Pedal the North: The Ultimate Guide to Biking in Minnesota

Consistently ranked as one of the most bike-friendly states in the country, Minnesota is just waiting to be explored by bike. Whether you’re tackling long-distance bikepacking routes or exploring rugged downhill trails, the Star of the North delivers on cycling adventures. Hop on your favorite style of ride and hit the dirt, gravel, or road to experience it for yourself.

Gravel Biking in Minnesota

With more than 70,000 miles of public gravel roads and hundreds of miles of unpaved bike trails, Minnesota caters to gravel bikers looking to crank out the scenic miles on mixed-media routes. It’s no surprise, then, that the state is home to one of the largest gravel biking communities in the country.

Just outside the Twin Cities, pedal hundreds of miles of gravel roads in the rural communities surrounding Northfield. The hilly farmland throughout the river valley pairs challenging climbs with idyllic views. Visiting in the spring? Sign up for the Heywood Ride. Held every May, the event features five courses ranging from 390 miles to 30 miles.

Head further south to Bluff Country, where the unique topography — deep valleys, rolling hills, and dramatic limestone cliffs — challenges and delights. Choose your own adventure as you connect hundreds of miles of backroads along the Minnesota bank of the Mississippi River and its tributary, the Root River.

Adventurous riders can explore more than 2,000 miles of forest service roads in the Superior National Forest. This rugged area offers an off-the-grid riding experience that can range from a day trip to a multi-day bikepacking excursion.

Road Biking in Minnesota

If paved routes are more your style, plan a trip around more than 4,000 miles of pathways in Minnesota. Pedal through the heart of the Iron Range on the Mesabi Trail. Stretching 120 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely, the path weaves through a collection of small towns, each with its unique character. Luckily, riders will earn their pit stops to explore along the route after tackling the steep climbs in between.  

For an urban adventure, ride the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis. The 51-mile route is comprised of paved, off-street trails through downtown, along the Mississippi Riverfront, through the Chain of Lakes area, and more.

Looking for a more ambitious ride? The North Star Route covers 315 miles of scenic byways and mixed-use paved paths from St. Paul to Grand Portage, hitting many beloved Minnesota locales along the way.

Mountain Biking in Minnesota

Downhill riders will find plenty of singletrack to quench their thirst for adrenaline. Bonus: Many mountain bike trails, including a lift-served area, are maintained throughout the winter for fat biking. That means year-round opportunities to ride.

At Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, more than 50 miles of trails provide thrills for riders of all levels. As you flow through the park, you won’t be able to miss the distinct red dirt — evidence of the region’s history as a hotspot for iron ore.

Visitors sticking close to the Twin Cities can still enjoy the feeling of dirt beneath the tires at Theodore Wirth Park in North Minneapolis. The park’s beginner- and intermediate-friendly trails are a great place to brush up on skills and gain confidence.

For more downhill riding with less pedaling, head to Duluth’s Spirit Mountain bike park. As one of Minnesota’s few lift-served mountain bike terrains, Spirit offers true downhill riding on 24 trails, plus a pump track and skills park.

Explore Minnesota is dedicated to promoting tourism and livability in Minnesota. Visit exploreminnesota.com to find travel inspiration and things to do, subscribe to free newsletters, and download travel guides. See even more by following Explore Minnesota on Instagram.