Minnesota Trails Summer 2021 by Minnesota Trails Magazine

Summer 2021

MINNESOTA BIKE RIDES AND TRAIL MAPS

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

www.MnTrails.com Minnesota Trails Staff Jan Lasar Editor/Publisher Joyce Frericks Accounting Brian Dingmann Page Layout & Design Graphic Design

Editorial Board Brett Feldman Executive Director Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Vol. 26, No. 2 May 2021 Minnesota Trails magazine is a continuation of Minnesota Bike Trails & Rides, published quarterly in cooperation with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that acquires, protects and enhances critical lands for public enjoyment. Your $35 membership subscription supports this work. Minnesota Trails is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials and reserves the right to reject unsuitable advertising. Information in this publication is as accurate as possible. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not of Minnesota Trails.

SERVICES LODGING CUYUNA LAKES CHAMBER 117 West Main Street, Crosby 218-546-8131 www.cuyunalakes.com

CRMC

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center

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

JACOBS REALTY Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby 218-546-8346 www.jacobsrealtymn.com Find a home and a great place to live

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

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

MOTEL

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

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

Continuing the

2 Summer 2021

DEERWOOD

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

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

MID MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 117 West Main Street, Crosby 218-546-5428 www.mmfcu.org Member owned and working for you Businesses are open and ready to serve you! Check here for road construction updates in Crosby, Ironton and Deerwood.

EAT & DRINK

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

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

ATTRACTIONS

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

SPECIALTY STORE

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

218-546-8131

www.cuyunalakes.com Minnesota Trails

Index Features

Columns

Do Something Big

Stillwater and Beyond

Index photo:

Jan Lasar

Molly Hoeg

11 When Hope Becomes the Plan Josh Rizzo 43 Three Rivers Parks Off-road Cycling Erin Korsmo 44 920 Miles Across Minnesota Sam Marsnik

Minnesota Miles Jan Lasar

Layers of limestone on the banks of Prairie Creek at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. Jan Lasar photo

Departments 4 Parks & Trails Council News Lisa Filter 12 Trails Q&A Conversations With Trail Users 13 Bike Ride Guide Minnesota Bike Events May-November 46 MN Trails Map The State at a Glance 47 Trail Partners Find Trail-Friendly Businesses

Cover photo:

A dense canopy of trees keeps bikers cool on the Brown’s Creek State Trail. Jan Lasar photo

Thank you! Find us on:

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 3

w w w. p a r k s a n d t r a i l s . o r g Steve Young/P&TC

people saving special places

P&TC Land Project

Saving the mouth of Pike Creek for Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Notched into a prime area for Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is a property that has been part of the Smuda family story for three generations, starting in the early 1900s. It occupies a critical place at the mouth of Pike Creek—a major water feature in the park. The creek widens and meanders here, blending into wetlands before passing under a bridge along Highway 52 and draining into the Mississippi River. In 1999, the Smuda property was officially designated within the park’s statutory boundary, meaning it could be purchased if the owner wanted to sell. But, at that time it was still serving as the home for Alvina Smuda, and would continue as such for another 21 years. Finally, in 2020 the former park manager, Ron Jones, upon learning that Smuda was contemplating moving, enlisted P&TC’s assistance. “This property is the most critical natural resource-based inholding remaining in the statutory park boundaries,” he explained. On Sept. 9, 2020 P&TC finalized the sale and plans to hold the 4 Summer 2021

land in trust while the MnDNR secures the necessary funding. The modest house, situated along Highway 52 is surrounded by mown lawn to the north, which comes to an abrupt edge against the park’s forest. Behind the house, a collection of old sheds and barns dot the landscape and a foot bridge crosses the creek, whose shoreline and wetlands sprawl out in a relatively natural state. All these buildings will eventually be removed once

“

This is absolutely a critical piece for the park, not only because it ties the park together...but it has very interesting elevation that could offer nice views from new trails. ~ Barry Osborne, park supervisor

A footbridge over Pike Creek will likely be brought up to accessibility standards for park visitors.

the park takes ownership and begins to restore the entire property to a natural condition. The foot bridge will likely be brought up to accessibility standards and integrated into the park trail system. Smuda, 87, now lives in the nearby town of Little Falls and says she is happy the land will become part of the park. “I can go visit and maybe start another zoo,” she joked. The county had previously purchased a small parcel from the Smuda family where they’ve built a public boat launch. Boats can be launched into the creek and pass under the highway bridge into the Mississippi River. A water trail on the Mississippi promotes canoeists and kayakers to paddle up the creek to a campsite in the park. According to Park Supervisor Barry Osborne, the landscape around the mouth of the creek offers interesting elevations and with this addition, park trails could be moved closer in toward the creek to offer nice views. Minnesota Trails

people saving special places

w w w. p a r k s a n d t r a i l s . o r g

Learn about the Little Elk land project at www.parksandtrails.org

This land’s former life as a zoo

Where Gretchen the Lion once roared, park visitors soon stroll You wouldn’t guess it by strolling the grounds today, but this property was famous for the menagerie of wild animals who attracted visitors across the state and country to what was then called, the Smuda Zoo. It all started in the 1960s when siblings, Frank and Louise Smuda brought home a pet European deer for their niece, Alvina, who they cared for. Curious neighbors started coming to see the deer, so they added pheasants and quail to keep their visitors entertained. Within a few years they had about 50 species of animals, including a kangaroo, wallaby, llama, porcupine, ferret, ostrich, badger, pony, goat, wolf, chimpanzee, and even a lion, whom they acquired in 1968 from the Como Zoo in St. Paul. Conservation officers with the DNR enlisted the Smudas’ Minnesota Trails

help in rehabilitating injured animals, which occasionally become permanent residents if rehabilitation proved unsuccessful. They considered it more of a hobby than a business--something to keep them busy. They charged an entrance fee that was only enough to cover expenses. Their sole employee, Simon Podraza was quoted in a 1988 article in the Brainerd Daily Dispatch as saying, “If a fella didn’t have anything to do, well, the days would be longer than a son of a gun.” They continued running the zoo until about 1991, at which point Frank was 81 and Louise 77. Over that time, they likely had hundreds of thousands of visitors, including many schools groups.

Brainerd Daily Dispatch Southern Edition. June 15, 1988 Summer 2021 5

When Complete While spring-cleaning the secret Runner-up is the Central Lakes State Minnesota Trails Headquarters I came Trail, which connects Osakis and Fergus Falls across a yellowed and crunchy in west central Minnesota. When copy of the Travel Section of the Minnesota Miles Shidell wrote his article, its two Minneapolis Star Tribune from existing 18-mile segments were April 27, 2003. In his piece State’s already very popular. When the lucky bicyclists reap rewards of trail was officially completed trail-building boom, contributor in 2005, the total mileage had and guidebook author Doug grown to 55. This speed of just Shidell was taking a look at the over four and a half miles per year state of our Minnesota trails. puts Minnesota’s 23rd state trail What’s happened to them at number two. in the last 18 years? Well, it Third place at a growth depends. Half of the trails that rate of three and a quarter Jan Lasar Trails Editor/Publisher were unfinished in 2003 have miles annually, goes to the Lake been completed and these three Wobegon Trail. In April of 2003 rank as follows: it was a mere 28-mile stretch between The winner in the Completed category Avon and Sauk Centre and Shidell forecast, is the Paul Bunyan State Trail. “By July correctly, that another 18 miles would be [of 2003] the paved segment will stretch built later that year. More vital connections 66 miles from the Baxter/Brainerd area came in 2007 and by July of 2018, the through Hackensack,” Shidell wrote. It final leg into Waite Park brought an end took another eleven years for the final to construction and the completed Lake connection into Crow Wing State Park to Wobegon Trail was 65 miles long. officially complete the 120-mile path. That The race is far from over but the field in earns the Paul Bunyan Trail the gold medal the Uncompleted category isn’t as tight. at 5.71 miles per year since construction The Mesabi Trail on Minnesota’s Iron began in 1993. Range is clearly in the lead at 87% complete.

#VisitNewUlm

6 Summer 2021

Its mileage has grown to about 135 since 1996, an average pace of about 5.4 miles a year. It’s estimated to be done in the next three to five years and top out at 155 miles between Grand Rapids and Ely, making it Minnesota’s longest, paved, continuous trail. At this rate, the Mesabi Trail could unseat the Central Lakes Trail from the number two Completed spot. Shidell listed the Gitchi-Gami State Trail under the heading Trails to watch which, according to him, “will take a few years to reach its potential”. The potential is huge here. This trail will be a spectacular 90-mile ride on Minnesota’s North Shore and link five of our most iconic state parks between Two Harbors and Grand Marais. It’s grown to to 30 miles since 2001. The second place contestant is 33% done, adding an average of a mile and a half per year. Another trail on Shidell’s 2003 watch list is the Shooting Star State Trail. In 2003 it was a nine-mile strip of tar through the southern Minnesota prairie, with dreams of one day connecting Lake Louise State Park to Austin. This was accomplished in 2019, but the trail is only 67% done. With its completed mileage now hovering around 29, the Shooting Star State has been averaging just over one mile per year since 1995, for a bronze medal in the ranks of the trails yet to be finished. Every race has lanterne rouge, and this one’s no different. In 1967 the state of Minnesota authorized the use of abandoned railroad corridors in Pipestone and Murray Counties for recreational trail use. The vision of the Friends of the Casey Jones State Trail is a route 120 miles in length, connecting twelve communities, three state parks and one national monument in southwestern Minnesota. In 1996 a six-mile paved loop was built in Currie, MN. As of today, the trail has 14 paved miles, which means it has grown at a pace of one-half mile per year. Yet, the group is plugging along, undeterred, as they’ve done for decades, trying to nudge the completion rate above 12%. Why don’t they just finish these trails? The answer is, there is no they. There’s only you and I and us, the lucky bicyclists reaping the rewards mentioned in Shidell’s headline. We need to roll up our sleeves or clear our calendars or open our wallets or all of the above to make this happen and help take the words “when complete” off so many trail descriptions. Anybody want to come to the 2063 Grand Opening of the Casey Jones trail? Minnesota Trails

BIG DO SOMETHING

On the Lake Wobegon Trail near West Union, MN. Jan Lasar Photo

By Jan Lasar

When it comes to finding things to do feel unsafe at all.” Right around Fergus Falls, to the small town of Cosmos in west-central in retirement, Irene Schmidt likes variety they had to call in Konsor in the support Minnesota. From Hutchinson, it’s just over and “never the same old thing.” car, who gave them a lift around some road 40 miles to Plymouth, the group’s final When her friend Marcie Lawrenz construction. The group decided to bypass destination for that day. Combined with suggested going on a long bike trip to Fergus Falls altogether and pick up the their morning ride, it was also their longest celebrate their 70th birthdays, Schmidt was Central Lakes State Trail in Dalton. Their day, at 62 miles. “It was cold and getting all in. “Well, let’s bike across Minnesota,” final destination was Arrowwood Resort in dark by the time we got to Plymouth,” was her answer, and a plan was born. The Alexandria, where they soaked in the hot Schmidt said. pair recruited friend Bonnie Konsor to be tub. On the last day of their trip they left the support vehicle driver and after learning “We were surprised we weren’t more Plymouth to make their way to Saint Paul of the planned trip, neighbor Joe Salzer sore,” Schmidt said. where they planned to get on the Gateway decided to come along, too. Day two started with a State Trail. “We kinda took a wrong turn,” Lucky for them, surprise of temperatures Schmidt said. Rather than backtrack and they live just a stone’s in the mid-30s, but that lose time, they decided to call in Konsor who throw from the Lake wasn’t a problem. “We picked them up and dropped them off at Wobegon Trail, hadn’t planned on the Gateway trailhead on Arlington Avenue which makes for leaving real early in St. Paul. They continued their journey, a good training every morning, but not without stopping for a selfie at the ground. The we knew it was country’s largest snowman sculpture in trio spent last going to take us North Saint Paul. summer riding 5,6 hours every At Duluth Junction, only about six increasingly long day and that’s just miles from their destination, they veered distances, slowly what we planned,” off onto the Browns Creek State Trail and working their way Schmidt said. coasted into downtown Stillwater. The up from their usual At the end iconic Stillwater lift bridge had recently 20-some to around of the day they had been restored and opened to foot and (Left to right) Irene Schmidt, 40 miles. They managed Marcie Lawrenz, Bonnie Konsor travelled the remainder bicycle traffic only, so they crossed the Saint to put on 500 practice and Joe Salzer pose for a selfie of the Central Lakes Croix River and posed for a photo with the with one of numerous public miles over the course of a sculptures Trail and connected Welcome sign on the Wisconsin side. Their in Hutchinson, MN. few months and by early to the Lake journey was complete and they Jan Lasar Photo September they felt they Wobegon celebrated with hugs. were ready. Trail Back in Stillwater, The idea was to work their way across in Osakis. Their day there was one final the state west to east for four days, starting was done when they thing to do. “We in Wahpeton, ND and finishing in Wisconsin, reached Avon and didn’t have quite just across the bridge from downtown spent the night at 200 miles, so we Stillwater. This meant an average of 50 home. biked a little miles a day on a combination of roads and The morning bit around trails and some shuttling from the support of day three the d o w n t o w n ,” car. group finished the Schmidt said. On day one, they left Wahpeton, ND rest of the Lake Besides some with the goal of getting on the Central Lakes Wobegon Trail and cold mornings, a Trail in Fergus Falls and riding to Alexandria. were picked up in dropped bike chain Although Schmidt said the group preferred Waite Park by Marcie, and getting turned “We made it!” Across the trails, there was no way around a road ride who shuttled them down around once, the trip St. Croix River from Stillwater. Irene Schmidt Photo to make this a true cross-state bike ride. “I to Hutchinson, MN, where went well. To celebrate was worried about [Highway] 210 going they picked up their next their 70th birthdays, from Wahpeton to Fergus Falls,” she said. leg. The Luce Line State Trail stretches over Schmidt said “We had to do something “But it’s a nice, wide shoulder and I did not 60 miles from the metro suburb of Plymouth big.” Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 7

