Minnesota Trails 2016 Summer Edition

Trail B

uilder

Page 5

Summer 2016

Getting Kids Outdoors 125 Year Anniversary First Century Ride

40 Top Bike Rides

33 Bike Trails

CanoesKayaksSUPsFootwearOutdoor

BackpackingCampingClimbing

Nordic SkiingAdventure Travel

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

in the city.

309 Cedar Ave S Minneapolis MN 55454 | 612.339.3433

Ask us. We’ve been there.

Minnesotavacations begin

Find the best gear and clothing for yournext outdoor adventure, including:

www.midwestmtn.com

Vol. 21, No. 2 May 2016

Minnesota Trails magazine is a continuation of Minnesota Bike Trails & Rides, published quarterly in cooperation with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that acquires, protects and enhances critical lands for public enjoyment. Your $35 membership subscription supportsthis 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

522 Sinclair Lewis AvenueSauk Centre, MN 56378

www.MnTrails.com

Minnesota Trails Staff

Dave SimpkinsEditor/Publisher

Jan LasarPublisher/Advertising

Joyce FrericksAccounting

Brian Dingmann Page Layout & Design

Pat TurnerGraphics Manager

Tara PitschkaAmanda ThooftGraphic Artists

Editorial BoardBrett Feldman

Executive DirectorParks & Trails Council of Minnesota

2 Summer 2016 Minnesota Trails

Departments

5 Trails Q&A People we meet on the Trails

6-7 Parks & Trails News

12 Bike Ride Guide Events from June to October

17 Bike Trail Guide Maps and Info

46 Business Directory Find Your Trail Partners

Columns

4 Celebrating a 125-year struggle Dave Simpkins

Upcoming Issues:

Fall: August 2016Hiking, Scenic Byways

Winter: November 2016Ski Trails, Winter Getaway

Features

8 Getting Kids Outdoors Tom Watson

9 125 Year Anniversary Dave Simpkins

10 My First Century Bea Winkler

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

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

Thank yous! Find us on:

Proud sponsor of the

Minnesota Trails Summer 2016 3

This year we’ll be celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Minnesota Parks & Trail system

along with the millions of visitors that will be taking in all the hiking, camping, birding, biking, swimming, canoeing, geocaching, rock climbing, picnicking, photographing, campfires and the hundreds of other things we

love to do in this great land of ours.

Along with celebrating all these joys, I also want to celebrate all the struggles and the people who fought so hard to make this great park and trail system possible.

From the very start, the

magnificent Itasca State Park passed out of the state legislature in 1891 with only a one vote majority to become the second state park in the nation behind Niagara Falls. This didn’t impress the timber companies who tried to rescind the legislation. Jacob V. Brower fought hard to protect those gorgeous white pine trees from being harvested.

When Mary Gibbs took over for her deceased father as Itasca Park Manager, she had to fight off the lumbermen who were flooding Lake Itasca with logs. They said they would shoot anyone who put their hand on the lever to lower the water. She went to the lever and said, “I will put my hand there, and you will not shoot it off either.”

There was a great deal of building in the the state parks during the Great Depression because the government wanted to put people to work and also because the parks gave everyone a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

At a labor rally during the Minneapolis Trucker’s strike of 1934, Vincent Dunne told the strikers the day would come in Minnesota when the average working person would have a place at the lake just like the wealthy people did. For many that place was in a state park.

Ironically, many of those state

parks would be made through a group of civic and business leaders that started in 1954 what is now the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota. Samuel Morgan had the vision that it is good to be an advocate for state parks but to get anything accomplished an advocacy organization would have to have money. The group raised that money and their first project was the outright purchase of land for the Afton State Park. Nearby land owners were upset and burned a dummy of Morgan in effigy.

Once the park was complete the neighbors were happy with the park and Morgan could joke that he would rather be burned in effigy than in person.

Today, the Parks & Trails Council’s Samuel H. Morgan Land Fund, which is used to acquire land for parks and trails, is valued at $5 million. The Council has helped

create Grand Portage State Park, worked to double the size of

William O’Brien State Park and Tettegouche State

Parks as well as adding mileage to most of the state’s bike trails.

The Council came to the aid of the Paul Bunyan Trail in 2004 when adjoining land owners of an undeveloped portion argued the land

should return to them rather than become a

paved trail. Working with trail organizer

Terry McGaughey, the Council provided

legal counsel in a friend of the court brief to the Minnesota Supreme Court winning a landmark case impacting trails nationwide.

In 2010, Congressman Jim Oberstar secured $800,000 to build a mountain bike trail system at Cuyuna Country SRA, but there was a funding gap of

$50,000 that the Council filled with a no-interest loan for IMBA to start the project. Without this help the world-class mountain bike park would not have happened.

Currently the Council is working with partners to create a two-trail corridor for a 13-mile stretch of the

Minnesota Valley State Trail – preserving the current

natural surface trail used by mountain bikers

while adding another hardened surface trail that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and provides broad public access to the Minnesota River

Valley.The dual-trail

will connect to several regional attractions and

trail networks, including: Bloomington’s Old Cedar

Avenue Bridge, Hyland Regional Trail and Park, Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail, downtown Chaska, downtown Shakopee, Valley Fair, Minnesota River Valley Refuge Visitor Center, Mall of America, Metro Transit’s Blue Line (LRT), Fort Snelling State Park, Historic Fort Snelling, Minnehaha Falls Regional Park and both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul via existing regional trails.

The Minnesota Valley project has its detractors, just like so many projects before it. And like the early development of Itasca State Park 125 years ago, it will become a valued recreational asset for the entire state to enjoy.

I can’t help but wonder what kind of protests we’d see if the state

started to close our parks, trails, rivers and forests. Instead

of protests, we get to celebrate 125 years of

our beautiful parks and trails and I’ll give a tip of my camping hat to all those people who stood up and struggled to make this all happen.

Jacob V. Brower

Mary Gibbs

Dave SimpkinsEditor/Publisher

unCommon Ground

Terry McGaughey’s vision was to turn an abandoned

railroad grade into the Paul Bunyan Trail.

Terry McGaughey


Terri TachenySt. Paul, MN

Kelsey OlsonMinnetrista, MN

Andrea SweeneyMinneapolis, MN

Cindy MorganPark Rapids, MN

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your favorite Minnesota hiking trail? The hike to Shovel Point at Tettegouche State Park.

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

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

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

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

Occupation: Director of Cardiovascular Programs at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

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

Why do you ride? I’m a marathoner and I wanted to diversify my workouts.

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

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

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

Trail treat: Salted Nut Roll.

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

Advice for a novice biker: Find a riding buddy or a group to ride with. Don’t be intimidated by spandex. My padded bike shorts are my favorite piece of gear.

Snapshots of people we meet along the trailQA&Trails

QAOccupation: Service Dog Trainer

Seen: Heartland Trail Park, Park Rapids

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

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

Worst trail experience: None come to mind.

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

How many miles do you bike a year? About 1000. I like long-distance rides.

How long have you been riding a bike? All of my life.

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

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

With $1000 I would: Help someone get a service dog.

Advice for a novice biker: Take water and snacks along.

Occupation: Naturalist at Sibley State Park.Seen: Interpretive Center at Sibley State Park.Gear: DNR uniformHow long have you been a naturalist? About five years, three with the Minnesota DNR.Why are you a naturalist? I am drawn to working with people and I grew up outdoors. This is the perfect combination of those two worlds.Why Sibley State Park? My great-grandfather homesteaded an area that is now part of the park. I’m 5th generation Norwegian.Sibley’s special features? The combination of prairie, oak savannah, and prairie potholes with wetlands is very unique.Your favorite Minnesota state park? If I had to choose one besides this one, it would be Blue Mounds.Best experience? I have those almost every day. Last week I saw a bird of prey eat a snake in a tree.Worst experience? Poison ivy. It happens all the time.Trail treat: Good, homemade jerky and dried fruit.Advice for aspiring naturalists: Get out and get active in the field. Volunteer, and do citizen science.

Trails Q & A2016


By Brett Feldman

If you are a regular MN Trails magazine reader you likely

turned to this page because you are a fan of Mike Tegeder’s columns.

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

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

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

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

So how do we show our ap-preciation to a man like Mike who

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

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

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

If you would like to join the movement to honor Mike, you can request a token by emailing [email protected]. Each token is numbered so after you finish your adventure we need you to log into parksandtrails.org and record some basic information about your expe-rience. By completing this step we can follow the path of each outdoor experience that has been inspired by Mike. At the same time you will be fulfilling Mike’s mission and our organization’s mission to get more people connected to the outdoors.

parks & trails council of mn w w w . p a r k s a n d t r a i l s . o r g

Letter from the executive director

Help us “pass it on”


Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota would like to thank the following sponsor www.pincushiontrailsinn.com

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

Plus, members receive four issues of Minnesota Trails Magazine!Join Today! Mail in an enclosed subscription card or join online

www.ParksAndTrails.org

People saving special places

Parks & Trails Summer 2016.indd 1 4/28/16 10:58 AM


parks & trails council of mn w w w . p a r k s a n d t r a i l s . o r g

2016 Parks & Trails Photo Contest

Map from the Gitchi Gami Trail Association’s Annual Bike Ride, which offers three routes, some going off the trail onto highways and roads.

Submit your photos May 20 – August 20, 2016

www.ParksAndTrails.org/photo-contest

Seeing the beauty protected within Minnesota’s parks and trails-it’s worth a thousands words. Help tell the story of these

special places with your photo!

1ST PlAce

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

+ $100 cash prize


All WinnerS

Will be featured in the published issue of Minnesota Trails Magazine and on Parks & Trails Council website and facebook pages

2015 Winning photo by Manda Baldwin2015 Winning photo by Janelle Wesenberg2015 honorable mention photo by Lisa Nilles

2nd PlAce ~ $75 cash prize

3rd PlAce ~ $50 cash prize

Parks & Trails Summer 2016.indd 2 4/28/16 10:59 AM


by Tom Watson, Outdoor Writer

Getting Kids Outdoors!

A kid’s first introduction to experiencing the natural world might be through a backyard sleepover or a fishing derby hosted by a local sportsmen’s association. Or, it may be just an afternoon of geocaching with family. Whatever that introduction to nature’s grand theater is, the only thing better than helping our youth experience the outdoors for the first time is getting them to come back again, and again, and again!

Encouraging and nurturing young people’s interest in the outdoors is the enthusiastic and creative goal promoted by Minnesota state parks. From organized projects in the field to programs kids can do at their own pace, the rewards go far beyond a well-deserved badge or certificate.

Here’s a look at a few of the many educational and entertaining ways state parks help kids become more vested in our great outdoors:

Junior Park Naturalist - Introduces kids to Minnesota’s rich and diverse biomes - Pinelands, Hardwoods or Prairies - by offering activities in parks, at school or in many natural settings. To complete the program, kids visit a state park where they are recognized for their efforts with a badge that certifies them as an official Junior Park Naturalist.

Park Explorer - Encourages kids to advance beyond their junior naturalist level through three more in-depth and diverse, outdoor adventure programs: Nature Explorer, History Explorer, and Earth Explorer. Young “explorers” earn points through various activity book challenges and are rewarded with an explorer’s badge.

“I Can“: This program, recipient of a Minnesota State Government

I n n o v a t i o n Award, is a series of outdoor skill-building programs developed to attract new visitors, particularly young families and racially diverse audiences, to state parks and their activities. Aimed primarily at participants who are single parents with school-aged

children, “I Can…” offers an introduction to camping and other outdoor adventuring by providing equipment and hands-on instruction for free or at a “family friendly” price.

The “I Can” series includes most of the activities available throughout Minnesota’s state parks and waterways:

“Camp” - an introduction to overnight camping with kids and families;

“Fish” - all the basics on how to fish, gear and bait included;

“Climb” - a literal cliff hanger, and rock scramble for the entire family;

“Paddle” - a range of paddling know-how, from canoes and kayaks to paddle boards, on all Minnesota’s waterways;

“Mountain Bike” - Off-roading at it’s adventuring beginner’s best;

“Archery In The Park” - close kin to the “I Can…” series, it’ all about bow, arrows and target shooting.

P r o j e c t Learning Tree - Offers educational “fun family activities” at your own pace - and place. This program e n c o u r a g e s children ages 3-15 and their families to share in puzzles, games and other activities to enjoy while hiking in the woods, at your

cabin or even around your city block featuring themes such as: Evergreens in Winter, The Fallen Log, Adopt a Tree, Birds and Worms, Soil Stories and more.

