7 Best Bike Trails in the Twin Cities and Beyond

Explore the Twin Cities on Two Wheels

The Twin Cities is a cyclist’s dream, offering an extensive network of bike trails that wind through urban landscapes, scenic lakes, and lush forests. Whether you’re a casual rider looking for a relaxing afternoon route or a serious cyclist in search of a long-distance challenge, there’s a perfect trail for you. Here’s a guide to the best bike trails in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond.

1. Midtown Greenway – The Urban Commuter’s Dream

Stretching 5.5 miles through Minneapolis, the Midtown Greenway is a dedicated bike highway that makes cycling through the city both safe and efficient. It used to be a railroad corridor, and it’s now a paved, car-free trail that connects neighborhoods, restaurants, and parks, making it an excellent choice for commuters and urban explorers.

2. Grand Rounds Scenic Byway – Iconic Minneapolis Ride

For a classic Twin Cities experience, the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is a must. This 51-mile loop links some of Minneapolis’ most beautiful parks and lakes, including Lake Harriet, Bde Maka Ska, and Minnehaha Falls. Spring and summer bring blooming flowers and lush greenery, making this ride as scenic as it is enjoyable.

3. Gateway State Trail – A Ride into Nature

Starting in St. Paul and stretching 18 miles to Pine Point Regional Park, the Gateway State Trail offers a peaceful ride through forests, wetlands, and charming small towns. With its gentle grade and paved surface, this trail is perfect for all skill levels.

4. Elm Creek Park Reserve – A Mountain Biker’s Haven

For those who love off-road biking, Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove has a fantastic network of trails with varying difficulty levels. With both single-track and paved options, it’s a great place to challenge yourself or enjoy a leisurely family ride.

5. Mississippi River Regional Trail – Breathtaking River Views

Running alongside the mighty Mississippi, this trail offers incredible waterfront views and connects riders to both downtown St. Paul and the beautiful landscapes of Spring Lake Park Reserve. It’s an ideal choice for cyclists who love scenic, uninterrupted rides.

6. Chain of Lakes

If you’re looking for a leisurely ride with unbeatable views, the Chain of Lakes is a top choice and my personal favorite. This route connects some of Minneapolis’ most beautiful lakes, including Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, and Cedar Lake via paved bike paths. Riders can stop at lakeside beaches or take in the city skyline reflecting off the lake water. It’s an excellent route for those who want a scenic yet accessible ride.

7. Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail

This 15 mile trail begins in Hopkins and continues West through some of Minnesota’s cutest towns including Minnetonka, Excelsior and Victoria. It’s a flat and scenic trail that is especially fun to ride in the summer so you can stop along the way and get a beer or ice cream in one of the quaint towns you’ll pass through.

Bonus: Looking to Get Out of the Twin Cities?

If you’re looking for a weekend biking getaway, Crosby, Lanesboro and Minnesota’s North Shore are incredible cycling destinations just a few hours from the Twin Cities.

Crosby, located in central Minnesota, is home to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, which offers some of the best mountain biking trails in the Midwest. Riders can explore miles of scenic red dirt trails winding through old mine pits filled with crystal-clear water.

Lanesboro, located in southeastern Minnesota, is a must-visit for those who love paved trails and charming small towns. The Root River State Trail offers a 42-mile ride through limestone bluffs, dense forests, and historic towns. Lanesboro itself is a picturesque spot with cozy inns, farm-to-table dining, and plenty of spots to rest and recharge after a long ride.

The Gitchi-Gami State Trail runs for 88 miles, passing some of the North Shore’s most popular destinations, including Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse. You’ll also be able to enjoy epic views of Lake Superior along the way.

Pedal Your Way Through the Twin Cities

Whether you’re looking for an easy lakeside ride or a challenging adventure, the Twin Cities has something for every cyclist. With its paved paths or wooded trails, it’s no surprise that Minneapolis and St. Paul are consistently ranked among the top biking cities in the U.S. So grab your helmet, hit the trails, and enjoy the best cycling routes the Twin Cities has to offer!

Looking for more spring and summer ideas? Check out my blog posts on family-friendly things to do around Minnesota, spring weekend in Stillwater, and 10 bucket list cideries around Minnesota.