Stillwater and Beyond St. Croix River Crossing Loop adds miles with a view By Molly Brewer Hoeg I arrived in Stillwater in the morning, knowing I had enough miles of trails to last me all day. The sun beat down promising a hot ride, but perfect for showing off the scenery. It was a treat to find free parking at the Brown’s Creek State Trailhead in the center of the historic section of the city near Black-eyed Susans bloom along the Gateway in late summer. All photos by Jan Lasar the river. impact, resulting cyclists of all abilities. My plan was in a sleek, modern About two miles of the trail runs adjato cover all three look. Gliding onto cent to Brown’s Creek. I stopped at a pullout trails that interthe wide protected to read about the historic Military Road and connect to provide walking and cycling the old stone bridge that carried it across almost 30 miles of path, the land fell Brown’s Creek. The bridge is now on private traffic-free cycling. away leaving me land, but peering through the foliage I could Deciding on where 150 feet above the just make it out under deep, grassy growth. to start was easy river. Each tower I learned that it is the oldest standing stone – the 4.7-mile St. includes a lookout arch bridge in Minnesota, built in 1863. This Croix River Crossing spot with interpre- ride was beginning to feel like a tour of iconLoop Trail was newtive signs about the ic bridges! ly completed, and bridge and nature, After 5.9 miles, I reached Duluth Juncthe Stillwater Lift luring me out to tion, which is the intersection with the GateBridge beckoned. A horse trail runs along parts of the linger and take in way State Trail. This too is a rails-to-trails It was a deGateway State Trail. the view. conversion, and the informational signs prolight to pedal Back in Still- vide insights to its former railroad days. The worry-free on the striped bike lanes down the middle of the water I headed upriver on the Brown’s trail also includes 10 miles of unpaved horse historic bridge without the traffic conges- Creek State Trail, which then cut inland to trail adjacent to the cycle path. The shorter, tion that once clogged it. The low bridge travel west. It was Historic iron bridge. eastern section deck carried me just above the river as the a steady climb out extends four miles wrought iron structure passed overhead and of Stillwater but to Pine Point Park. pedestrians walked the paths on either side. gentle enough not That quiet stretch Reaching the Wisconsin side, the trail to feel strenuous, winds through rurose steeply – another reason I chose to thanks to the trail’s ral countryside, but ride this bit while I was still fresh. An eight former life as a crosses yet anothpercent grade follows the hillside for half a railroad bed. Trees er bridge of note. mile with crisp, painted lines separating pe- stretched and met The Iron Bridge is destrians and cyclists. Once up top, it was a above my head and a striking example gentle downward slope through open coun- the deep woodsy environs immediof an early Parker tryside. truss bridge, with When I returned to the river, the new St. ately dispelled the a load-bearing suCroix Crossing Bridge stretched out in front growing heat of the perstructure that of me, nearly a mile long. Opened in 2017, day. This is a newer forms triangular its unique design combines a minimum of trail with smooth units – just like the piers in the water and shorter towers with pavement for easy angled cables to reduce the environmental cycling, and I could see that it’s popular with Stillwater Lift Bridge. Built in 1873, near 8 Summer 2021

Minnesota Trails

Sauk Centre, MN in the days of horse and buggy, it has moved twice to reach this location where it once again carries pedestrians, cyclists and horses over a busy roadway. West of the Junction, the trail travels 14 miles right into the heart of St. Paul. At first, it felt much like the other trails – secluded, tree covered North Saint Paul’s famous snowman and bound by nature. on the Gateway Trail. I enjoyed the roly-poly bits with some fun dips and gentle curves, as did the children biking with their parents on the trail. I passed parks, lakes and wetlands. Wildflowers abounded on the side of the trail, particularly tall clusters of black-eyed Susan, goldenrod, yellow daisies, and spiney purple plants that I couldn’t name. It was hard to believe I was on the outskirts of our state capitol. But gradually the woods gave way to neighborhoods, which migrated into industrial areas. Soon I was paralleling the highway, which admittedly gave me access to treats and services that I craved by then. Dense canopy on the The trail condition deteriorated some as Brown’s Creek Trail. I moved onto older sections of pavement Taking a break and enjoying the view on one of the observation platforms on the new St. Croix Crossing Bridge.

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 9

with more cracks and bumps. At Arlington Road I was suddenly dumped out onto urban streets. The trail then follows a crooked line along streets and paths to meander down to its terminus. It took a lot more navigating to find my way and I admit to missing one turn despite the sign. Traveling a remote section of trail next to the railroad yard with artsy graffiti embellishing the fence, I wondered if I was still on the same trail. The final miles skirt the edge of I35 and its massive interchanges, sometimes diverting through grassy areas and passing an impressive cement mural celA glimpse of the historic stone arch ebrating all forms bridge from the trail. of trail use. This section connects to a number of other urban trails traveling through St. Paul and environs, reminding me that these links allow city cyclists to escape into the countryside. Which is just what I did, turning around and retracing my route back to Stillwater. To enjoy the trails all over again.

At Duluth Junction, the Gateway and Brown’s Creek State Trails meet.

View of Stillwater and the historic lift bridge from Wisconsin.

Graffiti in St. Paul.

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Minnesota Trails

When Hope Becomes The Plan Eight Friends, Four Days, Zero Reservations

By Josh Rizzo We had a plan. Not a good one, but we did officially have a plan. Eight of us were to go on a four-day bikepacking adventure on Minnesota’s North Shore gravel roads and hope that every single person we talked to on the phone was wrong. That was the plan. “Packing”, like backpacking or canoe packing means carrying your gear with you as you travel under your own power. In the case of bikepacking your bare bones essentials are strapped to your frame, handlebar and seatpost to keep the ride light and nimble for backcountry exploring, like a more rugged form of bike touring. I love having the ability to enjoy outdoor adventures at a faster pace than canoeing and hiking and in a more remote way than traditional bike touring on paved roads. I heard about a bikepacking route in Northern Minnesota called “Straddle and Paddle” on bikepacking.com. It promised everything I could want: endless gravel roads, thick forests with tons of lakes, and the world’s best donuts. My seven buddies John, Joel, Fabien, Phil, Matt, Kevin, Jeff and I spent a year researching, buying gear and generally overanalyzing the entire trip. There was only one problem. We found campsites, but the vast majority of them were booked, and the few remaining were non-reservable. It was the weekend of several very large tourist events in the Grand Marais area. They were eventually cancelled because of COVID, but the crowds still came en masse. I refreshed the reservation websites every day for months and made lots of phone calls. The US Forest Service, campgrounds, bike shops, and even churches all had the same answer: “We’ve been booked for months and haven’t had one single cancellation.” With eight hearts full of unfounded hope, we embarked on our trip despite having not just one, but three nights with nowhere to stay. Minnesota Trails

All photos John Miller

DAY ONE: After navigating the winding gravel roads to Finland, MN it was time to find our first place to sleep. There was one single non-reservable campsite in the vicinity of our first destination. The odds weren’t good, but we had no choice but to check it out. We came to the end of the trail and the forest broke open to a stunning spot on gorgeous Windy Lake and no one else was there. We had our first campsite. We swam, fished, ate freeze-dried meals and couldn’t believe that the prettiest campsite we’d ever seen was just waiting for our group of hopeful bikepackers. DAY TWO: Our bike ride for the day included a lunch swim on Mistletoe Lake as well as a friendly bear sighting. For the night, we were aiming for a tiny campground of four sites at the Cascade River Rustic Campground. It had more sites than the previous spot, but we’d be arriving on a Friday, which is the hardest night of the week to get a campsite. We rolled in after a tiring day on Minnesota’s loveliest and crunchiest

gravel, hoping that just one site would be open. Sites one, two and three were taken. Around the next bend we spied site four. It was open! We got lucky again and just barely scored a second campsite in two days. DAY THREE: If we didn’t find an open site at the municipal campground in Grand Marais we’d have to bike four miles back up the Gunflint Trail and look for dispersed camping in the Superior National Forest. It was technically an option, but nobody wanted to do it. We rolled up to the campground in the pouring rain and found out they were almost completely full for the night - except for two campsites! Luck was on our side again as we managed to find extremely unlikely campsites three nights in a row. DAY FOUR: On the last morning we stopped at The World’s Best Donuts on our way out of Grand Marais. We enjoyed those sugary rings of dough as Lake Superior’s waves lapped onto the rocky shoreline. Our final day of biking treated us to lakeviews, river gorges, and many wonderful miles on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail before we made it back to our vehicles. My suggestion? You guessed it. Plan ahead and be sure to make campsite reservations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Josh Rizzo is a bikepacker from Wisconsin who thinks that short adventures are often more fun than long ones. He loves making his own gear, bringing the family along for adventures, and exploring the Northwoods with a bike bag full of gummy bears and beef jerky. When he’s not biking he makes handmade bike bags for his side project called The NXRTH. Summer 2021 11

TrailsQ&A

2021

Trails Q & A

Deb White

Gary Westrup

Rosemount, MN Occupation: Retired High School teacher Seen: Taking a break at the Douglas rest area on the Douglas State Trail Gear: Trek Powerfly e-bike How many miles can you go on a charged battery? I have two, so I can go 50-60 miles Favorite Minnesota trail? I’ve had many fun times on the Cannon Valley and Willard Munger Trails. It’s just beautiful. How many miles do you bike per year? I just went over 3,900 miles for the year on this trail today. Is this your only bike? I don’t drive a car, so I have different bikes for different seasons. For the winter I have a fat tire bike, and I have a touring bike. What’s on your trail bucket list? The only one I haven’t been to is the Shooting Star Trail and I’m going to hit it next week when I do my tour of eight southern Minnesota trails. Best Minnesota Experience? Biking and camping along the Sakatah State Trail. Favorite Minnesota park? Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain. It brings back family memories because we always hiked there for Thanksgiving. What would you do with $1,000? I would probably donate it to the parks, because I don’t really need more money. I love the fact the parks exist for us and I know it all takes money. Advice for the novice cyclist: Don’t try to do too much too soon and if you can find some friends to go with it’s much more enjoyable. Trail Treat: Mocha ice cream

12 Summer 2021

Snapshots of people we meet along the trail

Richmond, MN

Occupation: Retired

Seen: Biking the Root River State Trail with his wife, Lorraine Gear: Trek T1000 tandem bike

How many miles do you bike a year? Last year it was 700 on the tandem.

Brent Adams Spring Park, MN

Occupation: Infrastructure Manager

Seen: Biking the Luce Line State Trail in Winsted, MN on his way to Piepenburg Park for his firstever overnight bikepacking trip. Gear: 1990s Cannondale mountain bike with Ortlieb panniers, Topeak back bag and Rockbros handlebar bag.

Why ride a tandem? I’m a much stronger biker than Lorraine and she always dreaded biking with me. How many miles do you bike But on the tandem we each take our share of the work. It’s meant we a year? It can be as little as a few hundred or as many as a get to bike more together. thousand. What does being outdoors mean Favorite Minnesota trail? I to you? We’re very focused on live right along the Dakota Rail outdoor activities. Lorraine is a Regional Trail and it’s right out serial walker and I bike a lot. It’s my back door. part of our aging in a healthy way plan.

Favorite Minnesota trail? The Lake Wobegon trail. It’s nicely maintained and un-crowded. It has great views and I like the mix of woodland and open areas.

Best Minnesota Experience? I think Minneapolis’ urban bike trails are really nice. There’s a 28-mile loop we do. It goes down along the river, the stone arch bridge and we always catch the Midtown Greenway coming back. Worst Minnesota Experience? I’ve gotten caught in the cold where you’re so cold that you’re counting every mile.

What’s on your bucket list? I need to do everything! With the pandemic, I kinda made up this bike to do some bikepacking. I figure I’ll do more of it, we’ll see how it goes. I want to do the Paul Bunyan Trail with my family.

Maria Medina Lake Wilson, MN

Occupation: Stay at home mom. Seen: Biking the Casey Jones Trail with her husband and two children. Gear: Hybrid Comfort bike. Best Trail Experience: It will be this trail when they pave more of it. How many miles do you bike a year? About 200. Future plans: Exercise 3-4 times a week. With $1000 I would: Buy the whole family new bikes. Favorite MN Trail: Camden Regional Trail between Marshall and Camden State Park. Trail Treat: Strawberry ice cream.

You’re 25 miles into your first bikepacking trip. What do you think? The bike is heavy. With the water bottles it weighs about 60 lbs. Best Minnesota Experience: The Tour de Tonka. It’s an amazing ride and I have actually done all of them. My daughters and I ride on a three-person tandem.

What’s on your Minnesota bucket What would you do with list? The Mesabi Trail. $1,000? Depending on how this What would you do with $1,000? ride goes, I might get a better We could have a few very nice days adventure bike. away. Trail Treat: During the ride I Trail Treat: The right answer would just try to find little cafés and it’s probably be ice cream, but we whatever they’ve got. At the end, do like wineries and we do like it’s a beer. breweries.

Minnesota Trails

2021 Bike Rides and Tours: Keep in mind that the current situation regarding public events in Minnesota is a fluid one and subject to last minute changes. As of deadline, the information listed in this calendar was accurate. Please check www.mntrails.com/events for the most up to date information.

MUNGER MISSION

Trail | Willard Munger Trail

May-September 2021

Your mission is to travel the scenic Willard Munger Trail on your own time and at your own pace, by yourself or with friends and family. Stop at participating businesses-the more stops you make, the more chances you have to win fabulous swag! The best part is you have 5 months to complete your mission. Shuttle service and bike rental is available.

www.mungermission.com

END-TICK Gravel Race Gravel | Lake Park, MN

June 5, 2021

For more information visit:

Bike Rides & Tours The Tour of Minnesota

Bertram Blast

June 18-25, 2021

June 20, 2021

Road/Trail | Hastings, MN

For more information visit:

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

LOOP THE LAKE RIDE - VIRTUAL

Trail | Bemidji, MN

June 17-22, 2021

This year’s Loop the Lake Festival bicycle event will be a virtual event. Participants will have from June 17-22, 2021, to complete the route. Distance: 12 miles.

www.bikebemidji.com

DAM2DAM RIDE

Road | Little Falls, MN

June 19, 2021

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

mntrails.com/event/end-tick-gravel-race

www.cmnbikeclub.com/dam2dam-ride

Tour de Cure: Minnesota-Virtual Fundraiser

LADY SLIPPER RIDE

Road | Minneapolis, MN

June 5, 2021

For more information visit:

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

TOUR DE PEPIN

Road | Lake City, MN

June 5, 2021

Tour de Pepin is one of the Midwest’s most unique cycling tours where riders have several options to ride through the captivating terrain and historic towns around Lake Pepin. Riders who navigate the 32, 40, and 50 mile routes also enjoy scenic views from the comfort of the Pearl of the Lake, a genuine replica 1800s paddleboat. Distances: 32, 40, 50, 72, 100 miles.

https://lakecity.org/news-events/tour-de-pepin/

Bike MS: MS 150

Road/Trail | Blaine, MN

June 12, 2021

For more information visit:

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

Trail | Avon, MN

June 19, 2021

Mountain Bike | Monticello, MN For more information visit:

mntrails.com/event/bertram-blast

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

June 20, 2021

For more information visit:

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

SPRING BIKE FLING

Trail | Walker, MN

June 26, 2021

Take a ride through the Chippewa National Forest on the Paul Bunyan Trail. Follow the western shoreline of Leech Lake along Walker Bay, before heading Northwest by beautiful Kabekona Bay and Lake Bennedict. This ride is flat, completely paved and you’ll enjoy the tranquil countryside on the way. Distances: 24 and 40 miles.

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

Great Scott 50

Road | Prior Lake, MN

July 4, 2021

For more information visit:

www.mntrails.com/event/great-scott-bike-ride

See the Minnesota State Flower, the Pink and White Showy Lady’s Slipper in full bloom. This is a short ride to see the beautiful Lady’s Slipper orchids growing along the Lake Wobegon Trail. It’s a free ride, but donations will be accepted. Distance: 6 miles

Habitat 500: Bike@Home

SHOOTING STAR TRAIL RIDE

Tour de Bun

www.lakewobegontrail.com/lwta-rides Road/Trail | Le Roy, MN

June 19, 2021

The 52 and 70-mile routes will be crossing into Iowa for a ride on the Wapsi Great Western Line Trail for an interstate experience. Take a ride through Minnesota’s prairies. All routes are fully supported with rest stops and SAG support and are either a combination of trail and hard surface county roads or trail only. Distances: 55, 70 miles on a combination of road and trail. 20, 40 miles on the Shooting Star Trail only.

www.shootingstartrail.org

Road/Trail | Anywhere

May-September, 2021

For more information visit:

www.mntrails.com/event/habitat-500-bike-ride

Bike Classic

July 24, 2021 A sweet ride in the heart of Minnesota Czech Country to celebrate Kolacky Days!