Geocaching - A popular state park program for several years, geocaching with kids introduces them to exploring in the field while they discover all the natural attractions and activities in our state parks. Geocaching kits and programs are available at parks across the state.

In addition to these statewide programs, individual state parks offer a wide range of topical activities

throughout the seasons. Everything from local flora and fauna to myriad natural history and science theme are among the vast array of programs offered. Opportunities range from clinics on critters

to different fisheries and everything in between - and all listed on each state park’s website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/dnrkids.

Many community programs introduce kids to an activity during just one event such as Take a Kid Fishing Day and others. The kid’s and family programs at our state parks provide an ongoing opportunity to encourage, sustain and nurture that spark of interest in kids by introducing them to all that our wonderful and exciting outdoor world offers them throughout our statewide system of parks.

Kids hone their target skills at an Archery in the Parks event Tom Watson photo

I Can Fish teaches children ages 3-15 the basics of fishing. DNR photo

State parks & trails offer many choices



by Dave Simpkins, Trails Editor/Publisher

125th AnniversaryCelebrating 125 Years of outdoor fun

There is a big birthday party going on at Minnesota’s state parks, rivers and recreational bike trails this year.

The Minnesota Parks and Trails division of the Department of Natural Resources is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the agency that began with the opening of Itasca State Park in 1891.

Since the system’s beginnings it has added 74 state parks and state recreation areas, 25 multi-use state trails and state water trails.

The celebration will include a 125-mile Bike, Boot or Boat Challenge, a Total Takeover of every campsite in the system, a license plate contest, many park and trails events, picnics, a comparative quilt and a special geocaching bug.

People can learn more and participate through the Parks website at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/125.

The 125-mile Bike, Boot and Boat Challenge started the first of January. Participants can accrue miles at any Minnesota state park, state forest, state trail or state water trail and they can keep track of their miles on the DNR website. Snowshoe hikes, wildflower walks and many other naturalist-led programs will count toward your total, as well as any miles you log on your own. Check the Parks calendar of events and look for the green icon for Challenge opportunities or do your own thing.

You can travel within state

parks, forests and trails, paddle Minnesota rivers and water trails or hike the Superior Hiking Trail.

F i n i s h e r s will appear in a Finisher’s Gallery on the DNR website.

The State Parks are on a mission to fill every campsite in the system on Saturday, June 11, which is National Get Outdoors Day. Campers are encouraged to go

online and register for the many good campsites yet to fill.

Park and trail users are designing a new license plate for Minnesota State Parks and Trails during the anniversary celebration. The agency is looking for original designs that capture the essence of your Minnesota State Parks and Trails experience. Whether it’s an iconic location, representative scenery or your favorite state park or trail activity, your design could appear on vehicles across the state.

EVENTSCheck the parks and trails events

page of the Parks website for specific park events and trail rides.

S p e c i a l picnics will be held at Interstate, M a p l e w o o d , Itasca, Fort S n e l l i n g G l e n d a l o u g h and Jay Cooke state parks throughout the summer.

The parks are creating a special work of fabric art c a p t u r i n g b e a u t i f u l places within

Minnesota state parks and on Minnesota state trails, and activities that bond family and friends. Visitors have been encouraged to create a piece of art and submit to be part of the 125th Commemorative Quilt. The quilt will be on display during the 2016 picnics at Jay Cooke, Maplewood, Fort Snelling and Itasca State Parks.

In celebration of the 125th anniversary, the parks are issuing a new geocaching challenge where visitors will help two Travel Bugs visit all 81 “Call of the Wildflower” caches during 2016.

Track their progress online at geocaching.com, enter in the Travel Bug reference numbers TB278JM and TB278J6.

Bill and Jeannine Rogers received their 125 sticker at Whitewater State Park. DNR photo

Tim Caroline was one of the first to complete the 125 Bike, Boot or Boat Challenge during the 125th Anniversary of Minnesota State Parks. DNR photo

Shawn Severson finished her 125th mile at Glacial Lakes State Park. DNR photo

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

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

I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. Just tell me I can’t do something and sheer determination is my usual response. After getting back into biking a few years ago, I couldn’t let my bum knee or neck tell me “You’re too old for this,” and I decided to ride 100 miles in one day.

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

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

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

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

was my time to do this! Our group left Century High

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

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

recline. At every stop we

compared notes: Any mishaps? Average speed?

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

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

We did everything we could to take our minds off the task of pedaling and each mile marker brought us a bit closer to the finish. Late in the afternoon I rolled into Park Rapids, my odometer read 100 miles and I had completed my first century ride.

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

by Bea Winkler

My First Century


Crosby - Ironton - Deerwood - Bay Lake - Cuyuna - Emily ~ LODGING ~Camp Holiday Resort and Campground

27406 Round Lake Road, Deerwood 218-678-2495

www.campholiday.com

Country Inn Deerwood 23884 Front St., Deerwood

218-534-3101 www.countryinndeerwood.com

Deerwood Motel 23688 Forest Rd., Deerwood

218-534-3163 www.deerwoodmotel.com

Hallett House B&B 22418 State Hwy. 6, Deerwood

612-269-6616 www.halletthouse.lodgify.com

True North Basecamp 825 1st St. SW, Crosby

218-833-2267 www.truenorthbasecamp.com

Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge 25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd., Deerwood (Open May-October) 218-678-2885

www.ruttgers.com

Woodland Beach Resort 15596 Woodland Beach Lane, Deerwood

218-866-0711 www.woodlandbeachresort.com

~ EAT & DRINK ~Crosby Dairy Queen

714 Oak St., Crosby 218-546-6124

www.dairyqueen.com

Deerstand Restaurant and Bar 24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood

218-534-9253 www.deerstandrestaurant.com

Mixed Company - A Kava House 128 W Main St., Crosby

218-545-1010 Coffee Shop · Panini/Sandwiches · Ice Cream

North Country Café 12 W Main St., Crosby

218-545-9908 Homestyle cooking w/friendly service.

Woodtick Inn 24916 Minnesota Ave., Cuyuna

218-772-0252 All trails lead to the tick.

Spalding House 1 W Main St., Crosby

218-546-6060 Craft beers on-tap. Overnight rooms available.

~ SERVICES ~Cuyuna Regional Medical Center

320 E Main St., Crosby 218-546-7000

www.cuyunamed.org

Cycle Path and Paddle 115 3rd Ave SW, Crosby

218-545-4545 www.cyclepathpaddle.com

Deerwood Bank Deerwood-Garrison-Brainerd-Baxter

800-291-6597 www.deerwoodbank.com

Jacobs Realty Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby

218-546-8346 www.jacobsrealtymn.com

Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union 117 W Main St., Crosby

218-546-5428 www.mmfcu.org

Contact Us for More Information

218-546-8131 • www.cuyunalakes.com

Ron & LeeAnn Plinske photo

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A total of 300 miles through Paul Bunyan country

June 17-24, 2016

FORMERLY THE KLOBUCHAR RIDE

Start in Brainerd, MN, on to Walker, Park Rapids, Itasca

State Park, Bemidji, Pine River and back to Brainerd.

Rest day at

beautiful

Itasca State

Park!

www.tourofminnesota.com

MAKE YOUR DIFFERENCE.

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

REDRIBBONRIDE.ORG

24-hour ATMadventuring

15 E MAIN STCROSBY, MN 56441

keep on

www.unitybanking.com

TOUR OF LAKES Saturday, June 4 Location: Pequot Lakes High School, Pequot Lakes, MN Email: [email protected] Website: www.paulbunyancyclists.com Distances: 35 and 65 miles Experience the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area.

TWIN CITIES TOUR DE CURE Saturday, June 4 Location: Minnehaha Falls, MN Phone: 763-593-5333 x 6784 Email: [email protected] Website: www.diabetes.org Distances: 7, 18, 29, 43, 62, 100 paved miles (22-mile mountain bike option) Join us for the Twin Cities Tour de Cure at Minnehaha Falls.

TOUR DE PEPIN Saturday, June 4 Location: Lake City, MN Phone: 651-345-4123 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lakecity.org/tourdepepin Begin your tour in historic Lake City and end with a steamboat ride.

WATER CARNIVAL BIKE RIDE Saturday, June 11 Location: Hutchinson, MN Phone: 320-339-0038 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hutchinsonrotary.org Distances: 12, 25, 50 miles This beautiful rural ride has a new route this year.

CARAMEL ROLL RIDE Saturday, June 11 Location: Albany, MN Email: [email protected] Website: www.caramelrollride.com This is our annual “Beginning of Summer” ride on the trail.

THE TOUR OF MINNESOTA Friday, June 17 Location: Brainerd, MN Phone: 952-215-5056 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tourofminnesota.com Distances: 30-75 miles daily The Tour of Minnesota is heading north to Paul Bunyan territory this year. Enjoy a rest day at Lake Itasca State Park.

LADY SLIPPER RIDE Saturday, June 18 Location: Avon, MN Email: [email protected] Website: www.ladyslipperride.com This is a short ride, about 6 miles round trip, to see the beautiful lady’s slipper orchids growing along the Lake Wobegon Trail.

LOOP THE LAKE FESTIVAL Saturday, June 18 Location: The Sanford Center, Bemidji, MN Phone: 218-759-0164 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bikebemidji.com Distance: 17 miles Family-friendly bike ride around Lake Bemidji. Easy, paved route with festive rest stops and evening programs.

DAM2DAM RIDE Saturday, June 18 Location: Little Falls, MN Phone: 800-325-5916 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cmnbikeclub.com Follow the Great River Road through Charles A. Lindbergh State Park to historic Blanchard Dam.

SHOOTING STAR TRAIL RIDE Saturday, June 25 Location: Rose Creek, MN Phone: 507-324-5119/612-499-5555 Email: [email protected] Website: www.shootingstartrail.org Distances: 20, 40, 50, 62, 100 miles All routes are fully supported with rest stops and SAG support.

Need more details?Visit mntrails.com/events

bike rides & tours 2016


SWISS CHEESE & SPOTTED COWS BICYCLE TOUR Saturday, June 25 - Thursday, June 30 Location: Mineral Point, WI Phone: 651-335-6505 Email: [email protected] Website: www.scscbiketour.com Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows is a 5-day bicycle tour featuring the best of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

PARKS & TRAILS EXPEDITION June 25, 2016 Location: Prior Lake & Shakopee, MN Phone: 651-726-2457 Email: [email protected] Website: www.parksandtrails.org Distance: 40 miles Enjoyaone-dayridefilledwithcamaraderie and learning for parks enthusiasts. Guided stops feature experts on parks and trails as well as history and local culture.

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

TOUR D’AMICO Monday, July 4 Location: D’Amico & Sons, Golden Valley, MN Phone: 651-994-1265 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tourdamico.org Distances: 29, 45, 62 miles Routes cover western metro area. Multiple supported rest stops with refreshments.

ROOT RIVER BLUFF & VALLEY BICYCLE TOUR Friday, July 8 - Monday, July 11 Location: Whalan, MN Phone: 612-723-4511 Email: [email protected] Website: www.havefunbiking.com Distances: 50 to 60 miles each day Discover the magic of riding your bike in Southeast Minnesota’s scenic driftless area.

TOUR OF SAINTS Sunday, July 10 Location: College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN Phone: 218-290-6247 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tourofsaints.com Distances: 18-50 miles It’s not a race. It’s a heavenly little ride.

HEADWATERS TO HILLS TOUR Sunday, July 10 - Sunday, July 17 Location: Itasca State Park Phone: 651-280-7299 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bikemn.org Distance: 50 miles per day This bicycle tour celebrates the Mississippi River Trail Bikeway (MRT).

SPLIT ROCK TOUR Saturday, July 16 Location: Ordean Building, Duluth, MN Phone: 218-624-4008 Email: [email protected] Website: www.veloduluth.com It’s our 40th Anniversary! Come join us for one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the Midwest.

