Dubbed “The Bike State,” Minnesota is on the map as a top national biking destination, ranked as the No. 2 most bike-friendly state by the League of American Bicyclists. In recent years, Minnesota has developed a robust infrastructure of biking routes and trails for recreation and commuting, transforming bicycling into a way of life. There are more than 4,000 miles of paved bike trails around the state and an entire coalition – Pedal Minnesota – dedicated to being the go-to resource for all things cycle-related. From popular bike-sharing programs, to a number of converted rail trails across the state, to an internationally recognized mountain biking trail system, there’s an experience waiting for every biking enthusiast to make Minnesota their destination.

Slick, City Commuting

Bike sharing systems in 10 Minnesota cities including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Willmar, Hastings, Bemidji, Rochester and more, make it easy to hop on a bike even if you don’t own one – or you’re not traveling with yours. The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis offers the perfect way to get to know iconic city landmarks. If you’re looking for a fun excuse to enjoy the day on wheels, St. Paul – Minnesota’s capital city – offers an 11-mile craft beer bicycle tour to taste some of the state’s homemade brews.

Scenic Statewide Strides

More than 20 trails across the state are converted railroad tracks. One of them, referred to as the “Cadillac of Trails,” is the Red Root River State Trail along the southern border. It offers 42 paved miles with beautiful scenery that includes limestone cliffs and 300 foot-bluffs, pastures, fields of wildflowers and the Root River. The Lake Wobegon Trail – inspired by the fictional stories told by A Prairie Home Companion humorist Garrison Keillor – leads riders past farmland, lakes, and peaceful stretches of farm country that defines much the state. 

 Adventurous Rides

The International Mountain Bicycling Association has recognized three of Minnesota’s mountain biking trail systems as Ride Centers, which are “the best [mountain biking] has to offer.” Minnesota is second only to Idaho for having the most Ride Centers in the state. Apart from the gold-standard trails, riders who prefer to escape the refinement of paved trails can off-road on several dirt roads and paths across the state. And winter biking thrills? You betcha! Just grab a fat bike and journey through the snow!