The best cycling routes around Minneapolis
4.5
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3,117
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Touring cycling routes around Minneapolis benefit from the city's extensive network of bike paths and its unique natural features. The landscape is characterized by numerous glacial lakes, the Mississippi River, and relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for varied cycling experiences. Minneapolis offers a blend of urban and natural environments, with dedicated infrastructure connecting parks and scenic waterways. The city's commitment to green spaces provides accessible routes for cyclists of all levels.
Best touring cycling routes around Minneapolis
- The most popular touring cycling route is Lake Harriet – Bde Maka Ska loop from Minneapolis Institute of Art, an 11.0 miles (17.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 2 minutes to complete. This route offers scenic views around two of Minneapolis's prominent lakes.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Cottontail on the Trail – Lyndale Park Rose Garden loop from Nokomis, an easy 14.1 miles (22.7 km) path. This route features a mix of parkland and garden scenery, ideal for a relaxed ride.
- Local touring cyclists also love the View of Saint Anthony Falls – Mississippi River Trail loop from Target Field, a 23.8 miles (38.4 km) trail leading through the historic downtown riverfront, often completed in about 2 hours 18 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Minneapolis is defined by its Chain of Lakes, the Mississippi River, and extensive urban park systems. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy lakeside loops to longer riverfront journeys.
- The routes in Minneapolis are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 2,800 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Minneapolis's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.9
(50)
303
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42.9km
02:30
170m
170m
The Lake Nokomis – Martin Olav Sabo Bridge loop from West Bank offers a fantastic touring cycling experience, blending urban views with natural serenity. You'll cruise along the shores of Lake Nokomis, enjoying continuous lake views and tree-lined paths, before winding through the dense woods of the Minnehaha Creek trail. The route's highlight is the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge, a striking piece of bike architecture that provides glorious views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline, especially as the sun sets.
This moderate 26.6 miles (42.9 km) loop, with a gentle 558 feet (170 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes to complete. The trails are well-maintained and mostly flat, making it an easy ride for most cyclists. The Martin Olav Sabo Bridge was specifically built to improve safety and navigation, routing you away from busy roads, so you can focus on the scenery.
This route is a prime example of Minneapolis's commitment to barrier-free bicycling infrastructure, connecting seamlessly to the Midtown Greenway and the broader Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. Lake Nokomis itself is a popular spot, but dedicated paths ensure cyclists have plenty of space. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed, scenic ride through diverse city landscapes.
4.7
(15)
158
riders
18.0km
01:05
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(10)
116
riders
23.0km
01:21
70m
70m
This easy bike loop is one of the most popular cycling trails in Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes, offering a delightful journey through diverse urban landscapes. You'll cruise along paved paths, enjoying lush greenery and blooming flowers in spring and summer, with picturesque views of Minnehaha Creek, Lake Nokomis, and Lake Harriet. The 14.3-mile (23.0 km) route, with a gentle 242 feet (74 metres) of elevation gain, is an easy ride that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it perfect for a leisurely outing.
When planning your visit, be aware that while the Lake Nokomis Lake Harriet bike trail difficulty is easy, some sections along Minnehaha Creek involve crossing busy streets, though underpasses help. The trails can get quite busy, especially on nice days, so be prepared to share the path with other cyclists and pedestrians. Starting from 46th Street provides convenient access to this well-maintained park system.
This iconic route is part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway and even features in the Twin Cities Marathon, highlighting its significance. Along the way, you'll encounter landmarks like the historic Lake Harriet bandshell, the Lyndale Park Rose Garden, and the Nokomis Naturescape, offering plenty of opportunities for scenic stops and exploration.
5.0
(2)
83
riders
43.4km
02:34
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(7)
70
riders
36.0km
02:08
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is a first for me: a bikeway traffic circle! It’s located at the intersection where the Kenilworth Trail meets the Midtown Greenway. It seems like the city is anticipating increased cycling activity now that the Kenilworth Trail has reopened. A tip for Komoot users: Yesterday, when I tried to create a route along the newly reopened Kenilworth Trail, the app kept directing me off the trail and onto nearby roads and pedestrian paths. This may be because the trail’s updated route hasn't yet been added to OpenStreetMap. As I rode, I was consistently redirected away from the trail. However, don’t worry—the new Kenilworth Trail is well marked and easy to follow all the way to where it connects with the North Cedar Lake Trail.
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Designed by sculptor Jeff Barber, this bronze statue was placed along Minnehaha Parkway in 2002. Since then it has been embraced by local residents and is often decorated for holidays and events.
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One of the bridges that connects St. Paul and Minneapolis that has a great view above the trees along the river.
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You might find a live music concert happening at this park in the summer, but it remains a great destination all year-round, music or not. Facilities here include a playground and picnic area, a fishing pier, a beach, the bandstand for performances of course, and a nice trail for running, walking and biking.