BIKE MS: TRAM Wednesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 24 Location: Northern Minnesota Phone: 855-372-1331 Email: [email protected] Website: www.myMSbike.org Bike MS: TRAM Ride 2016 is a fully supported cycling vacation in central Minnesota.

bike rides & tours2016

Baptism River Inn B&B6125 Highway 1, Silver Baybaptismriverinn.com(877) 353-0707

Green Heron B&B2810 Meyers Bay Rd., Grand Rapidsgreenheronbandb.com(218) 999-5795

Historic Hutchinson House B&B305 NW 2nd Street, Faribaulthistorichutchhouse.com(507) 384-3291

Lake Le Homme Dieu B&B441 S Le Homme Dieu Dr. NE, Alexandriallbedandbreakfast.com(320) 846-5875

Summit Inn B&B208 Summit Ave., Center Citysummitinnbb.com(651) 257-4987

The Ellery House28 S 21st Ave. E, Duluthelleryhouse.com(218) 724-7639

Park Street Inn106 Park St., Nevisparkstreetinn.com(218) 652-4500

Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B11 Poplar Creek Dr., Grand Maraispoplarcreekbnb.com(800) 322-8237

www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org

Visit us at

Minnesota Bed Breakfast AssociationFor your peace-of-mind, all members

of the Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association have passed our Quality

Assurance Inspection. When you arrive you will find clean, comfortable,

and safe accommodations.

The Pillar Inn419 Main Street, Cold Springthepillarinn.com(320) 685-3828

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


ChanhassenBOKOO BIKES550 Lake Drive .......................................... 952-934-6468www.bokoobikes.com

BlainePIONEER CYCLE12741 Central Avenue NE ..................... 763-755-8871www.pioneercycle.com

Ramsey RAMSEY BICYCLES6825 Highway 10 ..................................... 763-323-6666www.ramseybicycle.com

St. Cloud REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI160 29th Avenue S .................................. 320-251-2453www.revolutioncycleandski.com

Willmar RICK’S CYCLING & SPORTS CENTER320 SW 3rd Street. ................................... 320-235-0202www.rickscycling.com

Duluth STEWART’S BIKES AND SPORT102 S 29th Avenue .................................. 218-724-5101 www.stewartsbikesandsports.com

MaplewoodSTRAUSS SKATES AND BICYCLES1751 Cope Avenue E ............................... 651-770-1344www.straussskatesandbicycles.com

MinneapolisTHE HUB BIKE CO-OP3020 Minnehaha Ave ............................. 612-729-0437www.thehubbikecoop.org

Hopkins TONKA CYCLE AND SKI16 Shady Oak Road S.............................. 952-938-8336www.tonkacycleandski.com

Champlin TRAILHEAD CYCLING11350 Aquila Drive .................................. 763-712-0312www.trailheadcycling.com

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

RED RIBBON RIDE Thursday, July 21 Location: Mall of America, Bloomington, MN Phone: 612-345-5584 Email: [email protected] Website: www.redribbonride.org Red Ribbon Ride is a fully supported 4-day, 300-mile bike ride to raise vital funds for HIV/AIDS services, treatment, prevention and awareness.

TOUR DE BUN BIKE CLASSIC Saturday, July 23 Location: Public Works Garage, Montgomery, MN Phone: 612-919-3331 Email: [email protected] Website: www.montgomerymn.org Come and join us for a ride through scenic Le Sueur County on the Saturday of Kolacky Days.

CANDISC Saturday, August 6 - Saturday, August 13 Location: Garrison, ND Phone: 800-799-4242 Email: [email protected] Website: www.candisc.net CANDISC, Cycling Around North Dakota in Sakakawea Country, is a bicycle ride around some of the greatest frontier of North America.

TOUR DE TONKA Saturday, August 6 Location: Minnetonka, MN Phone: 952-401-6800 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tourdetonka.org Distances: 16, 28, 49, 57, 77, 100 miles. Tour de Tonka is a scenic bike ride that travels through the Lake Minnetonka area and its surrounding communities.

MESABI TRAIL TOUR Saturday, August 6 Location: Virginia, MN Phone: 218-749-4331 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mesabitrail.comDistances: 12, 25, 48, 67 miles Enjoy this unique riding experience on the Mesabi Trail, Minnesota’s premier paved bicycle trail.

SURLY KLUNKERFUNK Saturday, August 6 Location: Ironton, MN Email: [email protected] Website: www.cuyunaklunkerride.com Join the crew for this family-friendly ride and bring your funkiest klunker. It’ll be a day of riding, live music, prize drawings and you get to ride your rig in the klunker parade.

BREAST CANCER RIDE Saturday, August 13 Location: Eagan Community Center Phone: 651-571-2873 Email: [email protected] Website: www.charityeventsofminnesota.org Distances: 12, 23, 35, 42, 65 miles The 9th Annual Breast Cancer Ride is a 1-day bicycle ride to raise money and awareness for local breast cancer service organizations.

BIKE DULUTH FESTIVAL Saturday, August 13 - Sunday, August 14 Location: Duluth, MN Phone: 218-727-1552 Email: [email protected] Website:www.bikeduluthfestival.com The Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival is a chain-rattling Minnesota mountain and road biking event that you do not want to miss.

(BAM) BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA Thursday, August 18 - Sunday, August 21 Location: Southwest Minnesota Phone: 651-335-6505 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bambiketour.org A fully supported tour in southwestern Minnesota with its rolling hills and beautiful farmlandonlowtrafficroads.



bike rides & tours2016

SAT., August 20, 2016

CANDISC Tour 2016August 6th-13th, 2016

Teddy Roosevelt National Park and Medora Badlands

“Best of the West”Starts & Ends in Garrison, ND

www.candisc.net1-800-799-4242

July 4th 201615, 25 and 50 mile routes

Shoreview, MNbiketcbc.org/watermelon

Twin Cities Bicycling Club

1400 5th Place NWRochester, MN

www.bicyclesportsinc.com(507) 281-5007

GITCHI-GAMI RIDE Saturday, August 20 Location: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, MN Phone: 218-370-1003 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ggta.org Distances: 28, 37, 55 miles The Gitchi-Gami Ride returns to the format of three loops beginning at Gooseberry Falls State Park.

TOUR DE PINES RIDE Saturday, August 20 Location: Itasca State Park Phone: 651-251-1495 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tourdepines.org The Tour De Pines is a beautiful single day bike tour in Northern Minnesota, in and around Itasca State Park.

JESSE JAMES BIKE TOUR Saturday, September 10 Location: Northfield, MN Website: www.jessejamesbiketour.org Distances: 12, 30, 45, 60, 100 miles Thisfabulousbiketourisanofficialevent of Defeat of Jesse James Days, one of Minnesota’s largest community celebrations. The best century ride around.

TASTE OF THE TRAIL Saturday, September 10 Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson Saturday, September 17 Fountain, Preston and Harmony Saturday, September 24 Houston, Rushford, Rushford Village Location: Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley Trail Phone: 507-429-2464 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rootrivertrail.org Three consecutive weekends each feature a different selection of towns.

CARAMEL APPLE RIDE Saturday, September 10, Sponsor: Lake Wobegon Trails Association Location: Sauk Centre, MN Email: [email protected] Website: www.caramelappleride.com Enjoy the fall colors and great apple refreshments at all the rest stops including caramel apples in Lake Wobegon Country.

ST. PAUL CLASSIC BIKE TOUR Sunday, September 11 Location: University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN Phone: 651-290-0309 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bikeclassic.org Distances: 15, 45 miles Discovertraffic-freegleeonMinnesota’s biggest bike tour!

TOUR DE PRAIRIE LAKES RIDE Saturday, September 17 Location: Pope County, MN Phone: 320-634-0335 Email: [email protected] This is a wonderful tour of Pope County for anyone who loves to bicycle and enjoy the outdoors.

PURPLERIDESTRIDE MN Saturday, September 17 Location: Elm Creek Park, Maple Grove, MN Phone: 763-420-5677 Email: [email protected] Website: www.support.pancan.org Distances: 50, 25, 8 miles PurpleRideStride is a signature event of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. A 5k run and walk are part of the celebration.

RIDE THE RIDGES Saturday, September 17 Location: Minnesota State College, Winona, MN Phone: 507-457-9808 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ridetheridges.info Choice of four routes in southeastern Minnesota along the Mississippi River.

MORA BIKE TOUR Saturday, September 17 Location: Vasaloppet Nordic Center, Mora, MN Phone: 320-309-0697 Email: [email protected] Website: www.morabiketour.org Distances: 25, 50 miles The 36th annual Mora Bike Tour will startandfinishatVasaloppetNordicCenter.

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


MINNEAPOLIS BIKE TOUR Sunday, September 18 Location: Boom Island in Minneapolis, MN Phone: 612-230-6479 Email: [email protected] Website: www.minneapolisbiketour.com Distances: 16, 25, 32 miles The 11th annual Minneapolis Bike Tour starts and ends at beautiful Boom Island. All three routes are fully supported.

AUTUMN TREK Sunday, September 18 Location: Hoffman Park in River Falls, WI Phone: 715-386-6649 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rivervalleytrails.org Distances: 25, 45, 65 miles and the 101-mile Century Super Challenge with over 8,200 feet of climb through Western Wisconsin.

HEADWATERS 100 Saturday, September 24 Sponsor: Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club Location: Park Rapids, MN Email: [email protected] Website: www.itascatur.org Distances: 25, 45, 75, 100 miles The premier fall event in Northern Minnesota, the Headwaters 100 has something for everyone.

SALSA OREMAGEDDON Saturday, October 8 Location: Cuyuna Lakes, MN Mountain Bike Trails Email: [email protected] Website: www.cuyuna5-0.com Distances: 12, 25 and 50 miles The premier mountain bike race of the season on world-class mountain bike trails.

MANKATO RIVER RAMBLE Sunday, October 9 Location: Mankato, MN Phone: 218-290-6247 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bikeriverramble.org Distances: 12-50 miles If you have never participated in the River Ramble, mark your calendar for this classic Minnesota ride!

Riders on the Minneapolis Bike Tour pass under the Guthrie Theater.Minneapolis Parks photo

Your friendly neighborhood bicycle shop!

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

Open 7 days a week.

Children’s, Road, Comfort, BMX, Mountain Bikes & Unicycles

2661 County Road I - Mounds View MN

763.784.6966CARSBikeShop.com

Saturday, September 10, 2016 H Northfield, Minnesota100 mile H 60 mile H 45 mile H 30 mile H 12 mile

Scenic Routes H Sheltered Rest Stops

www.jessejamesbiketour.orgSponsored by the Rotary Club of Northfield

GET IN YOUR10 !

www.minneapolisbiketour.com

REGISTRATION $35 register by September 2

$45 day of registration

16, 25 or 32 mile routeStarts & ends at Boom Island

Sunday, September 18, 2016

6825 Hwy 10 • Ramsey, MN763-323-6666

TREK • GIANT

ramseybicycle.com



EarthBlue

Minnesota

[email protected]

• Visit www.blueearthchamber.com for Details on WALK/BIKE Trails

• GIANT PARK Located Near Highways 169-16 & I-90

• Park - Trail - Seasonal Tourist Info Center, 55’ Jolly Green Giant Statue

~ Located Near FREE Camping~ Lodging

~ Variety of “Eats”~ FUN-FOOD-FESTIVALS

~ Unique Gifts, Antiques & Lattes

2 NEW Shelters for Picnicking at Steinberg & Water Park

Coming Soon

B L U E M O U N D S B I K E T R A I L

www.luvernechamber.com

Coming Soon

B L U E M O U N D S B I K E T R A I L

www.luvernechamber.com

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

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

Casey Jones State Trail • 12 miles total Pipestone & Currie The trail consists of three main sections, not yet connected to one another: Five paved miles east out of Pipestone, 2.5 miles of natural surface west of Lake Wilsion and a six-mile paved loop between Lake Shetek State Park and Currie. Eventually, the Casey Jones Trail will span 120 miles between Luverne and Redwood Falls. www.caseyjonestrail.org

Camden Regional Trail • 10 miles Marshall to Camden State Park The Camden Regional Trail extends from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) through Marshall and connects to Camden State Park. About 4 miles of additional paved trail connect to a network of city bike lanes. www.lyonco.org

Centennial Trail • 8 miles Villard Start in Villard and ride the paved trail to Glenwood. Connects with a bike route around Lake Minnewaska. www.glenwoodlakesarea.org

Cuyuna Lakes State Trail • 9 miles Crosby The longest completed part of the Cuyuna Country Trail starts in Crosby, and travels through the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area. Two more sections are currently paved: Brainerd (1.5 miles) and Aitkin (0.5 miles). It will eventually connect the city of Aitkin to the Paul Bunyan Trail. The 7-mile segment is groomed for fat tire biking in the winter. www.dnr.state.mn.us

