SPECIAL SPONSORED SECTION
Photo © Explore Minnesota Tourism
Photo © Explore Minnesota Tourism
A good resource for biking news and information on paved bike trails.
www.MnBikeTrails.com
The following is a list of paid advertisers:
BIKE GEAR
Calhoun Cycle
3342 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-827-8000
www.calhouncycle.com
Specializing in high-end touring and commuting bicycles, hand-built wheels, professional metal shop, and fine accessories from Arkel, Ortlieb, Carradice, Brooks, Tubus, and others.
Cycle Path and Paddle
115 3rd Ave. SW, Crosby, MN 56441
218-545-4545
www.cyclepathpaddle.com
FUN STORE! Rentals and sales of hybrid and comfort bikes, tandem and recumbents, Trikkes, Burley trailers, and trail-a-bikes. Bicycle accessories, maintenance, and repairs. Shuttle service.
Easy Riders Bicycle & Sports Shop
415 Washington St., Brainerd, MN 56401
218-829-5516
www.easyridersbikes.com
Downtown Brainerd. Trek-Fisher-Redline. Sales, service, rentals. Largest selection of bicycles under one roof, plus a bicycle museum. Rollerblades and water toys. On and off bike trail riding. National BMX track.
Erik’s Bike Shop
Locations all over the Twin Cities and Rochester
612-869-BIKE
www.eriksbikeshop.com
Erik’s Bike Shop, with locations in the Twin Cities and Rochester, guarantees the best brands, prices, and service. Stop by and let us help you get out riding today!
Gateway Cycle
6028 Hwy. 36 Blvd. N., Oakdale, MN 55128
651-777-0188
Full service bike shop near the Gateway Trail. Quality bikes from Trek, Fisher, Raleigh, Mirraco. 30-day price match policy. Test rides encouraged. Rentals available.
Helly Hansen
1062 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105
651-556-1144
www.hellyhansenUSA.com
Helly Hansen has over 125 years of experience making high quality, protective, technical active apparel for winter, water, and trail sport enthusiasts year-round.
Hoigaard’s
3550 South Hwy. 100, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952-929-1351
www.hoigaards.com
The cutting edge in biking: recumbent, comfort, cross, mountain, road, and kids bikes. For the best in knowledgeable sales, service and repair, stop in today!
Superior North Outdoor Center
9 North Broadway, P.O. Box 177, Grand Marais, MN 55604
218-387-2186
www.superiornorthoutdoor.com
Full-service shop for enthusiasts and families at the eastern end of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. Rentals, repairs, sales, and accessories. Open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BIKE RIDES (by month)
Check with event organizers for 2008 dates
Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Sponsored by Hostelling International-Minnesota Council
622 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104
651-251-1495
www.IronmanBikeRide.org
The Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride is the season kick-off for Minnesota bicyclists. Routes of 30, 60, or 100 miles start to end in Lakeville, Minnesota.
MS Bike Tour: Allianz Life MS 60/30
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Maplewood
30 or 60 mile routes
800-582-5296/612-335-7900
www.nationalmssociety.org/MNM/event
Dust off your wheels, spring into action and join the movement to bring help and hope to thousands of people with multiple sclerosis.
The Capitol Classic – A Bike Ride and Race for Autism Awareness
Sunday, June 3, 2007
St. Paul
612-327-1599
www.bikeforautism.org
The Capitol Classic is a free charity family festival; opportunities for people of all abilities/disabilities to participate in a charity fun ride, racing, live music, kid activities and food.
MS 150 Bike Tour
June 8-10, 2007
Duluth-Hinckley-White Bear Lake
800-582-5296/612-335-7900
www.ms150.com
The 28th annual Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Bike Tour takes cyclists from Proctor to the Twin Cities on beautiful state trails and roads with an overnight at Grand Casino Hinckley.
Great River Energy Bicycle Festival
June 20-24, 2007
St. Paul, Cannon Falls, Minneapolis, Mankato, and Stillwater
651-855-2835
www.minnbikefest.com
The Great River Energy Bicycle Festival is a five-day celebration of bicycling in Minnesota. Professional and elite racing teams from all over the country come to Minnesota to compete.