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

CARAMEL ROLL RIDE

Trail | Albany, MN

June 12, 2021

This is the annual “Beginning of Summer” ride on the trail and this year marks the 20th anniversary. Choose from three options: East to Avon, Collegeville and Saint Joseph, west to Freeport, and of course, north to Holdingford and the covered bridge, then on the Soo Line Trail to Bowlus and Blanchard Dam on the mighty Mississippi River. As always the best caramel rolls you can find anywhere will be available at all the rest stops!

www.lakewobegontrail.com/lwta-rides

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 13

2021

Bike Rides & Tours Tour of Saints

Road/Trail | St. Joseph, MN

July 11, 2021

For more information visit:

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

Tour de Meeker Road | Litchfield, MN

July 17, 2021

For more information visit:

https://mntrails.com/event/tour-de-meeker

Bike MS: Ride Across Minnesota Road | Austin, MN

July 23-24

For more information visit:

mntrails.com/event/bike-ms-ride-across-minnesota

BLUENOSE GOPHER 50

GREAT RIVER ENERGY MESABI TRAIL TOUR SERIES

Trail | Chisholm, Grand Rapids, Virginia

August 21, 2021

The annual bike ride on the Mesabi Trail is changing its format for 2021. Instead of one big tour, choose from three smaller events at three different venues throughout the biking season with out and back routes of 25 and 50 miles. Registration is limited and starts six weeks before each ride. Tour 1: Minnesota Discovery Center, Chisholm Tour 2: Itasca County Fairgrounds, Grand Rapids Tour 3: Olcott Park, Virginia

www.ggta.org/ride.php

Tour 1: July 31, 2021 Tour 2: August 28, 2021 Tour 3: September 18, 2021

Gravel | Granite Falls, MN

www.mesabitrail.com

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

Mountain Bike | Duluth, MN

July 24, 2021

www.bluenose.coop/bluenosegopher50

TOUR DE BUN BIKE CLASSIC

Road | Montgomery, MN

July 24, 2021

Ride your bike in the heart of Minnesota Czech Country in scenic Le Sueur County. Each route will have refreshment stops at various points and will provide scenic rural countryside on paved, lightly traveled roads. After the tour, riders will have plenty of time to participate in all the Kolacky Days weekend festivities.

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

2021 RETRO RIDE Trail | Holdingford, MN

July 24, 2021

Art in Motion and the Minnesota Cycling Museum are teaming up to bring you a week-long celebration of the arts and all things bike on the Lake Wobegon Trail. It kicks off with the Vintage Bike Show with some classic rides from the Minnesota Cycling Museum on display. Then, take a ride on the most scenic section of the paved Lake Wobegon and Soo Line Trails to the village of Bowlus and back. Art in Motion is a one of a kind art gallery, workshop, poetry and music venue right on the Lake Wobegon Trail in Holdingford.

https://art-in-motion-web-store.square.site/ product/retro-ride/34

Dirty Lemming

Gravel | Watertown, MN

July 31, 2021

For more information visit:

www.mntrails.com/event/dirty-lemming

Tour de SAVE

Road/Gravel | Northfield, MN

July 31, 2021

For more information visit:

www.mntrails.com/event/tour-de-save/ 14 Summer 2021

GITCHI-GAMI TRAIL RIDE

Road/Trail | Gooseberry Falls State Park

Bike Duluth Festival

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

The Wolf and the Fox

Gravel | Two Harbors and Finland, MN

August 27-29, 2021

For more information visit”

www.mntrails.com/event/the-wolf-and-thefox

PAUL’S BACON RIDE #3

August 6-8, 2021

Trail | Brainerd, MN

mntrails.com/event/bike-duluth-festival

You’ll ride with friends, visiting the trail towns of Merrifield, Nisswa and Pequot Lakes with bacon stops along the way and lots of cold Minnesota craft beer and drinks to wash it down. Registration includes bacon-themed breakfast and lunch, bacon stops along the route, drink specials, ride t-shirt and SAG. Distance: 45 miles.

For more information visit:

Tour de Tonka

Road/Trail | Minnetonka, MN

August 7, 2021

For more information visit:

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

RAIL TRAILS 100

August 28, 2021

Trail | Fergus Falls, MN

www.paulsbaconride.com

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

Trail | Sauk Centre, MN

www.railtrails100.com

www.lakewobegontrail.com/lwta-rides

Minnesota Iron Man Bike Ride

Taste of the Trail

Road | Shakopee, MN

Road/Trail

August 14, 2021

September 11, 2021

For more information visit:

Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, MN

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

September 18, 2021

Red Ribbon Ride

Houston, Rushford Area, MN For more information visit:

August 7, 2021

Road/Trail | Willow River, MN

August 20-22, 2021

CARAMEL APPLE RIDE

September 11, 2021

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

Fountain, Preston, Harmony, MN

September 25, 2021

www.mntrails.com/event/taste-of-the-trail-1

For more information visit:

www.mntrails.com/event/red-ribbon-ride

Minnesota’s

NEWEST GRAVEL RIDE

Ride Winona’s beautiful Bluff Country!

September 18, 2021

23, 44, 67 and Century routes

www.RideTheRidges.bike

Saturday, July 24 LIVE MUSIC BY: Maddy Braun & Brody Cordes 6-9 PM Bluenose Gopher outdoor beer garden

www.bluenose.coop/bluenosegopher50 Minnesota Trails

2021 Tour of Lakes

Bike Rides & Tours RIDE THE RIDGES

PARK 2 PARK ADVENTURE RIDE

Road | Brainerd, MN

Road | Winona, MN

Road | Little Falls, MN

For more information visit:

Ride the Ridges will take riders through some of the most scenic areas in southeastern Minnesota, from lush valleys along streams to bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Four routes, ranging from short to a century. Each route has hills and valleys and spectacular views. All routes have well-stocked rest stops featuring local delicacies. Rider amenities include a longsleeve t-shirt, meal coupon, free showers, and SAG support. Distances: 18, 42, 62, 106 miles

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

September 11, 2021

mntrails.com/event/tour-of-lakes

RIDEMN1

Road | East Grand Forks, MN

September 12-18, 2021

For more information visit:

www.mntrails.com/event/Ridemn1

North Star Bicycle Race

Road | Saint Paul, MN to US-Canada border

September 15, 2021

For more information visit:

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

MAYOR’S BIKE RIDE

Trail | Willmar, Spicer and New London

September 17, 2021

The communities along the Glacial Lakes State Trail are coming together for a picnic. Mayors from Spicer, New London and Willmar will be leading a ride starting in each of their towns

www.willmarlakesarea.com/event/mayorsbike-ride

September 18, 2021

www.ridetheridges.bike

September 25, 2021

www.littlefallsmn.com

Gravel Grovel

Gravel | Miesville, MN

September 26, 2021

Heck of the North

For more information visit:

September 25, 2021

Fall de Tonka

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

September 26, 2021

Gravel | Two Harbors, MN For more information visit:

mntrails.com/event/gravel-grovel Road/Trail | Minnetonka, MN

Fulton Gran Fondo

For more information visit:

September 25, 2021

The Filthy 50

mntrails.com/event/fulton-gran-fondo

October 9, 2021

Road | Minneapolis, MN

For more information visit:

mntrails.com/event/fall-de-tonka Gravel | Lanesboro, MN

Mora Bike Tour

Headwaters 100

For more information visit:

September 19, 2021

September 25, 2021

The Pie Burner

mntrails.com/event/headwaters-100

November 27, 2021

Road | Mora, MN

For more information visit:

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

Road/Trail | Park Rapids, MN For more information visit:

www.mntrails.com/event/filthy-50 Gravel | Hibbing, MN For more information visit:

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

Adventure Ride Adventure Ride Adventure Ride

Explore the future route of the Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail by ATV or bike and discover Little Falls!

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 15

2021

Bike Trail Guide

MINNESOTA’S BIKE TRAILS 40 Destinations for Adventures across the State

Blue Mound 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. See the striking rock formations of Blue Mounds State Park. Future connection to planned 6-mile Luverne Loop city trail.

Cuyuna Lakes State Trail • 9 miles

Riverton to Deerwood

The longest completed part of the Cuyuna Lakes Trail travels through the Cuyuna Country Recreation Area between Riverton and Deerwood. 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 segment between Riverton and Crosby is groomed for fat tire biking in the winter.

Dairyland Trail • 10 miles Elrosa to New Munich

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

Dakota Rail Regional Trail • 28.5 miles Wayzata to Lester Prairie

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

Douglas State Trail • 12.7 miles Rochester to Pine Island

A pleasant ride from Pine Island to Rochester via the town of Douglas. It’s the perfect outand-back ride and it connects with Rochester’s extensive city trail network.

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.

Glendalough Trail • 12 miles Battle Lake to Glendalough State Park

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

Details at www.mntrails.com/trails

16 Summer 2021

Goodhue Pioneer State Trail

Red Jacket Trail • 12 miles

This trail is a work in progress. Currently, two short, paved sections exist. A four-mile stretch starts at the southern end of the 1.5mile Hay Creek Trail on Pioneer Road in Red Wing. The other paved section travels north five miles from Zumbrota.

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

Great Northern Trail • 8 miles

ROCORI Trail • 5 miles

This paved trail on an abandoned railroad grade connects Elk River and Zimmerman. Access the trail at Woodland Trails Park. Plans are to extend it north to Princeton eventually.

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

Great River Ridge State Trail • 13 miles

Sakatah Singing Hills Trail • 39 miles

This paved trail is flat and level and travels through scenic bluff country near Carley and Whitewater State Parks.

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.

• 9 miles in two sections Red Wing and Zumbrota

Elk River

Plainview

Hardwood Creek Trail • 9.5 miles

Hugo

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

Lake Koronis Trail • 18 miles Paynesville

Mankato

Cold Spring

Mankato to Faribault

Saint James and Watline Trail • 9 miles St. James

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

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

Sleepy Eye

Mi Gi Zi Trail • 14 miles

Starbuck Trail • 5 miles

This loop around Pike Bay is easily accessible from the Heartland Trail and offers a scenic ride throught the Chippewa National Forest.

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

Cass Lake, MN

Minnesota River State Trail • 12 miles in three segments

Currently, three unconnected segments exist. In Ortonville, a 4.5-mile section links the city with Big Stone Lake National Wildlife Refuge starting at the Minnesota River headwaters at Riverside Park. The next piece of three miles starts at the town of Milan and heads west to Milan Beach Resort. The last segment of five miles takes off from the outskirts of Montevideo and travels south to the town of Wegdahl.

Rainy Lake Trail • 12 miles Rainy Lake to International Falls

The Rainy Lake Recreation Trail is a combination road route and paved standalone trail. It starts near the Rainy Lake Visitor Bureau, follows the south shore of Rainy River and terminates at the Rainy Lake visitor Center for Voyageurs National Park. It travels through lakeside residential areas and the forest in Voyageur National Park.

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

Starbuck to Glacial Lakes State Park

Sunrise Prairie Trail • 15 miles

North Branch

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

Swedish Immigrant Trail • 10.4 miles Two segments between Chisago City and Taylors Falls When complete, the Swedish Immigrant Trail will connect the town of Wyoming on the Sunrise Prairie Trail to Interstate State Park and be about 20 miles long. Currently, two short segments exist: A four-mile paved section between Center City and Chisago City and a and a 6.4-mile route traveling southwest from Taylors Falls to a dead end west of Shafer.

Minnesota Trails

2021

Gitchi-Gami

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Trail30 miles Gitchi-Gami StateFuture Trail

Destined to become one of the most scenic paved trails in the nation, the GitchiGami parallels the North Shore Scenic Drive Byway, the popular Superior Hiking Trail and the Lake Superior Water Trail. Gitchi-Gami Grand Marais offers an active way to enjoy Minnesota’s North Shore with fantastic views of its Cascade River 30 MILES PAVED namesake lake. P Lutsen Along the Trail: The Gitchi-Gami State Trail will eventually trace 89 miles of P Tofte the North Shore, weaving its way through Future Trail Temperance River five state parks from Two Harbors to Grand Bike Trail Grand P Marais Marais. The longest trail section to date State Park Schroeder P runs more than 17 miles from Gooseberry Cascade River P Taconite Harbor Parking 30 MILES PAVED r Falls State Park across the Split Rock River, P rio George H. Crosby Manitou Picnic/Rest Area Lutsen e through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and p Su Restroom Beaver Bay, and on to Silver Bay. At Split Rock P e k Tofte Lighthouse State Park, you ride just below La Camping Temperance River a wayside rest and scenic overlook with a P Tettegouche picture-perfect view of the lighthouse. To Schroeder P Silver Bay P visit the lighthouse and interpretive center, Taconite Harbor take the short spur trail leading there. Split Beaver Bay ior er P Rock Lighthouse State Park and Beaver BayGeorge H. Crosby Manitou Split Rock Lighthouse up S both have trail centers with parking. The P ke P half -mile lakeside swing around Highway Gooseberry Falls La P 61’s Silver Creek Tunnel is worth visiting on P Tettegouche wheels or on foot for its panoramic views P of Lake Superior. There’s also a three-mile Silver Bay Two P stretch of trail from Schroeder to Tofte, Beaver Bay Harbors P passing through Temperance River State Split Rock Lighthouse Park and offering a view of Carlton Peak. P P This stretch could make a nice out-and-back P Gooseberry Falls casual ride or family trip of six miles with P a stop for a hike to see the Temperance River P Gorge. Navigating through the TwoTown of Tofte, plan to take the Town ParkHarbors Road, which can Find More Maps at bring riders some excellent opportunities www.MNTrails.com to engage with Lake Superior. The trail once again picks up on the northeast side of Tofte where it continues another 7.3 miles.

GITCHI-GAMI

STATE TRAIL

GITCHI-GAMI

STATE TRAIL

Gitchi-Gami State Trail Find More Maps at Four Sections www.MNTrails.com 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.

thought to have been an ancient route for the Temperance River into Lake Superior. There Temperance River Gorge offers spectacular views of the river and rocks below. You can also view the 1,526-foot Carlton Peak. You’ll have to cross Highway 61 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 . The 1.5-mile segment of completed Gitchi-Gami Trail in Grand Marais lies within the 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. An additional 3.5 miles of trail connecting Cut Face Creek State Wayside and the city of Grand Marais is anticipated to open later in 2021.

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.