Douglas State Trail • 12.7 miles Pine Island to Rochester A pleasant ride from Pine Island to Rochester via the town of Douglas. It’s the perfect out-and-back ride and it connects with Rochester’s extensive city trail network. www.dnr.state.mn.us

Fair Ridge Bike Trail • 5 miles Fairfax to Fort Ridgely State Park 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. www.cityoffairfax-mn.gov

2016 bike trail guideSHORT & SWEET

PipestoneMinnesota.comGhost WalksPipestone Nat’l MonumentCivil War Days

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

…Discover what’s #OnlyinPipestonePedal the Prairie


St. Cloud Scheels40 North Waite AveWaite Park, MN, 56387

Moorhead Scheels505 Center AveMoorhead, MN, 56560

Mankato Scheels1850 Adams StreetMankato, MN, 56001

Rochester Scheels1220 12th Street SWRochester, MN, 55902

2016bike trail guide SHORT & SWEETGlendalough Trail • 3 miles Battle Lake to Glendalough State Park The 3-mile trail starts at the Battle Lake Community Center and connects with a 5.5-mile loop trail around Annie Battle and Molly Stark Lakes inside the park. Ride back to Battle Lake to complete a 12-mile loop. www.morethanatrail.com

Great River Ridge State Trail • 13 milesCarley 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. www.dnr.state.mn.us

Hardwood Creek /Sunrise Prairie Trail • 26.5 milesHugo/North Branch The 9.5-mile Hardwood Creek Trail starts in Hugo and travels through Forest Lake. At the Washington/Chisago County line it continues on for 17 miles as the Sunrise Prairie Trail into North Branch. www.co.washington.mn.us and www.co.chisago.mn.us

Lake Okabena Trail • 5.5 miles Worthington This loop around Lake Okabena crosses a bicycle bridge near Lakefront Park. www.worthingtonmnchamber.com

Leaf River Recreational Trail • 4 milesWadena Starts in Wadena and connects to a bike route to make a loop of 10.5 miles. www.wadena.org

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

St. James Bike Trail • 4 miles St. James A nice four-mile, paved bike ride through the countryside southwest of St. James. www.ci.stjames.mn.us.

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. (see Centennial Trail) www.starbuckcitygov.com

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

SLEEPY EYEThere is always something to do in Sleepy Eye.

Visitors Information

800-290-0588www.sleepyeyechamber.com

Check out the 3.12 mile trail around Sleepy Eye Lake.

Bike Trail • Family Aquatic Center Golf Course • Ball Fields

Eight Parks • Veterans Park

Join us for Buttered Corn Days

August 19 & 20, 2016


2016 bike trail guideSHOOTING STAR

www.MNTrails.comFind More Maps at

LEG

END

Paved TrailUndeveloped Trail

ParkingRestroom

P

Rose Creek

Adams

Elkton

Adams City Park

Taopi Underpass

LeRoy

Lake Louise State Park

19

519

5

47

7 18

11P

6 6 6

56

56

P

9

9

98

4

14

PP

PLake Louise

Upper Iow

a River

North Branch

Littl

e C

edar

Riv

er

63

5656278

245

56

63

208

244

217

207240

27

236

230

203

5890

4

345

13

218

56

AustinJay C. Hormel Nature Center

TRAILSHOOTING

STAR STATE

22 MILES PAVED

Total Distances in Miles

10 14

4

20

10

6

LeRoy

Taopi

Adams

Rose Cree

k

Shooting Star State Trail • 22 milesThe Shooting Star Trail is a 22-mile, paved

trail through remnants of tall grass prairies with an abundance of native wildflowers. Much of it is built on an abandoned railroad grade.

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

Highlights:Remnant tallgrass prairie with wildflowers

like prairie smoke, rattlesnake master, wild indigo, sunflower, aster, goldenrod and blaz-ing star.

The trail passes by several interpretive and recreational opportunities, including Rustic Retreat Wildlife Management Area, Shooting Star Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, Taopi Prairie Interpretive Area and Mower County Natural and Scenic Area.

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


bike trail guide LUCE LINE 2016

Luce Line State Trail • 63 milesThe 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. The trail 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

TRAILLUCE LINE

STATE63 MILES ON A VARIETY OF SURFACES


RENVILLE CO.MEEKER CO.

Hutchinson Lester Prairie

12

(mowed grass)

South Fork Crow River

Otter Lake

LakeCedar

Belle Lake Hooke

Lake

Boon Lake

MudLake

10

1

35

12115

PP

P

Silver Lake

2

224 15

2

7

7

22

7

Cedar Mills

26

Cosmos

19

19

2022

14

167

7

5

4

412

7

76 79

71

71

61

15

Swan Lake

4

4

P P

261

5

20

16

7

Thompson Lake

Butler Lake

SouthLake

5 33

Silver Lake

Winsted Lake73

6Winsted

Western Portion

Eastern Portion

Oak Lake

Sout

h Fo

rk C

row

Riv

er

Rice Lake

Ox Yoke Lake

Whaletail Lake

Dutch Lake West Arm

Stubbs Bay

Lake MinnetonkaMud L.

Gleason Lake

ParkersLake

MCL

EOD

CO.

WRIGHT CO.

HENN

EPIN

CO.

CARV

ER CO

.M

CLEO

D CO

.

Winsted Lake

Winsted

5261

9

6

6

3030

8

10

21

L. Mary

L. Ann

L. Emma

20

3321122

20

122

PP P

PP P

P

10325

25

13

10

101524

16

1617

92

17

83

151

1984

19 6

20Watertown

92

9 0

2626 394

494

Summer Only

Mound

Independence

Maple Plain

Long Lake

Orono

Plymouth

Lyndale

Minnetrista

6

135

146

51

5

15

61 6

Katrina Lake

24101

16

Baker Park Reserve

Wood-Rill S.N.A.

201

12

12

12 55

Proposed

Proposed

LEG

END

Paved (Asphalt)

Adjacent Horse TrailUndeveloped

Crushed Aggregate BaseCrushed Limestone

ParkingRestroom

Public Campground

Picnic/Rest Area

State ParkP

Wayzata

Dakota Rail Trail15


6 7

1

19

13

12

29

23

22

10

39

31

30

18

8

44

38

37

25

15

7

Vicksbu

rg Lane

Trailhe

ad

Wakefiel

d-Conr

y Rest

Area

Stubb’

s Bay R

d. Trail

Access

Watertow

n

Winsted

Silver L

ake

Hutchin

son

Cedar M

ills

Thompso

n Lake

(near C

osmos)

51.5

45.5

44.5

32.5

22.5

14.5

7.5

63

56

55

43

33

24.5

17.5

10

TRAILLUCE LINE





12

(mowed grass)


Otter Lake

LakeCedar

Belle Lake Hooke

Lake

Boon Lake

MudLake

10

1

35

12115

PP

P

Silver Lake

2

224 15

2

7

7

22

7

Cedar Mills

26

Cosmos

19

19

2022

14

167

7

5

4

412

7

76 79

71

71

61

15

Swan Lake

4

4

P P

261

5

20

16

7

Thompson Lake

Butler Lake

SouthLake

5 33

Silver Lake

Winsted Lake73

6Winsted

Western Portion

Eastern Portion

Oak Lake

Sout

h Fo

rk C

row

Riv

er

Rice Lake

Ox Yoke Lake

Whaletail Lake

Dutch Lake West Arm

Stubbs Bay


Gleason Lake

ParkersLake

MCL

EOD

CO.

WRIGHT CO.

HENN

EPIN

CO.

CARV

ER CO

.M

CLEO

D CO

.

Winsted Lake

Winsted

5261

9

6

6

3030

8

10

21

L. Mary

L. Ann

L. Emma

20

3321122

20

122

PP P

PP P

P

10325

25

13

10

101524

16

1617

92

17

83

151

1984

19 6

20Watertown

92

9 0

2626 394

494

Summer Only

Mound

Independence

Maple Plain

Long Lake

Orono

Plymouth

Lyndale

Minnetrista

6

135

146

51

5

15

61 6

Katrina Lake

24101

16

Baker Park Reserve

Wood-Rill S.N.A.

201

12

12

12 55

Proposed

Proposed

LEG

END

Paved (Asphalt)



ParkingRestroom

Public Campground

Picnic/Rest Area

State ParkP

Wayzata

Dakota Rail Trail15


6 7

1

19

13

12

29

23

22

10

39

31

30

18

8

44

38

37

25

15

7

Vicksbu

rg Lane

Trailhe

ad

Wakefiel

d-Conr

y Rest

Area

Stubb’

s Bay R

d. Trail

Access

Watertow

n

Winsted

Silver L

ake

Hutchin

son

Cedar M

ills

Thompso

n Lake

(near C

osmos)

51.5

45.5

44.5

32.5

22.5

14.5

7.5

63

56

55

43

33

24.5

17.5

10

Cairns on the Luce Line near Cosmos.Jan Lasar photo

AmericInn 1115 Hwy. 7 E, Hutchinson 320-587-5515 www.americinn.com

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

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

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

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

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

ExploreHUTCHINSON.com#MuchInHutch

EXPLORE…

… the LUCE LINE STATE TRAIL

Hutchinson Chamber & Tourism800.572.6689 | [email protected]


bike trail guideLUCE LINE2016TRAILLUCE LINE





12

(mowed grass)


Otter Lake

LakeCedar

Belle Lake Hooke

Lake

Boon Lake

MudLake

10

1

35

12115

PP

P

Silver Lake

2

224 15

2

7

7

22

7

Cedar Mills

26

Cosmos

19

19

2022

14

167

7

5

4

412

7

76 79

71

71

61

15

Swan Lake

4

4

P P

261

5

20

16

7

Thompson Lake

Butler Lake

SouthLake

5 33

Silver Lake

Winsted Lake73

6Winsted

Western Portion

Eastern Portion

Oak Lake

Sout

h Fo

rk C

row

Riv

er

Rice Lake

Ox Yoke Lake

Whaletail Lake

Dutch Lake West Arm

Stubbs Bay


Gleason Lake

ParkersLake

MCL

EOD

CO.

WRIGHT CO.

HENN

EPIN

CO.

CARV

ER CO

.M

CLEO

D CO

.

Winsted Lake

Winsted

5261

9

6

6

3030

8

10

21

L. Mary

L. Ann

L. Emma

20

3321122

20

122

PP P

PP P

P

10325

25

13

10

101524

16

1617

92

17

83

151

1984

19 6

20Watertown

92

9 0

2626 394

494

Summer Only

Mound

Independence

Maple Plain

Long Lake

Orono

Plymouth

Lyndale

Minnetrista

6

135

146

51

5

15

61 6

Katrina Lake

24101

16

Baker Park Reserve

Wood-Rill S.N.A.

201

12

12

12 55

Proposed

Proposed

LEG

END

Paved (Asphalt)



ParkingRestroom

Public Campground

Picnic/Rest Area

State ParkP

Wayzata

Dakota Rail Trail15


6 7

1

19

13

12

29

23

22

10

39

31

30

18

8

44

38

37

25

15

7

Vicksbu

rg Lane

Trailhe

ad

Wakefiel

d-Conr

y Rest

Area

Stubb’

s Bay R

d. Trail

Access

Watertow

n

Winsted

Silver L

ake

Hutchin

son

Cedar M

ills

Thompso

n Lake

(near C

osmos)

51.5

45.5

44.5

32.5

22.5

14.5

7.5

63

56

55

43

33

24.5

17.5

10

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, 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.

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

History:The trailway dates back to the old Electric

Short Line of 1908 which moved goods and passengers in and out of the Twin Cities. It was renamed Luce Line after the family who owned it and extended as far as Lake Lillian. After the railroad ceased operations, the DNR acquired parts of the corridor to create the state’s first nature trail in 1970. By 1975 the state owned most of the right of way and between 1977 and 1980 built the trail to Winsted. In 2015, a 23-mile section between Winsted and Hutchinson was paved.

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

Runner on limestone surface near Watertown. Jan Lasar photo


2016

Crossing Browns Creek. Jan Lasar photo.

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

5.9 miles Browns Creek Trail.


