Dr. Laura Bishop
Experience the Twin Cities like never before by leaving your car behind and hopping on a bike. Embark on an exciting and eco-friendly adventure as we take you through some of the best trails in the metro area. But before you hit the road, let’s explore your options for bike rentals.
Don’t worry if you haven’t got an e-bike this summer; there are still plenty of rental businesses that can hook you up. Angry Catfish offers electric and gravel bikes for rent, and if you end up purchasing a bike within 90 days, your rental fees go towards your new ride. Baker Park Reserve has you covered whether you’re camping or simply exploring the trails, with online bike rentals and child trailers available. Capital City Deals Bike Shop rents out a variety of used bikes and e-bikes by the day or week. If you’re in the Cannon River area near Northfield, be sure to check out Farmstead Bike Shop for bike rentals. And during the camping season, Lake Auburn Campground offers adult bikes and child trailers for rent both online and in-person.
Now, let’s dive into the trails. Anderson Lakes offers a gentle 1.1-mile trail that provides a serene biking experience. Baker Park Reserve boasts 12.5 miles of paved trails that wind through rolling hills and offer rest stops along the way. For a longer adventure, check out Bassett Creek Regional Trail, which spans 7 miles and takes you through scenic spots in Plymouth, New Hope, Crystal, and Golden Valley.
For a picturesque ride around a lake, head to Bde Maka Ska, where a 3.19-mile paved trail awaits you. Connect with nature on the Brown’s Creek State Trail, a 5.9-mile path that takes you from Grant to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. If you’re in the Eden Prairie area, Bryant Lake Regional Park has over 12 miles of paved trails waiting to be explored, with connections to Minnesota River Bluff LRT Regional trails.
If you’re up for a forest adventure, Carver Park Reserve offers 9 miles of paved trails that meander through lush woodlands and marshes. Cleary Lake Regional Park provides a peaceful 3.5-mile paved road with connections to Big Woods Regional Trail. Clifton E. French Regional Park offers a 4.6-mile looped trail with scenic views of the visitor center and beach.
Dakota Rail Regional Trail is perfect for those seeking lake views, spanning 13.5 miles through charming towns along the former Dakota Rail Corridor. Elm Creek Park Reserve offers a mix of paved and unpaved roads, with 20 miles of bike trails winding through woodlands and farm fields. Don’t miss out on Fish Lake Regional Park, with a 3-mile paved trail encircling the central hill and continuing along the marsh and beach area.
Fort Snelling State Park provides options for both paved and mountain bike trails, perfect for riders at different skill levels. Gateway State Trail, a former Soo Line Railroad grade, stretches for 18 miles and takes you through various cities, ending near Pine Point Regional Park in Stillwater.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve offers 8.6 miles of paved trails winding through picturesque woodlands and tall-grass prairies, with a spur leading to Richardson Nature Center. Last but not least, Lake Harriet offers a delightful ride around the lake and convenient access to surrounding areas.
So, leave your car parked on the street and embark on a car-free road trip through the Twin Cities. With an abundance of rental options and incredible trails waiting to be explored, a biking adventure awaits you. Get ready to discover the beauty of the Twin Cities on two wheels!
The bike rental industry in the Twin Cities is thriving, with several businesses offering a range of options for both locals and visitors. One notable rental business is Angry Catfish, which provides electric and gravel bikes for rent. What sets them apart is that if you end up purchasing a bike within 90 days, your rental fees will be deducted from the price of your new ride.
Baker Park Reserve is another popular option for bike rentals in the area. They offer online bike rentals and even have child trailers available, making it a great choice for families. Camping enthusiasts will also appreciate their services as they cater to those exploring the trails within the reserve.
Capital City Deals Bike Shop is well-known for renting out used bikes and e-bikes by the day or week. This is a fantastic option for those who want to try out biking without committing to a long-term investment. The Cannon River area near Northfield is also home to Farmstead Bike Shop, which offers bike rentals specifically for those in that region.
Lake Auburn Campground is a great option for renting bikes near the camping season. They provide adult bikes and child trailers for rent both online and in-person, making it convenient for campers to explore the surrounding area.
As for the biking trails, there are numerous options to choose from in the Twin Cities. Anderson Lakes is a popular trail that offers a gentle 1.1-mile ride, providing a serene biking experience. Baker Park Reserve boasts an impressive 12.5 miles of paved trails that wind through rolling hills and offer rest stops along the way.
For a longer adventure, the Bassett Creek Regional Trail spans 7 miles and takes you through scenic spots in Plymouth, New Hope, Crystal, and Golden Valley. Bde Maka Ska is perfect for a picturesque ride around the lake, with a 3.19-mile paved trail awaiting cyclists.
Nature lovers will enjoy the Brown’s Creek State Trail, a 5.9-mile path that connects Grant to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, offering beautiful views along the way. Bryant Lake Regional Park is another great option, with over 12 miles of paved trails and connections to the Minnesota River Bluff LRT Regional trails.
For those seeking a forest adventure, Carver Park Reserve has 9 miles of paved trails that wind through lush woodlands and marshes. Cleary Lake Regional Park provides a peaceful 3.5-mile paved road with connections to the Big Woods Regional Trail. Clifton E. French Regional Park offers a 4.6-mile looped trail with scenic views of the visitor center and beach.
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail stretches for 13.5 miles and provides stunning lake views as it passes through charming towns along the former Dakota Rail Corridor. Elm Creek Park Reserve offers a mix of paved and unpaved roads, with 20 miles of bike trails winding through woodlands and farm fields. Fish Lake Regional Park shouldn’t be missed either, with a 3-mile paved trail encircling the central hill and continuing along the marsh and beach area.
Fort Snelling State Park caters to both paved and mountain bike trails, making it suitable for riders of different skill levels. Gateway State Trail is an 18-mile trail that follows the former Soo Line Railroad grade and takes cyclists through various cities, ending near Pine Point Regional Park in Stillwater.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve provides 8.6 miles of paved trails winding through picturesque woodlands and tall-grass prairies, with a spur trail leading to Richardson Nature Center. Lastly, Lake Harriet offers a delightful ride around the lake with convenient access to surrounding areas.
Overall, the Twin Cities offer a plethora of rental options and incredible trails waiting to be explored. Biking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the area on two wheels. So, leave your car behind and embark on an eco-friendly adventure to discover the Twin Cities like never before.