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

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 Minnesota Trails

August 21, 2021 Summer 2021 17

Fu B St P Pa P R Ca

Mesabi

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

MESABI 135 MILES PAVED

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LEGEND

Itasca County Fairgrounds LaPrairie 2

Mesabi Trail 135 miles

The wonders of the Mesabi Iron Range are in a class by themselves. Via the Mesabi Trail, cyclists, walkers and hikers can enjoy over 135 miles of paved trail stretching from the Mississippi River (Grand Rapids) to the Boundary Waters (Ely), and connecting

28 communities. When completed in 3 to 5 years, that mileage will expand to 155 miles. The trail runs through a wide range of scenery, from dramatic views of mining operations, to secluded woods, a jungle of vegetation, mine lakes and reservoirs. It traverses forest, meadows, rivers, streams and lakes in a region bound on

135MILES MILES OF PAVED 135 OF PAVED TRAIL, 135 MILES OF PAVED TRAIL,

169

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169

McKinley Gilbert Sparta Eveleth Fayal 53 Veterans Park & Campground

US Hockey Hall fo Fame

Aurora

Tioga Recreation Area

Taconite Coleraine Bovey 61

Keewatin

Nashwauk

Biwabik

Virginia

a Tot

Hill Annex Mine State Park Marble

Minnesota Discovery Center and Redhead Mountain Bike Park

Giants Ridge Recreation Area

169

Buhl 169

169

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Chisholm

Hibbing

Babbitt

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Mt. Iron

Hull Rust Mine Overlook Greyhound Bus Museum

Birch Lake

135

Chisholm Museum of Mining

Bear Head Lake State Park Bear Head Lake

Embarrass

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

International Wolf Center

Soudan

Tower

169

McCarthy Beach State Park

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

Grand Rapids

Ely

North American Bear Center

169

Fortune Bay Bois Forte Heritage Museum and RV Park

State Park Points of Interest

Lake Vermilion - Soudan Underground Mine State Park

Lake Vermilion

TRAIL

Bike Trail Future Trail Public Campground

Winton

Shagawa Lake

the east end by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and on the west by the Mississippi River. In between, the Mesabi Trail takes visitors past the edges of the open pit mines of the Iron Range and areas abundant with wildlife, nature and the rich heritage of hardy pioneers. Unlike a lot of paved trails in the state, the Mesabi Trail is created from old logging and mining roads, former roadways, some abandoned rail grade and new trail though the forest. There are even a couple of floating bridges. The trail crosses Minnesota’s tallest

TRAIL,

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AURORA

Jan Lasar photo

•

• BUHL • CHISHOLM • EMBARRASS • EVELETH • GILBERT BIWABIK AURORA • BIWABIK • BUHL • CHISHOLM • EMBARRASS • EVELETH • GILBERT

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Minnesota Trails

2021

bridge just outside of Virginia. It spans 1,132 feet and crosses the Rouchleau mine lake 200 feet above the water’s surface for a spectacular view from your bike seat. Currently, over 75 continuous miles stretch from Grand Rapids to McKinley. After a short diversion to the shoulder of Hwy 135, riders can re-connect with the trail again just outside of Biwabik, with another 15 miles taking them past Giant’s Ridge Recreation Area to Embarrass. This section includes a 3/4 mile long floating bridge across the Embarrass Wetland Complex and the Darwin Meyers Wildlife Management Area. There are another ten miles around Tower/ Soudan, including trail through the new Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park, and six miles near Eagles Nest Lakes off Hwy 169 on the way to Ely. There are additional spurs into communities like Chisholm and the Minnesota Discovery Center, Eveleth (with the world’s largest hockey stick), and Aurora. Off the bike you can tour a mine, a logging camp, the Greyhound bus museum or visit the childhood homes of Judy Garland and Bob Dylan. Many campgrounds and local parks are easily accessible from the trail, 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. 2021 construction includes: 11 miles from Embarrass to Kugler Township heading towards Tower, leaving a 6-mile gap before actually connecting to Tower. This will create a 24-mile continuous stretch from Biwabik to Kugler Township. Another two miles will also be added near Eagles Nest Township, creating a 17-mile continuous stretch from Tower. Note: the Trail dead ends with no connectivity to Ely as of yet. Check for Trail Updates at mesabitrail.com, before planning your cycling adventure. Minnesota Trails

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Mesabi

The 3/4-mile long floating bridge through the Embarass Wetland Complex. Jan Lasar photo

View from the Laurentian Divide on the newest trail segment north of Giants Ridge. Jan Lasar photo Summer 2021 19

Paul Bunyan

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

2021

Paul Bunyan State Trail

120 miles

The paved Paul Bunyan Trail is Minnesota’s and the country’s longest rail trail. It has been inducted into the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame, as a “Signature Minnesota Destination.” The trail’s namesake, Paul Bunyan, is a reminder of the rich forestlands that supported a robust timber industry and are ever present on your ride through the pines and you’ll see many incarnations of Paul Bunyan and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox, in towns along this one-of-a-kind trail. Along the Trail: The trail starts at Crow Wing State Park near Brainerd and ends at Lake Bemidji State Park near Bemidji. Including a few on-road connections, the total mileage is closer to 123 miles.

Crow Wing State Park to Walker

Riders can catch glimpses of the Mississippi River on their way through the park towards Brainerd’s Northland Arboretum. The Brainerd lakes area is a favorite with tourists seeking an Up North experience with creature comforts. Countless resorts, hotels and campgrounds cater to cyclists and are located near the trail. North of Brainerd you’ll find wetlands, gardens and the little towns of Merrifield and Nisswa. Downtown Nisswa is a bustling tourist town with many shops and restaurants to explore. Stop for a tour of the historic pioneer village and regular turtle races throughout the summer. The Pequot Lakes Visitor’s Center is a good place to rest and recharge. Rumor has

20 Summer 2021

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

Minnesota Trails

2021

Paul Bunyan/Heartland

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

History: The Paul Bunyan trail follows the original railroad line built in 1893 and abandoned by Burlington Northern in 1983. In October 1992, the first 50 miles of the Paul Bunyan Trail from Brainerd to Hackensack opened to the public and it has since more than doubled in length.

Heartland State Trail 49 miles

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

ONE STEP FOR ME

120 miles for you

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

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.

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

Connections: Traveling north on the Paul Bunyan State Trail after Hackensack, you’ll enter the Chippewa National Forest and come to a Y intersection. Go left and ride the hilly section of the Paul Bunyan Trail through the Chippewa National Forest to the intersection with the Heartland Trail west of Walker. Go right and take the easier Shingobee Trail into Walker from the south. After you cross Paul Bunyan Drive on the bridge in Bemidji, connect to the 17-mile Lake Bemidji Trail around Lake Bemidji. It doesn’t matter which way you go around the lake, the route ends at Lake Bemidji State Park. The Paul Bunyan Trail is also part of the Mississippi River Trail Scenic Bikeway, a signed route from the Mississippi Headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico.

IT’S LEGENDARY

MNBIKETRAIL.COM

Walker, MN is connected to more than 150 miles ofASSOCIATION paved trails! Photo Credit: Explore MN

it Paul Bunyan’s bobber now serves as the town’s water tower. Stop and take a rest in Paul Bunyan’s chair at Bobber Park. At the Pine River Information Center you can see vintage displays, including a pair of Paul Bunyan’s baby shoes, big enough to stand in. Keep an eye out for carved critters along the trail, like Colonel Cobber in Backus. This 10-foot chainsaw carving of a corncob man is a favorite picture opportunity with cyclists. Farther down the trail you can meet Paul Bunyan’s girlfriend, Lucette, in Hackensack, home to an annual chainsaw carving festival. After Hackensack, take either the hilly route through the Chippewa National Forest to the shared section of the Heartland and Paul Bunyan Trail or the Shingobee Connector trail. Both routes connect to downtown Walker, but the Shingobee trail is shorter and easier.

leech-lake.com | 218-547-1313 Summer 2021 21

Heartland

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Park Rapids to Dorset

The official start of the Heartland Trail is at Park Rapids’ Heartland Park, which has shelters, restrooms, a swimming beach and a bridge across the Fish Hook River. Your six-mile journey to Dorset will take you through scenery ranging from thick woods to grasslands dotted with lakes. The popular trailhead in Dorset has access to shops and restaurants, a large parking lot, outdoor toilet, playground and shaded picnic areas. The corral on the other side of the trail is for those on horses who use the unpaved trail parallel to the paved trail.

Dorset to Nevis

The next five miles to Nevis are quite pleasant. The trail travels through the woods with glimpses of an occasional pond. Pines and poplar trees are plentiful and birch stand out nicely from the green background. Just before you get to Nevis, enjoy views of Shallow and Belle Taine Lakes as you cross over the channel connecting the two.

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 share a trail segment from just northeast of Akeley to Walker. At a parking lot a few

Red Bridge Park in Park Rapids. Jan Lasar photo miles outside of Akeley, riders can turn onto the Paul Bunyan Trail and ride through the Chippewa National Forest. This eight-mile segment on paved logging roads-turned-trail has a grade of up to 8 percent. It hooks up to

the Shingobee Connection Trail into Walker. Alternatively, you can continue on the shared segment and access the town of Walker that way. Just outside of town, the Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trails part ways. The Paul Bunyan Trail continues northwest to Bemidji, while the Heartland Trail continues northeast to Cass Lake.

Walker to Cass Lake

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

THE SOURCE OF Pedal at your own pace

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| 22 Summer 2021

Discovery

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Cruise the Heartland Trail

| www.parkrapids.com

Connections: In Walker, connect to the Shingobee Trail near Chase on the Lake Resort. This seven-mile combination of road routes and standalone trail crosses Shingobee Bay on the south end of Leech Lake and will take you to the Paul Bunyan Trail. Go south at this intersection toward Hackensack or west through the Chippewa National Forest and loop back to Walker via the Heartland/Paul Bunyan Trail. Near Cass Lake, where the trail intersects County Road 76, connect with the Mi-Gi-Zi Trail by riding about a half a mile east on a signed road route. Follow the 14-mile trail counterclockwise around Pike Bay’s beautiful shores and the Chippewa National Forest and arrive at a trailhead north of Pike Bay after about ten miles. From there, a signed bike route will take you back to the Heartland Trail on quiet city streets through Cass Lake. Future expansions of the Heartland include an 86-mile segment from Park Rapids west to Moorhead and a 40-mile extension north from Park Rapids to Itasca State Park. Minnesota Trails

2021

Paul Bunyan/Heartland Map

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

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

Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary Scientific & Natural Area

Lake Bemidji State Park

Elf Lake

State Trail

Paul Bunyan

Lake Ave.

Grant Ave.

Heartland State Trail

ria st

197

k ar lP . Dr

Trail

Guthrie

Mi-Gi-Zi Trail

Pike Bay

371

1st St. 4th St.

nD ya un

Cass Lake

5th St.

B ul Pa

e Stat nyan l Bu Pau

Cass Lake

Washington Ave.

Irving Lake

1st St.

Mississippi River Trail

Lake Itasca

Mill St.

Itasca State Park Wilderness Trail

Lake Bemidji

Little Norway Ave.

Bemidji

Clauson Ave.

Lake Itasca 14

Gould Ave.

Lake Bemidji

Wilkinson

★

Ten Mile Lake

Birch

Hackensack

Park Rapids

★★★

★★

★

★★★★

★

★★★ ★ Trail ★ ★State

★★★★★

371

Walker Trail Loop

Stony Lake

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

M inerd g St. P e Ni rri / Bax ark fi Pe ssw eld ter a Je quo n Pi kin t La ke Ba ne R s s Ha cku iver s c W ke a Be lke nsa ck r n L a ed Gu por ict Na thr te Be ry ie m La id ke ji Be m i

★★

ak e

ss L

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★★ ★

★★★

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Paul Bunyan

★★★

Akeley

★

★★★★★

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200

★★★

★ ★

★★

★

Shingobee Connection Trail ★ ★★

★

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

★★★

★ ★★

★★★ ★

★

200

★

★★

Heartland State Trail Nevis

★★

★★★★★★★

P P

★★

★★★★

7.2

Dorset

★

★★

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

Leech Lake

★

12.5 19.7

371

Heartland State Trail

★★

Agency Bay

★★

9.4 21.9 29.1

Traders Bay

Walker Bay

Walker

★★

6.3 15.7 28.2 35.4

Benedict Lake

Long Lake

★

Benedict

★

★★ ★

★★

★

North Country Hiking Trail ★★★ ★★

5.3 11.6 21.0 33.5 40.7

★★

★★★

6.3 11.6 17.9 27.3 39.8 47.0 71

Leech Lake

★

★★★

North Country Hiking Trail

Kabekona Bay

Kabekona Lake

★

★★★★

★

★★★★

371

★

★★★★★

May Lake

Ste am Bayboat

★

★ ★★

★

★★★★★★★★★★★★

Garfield Lake

★

Laporte

Lake George

Itasca State Park

Map Courtesy of Pleasant Lake

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

W in

6.2

371

9.5 15.5 24.8 32.3 55.1 61.7 66.9 72.1 78.3 84.7 92.0

3.3

Br a

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

9.3 18.6 26.1 48.9 55.5 60.7 66.9 73.1 78.5 85.8

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

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

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

LEGEND

6.0 15.3 22.8 45.6 52.2 57.4 63.6 68.8 75.2 82.5

Pine Mountain Lake

More Maps at MNTrails.com

Backus

Norway Lake

Big Trout Lake

Pine River

Paul Bunyan State Trail

Upper Whitefish Lake

Upper Hay Lake

S nd hla Hig

Rollinger St.

1st St.

2nd St.

iss ip p

ss Mis

30th Ave.

Downtown

Charles St.

Jasperwood Rd.

Franklin Ave.

King St.

i cen

ver

P Boom Lake

Crow Wing State Park

Gull Lake

371

Brainerd

Bridge St.

Minnesota St.

Northland Arboretum

Pelican Lake Lower Cullen Lake

Nisswa

210 Perch Lake

c Dr.

Rush Lake

Cuyuna Lakes State Trail

Excelsior Rd.

371

Heartland Park

Baxter

Park Rapids

Heartland St.

Pearle St.

White Sand Lake

Evergreen Rd.

North St.

Minnesota Trails

P 371

Eastern Ave.

East River Dr.

Lawn St.

Todd St.

Pequot Lakes

Kaywood Dr.

Fish Hook River

Forestview Ave.