TRAILGATEWAY/BROWNS

CREEK STATE

24 MILES PAVED

Bike Trail

ParkingRest Area

P

P

P

P

P

P

PP

P

61

Maplewood

Minnehaha Ave.St. Paul

Oakdale

Mahtomedi

Grant

Duluth Junction

Stillwater

North St. Paul

Gateway State Trail

Browns Creek Trail

Little Canada

Roseville

Vadnais Lakes

Vadnais-Snail Lakes Reg. Parks

Pine Point County Park

Phalen-Keller Regional Park

L. Owasso Gervais L.

Keller L.

Lake Phalen

White Bear Lake

694

35E

35E

Gateway/ Browns Creek Trail 18.3 miles

The Gateway Trail is a true getaway trail starting deep in metropolitan St. Paul, at Cayuga/L’Orient streets, just a mile north of the State Capitol. It finishes after 18.3 miles at Pine Point Regional Park, five miles north of Stillwater. The trail is open to biking, hiking, horseback riding, in-line skating and skiing and is wheelchair accessible (electric wheelchairs are allowed). The paved trail on the old Soo Line railway grade quickly changes from an urban trail to a rural trail with forests, lakes, wetlands and prairies, with very little development and road noise. It isn’t as wide as current trails and can be busy, especially on weekends. The trail from Cayuga Street to Jamaca Avenue (11.9 miles) is plowed and open to all winter biking. East

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

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

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

Brown’s Creek Trail Connection5.9 miles

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

bike trail guide

MARINEGENERAL STORE

Marine on St. Croix off Highway 951.5 mi. so. of William O’Brien State Park

Visit Minnesota’s Oldest General Store

Made-to-order Deli Sandwiches & Hot Lunches, Picnic Boxes, Picnic Supplies, Pop & Snacks, Brats, Burgers, Hotdogs,

Fresh Meats, Groceries, Ice, Bait, Camping Supplies.

Summers:Have Ice Cream

on the Mill Stream at the General

Scoop

GATEWAY/BROWNS CREEK96), the Brown’s Creek Trail starts and runs 5.9 miles into downtown Stillwater. The trail passes through heavily-wooded areas and past golf courses. Riders can view a historic stone bridge from the mid-1800s. At about the halfway point, Brown’s Creek Park provides restrooms and ample parking. Then, riders will descend a canyon to Highway 95. This section of the trail provides views of spectacular fall colors and small waterfalls. In this area, Brown’s Creek is a designated trout stream. The final miles of the Brown’s Creek trail follow the St. Croix River into Stillwater. The trail will eventually cross the St. Croix River into Wisconsin on the historic lift bridge, once it is turned into a bike/pedestrian bridge and motor vehicle traffic is re-routed to a new bridge.


2016

Cannon Valley Trail • 19.4 milesThe paved Cannon Valley Trail from

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

The trail is open year-round for 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 and toilets.

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

Along the Trail: In Cannon Falls, the city section of the trail begins in a park on the Cannon River near the falls that gave the city its name.

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

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

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

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

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

bathrooms. A 1912 train wreck spilled a load of granite

blocks on the hillside near Welch. These blocks, rumored to be tombstones, can still be seen today.

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

TRAILCANNON VALLEY

19.4 MILES PAVED

52

19

Oak Lane

To Rochester

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Goodhue County Park

Lake Byllesby

To Twin Cities

To Hastings

Cannon Falls

Cannon Falls Campground

(private)

Hidden Valley Campground

(private)

Anderson Memorial Rest Area


Welch Station Access

WelchCannon River

61

7

W

316

P

LEG

END

U.S. RouteBike TrailPaved City TrailState Route

Parking

County Route

Restroom

Public Campground

PicnicWater

State ParkP

200

W

Red Wing


3.6 9.6

6.0

19.4

15.8

9.8

Cannon

Falls

Anderso

n Rest

Area

Welch Sta

tion Acce

ss

Red Wing

More detailed information at www.cannonvalleytrail.com

bike trail guideCANNON VALLEY

Outdoor fun for everyone

www.redwing.org

Hastings AreaChamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

For more information or to request a trail map, please call

(651) 437-6775 · (888) 612-6122 or visit www.HastingsMN.org

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

Bike Hastings!

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

• 30 miles of city trails with breathtaking views of the Mississippi and Vermillion Falls

• Ride the MRT• Explore Afton State Park

Bridge photo courtesy of David R. Youngren, 2013

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


2016

PP

P

P

P

P

14

14

169

22

21

27

Minneso

ta Rive

r

Kasota

Eagle Lake County Park

Duck Lake County Park

Bray County Park

Janesville Sportsman’s Park

Lake Francis City Park

Sakatah Lake State Park

Morristown Centennial Park

St. Peter

Minneopa State Park

North Minnesota River Trail

Minneopa Trail

Red Jacket Trail

Mankato

Rapidan

Eagle Lake

Madison Lake Waterville

Elysian

Jenesville

Waseca

22

833

18

LEG

END U.S. Route

Paved TrailState Route

Parking

County RoutePublic CampgroundState Park

P

200

Morristown

Warsaw

Faribault

13

16

7

1410

13

16

10

60

60

35

14

Cedar Lake

WellsLake

CannonLake

Lower SakatahSakatah

LakeTetonka

Lake

Reeds Lake

Lake Elysian

Madison Lake

Round Lake

Duck Lake

Ballantyne Lake

Eagle Lake

Wita Lake

LakeWashington

SAKATAH SINGING HILLS STATE

TRAIL

Find More Maps atwww.MNTrails.com

P

39 MILES PAVED


5.7 8.7

3.0

13.0

7.0

4.2

14.7

9.0

6.0

1.7

21.5

15.7

12.7

8.5

6.0

29.0

23.2

20.2

16.0

13.5

7.5

39.0

33.2

30.2

26.0

23.5

17.5

10.0

Fairbau

lt

Warsaw

Morristo

wn

Sakata

h Lake

State P

ark

Watervil

le

Elysian

Madison

Lake

Mankato

bike trail guide SAKATAH SINGING HILLS

Sakatah Singing Trail • 39 milesThe Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REGIONAL SALSA DEALERS

MINNESOTAANGRY CATFISH BICYCLES 4208 28th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55406 612-722-1538 www.angrycatfishbicycle.com

FREEWHEEL BIKE 1812 S 6th St Minneapolis, MN 55454 612-339-2219 www.freewheelbike.com

MILLTOWN PREMIUM ADVENTURE GOODS 311 Central AveFaribault, MN 55021 507-331-2636 www.milltowncycles.com

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

ROCHESTER CYCLING1211 7th St NWRochester , MN 55901 507-289-7410 www.cycling-fitness.com

TONKA CYCLE AND SKI16 Shady Oak Rd SHopkins, MN 55343952-938-8336www.tonkacycleandski.com

NORTH DAKOTATHE SKI & BIKE SHOP1711 S Washington Grand Forks, ND 58201 701-772-5567 www.skiandbikeshop.net

WWW.SALSACYCLES.COM24 Summer 2016 Minnesota Trails

bike trail guide2016 CENTRAL LAKES

CALL

Great Rates

& Packages

ONLINE

SALES • SERVICE • RENTALSOne block off Central Lakes Trail

611 3rd Ave. EastALEXANDRIA, MN

[email protected]

Central Lakes Trail • 55 milesThe 55-mile-long Central Lakes Trail starts

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

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

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

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

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

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


bike trail guide 2016CENTRAL LAKES

Call for a free trail map,800-245-2539

of beautiful, paved rail-trails across Central MN.

statue of Otto the Otter.Watch for the well-known statue of Big

Ole the Viking at the north end of downtown Alexandria, near the Runestone Museum.

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

A Combined History:The Lake Wobegon and Central Lakes Trail

are built on the rail corridor formerly owned by Burlington Northern Railroad Company, a successor to the original Great Northern

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

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

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

Sources: Wikipedia and Lake Wobegon Trails Association

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

CENTRAL LAKESTRAIL

55 MILES PAVEDTotal Distances in Miles

6 11

5

19

13

8

25

19

14

6

31

25

20

12

6

36

30

25

17

11

5

40 45 55

34 39 49

29 34 44

21 26 36

15 20 30

9 14 24

4 9

5

19

15

10

Osakis

Nelson

Alexandr

ia

Garfield

Brandon

Evansvil

le

Melby

Ashby

Dalton

Fergus

Falls

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


bike trail guide2016 LAKE WOBEGON TRAIL

P

P

P

PTwo Rivers

Lakes

Mississippi River

Ochotto Lake

Lower Spunk Lake

Middle Spunk Lake

Upper Spunk Lake

Minnie LakeLinneman Lake

Sagatagan Lake

Kraemer Lake

Lake Anna

127

Bowlus

Royalton

Blanchard Dam

County Line

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

Holdingford

Melrose

Freeport

Albany

Avon

St. Joseph

West Union

Osakis

Connects to Central Lakes Trail

10

Lake Osakis

Sauk Lake

McCormick Lake

Sauk RiverMill Pond

UhlenholtsLake

Albany Lake

FreeportLake

71

P

P

Saint John’s University

College of St. Benedict’s

94

94

ALBANY TO HOLDINGFORD

Albany to Holdingford 9.4Holdingford to Bowlus 7.6 Bowlus to County Line 4.0

LEG

END

P

Museum

Soo Line TrailCity Trail

Soo

Line

T

rail

Lake Wobegon/State Park

Campground

Parking

RestroomShelter

10

Little Falls

P

Sauk Centre

17

17

9

26

P


LAKE WOBEGONTRAIL

62 MILES PAVED


3 8

5

14

11

6

20.5

17.5

12.5

6.5

28.5

23.5

18.5

12.5

6

35

32

27

21

14.5

8.5

42.5

39.5

34.5

28.5

22

16

7.5

St. Jos

eph

Collegev

ille

Avon

Albany

Freepo

rt

Melrose

Sauk C

entre

West Unio

n

ExploreAlex.com

ExploreAlex.com

Exit 103

Minnesota

ExploreAlex.com

ExploreAlex.com

Exit 103

MinnesotaUnleash your

inner explorer on the paved

55-mile Central Lakes State Trail

Over 300 area Lakes • Plentiful Trails • Museums • Winery & Distillery • Quaint Downtown


bike trail guide 2016LAKE WOBEGON TRAIL

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

Lake Wobegon Trail • 62 milesChurch steeples, colleges, cows, lakes and

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sauk Centre

N

L

Lake Wobegon Trail

Home of Sinclair Lewis’ Original “Main Street”

Visit

www.visitsaukcentre.com • 855-444-SAUK

Stop by for a bite, an overnight or even shopping on Original “Main Street.”

Pick up the Lake Wobegon Trail

on any street in Sauk Centre.

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

Visit us Online www.holdingfordmn.usAd courtesy of

Holdingford Municipal Liquor • On Sale/Off Sale320-746-2264

Cyclists Welcome!

320-293-6687

Primitive tent camping & 8 campsites with cement

pads and electrical hook-ups

Camping! Next to the Trail

Biking!

HoldingfordHome of the Lake Wobegon

Trail Covered Bridge

his fictional places here. Head west for 5.7 miles to Melrose, home

of the historic St. Mary’s Church and Rectory and the Melrose Area Museum. The official Melrose Trailhead is across the road near the Melrose Feed Mill.

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

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

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

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


lakewobegontrails.com

Where every season is above average!

Where every season is above average!

Shop

Sleep

Services

Eat & Drink

America’s Best Value Inn322 12th St. S, Sauk Centrewww.americasbestvalueinn.com(320) 351-7256

Heaven and Earth Essentials605 S Main St., Sauk Centrewww.heavenandearthessentials.com (320) 828-2774

Lake Wobegon Trail Gallery431 Railroad Ave., Albanywww.lakewobegontrailgallery.com (320) 845-4100

Pot Spot107 Avon Ave. N, Avonwww.potspotavon.blogspot.com (320) 356-2233

The Outpost Mercantile615 6th St., Sauk Centre www.theoutpostmercantile.com (320) 351-7678

Jordie’s Trailside Café105 1st Ave., Bowlus www.jordiestrailside.com (320) 584-8193

Joel Schneider Auto Service701 Railroad Ave., Albany Auto, Cycle, Snowmobile & ATV service & accessories (320) 845-4856

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

Join us for our

enjoyable trail

rides!!

Enjoy the many amenities of

the Lake Wobegon Trail!

Shopping - Attractions

Restaurants and Much More!

