Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN MINNEAPOLIS
Thinking about bringing your bike to Minneapolis for your next vacation? Great call. This city is made for cycling. With over 200 miles of bike lanes, endless trails hugging lakes and rivers, and a biking culture that’s as friendly as it gets, Minneapolis is often ranked among the top cycling cities in the U.S. Whether you're planning chill scenic rides or epic day-long tours, this guide covers the best places to pedal, park, and pause for coffee or a selfie. Time to roll out and explore the city of lakes on two wheels.
Getting started with local bike culture
Minneapolis isn’t just bike-friendly — it’s bike-obsessed. The city consistently ranks in the top five in the U.S. for cycling infrastructure and overall accessibility. That’s thanks to a mix of visionary urban planning, a strong local cycling scene, and an appreciation for the outdoors year-round — yes, even in winter.
If you’re flying in or passing through, no worries — the city offers plenty of bike rental options, including the Nice Ride Minnesota bike-share program. They offer both traditional pedal bikes and e-bikes, making hills and longer distances easier for visitors. There are also full-service bike shops like Freewheel Bike and The Hub Bike Co-op if you need a tune-up or trail tips.
Top neighborhoods to explore on two wheels
North Loop: A warehouse-turned-hipster haven with riverfront access and plenty of breweries.
Uptown: Full of lake views, coffee stops, and bike lanes that link directly to the Chain of Lakes trails.
Downtown East: Great access to the Stone Arch Bridge and Mississippi Riverfront trail.
Northeast: A colorful mix of art studios, dive bars, and quiet streets perfect for casual cruising.
Powderhorn: Laid-back neighborhood with quick access to the Midtown Greenway and Minnehaha Park.
The best part? Minneapolis drivers are generally respectful of cyclists, and signage is clear, so navigation is a breeze even if you're not a local. Just make sure to pack a windbreaker — it gets breezy near the lakes!
Top scenic and lakeside routes
Minneapolis shines when it comes to mixing urban life with natural beauty. The crown jewel for cyclists is the Chain of Lakes — a group of interconnected lakes surrounded by miles of multi-use paths. These trails are well-paved, car-free, and packed with postcard-worthy views.
Must-ride lakeside and scenic loops
Chain of Lakes Trail: This iconic ride loops around Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska), and Lake of the Isles. Expect sailboats, skyline views, and cool breezes all the way.
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway: A 50-mile loop that connects lakes, parks, and neighborhoods across the city. Ideal for a full-day tour or broken up into shorter rides.
Mississippi River Trail: Offers breathtaking bluffs, historic landmarks, and relaxing river vibes. Start near the Stone Arch Bridge for a dramatic entrance.
Theodore Wirth Parkway: Think forested escape within the city. This route blends gravel and paved trails with plenty of stops for photos and snacks.
Cedar Lake Trail: One of the country's first bike highways, it's fast, flat, and scenic — perfect for commuting or high-mileage touring.
With so many interlinked paths, you can mix and match your own custom route. Pro tip: Sunrise rides around Lake of the Isles are pure magic. You’ll share the trail with joggers, yoga moms, and the occasional heron.
All trails are maintained year-round, including in snowy months, thanks to Minneapolis’s dedicated bike plow crews. So if you’re into winter fat biking, this is your place. But if you’re visiting in warmer months, bring sunscreen, a picnic blanket, and your best playlist — you’re going to want to take your time here.
Long-distance rides and cross-town routes
Once you’ve cruised the lakes and warmed up your legs, it’s time to hit some longer-distance routes that take you deeper into the metro area — and even beyond. Minneapolis is connected to nearby cities like St. Paul and Bloomington via a spiderweb of trail systems, making it easy to plan an all-day or even multi-day bike tour.
Epic routes for distance riders
Midtown Greenway to Mississippi River Loop: Start in Uptown and ride east along the Greenway, connect to the River Road trails, and complete a 20-30 mile urban nature loop.
Gateway State Trail: 18-mile route from St. Paul to Stillwater. Paved and mostly flat, it’s perfect for a half-day adventure with a riverside reward.
Luce Line Trail: This crushed limestone trail starts in Plymouth and stretches west for 60 miles into rural Minnesota. Gravel bikes recommended!
Minnehaha Creek Trail: Serene ride following the creek from Lake Harriet to the Mississippi. Expect wildlife sightings and plenty of shady breaks.
Brown’s Creek Trail: 6 miles of scenic beauty that connects with the Gateway Trail — great for a chill afternoon loop or warm-up ride.
If you’re touring, many local cyclists plan loops that combine these routes, stopping at breweries, food trucks, and riverside parks along the way. Minneapolis makes it easy to ride and refuel. Plus, there are dedicated cyclist rest areas and plenty of places to refill your water bottle.
Before heading out, download offline maps via apps like Ride with GPS or Komoot, and check trail status at Minneapolis Parks & Rec. Also, remember: Minnesota weather can flip fast, so bring a light rain shell and layers — even in July.
In the end, bike touring in Minneapolis is about more than mileage — it’s about discovering a city that rolls at your pace, whether you’re gliding by the lakes, charging down rail trails, or just finding the next great donut shop on two wheels.
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