Lower Whitefish Lake

Jenkins

dj i

St at ep

ar k

7.3

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

North Long Lake

Mississippi River Trail

Wilson Bay

Buffalo Lake

B371 123

Baxter

210

Merrifield

210

Brainerd

Crow Wing State Park

Summer 2021 23

WILLARD MUNGER

STATE TRAIL

Cloquet Scanlon

Sawyer

Carlton

Otter Creek

P Jay Cooke State Park

St. Louis River

Wrenshall

Alex Laveau Memorial Trail 23

13 23 32 36 45 55 59 70 10 19 23 29 42 46 57

Lak e

hto wa

Ca rl Wr ton ens hal Du lut l h

les

Sturgeon Lake

11 15 26

Nickerson

Sturgeon Lake

17 21 32

rnu Ba

ces

Holyoke

Moose Lake State Park

Kettle River

Wi llow R

ist

Moose Lake

10 23 27 38

ose

13 19 32 36 47 4

Barnum

Kettle River

Mahtowa 73

Superior

ive

210

St. Louis River Trail

Cromwell

Proctor

70 MILES PAVED

Lake Superior

Duluth

a Tot

The Willard Munger Trail connects Hinckley to Duluth with a continuous trail that offers a changing experience as you travel along. The southern segment from Hinckley to Carlton is flat, straight and sometimes out in the open. The so-called Hinckley Fire Trail section follows the railroad line that carried many area residents to safety during the devastating 1894 Hinckley Fire. It goes about 55 miles from Hinckley to Carlton, with entry points at Finlayson, Willow River, Sturgeon Lake and Moose Lake. Nearly the entire trail is flat and straight on the bed of the abandoned railroad right-of-way and it crosses several bridges, skirts ponds and goes through the woods. A couple of stretches parallel a highway. Points of interest along this section include the Hinckley Fire Museum across from the trailhead and the historic Finlayson and Moose Lake Depots. A 2-mile road ride will take you into Moose Lake State Park. The northern segment is a 15-mile descent from Carlton to West Duluth that travels through trees and rock cuts with 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. A short, paved trail splits off into Jay Cooke State Park shortly thereafter. 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. From this Bardon Peak the ride is downhill to where the trail ends near the Lake Superior Zoo. Connections: The 16-mile Alex Laveau Memorial Trail segment connects Carlton with Gary-New Duluth, but not all of it is paved. From Carlton (at the intersection of the main trail with County Road 1), a six-mile paved segment goes south through Wrenshall and ends at Highway 23. A combination of bike routes on paved road shoulders and city streets continues from there. The 2.5-mile paved St. Louis River Trail between Carlton and Scanlon is a short road ride on city streets away and can be accessed on Chestnut Street, across from Carlton Bike Rental.

and travels east toward Sandstone. It stops short of reaching town, however, just west of I-35. A 4-mile road ride along the shoulder of Highway 61 and 23 north through Sandstone takes you to the western edge of Banning State Park where a paved bike trail of less than a mile ends near the park office.

At the end of the trail in Duluth (at Pulaski Street) you can access the 5-mile Western Waterfront Trail. This packed gravel trail runs along the St. Louis River shoreline from the Spirit Lake Marina to near Fremont Street in Duluth’s Irving neighborhood. Between Friesland and Groningen (at Grindstone Lake Road) a paved trail splits off

Duquette Kerrick

Willow River

Nemadji State Forest

Bruno

Rutledge 23

Finlayson 18

Askov

LEGEND

70 miles

Hin ckl ey lay son

Willard Munger State Trail

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Fin

Willard Munger

Banning State Park

Groningen

Sandstone

St. Croix State Park

Friesland

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

P Parking

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com P

Hinckley

St. Croix State Park

Chengwatana State Park Brant Brook Pines State Natural Area

ix Cro St.

er Riv

Snake River Pine City

A mural along the trail depicts the history of Willow River. Jan Lasar photo 24 Summer 2021

Minnesota Trails

2021

Central Lakes

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Central Lakes State Trail 55 miles

The 55-mile-long, paved trail starts at the Fergus Falls trailhead on Highway 210 and travels southeast through the communities of Dalton, Ashby, Melby, Evansville, Brandon, Garfield, Alexandria, Nelson and Osakis. The trail, a former railroad grade, is generally flat and level. It passes through a varied landscape of woods, grasslands, lakes, wetlands and farm fields. Communities with rest stops and amenities are generally seven to ten miles apart. The Central Lakes Trail is open to non-motorized use and groomed for snowmobiling in the winter. Along the Trail: The official Fergus Falls Trailhead is near the intersection of Minnesota Highway 210 and 19th Street, where you can find parking, bathrooms, picnic facilities, a bike repair station and play sculpture. Camping is available at DeLagoon Park, about a mile down the trail from the trailhead. This large park also offers a swimming beach and picnic facilities. Traveling from Fergus Falls you’ll cross the Continental Divide, where water flows south into the Mississippi or north into Hudson Bay. The small communities along the trail tuck in neatly between reed-lined lakes and the occasional farm field and you’ll easily find camping, restaurants and places to rest. Stop for a photo op at the well-known statue of Big Ole the Viking at the north end of downtown Alexandria, near the Runestone Museum. If you’re visiting in early summer,

Participants of the Rail Trails 100 Bike Tour are ready to take on a century ride. Jan Lasar photo

The Central Lakes Trail Starts Here BikeFergusFalls.com

SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS

320.219.7433

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

Enjoy 55 miles

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

RAIL TRAILS 100 BIKE TOUR

Minnesota Trails

AUGUST 7TH

2021

Summer 2021 25

Central Lakes

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

14 20 25 29 34 44 12 17 21 26 36

11 15 20 30 5

14 24

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

Ale x

an d

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Ga rf

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55 MILES PAVED

13 19 25 30 34 39 49

D al Tot

STATE TRAIL

11 19 25 31 36 40 45 55 5

Ne lso

CENTRAL LAKES

les Mi

keep an eye out for pink or yellow Lady’s Slippers blooming along the trail. A Combined History: The Lake Wobegon and Central Lakes Trails are built on the rail corridor formerly owned by Burlington Northern Railroad Company. As the profitability of the railroad line declined, Burlington Northern leased use of the tracks to smaller short line railroads. One of the last such companies was the Otter Tail Valley Railroad, which ran trains between Moorhead, MN and Avon, MN, from 1986 until1991, when the line was officially abandoned. The Lake Wobegon Regional Trail opened in 1998 and the Central Lakes State Trail was dedicated in 2005. The two trails officially joined near Osakis, MN in 2007. Connections: Just east of Osakis, the Central Lakes State Trail connects to the 65-mile-long, paved Lake Wobegon Trail. From DeLagoon Park, city bike routes take you to Grotto Lake Park with the famous statue of Otto the Otter. Feasibility of a connecting trail between Fergus Falls and Pelican Rapids is being explored. Another trail in the planning stages would connect Ashby to Battle Lake and Glendalough State Park.

Up close and personal with agriculture in Osakis, MN. Jan Lasar photo 26 Summer 2021

Minnesota Trails

2021

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

Lake Osakis

Osakis P

127

Lake Wobegon

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

LAKE WOBEGON

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

REGIONAL TRAIL 65 MILES PAVED

Little Falls

Blanchard Dam

Royalton West Union P

Bowlus

S oo L Tra ine il

Sauk Lake

iss

County Line 71

2.3 miles

Sauk Centre

17 McCormick Lake

2.3 5.3 10.3 16.3 22.8 28.8 37.3 44.8 50.8

Wa ite P Jos ark eph

14 20.5 26.5 35 42.5 48.5

11 17.5 23.5 32 39.5 45.5

Mill Pond

Sauk River

Co lleg evi lle Avo n

St.

8.5 16 22

Freeport Lake

Uhlenholts Lake

LEGEND

in ces tan

D is

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

al Tot

les

Minnesota Trails

Freeport P

6 14.5 22 28

7.5 13.5

10 Melrose P

6 12.5 18.5 27.0 34.5 40.5 6.5 12.5 21 28.5 34.5

P Holdingford

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

ve r

NORTHERN SPUR Lake Wobegon Albany to Holdingford Holdingford to County Line

9.4 miles 3.5 miles

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

4.0 miles 3.5 miles 2.5 miles

Two Rivers Lakes

Albany

Albany Lake

Avon P

Lower Spunk Lake

Ochotto Lake Lake Anna

Middle Spunk Lake

Upper Spunk Lake

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

Linneman Lake Minnie Lake

Saint John’s University

St. Joseph P

Sagatagan Lake Kraemer Lake

College of St. Benedict’s

River’s Edge Park

r ive

St. Cloud Waite Park

Summer 2021 27

Lake Wobegon

Lake Wobegon Regional Trail 65 miles

The paved Lake Wobegon Trail extends through the Central Minnesota counties of Stearns and Todd from Waite Park to Osakis through the state’s leading dairy county. The trail also has an extension from Albany heading northeast to Holdingford and the Stearns/ Morrison County line. Starting at Rivers Edge Park in Waite Park, you’ll cross the Sauk River on this newest section of the Lake Wobegon Trail. En route to St. Joseph you ride along natural areas and farm fields. A few miles outside of St. Joseph, see the old town of Collegeville, which now consists of only a few homes, but once had a popular train depot, boarding house, post office and store. You can turn left at Collegeville for a 2.5-mile side trip to Saint John’s University. At Avon, you’ll find shelters,

bathrooms, a water fountain and a two-storied lookout tower/shelter that gives you a bird’s eye view of the surrounding region. The next 5.5 miles 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 west of Albany, a spur of the Lake Wobegon Trail goes north nine miles to Holdingford, home of Minnesota’s longest covered bridge. This spur connects with the paved Soo Line Trail at the county line and offers pastoral views of a natural landscape. The Soo Line trail goes through Bowlus, crosses the Mississippi River at Blanchard Dam and ends at a trailhead on Highway 10. West of Albany, you’ll find Freeport, the birthplace of Lake Wobegon. Garrison Keillor is said to have had the inspiration for some of his fictional places here. Head west for 5.7 miles

Start YOUR JOURNEY Here on the Lake Wobegon Trail!

Tent and RV camping with modern restrooms and showers. 8 campsites with cement pads and electrical hook-ups.

• Mural Tour - call for details • Self-Guided Historic Tour - call for details • Sinclair Lewis Days (July 15-18) See saukcentrechamber.com

big

city c o o l

• County Fair (July 28-Aug.1)

320-293-6687

Biking!

town wa r m l l a

Next to the Trail

to Melrose, home of the Melrose Area Museum. The official Melrose Trailhead is across the road near the Melrose Feed Mill. When you arrive in Sauk Centre, take a detour to see the Original Main Street made famous by Sinclair Lewis in his novel, “Main Street.” Farther up, you will find a city trail dropping back to Sinclair Lewis Park where you can find camping, bathrooms and parking. The 12-mile stretch between Sauk Centre and Osakis veers off into the country through the tiny town of West Union before entering Osakis. Connections: Just outside of Osakis, continue on to the Central Lakes State Trail, a 55-mile paved trail to Fergus Falls. At the Stearns/Morrison county line north of Albany, the Wobegon connects to the paved Soo Line Trail. A link from Sauk Centre north to Browerville is being explored.

Camping!

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

where you can experience art, shop, eat, golf, fish, camp, explore & more.

own t e o J t i Vis

STAY THE WEEKEND GOPHER PRAIRIE INN

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Explore the most scenic stretch of the Lake Wobegon and Soo Line Trails!

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Just west of St. Cloud on the Wobegon Trail

joetownmn.com

HOLDINGFORD!

Home of the Lake Wobegon Trail Covered Bridge

Visit us Online www.holdingfordmn.us Ad courtesy of City of Holdingford and Holdingford Municipal Liquor Cyclists Welcome!

28 Summer 2021

Your stop for

art, food, beer & wine

on the Lake Wobegon Trail

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

www.artinmotiononthelakewobegontrail.com Minnesota Trails

is above aver Where every season is above average!

Join us fo enjoyable trail

We’re here to help! lakewobegontrail

Lake Wobegon businesses are open and 100 miles: ready to serve you! Shuttle RAIL TRAILS 100 out, ride back. 1st Saturday in August

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2nd Saturday in June

Caramel Sleep R ll

Eat & Drink 100 miles: Shuttle RAIL TRAILS 100 out, ride back. BIKE TOUR

RIDE

2nd Saturday in June America’s Best Value Inn 322 12th St. S, Sauk Centre americasbestvalueinn.com (320) 351-7256

Sleep

1st Saturday in August Bad Habit Brewing

Come celebrate over 20 years of the Lake Wobegon Trail!

25 College Ave. N, St. Joseph badhabitbeer.com (320) 402-4442

Eat & Drink

Bad Habit Brewing Baymont By Wyndham Barbacoa The Estates Bed 25 College Ave. N, St. 820 Shamrock Lane, Albany and Breakfast 441Joseph Railroad Ave, Albany

Avon Cabin Café

www.badhabitbeer.com www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotel/45394 Authentic Mexican & American 29 E Minnesota St., Saint Joseph (320) 845-2145 estatesbedandbreakfast.com(320) 271-3108 food right off the trail Right off the Lake Wobegon Trail (320) 557-0300 Grab an after-ride pint (320) 403-1590

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

Corner Deli and

379 Railroad A cornerstonede arvigmed (320) 84

Shop The Outpost Art in MotionMercantile

The Estates Bed and Breakfast

615 6th St. S, Sauk Centre 1400 4th Street, Holdingofrd theoutpostmercantile.com 29 E Minnesota St., Saint Joseph www.artinmotiononthelakewobegontrail.com Lake Wobegon www.estatesbedandbreakfast.comTrail Gallery (320) 746-0680 (320) 351-7678 (320) 557-0300 Art, music, food, craft beer 431 Railroad Ave., Albany info@estatesbedandbreakfast.com lakewobegontrailgallery.com (320) 845-4100

Services

Gathering Jordie’sGrounds Trailside Café 200 Avenue S, Avon 105Avon 1st Ave., Bowlus gatheringgroundsavon.com www.jordiestrailside.com (320)584-8193 356-1106 (320)

Jordi Trailside

105 1st Ave jordiestrails (320) 584

Best pie on the trail

INFO

PotSpot

Joel Schneider Auto Service

Gathering Grounds 200 Helping Avon Avenue S, Avon Hands www.gatheringgroundsavon.com Outreach

(320) 701 Railroad Ave., Albany Rent 356-1106 a surrey bike Hot and coffee drinks, Auto, cycle, ATV & snowmobile incold Holdingford! Joel Schneider 107 Avon Ave. N, Avon Visit Joetown pastries and more holdingfordhelpinghands.org Auto Service potspotceramics.com 75 Callaway St E, St service Josephand accessories (320) 845-4856 (320) 746-9960 701 Railroad Ave., Albany (320) 356-2233 www.joetownmn.com www.joelschneiderservice.com (320) 363-7201 (320) 845-4856 Small town warmth. Big city cool. Expert repair with 30 years of experience

Paint your own pottery

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 29

Soo Line

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE become a major connector between central and northern Minnesota’s trails. The first mile

LEGEND

SOO LINE

TRAIL 10 MILES PAVED

Little Two Ri

ver

Tra il

Mis

siss

County Line

Mississippi River Trail

Royalton

Bowlus Two River

Paved Trail Shelter State Park P Parking Restrooms

Blanchard Dam

P Holdingford

ipp

i Ri

ver

3.6 7.6 11.6 13.6 4

ine

unt yL

m Da ard

les

Bla

ces

nch

ist

Bo wlu s

a Tot

e ob eW

ai Tr

ldin

gfo

A. T.

www.attheblacknwhite.com

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

Little Falls Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

THE BLACK & WHITE

between Little Falls’ Mill Ruins Park and the state park has been built.