Lisa’s on Main409 E Main St., Melrose Best Lunches & Lattes(320) 256-5472

Fisher’s Club428 Stratford St. Avon, MN www.fishersclub.com (320) 356-7372

Avon Cabin Café105 Avon Ave. S, Avon Best Breakfast on the Trail(320) 356-7198

Whispering Oaks Winery33578 Co Rd 30, Melrose www.whisperingoakswinerymn.com(320) 256-7118

Cornerstone Buffet223 Kraft Dr SE, Melrose www.cornerstonebuffetrestaurant.com(320) 249-2498

Kay’s Kitchen303 College Ave. N, St Joseph www.kayskitchen.us (320) 557-0030


2016bike trail guide MESABI

CYCLETHE MESABI WAY.

www.mesabitrail.com/visitor

Toll Free: (844) 373-7815 • [email protected] NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Bicycle Sales, Repairs, & Rentals

Authorized Dealer:

ITASCA TRAILSPORTS

www.itascatrailsports.net

Hours: Monday-Friday 8-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-6505 North 3rd Street, Virginia, MN

218-741-4663 www.naturalharvest.coop

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

Mesabi Trail • 120 milesThe wonders of the Mesabi Iron Range

are in a class by themselves. Bikers can ride over 75 paved miles from Grand Rapids to McKinley and from Biwabik past Giant’s Ridge Ski Resort for another 15 miles. Spurs into communities like Chisholm, Eveleth and Aurora bring the current mileage up to 120. When complete, it will be 145 miles long and connect 28 communities between Grand

Rapids and Ely. The route runs through a wide range of scenery, from dramatic views of mining operations, to secluded woods, a jungle of vegetation, mine lakes and reservoirs.

The Mesabi is unlike most paved trails in the state that are straight, flat and on abandoned railroad beds.

It follows an occasional bikeway, mining road and even a floating bog walk.

Cyclists will find beauty and grandeur that sets the Iron Range apart from most of the world. You can also take time out to 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, 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.

The trail 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.

P

U.S. RouteBike TrailFuture TrailState RouteCounty Route

Public Campground

State ParkParking

LEG

END

Veteran’s Park & Campground

Hill AnnexMine StatePark

McCarthy BeachState Park

FayalEveleth

Mt. Iron Virginia

McKinley

Biwabik

Aurora

Embarrass

Babbitt

Ely

Winton

SoudanTower

Hoyt LakesKinney

BuhlChisholm

HibbingKelly LakeKeewatin

Nashwauk

Pengilly

Calumet

MarbleTaconite

BoveyColeraine

GrandRapids

LaPrairie

SpartaGilbert

135

169

169 135

110

37

37

25

735

73

65

578

65

7

1

53

53

169

169

169

169

169

2

2

21

21

Bar HeadLake

Lake Vermilion

SwanLake

BirchLake

Shagawa Lake

169

21


Lake Vermillion - Soudan Underground Mine

State Park 1International Wolf Center

North American Bear Center

Fortune Bay Bois Forte

Heritage Museum and RV Park

Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort

US HockeyHall fo Fame

MinnesotaDiscovery Center

Hull Rush MineOverlook

Oxhide LakeOverlook

GreyhoundBus Museum

ChisholmMuseum of Mining

61

38

Boundary Waters Canoe AreaMESABI

TRAIL120 MILES PAVED


16.3 29.3

13

39.3

23

10

46.3

30

17

7

51.3

35

22

12

5

64.3 74.5 83

48 58.2 66.7

35 45.2 53.7

25 35.2 43.7

18 28.2 36.7

13 23.2

10.2

31.7

18.7

8.5

Grand R

apids

Marble

Keewatin

Hibbing

Chidhol

m

Buhl

Virginia

McKinley

Giants R

idge®

Trail is closed between Virginia and Gilbert until 2018 because of Hwy. 53 reconstruction.

See mesabitrail.com for detour maps.


2016 bike trail guideWILLARD MUNGER

P

P

P

P

P

P

PP

P

P

U.S. RoutePaved TrailTrail Bike WayState RouteCounty Route

Public Campground

State ParkParking

LEG

END

48

210

St. CroixState Park

ChengwatanaState Park

Snake River

St. Croix River

Cromwell Sawyer

Otter Creek

Mahtowa

BarnumKettle River

Moose Lake

Willow River

Askov

Bruno

Kerrick

Duquette

Nickerson

Holyoke

Wrenshall

Cloquet

Proctor

Duluth

SuperiorScanlon

Rutledge

Finlayson

Groningen

Friesland

Hinckley

18

3573

NemadjiState Forest

Jay Cooke State Park

Alex Laveau Memorial Trail

St. Louis River Trail

St. CroixState Park

Moose LakeState Park

2

St. Louis River

Kettle River

Sturgeon Lake

Lake Superior


Carlton

23

Brant Brook Pines State Natural Area

Pine City

23

BanningState Park

27

Sandstone

Sturgeon Lake

WILLARD MUNGER STATETRAIL70 MILES PAVED


13 23

10

32

19

9

36

23

13

4

45

29

19

10

6

55

42

32

23

17

11

59 70

46 57

36 47

27 38

21 32

15 26

4 15

19

Hinckle

y

Finlays

on

Willow River

Moose L

ake

Barnum

Mahtowa

Carlton

Wrensha

ll

Duluth

Willard Munger Trail • 70 milesThe 70-mile Hinkley-Duluth segment of

the Willard Munger State Trail The trail passes through the spectacular scenery of Jay Cooke State Park and connects Hinkley, Finlayson, Willow River, Moose Lake, Barnum, Mahtowa, Carlton and Duluth, where it terminates near the Lake Superior Zoo.

It provides scenic views of the St. Louis River and the twin ports of Duluth and Superior. Riders can stop on a high railroad trestle to enjoy a breathtaking look over the St. Louis River near Carlton and watch kayakers take on the rapids cut through the rock. Move on and view the wonders of a hydroelectric power plant, pedal through now-rare stands of hemlock trees, and relax on a hillside rest stop overlooking western Duluth and Lake Superior.

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

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


2016

Root River Trail/Harmony-Preston Valley Trail 60 miles

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

At Isinours Junction it connects with the 18-mile-long Harmony-Preston Valley Trail which connects the two communities for which it was named. The northern 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.

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

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

PARKINGFountain: From Highway 52 take County Road 8 about one mile to the parking lot by the city park/softball field.

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

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

Whalan: Parking is on the street.

Peterson: From Highway 16, turn west onto Highway 25 (Mill St.) into town; turn south on Fillmore St. to the city park/campground.

Rushford: From Highway 16, turn north on Elm Street (State Hwy. 43), go one block west. The parking lot is by the old depot.

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

Harmony: Hwy. 52 to 4th Street NW, approximately one-half mile west to the parking lot.

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

“Bridge ahead” is a common call on the Root River Trail. Dave Simpkins photo.

bike trail guide ROOT RIVER/HARMONY-PRESTON VALLEY

EatShopBikeTour

Find Harmonyin Your Life.

To request your FREE Visitor Guide, call

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exploreharmony.com

Explore the Root River and Harmony/Preston Valley trails.

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35455 State Highway 16Lanesboro, MN 55949

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LEG

END U.S. Route

Paved TrailState Route

Parking

County Route

Public Campground

P

200


Isinours Trail Junction

ROOT RIVER/HARMONY-PRESTON

VALLEY STATETRAILS

60 MILES PAVED

Total Distances in Miles12.6 17.4

4.8

26.3

13.7

8.9

30.9

18.3

13.5

4.6

35.6

23

18.2

9.3

4.7

42.1

29.5

24.7

15.8

12.2

6.5

41.1 53.4

28.5 40.8

23.7 36

14.8 27.1

10.2 22.5

5.5 17.8

12 24.3

12.3

Houston

Rushford

Peterso

n

Whalan

Lanesb

oro

Trail J

unction

Founta

in

Preston

Harmony

bike trail guide2016 ROOT RIVER/HARMONY-PRESTON VALLEY

Minnesota

www.lanesboro.com

“10 Most Beautiful Towns in the Midwest”

– The Culture Trip

Minnesota

www.lanesboro.com


– The Culture Trip

Minnesota

www.lanesboro.com


– The Culture TripMinnesota Trails Summer 2016 33

P

Mississippi River

Little Two River

Two River

BowlusRoyalton

Little Falls

Blanchard Dam

CountyLine

Holdingford

Soo

Line

T

rail

Lake Wobegon Tra

il

10 P

17

26

Find More Maps atwww.MNTrails.comSOO LINE

TRAIL10 MILES PAVED


3.6 7.6

4

11.6

8

4

13.6

10

6

2Holding

ford

County L

ine

Bowlus

Blancha

rd Dam

Hwy 10

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

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

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bike trail guide 2016SOO LINE


Soo Line Trail • 10 milesThis scenic trail starts at the northern

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

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

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

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

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

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

The connection to the Lake Wobegon Trail was completed in 2007. A future trail connection to the Paul Bunyan Trail, the Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail, is currently in the planning stages. The Blanchard Dam Bridge is a highlight of the Soo Line. Jan Lasar photo.

bike trail guide2016 SOO LINE

WHERE THE MISSISSIPPI PAUSES…YOUR DISCOVERY BEGINS

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

“STAY FOR THE FOOD AND THE FUN!”

Mansions and Museums on the Mississippi River

Morrison County Bike Route Guide

1.800.325.5916www.littlefallsmn.com


bike trail guide 2016GITCHI-GAMI

Gitchi-Gami State Trail Four Sections

Silver Creek Cliff The Gitchi-Gami State Trail begins with a

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

While this section isn’t ready for 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 just a quarter-mile east of the TH 61 Bridge. This trail segment leads to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and the towns of Beaver Bay and Silver Bay.

AmericInn of Silver Bay218-226-4300

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Silver Bay Area Tourism Association

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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 stream bed that is thought to have been an ancient route for the Temperance River into Lake Superior. The 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 at the east end of Tofte and use the Town Road to access the community of Tofte. Trail users can use the Blue Fin Bay lake walk trail for about a half-mile to rejoin the trail on the east edge of town.

This trail segment currently offers parking in Schroeder at the Tofte Public Water Access. Food, beverages and restroom facilities are available in Tofte.

Tofte to Grand Marais This 7.3-mile trail segment starts at the

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

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

Grand Marais

Lutsen

Tofte

SchroederTaconite Harbor

Silver BayBeaver Bay

Two Harbors

Cascade River State Park

Temperance River State Park

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

Tettegouche State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Lake Superior


Future Trail

Future TrailBike Trail

State ParkParking

Restroom

Camping

Picnic/Rest Area

PP

P

P

P

P

PP P

P

P

GITCHI-GAMISTATE

TRAIL29 MILES PAVED

Grand Marais

Lutsen

Tofte

SchroederTaconite Harbor

Silver BayBeaver Bay

Two Harbors

Cascade River State Park

Temperance River State Park

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

Tettegouche State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Lake Superior


Future Trail

Future TrailBike Trail

State ParkParking

Restroom

Camping

Picnic/Rest Area

PP

P

P

P

P

PP P

P

P

GITCHI-GAMISTATE

TRAIL29 MILES PAVED


bike trail guide2016 GITCHI-GAMI

Gitchi-Gami State Trail • 29 milesThe Gitchi-Gami State Trail will eventually

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

The longest trail section to date runs 14.6 miles from Gooseberry Falls State Park across the Split Rock River, through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Beaver Bay, and on to Silver Bay.

At Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, you ride just below a wayside rest and scenic overlook with a picture-perfect view of the lighthouse. To visit the lighthouse and interpretive center, take the short spur trail leading there.

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

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

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

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

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bike trail guide 2016Glacial Lakes State Trail • 27 miles

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

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

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

Lake Koronis

Trail

Lake Koronis Regional Park

Green Lake Bike Way

Middle Fork

Crow RiverPaynesville

Roscoe

Richmond

Hawick

Sibley Park Bike Way

Sibley State Park

New London

Connects to Rocori Trail

City Bike Trail

City Bike Trail

AtwaterKandiyohi

Willmar

Spicer

4

10

40 P

5

26

8

9

5

Lake Koronis

148

Green Lake

2

40

Diamond Lake

71

71

Nest Lake

Games Lake

Norway Lake

Andrea Lake

P

U.S. RoutePaved TrailTrail Bike WayFuture TrailState Route

County Route

Public Campground

State Park

Parking

LEG

END


P

P

P

P

23

GLACIAL LAKESTRAIL27 MILES PAVED


6.5 12

5.5

18

11.5

6

16

9.5

4

10

25

18.5

13

7

17

36

30.5

24

18

28

13.5

41

35.5

29

23

33

18.5

5

Willmar

Spicer

New Londo

n

Hawick

Sibley

State P

ark

Paynesv

ille

Richmond

Cold Sp

ring

communities of Rockville, Cold Spring and Richmond.

