Cycling and Sports Center rickscycling.com | Willmar

Downtown Bicycles GRZQWRZQELF\FOHVOOF FRP _ 1RUWKƂHOG

Rochester Cycling F\FOLQJ ƂWQHVV FRP _ 5RFKHVWHU

Gateway Cycle gatewaycycle.com | Oakdale

Rydjor Bike Shop rydjor.com | Austin

Jake’s Bikes jakesbikes.com | Alexandria

SCHEELS Eden Prairie scheels.com | Eden Prairie

Maple Grove Cycling maplegrovecycling.com | Maple Grove

SCHEELS Mankato scheels.com | Mankato

Martin’s Cycling & Fitness PDUWLQVF\FOLQJDQGƂWQHVV FRP _ $OEHUW /HD

SCHEELS Moorhead scheels.com | Moorhead

Outdoor Motion outdoormotionbikes.com | Hutchinson

SCHEELS Rochester scheels.com | Rochester

Ramsey Bicycle ramseybicycle.com | Ramsey

SCHEELS St. Cloud scheels.com | St. Cloud

Red Wing Bicycle Co. redwingbikes.com | Red Wing

Straight River Sports straightriversports.com | Owatonna

56 Summer 2022 TK22_MN_Retailers_MTB_Summer_Group_Ad.indd 1

Minnesota Trails 3/25/22 8:40 AM