Lin

10 miles

This scenic trail starts at the northern end of the Lake Wobegon Trail between Holdingford and Bowlus at the Stearns and Morrison County line. The quiet trail crosses a pastoral landscape with an occasional farm and wetland. Along the Trail: Bowlus’ trailhead resembles the long-gone railroad stop and has bathrooms, parking and water. Four miles farther to the northeast, the trail crosses the railroad trestle just downstream of Blanchard Dam on the Mississippi, which has a 1920s hydroelectric station still in use today. Cyclists have access to Charles A. Lindbergh State Park via the Mississippi River Trail Scenic Bikeway on the west side of the river. The paved section ends at a trailhead at Highway 10 near Royalton, but continues unpaved to Superior, WI with another paved 11-mile segment between Isle and Onamia near Mille Lacs and Father Hennepin State Parks. Connections: A few miles north of Holdingford, the Soo Line Trail connects with the Lake Wobegon Trail in Stearns County. A future trail connection to the Paul Bunyan Trail, the Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail, is currently in the planning stages. This link will start at Blanchard Dam, run through Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, then on to Camp Ripley, and finally reach the southern terminus of the Paul Bunyan State Trail at Crow Wing State Park. When complete, the Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail will link the Central Lakes, Lake Wobegon, Paul Bunyan, Heartland and Mi-Gi-Zi trails and

S oo

Soo Line Trail

Best Dining inalls! Little F

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

116 First Street SE Little Falls, MN 56345

320.632.5374

PAYNESVILLE INN & SUITES Right on the Bike Trail Ride the Glacial Lakes & Lake Koronis Trail

700 Diekmann Drive Paynesville, MN 56362 320-243-4146 www.paynesvilleinn.com 30 Summer 2021

The Bowlus trailhead was built to resemble the former railroad depot. Jan Lasar photo Minnesota Trails

2021 GLACIAL LAKES

Connects to Rocori Trail Roscoe

25 MILES PAVED

City Bike Trail 23

Sibley Park Bike Way

Paynesville City Bike Trail

Lake Koronis

Hawick

Lake Koronis Trail

Lake Koronis Regional Park

Andrea Lake

148

New London 40

Spicer P

P Parking 6.5 12 18 16 25 36 41

5.5 11.5 9.5 18.5 30.5 35.5

18 23

17 28 33 13.5 18.5

ist

ces

les

Kandiyohi

13 24 29

Ne wL Ha ond wic on k Sib ley Pay Sta te P nes Ric vill ark hm e Co o ld S nd pri ng

Diamond Lake

a Tot

Eagle Lake Loop

4 10

Spi

Eagle Lake

Wi llm

cer

Public Campground State Park

r ve

Green Lake Bike Way

County Route

Green Lake

ow Cr

Nest Lake

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

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com

LEGEND

Norway Lake

Sibley State Park

Atwater

Willmar

Glacial Lakes State Trail

Richmond

STATE TRAIL

k For dle Mid

Games Lake

Glacial Lakes

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

25 miles

The area around the Glacial Lakes Trail is dotted with countless lakes shaped by retreating glaciers some 10,000 years ago. Today, communities in this popular tourist area welcome visitors who come here to recreate at the lake, on the bike or both. Along the trail: The trail starts at the Civic Center on the northern edge of Willmar. It goes northeast through beautiful farm land, prairie, and communities along the way include Spicer, New London, Hawick and Paynesville, where the trail currently terminates. A five-mile segment between Roscoe and Richmond is also paved. Connections: Just northeast of Willmar, take the five-mile Eagle Lake Loop Trail which circles back to the Civic Center. A city bike route also takes you to downtown Willmar. In Spicer, take a ride around Green Lake on a combination of trails and signed routes. A five-mile on-road connection takes you to Sibley State Park near New London, but plans are underway to build a standalone trail. At the eastern end of the Glacial Lakes Trail, take Paynesville’s connector route to the Lake Koronis Trail. At Richmond, the Glacial Lakes Trail connects to the RoCoRi Trail, which will connect Richmond, Cold Spring and Rockville. Currently, this trail ends about a mile east of Cold Spring, but will continue on to Rockville soon and eventually reach the Lake Wobegon Trail.

Jump Right In!

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

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

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

320-235-3552 www.willmarlakesarea.com Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 31

Gateway

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE P

GATEWAY/ BROWN’S CREEK

Pine Point Regional Park

STATE TRAIL

Grant

and St. Croix River Crossing Loop

St. Croix River White Bear Lake

Vadnais-Snail Lakes Reg. Parks

Historic Lift Bridge

28.6 MILES PAVED Mahtomedi

35E

Duluth Junction

ek State Tr ail

Vadnais Lakes 694

35E

Maplewood Keller L.

P P P

Lake Phalen

Phalen-Keller Regional Park

ail e Tr tat S ay ew Gat

18 miles of paved trail from St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park. 5.9 miles Brown’s Creek Trail. 4.9 miles St. Croix River Crossing Loop. Oakdale

Minnehaha Ave.

St. Paul

P P

St. Croix Crossing Bridge

North St. Paul

LEGEND

Roseville

Stillwater

iver St. Croix RLo op P Crossing

Little Canada Gervais L.

L. Owasso

Brown’s Cre

Paved Trail Horseback Riding Picnic/Rest Area P Parking Restroom

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com

Gateway State Trail

www.visitlakeville.org

120 miles of paved trails + 5 mile mountain bike course

18 miles

The Gateway Trail is a true getaway trail starting deep in metropolitan St. Paul, just a mile from the State Capitol. It finishes after 18 miles at Pine Point Regional Park, five miles north of Stillwater. The trail is open to biking, hiking, horseback riding, in-line skating and skiing and is wheelchair accessible. This paved trail on the old Soo Line railway grade quickly changes from an urban to a rural setting with forests, lakes, wetlands and prairies. Connections: At Duluth Junction the Gateway State Trail connects with the Brown’s Creek State Trail, which in turn links with the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail in Stillwater. Provides access to other trail

ramseybicycle.com

32 Summer 2021

5.9 miles

About 14 miles from St. Paul on the Gateway Trail, at Duluth Junction, the Brown’s Creek Trail starts and runs 5.9 miles into downtown Stillwater. It passes through heavily wooded areas and past golf courses. Riders can view a historic stone bridge from the mid-1800s. At about the halfway point, Brown’s Creek Park provides restrooms and ample parking. Then, riders will descend a canyon to Highway 95. This section of the trail provides views of spectacular fall colors and small waterfalls. The final miles of the Brown’s Creek trail follow the St. Croix River into Stillwater.

4.9 miles

We feature quality bicycles from Marin, Reid, Specialized, Sun, Torker & Worksman. Open 7 days a week. Children’s, Road, Comfort, BMX, Mountain Bikes & Unicycles

763.784.6966 CARSBikeShop.com

Brown’s Creek State Trail

St. Croix River Crossing Loop

Your friendly neighborhood bicycle shop!

2661 County Road I - Mounds View MN

opportunities in Phalen-Keller Regional Park and the Bruce Vento Trail. (It is also close to Como Park, Lake Elmo Regional Park, Afton State Park, William O’Brien State Park and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway). An extension of the Gateway north into Taylors Falls is being explored.

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

763-323-6666

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

STATE TRAIL

LUCE LINE 261 South

Lake

Mud L.

sm os)

e ar

Ox Yoke Lake

92 15

Oak Lake

7.5 17.5 Lyndale 26 10

LEGEND

sbu rg

fiel

Vic k

122

Minnetrista Dutch Lake

Whaletail Lake

Gleason Lake

Mound

Lake

West Arm

Minnetonka Find More Maps at

19 29 39 44 51.5 63

Parkers Lake

Wayzata

Stubbs Bay

151

MCLEOD CO. CARVER CO.

122

les Mi

Katrina Lake

Summer Only

Proposed

6 24.5 7 14.5

Watertown

Undeveloped Adjacent Horse Trail 55 24 201 101 Plymouth Crushed Aggregate Base Wood-Rill Crushed S.N.A. LimestoneP 6 6 61 Public Campground 12 Long Lake 15 State Park P 394 12 Parking15a Rail Trail P 146 84 Orono Dakot 135 Restroom 16 494 51 Picnic/Rest Area

Baker Park Reserve

Maple Plain

15 22.5 33

P 10

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com Paved (Asphalt)

Independence

in ces

Rice Lake

tan Dis

Winsted Lake

12 22 30 37 44.5 55 10 18 25 32.5 43

al Tot

63 MILES ON A6 VARIETY20OFP SURFACES Winsted

WRIGHT CO.

103

13 23 31 38 45.5 56

ear

Stu

M ar y

19 29 39 44 51.5 63

Wa ke

n An

Butler Lake

sm o

STATE TRAIL 6

Luce Line

les Mi 6

State Park P Parking Restroom Picnic/Rest Area

in ces

LUCE LINE L. Emma

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Eastern Portion 30

7.5 17.5

tan Dis

63 MILES ON A VARIETY OF SURFACES

al Tot

2021

Lan eT d-C rai lhe bb’ onr ad s y B Wa Wa aySouth Fork CrowRes ter ter R Ritver d t to A ow . Tr rea Wi Wi n ail nst n s Ac ted e d c Silv Si l v ess er er Lak Lak HENNEPIN CO. Hu Hu e e tch tch i i n n son son Ced Ced ar ar Mil Mil Th Th ls ls om om pso pso nL nL ake ake (n (n

7 14.5 24.5

Mud L.

Butler Lake

Winsted Winsted Lake

M ar y

(mowedWRIGHT grass)CO. 6

103

Proposed

261 South Lake

Cedar

8 35

South Fork Crow River

MCLEOD CO. CARVER CO.

Cosmos

122 MEEKER CO. Boon Lake

20 33

Cedar 22 Mills

P 10

Lake

25 26

122

Western Portion Luce Line State Trail

LEGEND

Wayzata

sm o

Dutch Lake

Mound

12 19

Rice Lake

1425

115

Mud L.

Maple Plain

17 15

Oak Lake

7 12

Hooke Lake

Independence

26 61

Lyndale

Ox Yoke Lake

92 15

Parkers Lake

(ne

ake

tch i

nso n

Whaletail Lake

P 10 WatertownOtter 20P Lake 22 P 76

12 21 RENVILLE CO.

Belle Lake

South Fork

L. Emma

Thompson Lake

MCLEOD CO.

n An

Gleason Lake

Lake

West Arm

Eastern WesternPortion Portion

Hutchinson

115 10

Oak Lake

Ced

122

RENVILLE CO. 21

HENNEPIN CO.

Lake

Proposed

Stubbs Bay

Ox Yoke Lake

pso

MCLEOD CO.

MCLEOD CO. CARVER CO.

MEEKER CO. Boon 122 Lake

261 South

les Mi

Proposed

in ces

tan Dis

Rice Lake

al Tot

63 MILES ON A VARIETY OF SURFACES Winsted Lake

Katrina Lake

ar Mil ls

M ar y

Crow River

Butler Lake

Vic k

L. Emma

Wa ke

n An

sbu rg

STATE TRAIL

Thompson Lake

Lan fiel eT Stu d-C rai lhe bb’ onr ad s y B Wa Soutah y FoR rk Crow Ri Rest ter ver A d t ow . Tr rea Wi n ail nst Ac ed ces Silv s er Lak HENNEPIN CO. e

Paved (Asphalt) www.MNTrails.com 1 13 23 31 38 45.5 56 Western Portion Undeveloped Eastern Portion 6 12 22 30 37 44.57 55 Cedar Adjacent 35 16 Horse Trail 430 Baker Park Belle 5 Lake 71 33 Winsted South Fork Crow River 17 Reserve 19 Hooke10 18 25 32.5 43 Maple Lake 55 Crushed Aggregate Base 24 8 12 Plain 92 16 30 1 Cedar 22 Lake 201 101 Plymouth Mills Winsted Limestone 2 Crushed 5 20 Lake 5 8 15 22.5 3390 Wood-Rill 73 P 83 S.N.A. 10 P 12 P 15 6 19 4 13 7 Public Campground Independence 6 7 14.5 24.5 19 7 17 6 20 61 12 10 6 Summer Cosmos Only Long Lake State Park 25 P 7.5 17.5 15 16 (mowedWRIGHT grass)CO. Silver P 61 103 P 19 16 Lake P Parking15 10 Lyndale 26 Otter 26 20 12 261394 10 Winsted P Swan il Trail 7 6 26 P 22 Lake 2 146 Lake 84 Orono Restroom P Dakota Ra 20 Watertown 76 79 151 P 20 7 P 135 Minnetrista 21 16 12 Picnic/Rest Area 494 Silver 92 P 51

Whaletail Lake

79 Minnetrista

Hutchinson

Dutch Lake

Katrina Lake

Mound

Wood-Rill S.N.A.

Gleason Lake

West Arm

146 Lake 84 Orono

135

Silver Lake

Lake

Lake Minnetonka Mud

Parkers Lake

Wayzata

il Trail

Dakota Ra

Proposed Winsted Lake

Long Lake

P Silver 16 Stubbs Bay

Swan Lake

55 Winsted

Plymouth33

101

Summer Only

151

www.MNTrails.com

201

195

Baker Park Reserve

Mud Lake 15 MapsLester Lake Find More at Prairie Minnetonka

20 394

261 494

Lester Prairie

the Luce Line Trail offers a varied landscape Connections: The Luce Line State Trail6 63 miles Cedar 7 35 16 Cities metro area of woodland, marsh and lakes with a portion 4 Line State Trail stretches allows access to Belle 5 many Twin Lake The Luce 63 71 33 Winsted South Fork Crow River 19 Hooke Lake 22running through remnants of Lakethe Big Woods trails. In Plymouth, the natural surface part miles in a westerly direction1 from the metro Cedar Mills 2 and 20 stands of73maple and basswood. A of5the Luce Line State Trail connects5 to the suburb Pof Plymouth 10 to the small town of P 15 Line between 4 paved Luce Line Regional Trail, which ends 7 the horse trail parallels 12 the Luce Cosmos in west-central Minnesota. Along 19 7 20 Hutchinson and Plymouth. east of Sweeney Lake in Golden Valley, but wayCosmos you’ll visit the(mowed communities of Wayzata, grass) Silver History: The trailway dates further16connections are ahead. At Medicine 61 back to the Watertown, Winsted, Hutchinson, Silver Lake Lake 261 Otter 26 old Electric Line of 1908, which moved LakeSwan thisPsection 7 2 connects to the 13-mile Lake 22 ShortLake and Cedar Mills. 79 Twin P in76and out of the 7 goods and passengers Medicine Lake Regional Trail and the Basset It runs on a former railroad line covered 12 P Silver MEEKER CO. Lake Creek Regional Trail. The Medicine Lake Trail with a variety of surfaces ranging from 12 RENVILLE CO. Cities.14It was renamed Luce Line after the 7 4 Mud Boon 115 2 Lake 15 family who owned and 7extended it as far as 4 ends at Elm24Creek Park Reserve inLester Maple 71 Prairie Hutchinson Lake Plymouth and crushed limestone between Lake Lillian. After the railroad ceased operaGrove. Connections from here include the Winsted, pavement between Winsted and tions, the DNR acquired parts of the corridor Rush Creek and Crystal Lake Regional Trails. just west of Hutchinson, gravel between to create the state’s first nature trail in 1970. In Wayzata, a short ride on city roads will Hutchinson and Cedar Mills to a mowed By 1975 the state owned most of the right of take trail users to the Dakota Rail Regional grass path between Cedar Mills and Cosmos. way and between 1977 and 1980 built the Trail, which continues roughly southwest for The western trailhead is just west of Cosmos trail to Winsted. In 2015, a 23-mile section be- 26 miles and ends in Lester Prairie. in a county park on Thompson Lake. While tween Winsted and Hutchinson was paved. it starts in the heart of the western suburbs, Thompson Lake

MCLEOD CO.