GLACIAL LAKES

WILLMAR LAKES AREAJump Right In!

www.willmarlakesarea.com

800.845.8747 ext. 79

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

700 Diekmann DrivePaynesville, MN 56362

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PAYNESVILLE INN & SUITES


bike trail guide2016 PAUL BUNYAN

Paul Bunyan Trail • 115 milesThe 115-mile, paved Paul Bunyan Trail is

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

The trail’s namesake, Paul Bunyan, is a reminder of the rich forestlands that supported a robust timber industry and are ever present on your ride through the pines. Much of the old red pine forest has been preserved in the Chippewa National Forest, which hosts a portion of the trail near Walker.

The northern trailhead is located in Lake

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

Shop. Bike. Eat. Repeat.

ASSOCIATIONwww.mnbiketrail.com


Bemidji State Park. You will see many incarnations of Paul

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

Crow Wing State Park to the Chippewa National Forest

Riders can catch glimpses of the Mississippi River on their way through the park towards Brainerd’s Northland Arboretum. The Brainerd lakes area is a favorite with tourists seeking an Up North experience with creature comforts. Countless resorts, hotels and campgrounds cater to cyclists and are located near the trail. The area has a large number of hiking and cross-country ski trails, too. North of Brainerd you’ll find wetlands, gardens and the little towns of Merrifield and Lake Hubert. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the many area lakes on the way to Nisswa. Downtown Nisswa is a bustling tourist town with many shops and restaurants to explore. Stop for a tour of the historic pioneer village and regular turtle races throughout the summer.

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

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

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

bike trail guide 2016PAUL BUNYAN

Paved and mountain bike tours for all skills. Trails from 6 to 160 miles through parks,forests and along sparkling sky blue lakes.

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

bike trail guide2016 PAUL BUNYAN

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

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

After Hackensack, you’ll come to a Y intersection. Go left and ride the hilly section of the Paul Bunyan Trail through Chippewa National Forest to the intersection with the Heartland Trail west of Walker. Go right and take the easier Shingobee Trail into Walker from the south. Both routes connect to downtown Walker, called the city on the bay on the south side of Leech Lake. Walker is another hub for visitors because it is at the crossroads of the Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trail and the North Country Hiking Trail, surrounded by state forests and the Chippewa National Forest.

Walker to Bemidji On the way to Bemidji, you will cross the

Kabekona River and go through Benedict, Laporte and Guthrie in a mix of quiet, rolling farmlands, crystal clear lakes and forest lands. Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi River, is on the south side of Lake Bemidji and flanked by the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest to the west and Lake Bemidji State Park to the north. In Bemidji, you’ll want to visit the famous statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox named Babe. Continue on to Lake Bemidji State Park or ride a 17-mile scenic loop around Lake Bemidji.

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

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

Trail sign near Walker, MN Jan Lasar photo.

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Lake Bemidji

Heartland State Trail

North Country Hiking Trail

Paul Bunyan State Trail

210

7

2

40

9

Lake Itasca

Lake George

P

3920

12

Lake Bemidji State Park

Itasca State Park

Bemidji

Guthrie

Mississippi River Trail


Mi-Gi-Zi TrailCass Lake

Wilkinson

Laporte

Heartland Trail

Distance in Miles

Paul Bunyan Trail

Distance in Miles

Benedict

Hackensack

Backus

Walker Trail Loop

Pine River

Pequot Lakes

Jenkins

Nisswa

Merrifield

BrainerdBaxter

Crow Wing State Park

NevisDorset

Park Rapids

Walker

8

2

14

371

371

200

16

71

71

Paul B

unyan

State Trail

64

3416

84

84

Akeley

210

371

H

371

34

71

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

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6.3 11.6 17.9 27.3 39.8 47.0

5.3 11.6 21.0 33.5 40.7

6.3 15.7 28.2 35.4

9.4 21.9 29.1

12.5 19.7

7.2

Park Rapids

Dorset

Nevis

Akeley

Walker

Wilkinson

2 mi. S

. of C

ass Lake

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

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

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

6.2 9.5 15.5 24.8 32.3 55.1 61.7 66.9 72.1 78.3 84.7 92.0

3.3 9.3 18.6 26.1 48.9 55.5 60.7 66.9 73.1 78.5 85.8

6.0 15.3 22.8 45.6 52.2 57.4 63.6 68.8 75.2 82.5

9.3 16.8 39.6 46.2 51.4 57.6 62.8 69.2 76.5

7.5 30.3 36.9 42.1 48.3 53.5 59.9 67.2

22.8 29.4 34.6 40.8 46.0 52.4 59.7

6.6 11.8 18.2 23.2 29.6 36.9

5.2 11.4 16.6 23.0 30.3

6.2 11.4 17.8 25.1

5.2 11.6 18.9

6.4 13.7

7.3

Crow Wing St. P

ark

Brainerd / B

axter

Merrifield

Nisswa

Pequot Lakes

Jenkins

Pine River

Backus

Hackensack

Walker

Benedict

Laporte

Guthrie

Nary

Bemidji

Lake Bemidji S

tate park

Park Rapids

Heartland Park

Fish Hook River

Baxter

Brainerd

Crow Wing State Park

210

371

371

Highland Scenic

Dr.


Misssissi

pp

i

River

B371

123

30th

Ave

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Charles St.

Rollinger St.

1st St.

2nd St.

King St.

Bridge St.

Fran

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Ave

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Excelsior Rd.

Ever

gre

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Rd

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Jasp

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Northland Arboretum

White Sand Lake

Cuyuna LakesState Trail

PerchLakeRush

Lake

Buffalo Lake

Boom Lake

P

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Lake Bemidji


Irvi

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1st St. 1st St.

Mill St.

4th St.

Go

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Paul Bunyan Dr.Industrial Park Dr.

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5th St.

Cass Lake

Pike Bay

Garfield Lake

LeechLake

Walker Bay

Traders Bay

Agency Bay

Stea

mbo

at

Bay

BenedictLake

KabekonaLake

KabekonaBay

Ten Mile Lake

StonyLake

PleasantLake

Pine Mountain

Lake

Birch

NorwayLake

Lower Whitefish

Lake

Big TroutLake

Pelican Lake

North LongLake

Lower CullenLake

GullLake

Wilson Bay

Upper Whitefish

Lake

Upper HayLake

Lake Itasca

Elf Lake

71

Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary Scientific

& Natural Area

Itasca State Park Wilderness Trail

More Maps at MNTrails.com

Map Courtesy ofP

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LEG

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U.S. RoutePaved TrailBikeway (MRT)Horse TrailState Route

Parking

County Route

Restroom

Public Campground

Picnic

State Park

HospitalH

P

200

Heartland St.

North St.

Lawn St.

Pearle St.

Todd St.

Downtown

Minnesota St.

Kaywood Dr.

Fore

stvi

ew A

ve.

East

ern

Ave

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East River Dr.


12

200

371

34

371

P

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Shingobee Connection

Trail

LeechLake

LongLake

MayLake

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North Country Hiking Trail

83

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bike trail guide 2016PAUL BUNYAN/HEARTLAND MAP


bike trail guide2016 HEARTLAND

Heartland Trail The Heartland Trail starts in Heartland

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

Park Rapids to Dorset The official start of the Heartland Trail is

in Park Rapids’ Heartland Park, which has shelters, restrooms, a swimming beach and a bridge across the Fish Hook River.

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

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

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

Dorset to Nevis The next five miles to Nevis are quite

pleasant. For three miles, the trail travels through the woods with glimpses of an occasional pond. Pines and poplar trees dominate with some birch.

Nevis to Akeley The rest area in Nevis has water and

restrooms. Stop and see a statue of the World’s Largest Tiger Muskie. In Akeley, stop and sit in Paul Bunyan’s hand for a picture. Akeley to Walker

The Heartland Trail and the Paul Bunyan Trail (Crow Wing State Park to Bemidji) share a trail segment from just outside of Akeley to just outside of Walker. At a parking lot a few miles outside of Akeley, riders can turn onto the Paul Bunyan Trail and ride through the Chippewa National Forest. This 8-mile segment on paved logging roads-turned-trail has a grade of up to 8 percent. It hooks up to the Shingobee Connection Trail into Walker. Alternatively, you can continue on the shared segment and access the town of Walker that way. Just outside of Walker, the Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trails part ways. The Paul Bunyan Trail continues northwest to Bemidji, while the Heartland Trail continues northeast to Cass Lake. At 23.3 miles, the North Country Hiking Trail crosses the trail.

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

OUTDOOR GETAWAY

M A K E Y O U R O W N

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

Nobody does Minnesota’s

outdoors bigger or

better than Leech Lake!

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

Biking, hiking, hunting,

fi shing, and, of course, our

legendary lake, make Leech Lake an outdoors

getaway adventure

for the whole family!

Minnesota’s Original

“Up North”OUTDOOR GETAWAY

M A K E Y O U R O W N

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

Nobody does Minnesota’s

outdoors bigger or

better than Leech Lake!

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

Biking, hiking, hunting,

fi shing, and, of course, our

legendary lake, make Leech Lake an outdoors

getaway adventure

for the whole family!

Minnesota’s Original

“Up North”“Up North”“

www.leechlakebb.com

Boats • BikesBed & Breakfast

All Included

WALKER 218.547.2231


bike trail guide 2016HEARTLAND/ITASCA

Walker to Cass Lake North of Walker, you’ll need to ride two

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

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

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

Enjoy over 150 miles of the beautiful Heartland and Paul Bunyan Trails

Rentals available: Comfort, Road, Childrens bikes and trailers

Rental • Repair Sales • Accessories

RENTALS AVAILABLE: Comfort, Road, Childrens bikes and trailers

By the Paul Bunyan Trail117 3rd St. NW, Bemidji, MN

218-751-BIKE (2453)

On the Heartland Trail 501 E 1st St, Park Rapids, MN

218-732-5971


Sales • Accessories Rental • Repair







Home of WORLD FAMOUS ITASCA STATE PARK



Itasca State Park is Celebrating 125 years with events

scheduled throughout the year!Can you log 125 miles by

Bike, Boot or Boat? 12 hikes on the North Country

Trail will commemorate 100 years of the National Park Service.

800-247-0054www.parkrapids.com

August 11-13, 2016

SAVE

THE

DATE!