Jordan Valley Bike Tour
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Scott and LeSueur counties
12, 20, 35, or 60 miles
952-492-2355
www.jordanvalleybiketour.org
Pass by rolling hills, forests, fields and expansive vistas as you travel through New Prague, Heidelberg, Lexington, and Montgomery. All trails are paved. Refreshments served.
26th Annual Watermelon Bike Ride & Picnic
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Shoreview
15, 25 or 55 miles
www.bikeTCBC.org
Enjoy a fun family ride in the morning, followed by a picnic at Snail Lake in Shoreview. Get home in plenty of time for the fireworks.
Habitat 500 Bike Ride
July 15-21, 2007
Sponsored by Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota
113 27th Ave. N.E., Suite T, Minneapolis, MN 55418
877-804-3466
www.habitat500.org
Join us July 15-21, 2007, for a seven-day, 500-mile bike ride fundraiser benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Highlights include: 135 rider maximum, bike mechanic, massage therapists, SAG vehicles, nightly entertainment, great meals, and much more!
Yikes! Bikes! Bike Tour
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Sponsored by Leech Lake Area Habitat for Humanity
P.O. Box 61, Walker, MN 56484
218-547-3322
www.lakesareahabitat.org/yikesbikes
18/40/60 mile routes in the lake country/forest. Live music, ethnic food, and “Up North†hospitality make this ride a favorite.
Star Tribune MS TRAM Bike Tour
July 22-27, 2007
Minneapolis
300 miles
800-582-5296/612-335-7900
www.msTRAM.com
Hand-picked roads, beautiful campsites, Midwest cookin’ and homegrown entertainment are just some of the things that have made this tour the “Ultimate Minnesota Road Trip†for 18 years.
Annual Sakatah Trail Family Bike Ride
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Elysian
Up to 18 miles
800-507-7787/507-267-4040
www.mnlakesregion.com
Go the entire distance or just to the next town–it’s your choice! Registered participants will throw one dart at each of 16 checkpoints, collecting points along the trail!
Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Chisholm
8-57 miles
218-749-4331
www.mesabitrail.com/great-river-energy
Customize your ride. All trails lead to Hibbing’s Bennett Park, where riders can enjoy an outdoor ethnic picnic, artisan performances, and a Northern Minnesotan concert.
Tour de Prairie Lakes
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Glenwood
18, 40 or 63 miles
320-634-0355
www.habitatprairielakes.org
Second annual Habitat for Humanity of Prairie Lakes Tour. Choose the distance you want to ride in this fun summer bike tour.
Tour de Sprawl
Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007
2327 E. Franklin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-659-9124
www.northstar.sierraclub.org/tour-de-sprawl
A fun, leisurely, family-friendly 25-mile bicycle ride in Northern Dakota County. 12th Annual Tour features healthy snacks, lunch, guest speakers. Open to all!
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Blazing Star Trail
Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-345-8414
www.albertleatourism.org
Ride 10.1 miles of scenic trails in Albert Lea. Ride around Fountain Lake or to the Big Island State Park on Blazing Star Trail. Call 800-345-8414 for more information.
Cannon Valley Trail
Cannon Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 2, Cannon Falls, MN 55009
507-263-2289
www.cannonfalls.org
Cannon Valley Trail
825 Cannon Rivers Ave., Cannon Falls, MN 55009
507-263-0508
www.cannonvalleytrail.com
Discover the Cannon Valley Trail, spectacular natural beauty awaits you. Explore the historic river towns of Cannon Falls and Red Wing for a great getaway.
Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau
420 Level Street, Red Wing, MN 55066
800-498-3444
www.redwing.org
Red Wing has it all! History, unique shops, the Mississippi, fishing, hiking, bird watching including bald eagles. Wheel passes available at Red Wing Visitors Center.
Glacial Lakes State Trail
Dickerson’s Lake Florida Resort
13194 2nd St. N.E., Spicer, MN 56288
320-354-4272
www.dickersonsresort.com
Relaxing sunsets from beachfront cottages. Free kayaks, fun bugs, paddleboats, canoes, sailboats, hydrobikes and bicycles. Two hours west of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Call for free brochure.
Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail
Country Trail Inn & Suites
809 Highway 52 North, Preston, MN 55965
888-378-2896/507-765-2533
www.countrytrailsinn.com
Country Trails Inn & Suites offers 34 guest rooms, six themed whirlpool suites, indoor pool/spa, and continental breakfast. Blocks from the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail bike trails.
