The heart of the Midwest might be best known for its warm hospitality and sprawling landscape, but Minnesota has also emerged as a stand-out cycling destination for all types and levels of riding. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just discovering the sport, Minnesota is two-wheel heaven.
What gives the state its reputation among cyclists? Michael Wojcik, executive director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN), has the answers. Growing up on northern Minnesota’s Iron Range, Wojcik says, “My freedom and quality of life were directly tied to my ability to access places independently on my bicycle.” While his early rides took place on narrow six-inch shoulders alongside logging trucks, much has changed since then. Today, Minnesota leads the nation in safe cycling infrastructure and advocacy.
For these reasons and more, Minnesota deserves a spot on your must-visit list. Here’s why and which trails you won’t want to miss.
Outside: What do you enjoy most about biking Minnesota?
Michael Wojcik: I love the diversity of Minnesota’s paved paths, roads, gravel routes, mountain parks, and winter fat biking trails—we’ve got it all! Maybe this is why Minnesota is among the healthiest and happiest states in the nation? The Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) are among the best bicycle metros in North America. And as a northern state, Minnesota’s climate is ideal for outdoor activities during the height of summer and peak fall.
What makes Minnesota biking unique?
There are very few places in the United States where you can experience urban cycling on par with European capitals, expansive road cycling routes, varying topography from flat rail trails to intense climbs, and entire communities built around world-class mountain biking. Bonus: All of this is found in a state that is famously “nice” and warmly welcomes people from around the world. It’s also no surprise that many of the nation’s popular bike companies call Minnesota home.
What does the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) do for locals and visitors?
BikeMN is a leading nonprofit for bicycling education and advocacy in the United States, showcasing Minnesota’s diverse communities through a calendar of annual events. Our education team leads programs that teach Minnesota’s children how to bike, walk, and roll safely. We work closely with minority, low-income, immigrant, and refugee communities to provide adult bike-riding instruction and to ensure that everyone can participate in and enjoy our bicycle culture. Our state and local advocacy teams have helped shape some of the strongest biking legislation and infrastructure in the country. We are committed to making sure every Minnesotan who bikes, walks, or rolls—whether for transportation or recreation—can do so safely.
Where are the best places to bike in Minnesota?
Road
Beginner: The park systems in Minneapolis and St. Paul consistently rank among the top five in the nation. Both offer family-friendly amenities for all ages, along with a mix of safe trails and road routes. The Grand Rounds trails in each city connect numerous parks across neighborhoods, creating a seamless and scenic riding experience. The annual Twin Cities Bike Tour showcases some of the finest bicycle infrastructure you’ll find anywhere.
Intermediate: Stillwater, nestled in the scenic St. Croix River Valley, has stunning views and a nice mix of routes along the river.
Advanced: Rochester, located at the northern edge of the Driftless Area, offers a wide variety of scenic routes that wind through river valleys, charming towns, and farmland. Don’t miss the ride through Dexter, where you’ll be surrounded by towering wind turbines and the city’s exceptional restaurants. You can also connect with local cyclists here during the annual Med City Meander over Memorial Day weekend.
Bike Path
Beginner: The 115-mile Paul Bunyan Trail in Brainerd is one of the longest continuously paved rail trails in the nation, offering safe, relatively flat rides of any distance. Stretching from Bemidji to Baxter, the trail passes through charming towns and runs near several of the 11 tribal nations located within Minnesota.
Intermediate: The Root River State Trail in Lanesboro is a paved trail system that strings together one charming river town after another. The communities in this region are set among dramatic river bluffs with historic main streets.
Advanced: The Mesabi Trail stretches over 150 miles through historic mining communities—many still active today—and extends all the way to Ely, a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Historic Hibbing, the childhood home of Bob Dylan, serves as a great central hub for accessing the trail.
Gravel
Beginner: Thief River Falls, located in northwest Minnesota, has big skies, flat terrain, and minimal car traffic. The annual Rosewood Gramble is a celebration of this region’s gravel culture.
Intermediate: Northfield is a small college community with historic charm and diverse routes through farmland, rolling hills, and river valleys.
Advanced: There’s a reason USA Cycling is holding the 2025 Gravel National Championships in the Mississippi River Valley community of La Crescent. Part of the Driftless Area, this region offers endless miles of gravel routes with challenging climbs.
Mountain
Beginner: Mankato is a fun place with relatively open terrain. Definitely check out Mount Kato and the Kato Bike Fall Fest. This is a perfect place for kids of all ages to explore.
Intermediate: The Cuyuna Country Recreation Area in Crosby has gone all in on mountain biking with an impressive network of forested singletrack and loops circling pit mines turned lakes. This former mining region has been transformed into one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the central United States.
Advanced: Duluth and Arrowhead in northeastern Minnesota may be two of the best under-the-radar cycling destinations in the United States. This region offers stunning scenery and challenging terrain—so much so that it can feel like you’re riding through mountain landscapes beside the ocean. In reality, you’re on the shores of one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. The Duluth Traverse features 40 miles of singletrack weaving through one of the most picturesque cities you’ll ever visit. For those seeking a real challenge, the annual Race Across Duluth is a must.
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