Proposed Winsted Lake

EXPLORE… the LUCE LINE STATE TRAIL

Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

800.572.6689 info@explorehutchinson.com Minnesota Trails

ExploreHUTCHINSON.com #MuchInHutch

Summer 2021 33

Cannon Valley

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

CANNON VALLEY

3.6 9.6 19.4

TRAIL

To Hastings

9.8 61

ces an ist

We lch

An der

D al Tot

19.7 MILES PAVED

316

so n

nno n

Fal ls

Re st A S Re d W tatio n A rea ing cce ss

6.0 15.8

Welch Station Access

Red Wing

les

Mi Hidden Valley Campground (private)

Welch

Cann o

n Riv er

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Mill Towns Trail

LEGEND

To Twin Cities

Anderson Memorial Rest Area

Cannon Falls 19

Goodhue County Park

Cannon Falls Campground (private)

Oak Lane

Lake Byllesby

Find More Maps at

To Rochester

Cannon Valley Trail 19.7 miles

The paved Cannon Valley Trail from Cannon Falls to Red Wing follows an old Chicago Great Western railroad route and hugs the Cannon River. The trail is bordered 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

34 Summer 2021

www.MNTrails.com

toilets. Trail users need to purchase a wheel pass. Along the Trail: In Cannon Falls, the city section of the trail begins in a park on the Cannon River near the falls that gave the city its name. This half-mile trail winds around the park, picnic areas and ponds before heading through a residential area to the official start of the Cannon Valley Trail. Seventeen old mileage markers can be seen along the trail’s route. Originally, these concrete

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

posts were used to identify the number of miles from Mankato, which explains why you’ll see these same markers on the Sakatah Trail. The little town of Welch is the midpoint of the ride and has a rest stop that includes bathrooms. The trail then passes by Cannon River Turtle Preserve SNA, Red Wing, Silvernale Archaeology Preserves and a wetland observation deck, before reaching the downtown Red Wing trailhead near the historic Pottery Place.

Minnesota Trails

2021

Connections: At Cannon Falls the trail connects to the Mill Towns Trail, which will eventually link to the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail at Faribault. Currently paved sections of the Mill Towns Trail: Two miles at Cannon Falls,

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE three miles between Dundas and Northfield, two miles east from Faribault. Another connection in Red Wing takes you down the 5-mile northern portion of the Goodhue Pioneer Trail, which currently ends at the Hay

Cannon Valley

Creek Campground, but will one day connect to the Douglas State Trail near Rochester. Another future trail connection includes the Mississippi Blufflands State Trail, which will link Red Wing with Lake City.

Summer in full swing on the Cannon Valley Trail. Jan Lasar photo

You, our mountain bike and an instructor to show you how.

Learn how to mountain bike. mnDNR.gov/ICan

Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 35

Hastings Loop

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE SCHAAR’S BLUFF TRAILHEAD

10.1 Miles

MISSISSIPP I RIVER GREENW AY

LOCK AND DAM NO. 2 TRAILHEAD

WEST TRAILHEAD

FAHEY AVE. S

SPRING LAKE PARK RESERVE

La ke Re be NI NG cca ER RD

1ST ST W

i ipp iss r iss ve M Ri

JAYCEE PARK

POINT DOUGLAS PARK

3.5 Miles

PRESCOTT

LEVEE PARK

Parks

P Parking 160TH ST. E

15TH ST. W

HASTINGS BIKE TRAILS

County Route

HASTINGS

23.7 MILES

160TH ST. E

PLEASANT DR.

U.S. Route

5.6 Miles

GENERAL SIEBEN DR.

LEGEND

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

10TH ST. E

CP ADAMS PARK 18TH ST. E

RIVERTOWN DOG PARK Bullfrog Pond

HASTINGS SNA

RAVEN NA TRL

OLD MILL PARK

VERMILLION FALLS PARK

r ion Rive Vermill

Lake Isabel

BAILEY ST.

4TH ST. W

VERMILLION ST.

PINE ST

2ND ST W

SPIRAL BLVD

160TH ST. E

G IN W D D RE BLV

4.5 Miles

316

Hastings Ten Mile Loop

23.7 miles

The paved Ten Mile Loop is the highlight of Hasting’s 23.7-mile trail system. Numerous city parks and points of interest invite you to park the bike and explore. The trail takes you along the Mississippi River, allowing you to practically step out onto the river on an overlook platform and watch the boats and barges go by. Continue along the trail past Lock and Dam #2, over a dike holding back the Mississippi backwaters, and up to a gorgeous river bluff overlook and catch glimpses of Bald Eagles soaring overhead. Travel along the Mississippi River, but also along the banks of the Vermillion River, using underpasses on County Road 46/47 and Highway 61 to stop for a break at Vermillion Falls Park, where you can take in beautiful, 35-foot Vermillion Falls in a limestone ravine. Another highlight along the route is the new Hastings Riverwalk, which connects two city parks located right on the Mississippi River. Levee Park is a perfect spot for summer entertainment with an outdoor concert venue that fills up with live music, classes and outdoor movies from May through September. Other must-see stops are the Vermillion Gorge Bridge with its expansive river views and ruins of the old Ramsey Mill. Connections: On the northwestern edge of the loop near Eagle Bluff Park, connect with the Mississippi River Trail Scenic Bikeway (MRT) and the Mississippi River Greenway (Dakota County Parks) and reach the Fahey Avenue trailhead at Spring Lake Park Reserve after another eight miles. A future completion of another 2.8-mile segment will have this route connect into Saint Paul. At Hastings Bridge Plaza the northeastern edge of the trail, take the paved Point Douglas Regional Trail, also part of the MRT, across the Mississippi River into Prescott, WI.

Details at www.mntrails.com/ bike-trails/ 36 Summer 2021

One of the scenic overlooks on the Hastings trail system. Lee Stoffel photo

bike hastings home of the 10-mile loop

visit hastings mn.org Minnesota Trails

2021 CASEY JONES STATE

Find More Maps at

8 miles Pipestone

LEGEND

30 35

P 38

Currie

5.5 miles

Lake Shetek

Currie 59

2 miles Woodstock

Lake Wilson

2 miles

Lake Shetek State Park

Lake Shetek

Paved Trail Gravel Trail Natural Surface P Parking Restroom

MURRAY CO.

PIPESTONE CO.

19 TOTAL MILES

Holland

Currie Loop

www.MNTrails.com

TRAIL

Casey Jones

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

30 30

1.5 miles

Hadley Slayton

Hatfield

267

Avoca

Casey Jones State Trail 19 miles total

The Casey Jones State Trail is the first rails to trails conversion in Minnesota, authorized in 1967. It consists of three main sections, not yet connected to one another: Eight paved miles and two gravel miles between Pipestone and Woodstock, followed by two miles of natural surface trail. 1.5 miles of natural surface west of Lake Wilson and a 5.5-mile paved loop between Lake Shetek

State Park and Currie. The out and back ride from the Pipestone trailhead gives riders a close up look at farm fields and wind turbines and makes for an easy afternoon outing. The so-called Currie Loop does not have a designated trailhead, but parking is available at Forman Acres County Park just outside Lake Shetek State Park or End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum. Another option is to park at the picnic area inside the state park, ride the park road and access the trail at

the park office. Traveling counter-clockwise from there, you’ll first pass the Lake Shetek State Monument and ride between Smith and Shetek Lakes. At a dam at the very southern tip of Lake Shetek, the Des Moines River emerges. After another mile, the trail takes a sharp left turn at End-O-Line and makes its way back to the park. Eventually, the Casey Jones Trail will span 120 miles from Luverne through Pipestone to Redwood Falls.

10 P

World

's La rges

t Pip e

Win

Pipestone ... yles argo G 16 The Casey Jones State Trail between Pipestone and Woodstock. Jan Lasar photo Minnesota Trails

new issa

ile l M

ra asto

Fal

Pedal the Picture perfect Prairie! Prairie !

CASEY JONES STATE TRAIL (10 MILES = 8 PAVED, 2 GRAVEL) PIPESTONE NATIONAL MONUMENT ~ WINNEWISSA FALLS SPLIT ROCK CREEK STATE PARK ~ CAMPING ~ HIKING UNIQUE SHOPPING ~ DELICIOUS DINING ~ HISTORIC DISTRICT

PipestoneMinnesota.com

Summer 2021 37

Blazing Star 65

LEGEND

133

Albert Lea

P 109

Paved Trail Unpaved Trail Goose Lake P Parking Restroom

Find More Maps at

www.MNTrails.com

120

Myre-Big Island State Park

65 19

BLAZING STAR STATE

Blazing Star State Trail 7.5 miles

102

P 38

Hayward

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BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

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

TRAIL 7.5 MILES PAVED

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

The Blazing Star State Trail at Myre-Big Island State Park. Andrew Oftedal photo 38 Summer 2021

Minnesota Trails

2021 Jay C. Hormel

Austin Nature Center

Elkton

215th Street

SHOOTING STAR

STATE TRAIL

LEGEND

Picnic/Rest Area Paved Trail P Parking Restroom

Rose Creek

28.75 MILES PAVED

207

218

Adams

Adams City Park

5 203

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19 6

Find More Maps at

Little Cedar River

208 56

North Branch

Taopi

230

P Underpass

9 56

Lake Louise State Park

56 278

Lake Louise

244

245

6 9

www.MNTrails.com

River

al Tot

LeR oy Tao pi

217

10 19 6

240

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9.75 13.75 19.75 28.75

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Shooting Star

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

236

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LeRoy

Shooting Star State Trail

28.75 miles

Details at www.mntrails.com/ trails Minnesota Trails

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

Shooting Star Bike Ride

22nd Annual

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Explore Minnesota’s Shooting Star Trail and Iowa’s Wapsi Trail with rides of 20, 35, 55 and 72 miles.

Starting in LeRoy, MN

STATE BI-

IA BI K E RI D

The Shooting Star State Trail is a paved trail through remnants of tall grass prairies with an abundance of native wildflowers. Much of it is built on an abandoned railroad grade. The eastern terminus is in LeRoy, MN, which is on MN Hwy. 56 just west of its junction with US 63 right above the Iowa/Minnesota state line. The trail soon passes through Lake Louise State Park and continues northwest to the towns of Taopi, Adams and Rose Creek. The final leg of the trail travels north out of Rose Creek and picks up Austin’s network of city trails north of I-90. Highlights: Remnant tallgrass prairie with wildflowers like prairie smoke, rattlesnake master, wild indigo, aster, goldenrod and blazing star wildflowers. The trail passes by several interpretive and recreational opportunities, including Rustic Retreat Wildlife Management Area, Shooting Star Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, Taopi Prairie Interpretive Area and Mower County Natural and Scenic Area. Connections: The last leg of the project calls for the trail to drop south from Austin to the town of Lyle on the Minnesota-Iowa border. While a timeline for this last part has not been established, another extension has the potential to become a reality much sooner. From near Taopi, a four-mile leg will extend to the Minnesota-Iowa border and connect to the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail. This 27-mile paved trail travels southeast from the state border into Elma, IA. Together with Austin’s city trails, the resulting network will be 72 miles long.

shootingstartrail.org Summer 2021 39

Root River/Harmony-Preston Valley

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Isinours Trail Junction

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

4.6 9.3 15.8 14.8 27.1

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4.7 12.2 10.2 22.5

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12 24.3

STATE TRAIL 60 MILES PAVED

Jun

12.3

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6.5 5.5 17.8

Pet e

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8.9 13.5 18.2 24.7 23.7 36

ROOT RIVER/ HARMONY-PRESTON VALLEY

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

Root River Trail/ Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail 60 miles

The scenic Root River State 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 State 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 State 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. Connections: A connection of the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail south toward Niagara Cave and then the Iowa border is currently being worked on. On the Iowa side trail groups are working to connect the Trout Run and Prairie Farmer Trails near Decorah to the Minnesota side to form an interstate trail network.

Along the Trail:

Fountain: Official Sinkhole Capital of the United States. View them from the trail. Harmony: Home of Niagara Cave, which has an underground waterfall. Houston: International Owl Center with live owls on display. Lanesboro: The Commonweal Theatre and public art displays make Lanesboro a destination for the art lover. Peterson: Peterson Station Museum of Norwegian culture. Preston: Minnesota’s Trout Capital has the National Trout Center, and is close to Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. Rushford: The historic train depot on the trail houses a museum and rest area. Whalan: A small town with a world-famous pie shop. Home of the annual Standstill Parade, where the parade marchers stand still and the spectators walk around.

Don’t miss

60-Mile

Garage Sale June18-19

Enjoy more than 60 miles of paved trails!

#GetHookedOnPreston #PrestonMN

www.gethookedonpreston.com | 507-765-2100

40 Summer 2021

Minnesota Trails

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Root River/Harmony-Preston Valley

The Root River Trail between Lanesboro and Whalan. Jan Lasar photo

e r u t n e v d ur a

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ExploreSouthernMinnesota.com

ExplorE MinnEsota tourisM and Mn trails photos Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 41

2021

BIKE TRAIL GUIDE

CAMDEN REGIONAL

CULTIVATING THE BEST

Park

TRAIL

EXPERIENCES

59 Justice

Southwest MN State University

Marshall 19

19 Red Baron Arena

15 MILES PAVED

ON THE

Victory Park

23 59

CAMDEN REGIONAL

4.1 8.7 11.8

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4.6 7.7

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BIKE TRAIL

7.1 11.7 14.8

Camden

Camden State Park

Camden Regional Trail 15 miles

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

pass through the small town of Lynd, MN before you begin your ascent to the edge of Camden State Park. After another mile on a very scenic and winding section, you’ll reach the park office and the end of the trail. There are plenty of benches to rest along the Camden Regional Trail and interpretive kiosks with maps tell the natural and historical story of the area. Connections: Marshall’s network of on and off-street bike routes take you to some of the city’s numerous parks and Camden State Park offers about 5 miles of mountain bike trails.