Hastings City Trails
Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau
111 3rd St. E., Hastings, MN 55033
888-612-6122/651-437-6775
www.hastingsmn.org
HISTORIC HASTINGS. Mississippi River Town near Twin Cities. Golfing, biking, apple picking, bird watching, winery, Vermillion Falls and so much more for your family to enjoy.
Lake Shetek-Currie State Trail
End-O-Line/Lake Shetek
440 N. Mill St., Currie, MN 56123
507-763-3708
www.endoline.com
Hard surface, 6-mile trail from End-O-Line Railroad Park to Lake Shetek State Park. Circle the loop by foot, rollerblades, bicycle. Fishing, picnicking, bird watching. Visit Shetek Monument and Currie Dam.
Mill Towns State Trail
Archibald Inn of Dundas – Bed & Breakfast
107 1st St. N., Dundas, MN 55019
507-664-9481
www.archibaldinn.com
1869 Italianate Victorian on National Historic Registry within the quaint city of Dundas. Three miles to Historic Downtown Northfield on the Mill Towns State Trail.
Root River State Trail
Visit Winona
160 Johnson St., Winona, MN 55987
507-452-0735
www.visitwinona.com
Hundreds of scenic miles of easy or challenging routes, climb over bluffs and through valleys. New winery, antique mall, summer theatre. Free bicycling brochure.
Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail
Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 999, Mankato, MN 56002
800-657-4733
www.greatermankato.com
Trees, trails and water without the cars, concrete or cost. Over 100 miles of beautiful trails. Call for a bike trail guide.
Shooting Star State Trail
Shooting Star Trail
P.O. Box 357, Adams, MN 55909
507-582-3601
www.prairievisions.org
Shooting Star Trail: 12 miles paved through southeast Minnesota prairie flowers, farms, and oak savannah. Route from 190 southeast to LeRoy on Highway 56 near Lake Louise State Park.
Springfield Bike Trail
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
510 South County Road 5, Springfield, MN 56087
507-723-3508
www.springfieldmnchamber.org
Springfield Bike Trail – over three paved miles – second weekend/September Petroglyph Pedal. Located along the Cottonwood River; adjacent campground, Frisbee Disc Golf, swimming, golf.
St. James Lake Trail
St. James Area Chamber of Commerce
514 2nd Ave. S., St. James, MN 56081
507-375-3333
www.stjamesmn.org
A 4-mile paved recreation trail for biking, hiking, rollerblading, and cross-country skiing circles St. James Lake in beautiful St. James, Minnesota.
NORTH CENTRAL/WEST
Central Lakes State Trail
Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
206 Broadway, Alexandria, MN 56308
800-245-ALEX
www.alexandriamn.org
Enjoy 55 miles of paved trail and then visit our historic downtown for shopping and dining. Call or log onto our website for a free travel guide.
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
2100 Arrowwood Lane NW, Alexandria, MN 56308
866-FUN-LAND/320-762-1124
www.arrowwoodresort.com
Full-service resort on Lake Darling and five miles from the Central Lakes Recreation bike trail. Endless recreation for every season including “The Big Splash†tropical indoor water park.
Geneva Beach Resort
105 Linden Ave., Alexandria, MN 56308
877-891-3200
www.genevabeachresort.com
One of the finest resorts on the Alexandria chain of lakes. Located directly on the Central Lakes Trail. Our beach is great for carefree days.
Cuyuna Lakes State Trail
Cuyuna Lakes Trail Association
P.O. Box 111, Crosby, MN 56441
218-545-4545
www.cuyunalakestrail.org
Winding through the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, past pristine mine lakes, this is an unbelievably scenic trail! When completed, the trail will extend nearly 40 miles.
Heartland State Trail
Northern Pine Lodge
14588 230th St., Park Rapids, MN 56470
218-732-5103
www.northernpinelodge.com
Northern Pine Lodge, a family resort on Potato Lake. Small enough to provide a quiet vacation, but large enough to offer activities for all.
The Park Street Inn
106 Park St., Nevis, MN 56467
800-797-1778
www.parkstreetinn.com
Our Inn is a cozy Victorian Bed & Breakfast located one block from the scenic Heartland Bike Trail. The Inn features relaxing whirlpools, private baths, air conditioning, and a full breakfast.
Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 249, 1204 Park Avenue S., Park Rapids, MN 56470
800-247-0054/218-732-4111
www.parkrapids.com
Discover the most beautiful and serene rides in Minnesota. Journey past crystal streams and evergreen cathedrals. Bike the Heartland Trail, visit Itasca State Park. Stay at resorts, B&Bs, motels and campgrounds.
Red Bridge Inn
118 Washington Ave. N., Park Rapids, MN 56470
888-733-7241/218-237-7337
www.redbridgeinn.com
Great location! Beautiful inn! Charm abounds! Immediate access to Heartland Trail. Relax at River’s Edge, walk to downtown shopping. Nearby golfing and Itasca State Park.
Lake Wobegon Trail
Melrose Biking, Camping & Hospitality
225 E. First St. N., Melrose, MN 56352
320-256-4278
www.cityofmelrose.com
Lake Wobegon Trail through downtown; adjacent to shops and restaurants; downtown Sauk River Park with serviced campsites; city trail system; annual Freedom Fest Celebration.
Milaca Mountain Bike Trails
City of Milaca
255 First St. E., Milaca, MN 56353
320-983-3141
www.cityofmilaca.org
Milaca’s 14-mile, single-track trails are cut through a park reserve along the Rum River, and provide a challenge to riders of any skill level.
Paul Bunyan State Trail
Americinn Lodge and Suites
P.O. Box 610, 32912 Paul Bunyan Trail Drive, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
888-568-8400
www.upnorthlodge.com
Located across the Paul Bunyan Trail. Free breakfast buffet, pool, hot tub, sauna, wireless internet, whirlpool suite, playground, patio. Golf and mini golf next door.
Towering Pines Resort
35172 South Clamshell Drive, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
800-950-0267/218-543-4738
www.toweringpines.com
Reconnect with family and friends. Cozy cabins suited for all your vacation needs. Kayaks, canoe, mini-golf, basketball, structured activities and more. TV/DVD/VHS. Wi-Fi. Whitefish Chain.
Visit Bemidji
300 Bemidji Ave. P.O. Box 66, Bemidji, MN 56601
800-458-2223
www.visitbemidji.com
Explore beautiful lakes and forests surrounding Bemidji. Ride for miles on easy paved or challenging mountain bike trails. Visit the First City on the Mississippi.
Wildwedge Golf and Mini Golf
P.O. Box 89, 32792 Paul Bunyan Trail Dr., Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
218-568-6995
www.wildwedge.com
The FUN place to golf! Area’s newest and best mini golf, family-friendly golf course and driving range. Two miles north of Pequot Lakes on Highway 371.
NORTHEAST
Northeastern Minnesota’s Arrowhead Country
Visit NEminnesota.com to plan your next vacation and view our online recreation guide, complete with links to destinations across Northeastern Minnesota’s Arrowhead Country.
Bear Track Outfitting Co. and Cabins
2011 West Highway 61, P.O. Box 937, Grand Marais, MN 55604
800-795-8068/218-387-1162
www.bear-track.com
Outfitters for Boundary Waters canoe and sea-kayak trips, rustic year-round cabins, Lake Superior charter fishing and shore cruises, gifts, camping and food supplies, Fly Shop.
Grand Marais Hotel Company (Aspen Lodge, Shoreline, Super 8)
P.O. Box 667, Grand Marais, MN 55604
800-247-6020
www.gmhotel.net
The Grand Marais Hotel Co. manager four properties in Grand Marais–Aspen Lodge, Cobblestone Cove, Shoreline, and Super 8. We pride ourselves on well-kept rooms.
Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
7192 West Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615
800-BLUEFIN (258-3346)
www.bluefinbay.com
Bluefin Bay, one of the finest Lake Superior resorts, offers a relaxing yet exhilarating Minnesota vacation experience. Ride on the nearby Gitchi-Gami Trail, mountain bike at Lutsen Mountain Bike Park.
Cove Point Lodge on Lake Superior
4614 Hwy. 61, Beaver Bay, MN 55601
800-598-3221/218-226-3221
www.covepointlodge.com
Every room views Lake Superior! Rustic Scandinavian lodge on the new Gitchi-Gami bike trail. Relaxing pool, sauna and whirlpool. Enjoy intimate dining featured in Bon Appetite magazine.