Ottertail River

Roseau River

Twin Lakes

AgassizNational

Thief Lakes

TamaracNational

Rice LakeNational

Mille Lacs

ShurburneNational

Big StoneNational

Lac qui Parie

Whitewater

CarlosAvery

MN National Wildlife Refuge

SuperiorNational Forest

ChippewaNational Forest

Beltrami Island

Pine Island

Kabetogama

Koochiching

Big Fork

Blackduck

White Earth

GeorgeWashington

SturgeonRiver

CloquetValley

Bowstring

Battleground

Remer

SavannaHill

River

SolanaPillsbury

FootHills

Huntersville

Badoura

SmokyHills

Lyons

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood

NorthwestAngle

Lost River

Littlefork

SmokeyBear

RedLake

BuenaVista

Wealthwood

Finland

PatBayle

Grand Portage

BearIsland

PaulBunyan

Nemadji

Fond du Lac

Rum River

St. Croix

Chen

gwat

ana

WhitefaceRiverTwo

Inlets

GoldenAnniversary

Parks, Trails, Forests, Rivers

BIKING TRAILS

BIKEWAY

DESIGNATED WATER WAYS

STATE PARKS

DESIGNATED FOREST WITH FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT

WILDLIFE REFUGES

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK

May 2013

NATIONAL FORESTS

LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS

Voyageurs National

Park

MinneopaSakatah

Lake

MyreBig

Island

Jay Cooke

SavannaPortage

Cuyuna Country

Rec. Area

Old Mill

ZippelBay

Red RiverRec. Area

Moose Lake

LakeMaria

Burntside

Maps • Guides • Features

BWCAW

Blue Mounds

Split Rock Creek

Pipestone National

Monument

KilenWoods

LakeShetek

Camden

Grand Portage

Judge C.R.Magney

Temperance River

Tettegouche

Split RockLighthouse

Gooseberry Falls

CascadeRiver

Lake Bronson

Great River Bluff s

Beaver Creek Valley

Hill Annex Mine

Schoolcraft

McCarthyBeach

Scenic

Big BogRec. Area

Hayes Lake Franz Jevne

Bear Head Lake

Maplewood

Buff aloRiver

St. Croix

Banning

Charles A. Lindbergh

LakeCarlos

Flandrau

Glacial Lakes

SibleyMonson

LakeBig Stone Lake

Lac qui Parle

Upper Sioux Agency

Fort Ridgely

NerstrandBig Woods

Frontenac

Afton

William O’Brein

Interstate

Wild River

FortSnelling

Minnesota Valley

FatherHennepin

Mille LacsKathio

Crow Wing

Carley

Whitewater

John A. Latsch

Lake Louise Forestville/Mystery Cave

RiceLake

LakeBemidji

Itasca State Park

George H. Crosby Manitou

Blazing Star Trail

Soudan Underground

Mine

Vermilion State Park

Glendalough

Lower Red Lake

UpperRed Lake

Lake Winnibigoshish

Leech Lake

Lake Mille Lacs

Lake ofthe Woods

Garden Island

71

71

71

Red Lake River

Red River


Big Fork River

Little Fork River

Vermillion River

St. Louis River

Clouquet River

Mississippi River

Kettl

e Ri

ver

Snake River

Rum

Mississippi River

Mississippi River TrailNorth Fork Crow River

Minnesota River

Des Moines River

Cannon River

Zum

bro

Rive

r

Root River

Crow Wing River

Straight River

Pine River

Lake Superior W

ater Trail

River

Watonwon RiverCottonwood River

Pom

me d

e Ter

re R

iver

Long Prairie River

Chip

pew

a Ri

ver

Sauk River


Alex

Laveau

Segment

Soo Line Trail

Soo Line Trail

Cannon Valley Trail

Goodhue-Pioneer

Douglas Trail

Great River

Ridge Trail

Shooting Star Trail Harmony-

Preston Valley Trail

Sun

rise

Pra

irie

H

ard

wo

od

Cre

ek T

rail

Mesabi Trail

Glacial Lakes Trail

Central Lakes Trail

Lake Wobegon

Gateway Trail

Browns CreekTrail

Itasca Wilderness

Trail

Heartland Trail

North Country Trail

North Country

Trail

MigiziTrail

Luce Line Trail

Dakota Trail

Root River Trail

LRT

Gitchi G

ami T

rail

Paul Bunyan

Trail

Sakatah Singing Hills Trail

Willard Munger

Trail

Trail

Casey Jones Trail

Blue Mounds Trail

Fair RidgeTrail

Rainy Lake Trail

Grand Rounds

Paul Bunyan

Trail

Brainerd

Willmar

Marshall

St. Cloud

Rochester

Austin

Albert Lea

Moorhead

Bemidji

Hibbing

Duluth

Mankato

94

94

Glendalough Trail

35

35

BWCWABWCA

Superior H

iking Trail

Kekekabic TrailBorder Route Trail

COME CLEAN. LEAVE CLEANGive Invasive Species The Brush Off.


Business Directory

Northeastern MN

Northwestern MN

Metropolitan MN

Southern MN

Duluth

MetroRegion

St. Cloud

Bemidji

Mankato

NortheastRegion

NorthwestRegion

SouthernRegion

90

9035

61

35

2

2

94

71

71

Minnesota TrailsDirectory Regions

Online & In Print $250/annually •

Call Jan @320-266-5132

BEHIND BARS BICYCLE SHOP 612-436-0255208 13th Ave NE, Minneapoliswww.behind-bars.com

BIKE KING 651-457-77666489 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heightswww.bike-king.com

BOKOO BIKES & PADDLE SPORTS 550 Lake Drive, Chanhassen 952-934-6468www.bokoobikes.com

CARS BIKE SHOP 763-784-69662661 Co Road I & Old Hwy 10, Mounds Viewwww.CarsBikeShop.com

GATEWAY CYCLE 651-777-01886028 Hwy 36 Blvd N, Oakdalewww.gatewaycycle.com

MICHAEL’S CYCLES PRIOR LAKE 16731 Hwy. 13 S, Prior Lake 952-447-2453www.michaelscycles-mn.com

MICHAEL’S CYCLES CHASKA 700 N Chestnut Street, Chaska 952-361-6550www.michaelscycles-mn.com

PIONEER CYCLE 763-755-887112741 Central Ave., NE, Blainewww.pioneercycle.com

RAMSEY BICYCLE 763-323-6666 6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramseywww.ramseybicycles.com

STRAUSS SKATES AND BICYCLES 1751 Cope Avenue E, Maplewood 651-770-1344www.straussskatesandbicycles.com

TONKA CYCLE AND SKI 952-938-833616 Shady Oak Road S, Hopkinswww.tonkacycleandski.com

TRAILHEAD CYCLING & FITNESS 763-712-031211350 Aquila Drive, Suite 505, Champlinwww.trailheadcyclingandfitness.com

CARLTON BIKE RENTAL 218-384-4696100 Chestnut Ave., Carltonwww.carltonbikerental.com

BIKE SHOPS CENTRAL LAKES CYCLE 218-739-5651

2010 Hwy. 210 E., Fergus Fallswww.centrallakescycle.com

CYCLE PATH AND PADDLE 218-545-4545 115 3rd Avenue SW, Crosbywww.cyclepathpaddle.com

EASY RIDERS BICYCLE & SPORT 415 Washington Street, Brainerd 218-829-5516www.easyridersbikes.com

FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT 320-251-2844105 7th Avenue S, St. Cloudwww.fitzharrismn.com

ITASCA TRAIL SPORTS 218-326-1716 316 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapidswww.itascatrailsports.net

JAKE’S BIKES ALEXANDRIA 320-219-7433611 3rd Avenue E, Alexandriawww.jakesbikes.com

NORTHERN CYCLE 218-732-5971100 Mill Road, Park Rapidse-mail: [email protected]

NORTHERN CYCLE 218-751-(BIKE)117 3rd Street NW, Bemidji 2453e-mail: [email protected]

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI 320-251-2453160 29th Avenue South, St. Cloudwww.revolutioncycleandski.com

TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP 320-639-2453124 2nd Street NE, Little Fallswww.tourightbicycleshop.com

TRAILBLAZER BIKES BAXTER 218-963-069914843 Edgewood Drive, Baxterwww.trailblazerbikesmn.com

TRAILBLAZER BIKES NISSWA 218-829-8542Nisswa Square, Nisswa, MNwww.trailblazerbikesmn.com

OUTDOOR MOTION 320-587-2453141 Main Street South, Hutchinsonwww.outdoormotionbikes.com

A quick and easy reference for planning your adventure!

FUN SPIRIT MOUNTAIN 218-628-2891

9500 Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth 800-642-6377www.spiritmt.com

TRAIL TREATS BP COLLEGE SQUARE 218-829-4384

8218 Highland Scenic Drive, Baxter www.qsquares.com

HEAVEN & EARTH ESSENTIALS 320-828-2774605 Main Street South, Sauk Centre www.heavenandearthessentials.com

LODGING BERT’S CABINS 218-266-3312

15782 Wilderness Drive, Lake Itascawww.bertscabins.com

MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS HOSTEL Itasca State Park 218-266-341527910 Forest Lane, Park Rapidswww.hiusa.org/parkrapids

SINCLAIR LEWIS CAMPGROUND 826 Park Road, Sauk Centre 320-352-2203www.ci.sauk-centre.mn.us

AMERICINN SILVER BAY 218-226-430050 Mensing Drive, Silver Baywww.americinn.com

AMERICINN TOFTE/LUTSEN 218-663-78997231 W Hwy. 61, Toftewww.americinn.com

AMERICINN TWO HARBORS 218-834-30001088 Hwy. 61 N, Two Harborswww.americinn.com

COUNTRY INN TWO HARBORS 877-604-53321204 7th Avenue, Two Harborswww.countryinntwoharbors.com

The Muskie is calling!!

A great place to stop for lunch, shopping & family fun!Right along the Heartland Trail!

Nevis 2016 Summer Events

www.nevischamber.com

June 12: Sites’n’Bites: Art, Music, Food

July 10: Pig Races July 29 & 30: Muskie Days Music Festival August 6: City Garage Sale


INFORMATION CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION

324 Broadway, Alexandria 320-763-0102 www.centrallakestrail.com

FERGUS FALLS CVB 218-332-5425112 Washington Ave. W, Fergus Falls www.visitfergusfalls.com

NEVIS CIVIC & COMMERCE PO Box 268, Neviswww.nevischamber.com

VISIT BRAINERD 800-450-724714084 Baxter Drive, STE 12, Brainerdwww.visitbrainerd.com

HUTCHINSON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2 Main St., Hutchinson 320-587-5252www.explorehutchinson.com

VISIT WINONA 507-452-0735160 Johnson Street, Winonawww.visitwinona.com

B&Bs EMBRACING PINES B&B 218-224-3519

32287 Mississippi Road, Walker 218-731-5026www.embracingpines.com

LEECH LAKE B&B 218-547-2231 11058 Steamboat Loop, Walkerwww.leechlakebb.com

WALLER HOUSE INN 320-632-2836310 3rd St SE, Little Fallswww.wallerhouseinn.com

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

GREEN HERON B&B 218-999-5795 2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids www.greenheronbandb.com

POPLAR CREEK GUESTHOUSE B&B 11 Poplar Creek Drive, Grand Marais 800-322-8327 www.boundarycountry.com

Adventure Cycle & Ski507-452-4228www.advcycle.com178 Center St, Winona, MN 55987

Freewheel Bike (3 locations)612-339-2219www.freewheelbike.com1812 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Rydjor Bike Shop507-433-7571www.rydjor.com219 N Main St., Austin, MN 55912

Northern Cycle (2 locations)[email protected] 3rd St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601

Boehms Cycle651-644-4990www.boehmscycle.com1592 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104

Gateway Cycle651-777-0188www.gatewaycycle.com6028 Hwy. 36 Blvd. N, Oakdale, MN 55128

OneTen Cycles651-454-2066www.onetencycles.com1040 Dakota Dr., Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Central Lakes Cycle218-739-5651www.centrallakescycle.com2010 Hwy. 210 E, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Jake’s Bikes320-219-7433www.jakesbikes.com611 3rd Avenue E, Alexandria, MN 56308

Penn Cycle (7 locations)651-882-1241www.penncycle.com3916 W Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN 55437

County Cycles651-482-9609www.countycycles.com2700 Lexington Ave., Roseville, MN 55113

Maple Grove Cycling763-420-8878www.maplegrovecycling.com13950 Grove Dr., Maple Grove, MN 55311

Ramsey Bicycle763-323-6666www.ramseybicycle.com6825 Hwy. 10, Ramsey, MN 55303

Milltown Premium Adventure Goods507-331-2636www.milltownsports.com311 Central Avenue., Faribault, MN 55021

Rochester Cycling507-289-7410www.cycling-fitness.com1211 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

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

July 10-17, 2016This fully supported tour is

limited to 50 riders.

bikemn.org/H2H

Landscape. History. Adventure!


FREE HOT HOME-STYLE BREAKFAST

INVITING INDOOR POOL

UPDATED GUESTROOMS

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT

AMERICINN

©2012 AMERICINN INTERNATIONAL, LLC

[800] 634.3444 AMERICINN.COM

See more about these locations at AmericInn.com.

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

Austin, MN [507] 437.7337

Baudette, MN [218] 634.3200

Bemidji, MN [218] 751.3000

Chanhassen, MN [952] 934.3888

Detroit Lakes, MN [218] 847.8795

Duluth South, MN [218] 624.1026

Fergus Falls, MN [218] 739.3900

Jackson, MN [507] 847.2444

Pequot Lakes, MN [218] 568.8400

Roseau, MN [218] 463.1045

Sauk Centre, MN [320] 352.2800

Silver Bay, MN [218] 226.4300

St. Cloud, MN [320] 253.6337

Tofte/Lutsen, MN [218] 663.7899

Two Harbors, MN [218] 834.3000

Virginia, MN [218] 741.7839

White Bear Lake, MN [651] 429.7131

Willmar, MN [320] 231.1962

Minnesota Trails 2016 Summer Edition

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Transcript of Minnesota Trails 2016 Summer Edition