V I S I T

VISITMARSHALLMN.COM 507-537-1865 MARSHALL, MN Rural scene near Marshall, MN. Jan Lasar photo 42 Summer 2021

Minnesota Trails

Three Rivers Parks District offers

By Erin Korsmo

Adaptive Off Road Cycling For Sam Tabaka, mountain biking is a great way to get out into the woods and see wildlife in nature. “For people with disabilities, it’s not always easy to do that,” he said. “You can’t really hike into the woods if you’re using a mobility device, so mountain biking provides a way to access those areas.” Tabaka is an Outdoor Recreation Educator at Three Rivers Park District, which is made up of 27,000 acres of parkland in the seven-county metro area. He started and currently leads the Adaptive Mountain Biking program, which offers equipment, training and community to people with disabilities. ---- Building the Program ---The Adaptive Mountain Biking program at Three Rivers Park District began eight years ago during the development of the singletrack trail system at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. “We had great trails,” said Tabaka, “but we didn’t have access to the bikes we needed.” Adaptive mountain bikes, also called off-road hand cycles, are typically three-wheeled, recumbent-style bicycles that are powered by hand instead of by foot. They have a larger footprint than traditional mountain bikes, so they require wider trails for riding. They’re also very expensive, some costing over $10,000. The program got off the ground after Three Rivers purchased three Nuke model hand cycles from Reactive Adaptions in Colorado. Then it was about getting the word out. Tabaka and others reached out to Allina Health’s Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center, the VA and other local organizations that facilitate adaptive recreation. “We talked to people who were already participating in other adaptive programs, like skiing,” said

Tabaka. The team also held open houses, advertised in their program calendar, and hosted free riding days to get people interested and give them a chance to try out the sport. Alex Van Horn is an avid participant in Three Rivers Parks District’s adaptive mountain biking program. She tried it for the first time in 2016 at an Adaptive Demo Day at French Regional Park, hoping to find more ways to spend time outside. “I missed being outdoors and having that sense of community and fulfillment,” she said. She enjoyed it so much that she has continued riding one of the rental bikes and recently decided to seek out her own equipment. “After 5 years, I realized that to expand the program [at Three Rivers] we needed more bikes to be available for other people to use,” she said laughing. “It pushed me to want my own bike.” Van Horn was recently awarded a grant through the Kelly Brush Foundation and received her bike in April. ----- Getting Started ----- Tabaka says there’s no experience required to try mountain biking through their adaptive program. Three Rivers Parks District has trails at three different parks – Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage and Carver Park Reserve in Victoria – made for or well-suited to handcycles. Each offers a different experience, and some are more challenging than others. “The new trails [at Carver Park Reserve]

are nice because they intersect with paved trails, so if you’re not feeling confident or comfortable riding on a dirt trail, you can take a mellow ride on a tar trail,” said Tabaka. His favorite trail is Raptor Ridge, part of the Monarch Singletrack Trail at Carver Park Reserve. Van Horn likes the trails at Elm Creek best. “The shorter trail is a great beginner trail,” she said. “There are no obstacles, and you can just be in the trees.” She likes the longer trail for a good workout. ----- A Place to Get Going ----- Three Rivers’ Adaptive Mountain Biking program has grown significantly since its early days. Tabaka estimates participation has tripled, and they’ve also added more bikes. Their fleet of five handcycles includes a few different models, so there’s something that’ll work for most riders. While many handcycles require riders to be able to grip the equipment to control it, Three Rivers’ newest bike has electric assist and different methods of breaking, shifting and pedaling that don’t require squeezing or gripping. They regularly offer Adaptive Demo Days where people can talk to staff and try out all of Three Rivers’ adaptive equipment, including paddleboards, kayaks, geocaches, cross-country skis and of course, handcycles. Riders can also arrange private appointments and lessons through Three Rivers’ Outdoor Recreation School. This spring, they’re starting their first adaptive mountain biking club. “I’m pretty grateful that they’ve been putting a lot of effort into expanding the program at Three Rivers,” said Van Horn. “Everybody should have a way to get outdoors. You have to have a place to go to get going.”

Photo Three Rivers Parks District Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 43

920 Miles Across Minnesota By Sam Marsnik I was pedaling west on Highway 1 just outside of Ely, MN in search of a place to set up camp and hastily devour another freezedried meal. My legs churned the pedals as they had done for the past 6 hours and the sun slowly crept down in front of me. With each pedal stroke the typical late-afternoon hunger pang grew and my stomach growled like an angry beast. Suddenly, a red pickup rolled up next to me from behind and matched my speed. The window rolled down and I saw the friendly face of a fellow cyclist I had briefly met 50 miles ago. An extraordinary smell wafted out of the pickup in my direction and I spied a familiarlooking cardboard box. “You look like could use some pizza,” he said. It was impossible to escape the kindness of strangers on this bike trip. It had started as just a bucket list adventure but in the end it restored my faith in humanity. A five-minute Zoom meeting in June of 2020 had left me without a job and tossed me into a worsening spiral of worries, the least of which was actually getting infected with COVID-19. Over time, the daily onslaught of bad news, paired with my bleak employment

The start of the journey in Webb Lake, WI. All photos by Ivy & Sam Marsnik

outlook was taking its toll on me. I needed something to get me back in a good headspace and I wasn’t about to waste a perfectly good summer feeling sorry for myself and wondering why this had to happen to me. I decided to go on that long-distanced bike trip I had always dreamt of, but never did. Given the current circumstances, none of my previous excuses held any water. If I was ever going to do it, now had to be the time. After a couple of months of training and planning I was ready. On August 23rd, 2020 I left on a 920mile bike trip that took me zigzagging across Minnesota for more than two weeks. The trip started out with a bang, literally. When my wife

was taking the ceremonial photo early the first day, the weight of my gear overpowered the kickstand and my bike crashed to the ground. After a successful second attempt, my heart started racing. The adventure was finally here, right in front of me. The morning fog was thick as I rolled out but it didn’t last. Much like the fog, the more I pedaled and the further I went, the worries that had plagued me earlier in the summer began to dissipate and become a thing of the past. The blue skies of that first day were part of a pedaling appetizer of 60 miles

A crisp, late August sunrise on the Mesabi Trail near Coleraine 44 Summer 2021

Minnesota Trails

in northwest Wisconsin before I crossed Brainerd was a breeze and I stopped along When bike troubles came my way, mechanics into Duluth. I then followed the North the way to pay a short visit to the at bike shops dropped everythingShore from Duluth to the Canadian border great Paul Bunyan statue during an exceptionally using the Gitchi-Gami trail when I could. in Akeley and Paul’s busy time-to make sure I The Gitchi-Gami, with its spectacular cliffs sweetheart, Lucette, in could get back on the overlooking the crystal blue Lake Superior Hackensack. Lastly, road. In a place I am water was undoubtedly one of the highlights from Brainerd I now referring to of the trip. The area around Grand Portage made my way as “Finlandia”, a was another highlight, with its beautiful across lake couple miles south mountainous falls. Getting there was a real country and of Finland, MN, a challenge for a biker carrying 60 pounds. finished on the random woman From the North Shore I crossed through the beautiful Willard offered to let Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Munger trail me camp on her (BWCAW) on my way to Ely. Although the from Hinckley to vacant property At Grand Portage terrain was at times challenging, the peace Duluth. when she saw me National Monument, and solitude accompanied by the pristine, The 920 miles I exhausted on the side High Falls in the background natural backdrop is something everyone pedaled covered some of the road. It was an should experience. The Mesabi of the most overgrown lot with an old Trail took me through the beautiful dirt floor barn structure, but Iron Range all the way bike trails and in that moment it might as well have down to Grand Rapids. landscapes Minnesota been a five-star hotel. As much as my body It was my first time has to offer, but appreciated a professionally tuned bicycle, on the Mesabi Trail if it hadn’t been the solace of a safe place to sleep and a and it did not for the kindness well-timed slice of delicious pizza, what disappoint. The of strangers I really hit home during these moments was quality of the encountered on something much deeper in my soul. trail itself and the the trip, I might 2020 began with unprecedented quaint northern not have made it worldwide turmoil. I often found myself Minnesota towns to the finish line. wondering if the world had gone crazy. Was along the trail One example is the there any decency left to carry humanity Statue of Lucette in made for a great man in the truck forward? Hackensack on the Paul leg of my journey. handing me a slice After pedaling over 900 miles across Bunyan Trail From Grand Rapids I of delicious wood fired the state, I found the answer in the many rode Highway 2 to Bemidji pizza, but it didn’t stop examples of generosity I encountered. Yes, where I connected with the there. When campgrounds were people are good and there’s a way forward Paul Bunyan Trail. The 120-mile ride to full, people offered to share their site. for us after all.

A the Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel on HWY 61 near Two Harbors Minnesota Trails

Summer 2021 45

Garden Island Rec. Area

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

Lake of the Woods

Zippel Bay Lake Bronson

Red River of the North

Rainy River

Hayes Lake

Franz Jevne

International Falls

Old Mill

Red Lake

Crookston

Lake Bemidji

Lake Cass Winnibigoshish Lake Paul Bunyan Migizi Schoolcraft

Bemidji

La Salle Lake Rec. Area

Leech Lake Walker

Grand Rapids

OHV Rec. Area

St. Louis

Temperance Cascade River River

Lake Superior

Tofte

Tettegouche

Chisholm Iron Range

Hill Annex Mine

Grand Portage National Monument

Grand Marais

George H. Crosby Manitou Silver Bay

Gooseberry Falls

Split Rock Lighthouse

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

Itasca

Moorhead

Eveleth

Mesabi

Judge C.R. Magney

Kekekabic Trail

Bear Head Lake

Grand Portage

BWCA

Ely

Lake Vermilion /Soudan Undergound Mine 169

McCarthy Beach

Scenic

Erskine

Border Route Trail

53 Vermillion

Big Fork

Lower Red Lake

Red River Rec. Area

Voyageurs National Park

Little Fork

Big Bog Rec. Area

Upper Red Lake

Rainy Lake

MAP LEGEND

Crow Wing

Glendalough

Fergus Falls

Glendalough Central Lakes

Lake Wobegon

Glacial Lakes Pomme de Terre

Big Stone Lake 12

Chippewa

59 71

Redwood

Camden

Minnesota

Fair Ridge

Pipestone Casey Jones

Blue Mounds

Blue Mounds Luverne

Des Moines

Watonwan St. James

Kilen Woods

90 Worthington

St. Croix River

STATE PARKS

Rum

North Branch Sunrise Prairie Hardwood Creek Grand Rounds Hugo Saint Paul

STATE RECREATION AREAS

Wild River

BIKE TRAILS

Interstate

ROADS

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

Afton

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

Flandrau

Lake Shetek

Pipestone National Monument

Split Rock Creek

Lake Rec. Area

212

Fort Marshall Ridgely Camden Cottonwood

TALLGRASS ASPEN PARKLAND

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

212

CONIFEROUS FOREST

St. Croix Snake

Lake Maria

Willmar

DECIDUOUS FOREST

Banning

Mora

Charles A. Lindbergh

Monson Lake

PRAIRIE

Sandstone

Father Hennepin Hinckley

169 Sauk Sauk Centre Soo Line Albany Saint Cloud St. Joseph ROCORI 94 Mississippi Paynesville Sibley Crow, Glacial North Fork Lakes

Lac qui Parle

Upper Sioux Agency

Soo Line Little Falls

Lake Carlos

Alexandria

Mille Lacs Kathio

71 Long Prairie 10

Mille Lacs Lake

New Ulm Mankato

Sakatah Lake

35 Falls Cannon

Goodhue

STATE WATER TRAILS CITIES LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS Not for Navigation Jan. 2021

Lake City

Mississippi Pioneer 63 Nerstrand Great Zumbro Big Woods River Carley

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

Minneopa

Mystery Cave

08.28.21 Paul Bunyan Trail

Brainerd to Pequot Lakes, MN

VISITBRAINERD Choose Your Adventure.

46 Summer 2021

MN_Trails_Summer2021.indd 1

PaulsBaconRide.com VisitBrainerd.com Minnesota Trails

4/1/2021 10:23:46 AM

Trail Partners You need a place to eat, stay, play and upgrade your gear? Our Trail Partners are here to help!

BIKE SHOPS CYKEL

324 Curtis Avenue, Ironton www.cykelonline.com

FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT

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

JAKE’S BIKES

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

218-772-0177

320-251-2844

320-219-7433

BIKE KING

320-639-2453

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

651-457-7766

763-784-6966

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TONKA CYCLE AND SKI

952-938-8336

TRAILHEAD CYCLING & FITNESS

763-712-0312

TRAILHEAD CYCLING & FITNESS

763-712-0312

OARS-N-MINE

Duluth

Southern Region

Metro Region Mankato

71 35

218-534-3111

218-546-8346

218-546-6912

TIMBER BUILDING SUPPLY 218-678-2063

14506 State Highway 6, Deerwood www.timberbuildingsupply.com

Central Region St. Cloud

800-450-7247

MID MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 218-546-5428

22640 MN-6, Crosby www.oarsnmine.com

320-587-5252

CUYUNA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 218-546-7000

SERVICES

JACOBS REALTY

Northeast Region

Bemidji

218-332-5425

117 West Main Street, Crosby www.mmfcu.org

RAMSEY BICYCLE

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

HUTCHINSON CHAMBER

2 Main St., Hutchinson www.explorehutchinson.com

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

2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy 10, Mounds View www.carsbikeshop.com 6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramsey www.ramseybicycles.com

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

21236 Archibald Road, Deerwood www.deerwoodbank.com

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

CARS BIKE SHOP

FERGUS FALLS CVB

DEERWOOD BANK

Minnesota Trails Directory Regions

Northwest Region 2

320 East Main Street, Crosby www.cuyunamed.org

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI 320-251-2453

TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP

CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION 320-763-0102

324 Broadway, Alexandria www.centrallakestrail.com

VISIT BRAINERD

160 29th Avenue South, St. Cloud www.revolutioncycleandski.com 124 2nd Street NE, Little Falls www.tourightbicycleshop.com

INFORMATION

A quick and easy reference for planning your adventure!

LODGING/CAMPING DEERWOOD MOTEL

218-534-3163

RED RIDER RESORT

218-838-6858

BIG RIVER RESORT

651-565-9932

23688 Forest Road, Deerwood Great rooms at great prices. 23457 Co. Rd. 31, Crosby www.redriderresort.com 1110 Hiawatha Dr. E www.bigriverresort.com

SPECIALTY STORES VICTUAL

124 West Main Street, Crosby www.shopvictual.com

218-545-1000

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

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

MUSEUMS SOO LINE DEPOT

101 1st Street NE, Crosby www.cuyunahistory.org

218-546-6178 218-545-1166

B&Bs

COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST 651-257-4773

5 miles from Taylors Falls www.countrybedandbreakfast.us

GREEN HERON B&B

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

218-999-5795

EAT & DRINK

THE DEERSTAND RESTAURANT AND BAR 218-534-9253

24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood www.deerstandrestaurant.com

TRAILSIDE TAVERN & PATIO

212 West Main Street, Crosby www.trailsidetavern.com Minnesota Trails

218-546-5465

Summer 2021 47

READY TO RIDE? Make sure you and your bike are ready for whatever adventure you have in mind. Need great gear? Time for a tune-up? Searching for places to ride? Visit your authorized Trek retailer today for information, hours, and services!

Adventure Cycle & Ski advcycle.com | Winona

Scheels Moorhead scheels.com | Moorhead

DL Bike Shop dlbikeshop.com | Detroit Lakes

Scheels Rochester scheels.com | Rochester

Downtown Bicycles downtownbicyclesllc.com | Northfield

Scheels St. Cloud scheels.com | St. Cloud

Gateway Cycle gatewaycycle.com | Oakdale

Straight River Sports straightriversports.com | Owatonna

Jake’s Bikes jakesbikes.com | Alexandria

The Bike Shop thebikeshopmarshall.com | Marshall

Maple Grove Cycling maplegrovecycling.com | Maple Grove OneTen Cycles onetencycles.com | Mendota Heights Outdoor Motion outdoormotionbikes.com | Hutchinson Ramsey Bicycle ramseybicycle.com | Ramsey Revolution Cycle and Ski revolutioncycleandski.com | St. Cloud Rick’s Cycling and Sports Center rickscycling.com | Willmar Rochester Cycling cycling-fitness.com | Rochester Rydjor Bike Shop rydjor.com | Austin Scheels Eden Prairie scheels.com | Eden Prairie Scheels Mankato scheels.com | Mankato

48 Summer 2021 TK21_MN_Retailers_May_Group_Ad.indd 1

Minnesota Trails 4/2/21 1:59 PM

Minnesota Trails Summer 2021

Articles inside

Parks & Trails Council News

When Hope Becomes the Plan