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This is the second-oldest public rose garden in the United States, showcasing a hundred different types of roses and some 3,000 plants in all.
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Lake Bde Maka Ska Pavilion & Boat Rental in Minneapolis offers a wide range of activities and amenities. You can hike, barbecue, and picnic at the park, which includes picnic tables, a public restroom, slides, swings, and a volleyball court. The park features a well-paved 3-mile loop path for walking and biking, along with electric bicycles and boats for rent. Enjoy water sports and swimming on the lake, but be cautious of strong winds on breezy days.
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The Lake Nokomis Trail in Minnesota is a 7.3-mile paved path that stretches from Minneapolis to Burnsville, connecting three communities: Minneapolis, Richfield, and Bloomington. This 10-foot-wide trail is popular for biking, walking, jogging, and inline skating, while also being wheelchair accessible. Along its route, the trail passes through parks, residential areas, and near popular attractions like the Mall of America and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. It links to other regional trails, such as the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Minnesota River Greenway, with parking available at various points, including Taft Park and the Cedar Nichols Trailhead. Lake Nokomis spans 204 acres and is a true natural highlight of the trail.
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The Martin Olav Sabo Bridge in Minneapolis is Minnesota's first cable-stayed suspension bridge. Originally called the Midtown Greenway Pedestrian Bridge, it was renamed in honor of former U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo. The bridge is exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, with a designated walking lane and a two-way bike path.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis offers a wide array of touring cycling routes, with over 150 routes available on komoot. These range from easy lakeside loops to more challenging riverfront journeys, catering to various skill levels.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Minneapolis?
The best time for touring cycling in Minneapolis is typically from spring through fall (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and the extensive network of trails, including the Chain of Lakes and Mississippi River paths, are fully accessible and vibrant with natural beauty. While winter fat biking is popular, traditional touring cycling is best enjoyed in warmer seasons.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about Minneapolis?
The touring cycling routes in Minneapolis are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the city's extensive network of paved trails, the scenic beauty of the lakes and river, and the seamless blend of urban and natural environments.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Minneapolis?
Yes, Minneapolis is ideal for beginners, with over 100 easy touring cycling routes. Many of these are relatively flat and follow the city's beautiful lakes. A great option is the Lake Harriet – Bde Maka Ska loop from Minneapolis Institute of Art, which offers scenic views with minimal elevation change.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis is renowned for its circular routes, particularly those around its famous lakes and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. The Cedar Lake – Lake of the Isles loop from Lakewood Cemetery is an excellent example, providing a picturesque ride around two of the Chain of Lakes.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes in Minneapolis?
For those seeking longer rides, Minneapolis offers several options that incorporate parts of the extensive Mississippi River Trail (MRT) or the Grand Rounds. The View of Saint Anthony Falls – Mississippi River Trail loop from Target Field is a moderate 23.8-mile route that takes you through the historic downtown riverfront, offering a more extended cycling experience.
What scenic viewpoints or natural features can I expect on touring cycling routes in Minneapolis?
Touring cycling routes in Minneapolis offer stunning natural features. You can expect picturesque views of the Chain of Lakes (Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake), the mighty Mississippi River, and its scenic gorge. Many routes also pass through lush urban parks and offer glimpses of the city's skyline.
Are there touring cycling routes that pass by waterfalls in Minneapolis?
Yes, you can definitely incorporate waterfalls into your touring cycling routes. The iconic Minnehaha Falls is a major highlight, surrounded by a park with trails. Additionally, routes along the Mississippi River may offer views of Saint-Anthony-Falls, a significant landmark in the city's history.
What kind of landmarks or points of interest can I explore along the routes?
Minneapolis's touring cycling routes are rich with landmarks and points of interest. Beyond the natural beauty of the lakes and rivers, you can cycle past the historic Stone Arch Bridge, offering views of downtown and Saint Anthony Falls. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is also easily accessible, showcasing over 40 captivating sculptures.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Minneapolis?
Many of Minneapolis's touring cycling routes are excellent for families, especially the paved paths around the Chain of Lakes. These routes are generally flat, well-maintained, and offer plenty of opportunities for breaks at parks or beaches. The Cottontail on the Trail – Lyndale Park Rose Garden loop from Nokomis is an easy option featuring parkland and garden scenery, perfect for a relaxed family ride.
How accessible are the touring cycling routes by public transport in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has a robust public transport system, including buses and light rail, which can provide access to many trailheads and cycling routes. Many routes, especially those within the urban core and connecting to the Grand Rounds, are designed with accessibility in mind, allowing cyclists to reach starting points without a car.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Minneapolis?
Parking is generally available at various points along Minneapolis's extensive trail network, particularly at major parks and regional trail access points. For routes around the Chain of Lakes or along the Mississippi River, you'll often find dedicated parking lots or street parking options near popular starting points.
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