Lutsen Mountain Bike Park
Caribou Highlands Lodge
371 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, MN 55612
800-642-6036
www.caribouhighlands.com
All season resort on Sawtooth Mountains, North Shore. Miles of great bike trails for all ages and levels of difficulty. Indoor/outdoor pools and spa areas.
Mesabi Trail
Boundary Country Trekking
11 Poplar Creek Dr., Grand Marais, MN 55604
800-322-8327
www.boundarycountry.com
Bike lodge-to-lodge on the paved Mesabi Trail or mountain bike the rugged trails of the Gunflint. You pedal, we take care of the rest!
Chisholm Inn & Suites
501 Iron Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719
877-255-3156
www.chisholminn.com
Located across from the Mesabi Trail trailhead and Ironworld Discovery Center. Complimentary “hot†breakfast buffet. Indoor pool, sauna, and whirlpool. Bike rentals available.
Chisholm Chamber of Commerce
10 N.W. 2nd Ave., Chisholm, MN 55719
800-422-0806
www.chisholmchamber.com
Chisholm–direct access to the bike trail. Take advantage of unique shops and restaurants. Home of Iron Man, Ironworld, Museum of Mining, and Bridge of Peace.
Superior National Forest
Blue Heron B&B
827 Kawishiwi Trail, Ely, MN 55731
218-365-4720
www.blueheronbnb.com
Lakeside log lodge borders the BWCAW. Canoe, sauna, and breakfast included. Rooms have king or queen beds, all private baths. Dinner, lunch optional; outstanding food.
City of Aurora
P.O. Box 160, Aurora, MN 55705
218-229-2614 ext. 234
www.auroramnchamber.com
Gateway to Superior National Forest Scenic Byway … spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and small town charm! Visit us online or call for a brochure and additional information.
Willard Munger State Trail
Hinckley Convention & Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 197, 109 Tobies Mill, Hinckley, MN 55037
800-952-4282
www.hinckleymn.com
Halfway between the Twin Cities and Duluth off I-35. Willard Munger Trail, St. Croix State Park, 6 hotels, 16 restaurants, Grand Casino, Fire Museum, shopping.
Visit Duluth
21 West Superior St., Suite 100, Duluth, MN 55802
800-438-5884
www.visitduluth.com
The biking, the history, the adventure, the Lake, connect with nature and with Lake Superior. Ride the famous Lakewalk or one of Duluth’s many bikes trail and for the adventurous Spirit Mountain’s challenging mountain bike trail. Explore hundreds of restaurants, events and attractions on beautiful Lake Superior.
Willard Munger Inn and Indian Point Campground
75th W. Grand Ave., Duluth, MN 55807
800-982-BIKE (2453)/218-624-4814
www.mungerinn.com
Choose from whirlpool suites, fireplace suites, and kitchen studios at the Munger Inn, or tent and full hook-up campsites at the Indian Point Campground on the nearby St. Louis River. Enjoy bicycling on the Munger Trail and canoeing on the St. Louis River.
TWIN CITIES AREA
Afton Alps Mountain Bike Trail
Historic Afton House Inn
3291 S. St. Croix Trail — P.O. Box 326, Afton, MN 55001
651-436-8883
www.aftonhouseinn.com
Voted “Most Romantic Getaway,†this Historic Inn will be your favorite stop to relax in the Jacuzzi and enjoy the atmosphere of the Inn’s fine dining restaurant.
Gateway Trail
The Outing Lodge at Pine Point Park
11661 Myeron Rd. N., Stillwater, MN 55082
651-439-9747
www.outinglodge.com
Nestled in a Gateway Metro Trail Park, near Stillwater. Featured in Midwest Living, Minnesota Bride, Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, etc. Theme dinners and overnight packages.
Luce Line Trail
Hutchinson Chamber and CVB
2 Main Street South, Hutchinson, MN 55350
800-572-6689/320-234-0789
www.explorehutchinson.com
Hutchinson is home to the tranquil Luce Line Trail along the scenic Crow River. Family activities all year! We’re expecting you here in Minnesota’s Hometown!
Three Rivers Park District
Three Rivers Park District
763-559-9000
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org
100+ miles of off-road trails linked to regional trail corridors throughout Hennepin, Carver, Scott counties. Trails for young families, serious riders, commuters. Free maps on website.