The Twin Cities offer a wealth of opportunities for car-free adventures, and one of the best ways to explore the area is by bike. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, renting a bike opens up a world of exciting and eco-friendly experiences. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top bike rental options and highlight some of the best trails in the metro area.
Bike Rental Options
The Twin Cities boast several rental businesses that cater to cyclists of all levels. One standout option is Angry Catfish, which specializes in electric and gravel bikes. What makes them unique is that if you decide to purchase a bike within 90 days of renting from them, your rental fees will be applied towards the cost of your new ride.
Baker Park Reserve is another excellent choice for bike rentals, especially for families and camping enthusiasts. They offer online rentals and have child trailers available, making it easy for families to embark on biking adventures together. Additionally, Capital City Deals Bike Shop is well-known for renting out used bikes and e-bikes by the day or week, allowing riders to explore the city without committing to a long-term investment.
For those in the Cannon River area near Northfield, Farmstead Bike Shop is a great option. They offer bike rentals specifically tailored to that region. And if you’re planning a camping trip to Lake Auburn Campground, they provide adult bikes and child trailers for rent both online and in-person.
Top Trails to Explore
Now that you’re all set with a rental bike, it’s time to hit the trails. The Twin Cities have a diverse range of biking options, catering to all preferences and skill levels. Here are some of the top trails to explore:
– Anderson Lakes: This trail offers a gentle 1.1-mile ride, perfect for those seeking a serene biking experience.
– Baker Park Reserve: With its 12.5 miles of paved trails, Baker Park Reserve takes riders on a journey through rolling hills, with convenient rest stops along the way.
– Bassett Creek Regional Trail: Spanning 7 miles, this trail showcases scenic spots in Plymouth, New Hope, Crystal, and Golden Valley, providing a longer and more adventurous ride.
– Bde Maka Ska: For a picturesque ride around a beautiful lake, Bde Maka Ska boasts a 3.19-mile paved trail that offers stunning views.
– Brown’s Creek State Trail: Nature lovers will appreciate this 5.9-mile path, which takes riders from Grant to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, immersing them in breathtaking natural landscapes.
– Bryant Lake Regional Park: With over 12 miles of paved trails and connections to the Minnesota River Bluff LRT Regional trails, this park is a haven for bike enthusiasts in the Eden Prairie area.
– Carver Park Reserve: If you’re up for a forest adventure, Carver Park Reserve has 9 miles of paved trails that wind through lush woodlands and marshes, allowing you to connect with nature.
– Cleary Lake Regional Park: Offering a tranquil 3.5-mile paved road, Cleary Lake Regional Park is an ideal spot for a peaceful bike ride, with connections to the Big Woods Regional Trail.
– Clifton E. French Regional Park: This park features a 4.6-mile looped trail that offers scenic views of the visitor center and beach, making it a great choice for a leisurely ride.
– Dakota Rail Regional Trail: Spanning 13.5 miles, this trail provides stunning lake views as it winds through charming towns along the former Dakota Rail Corridor.
– Elm Creek Park Reserve: With a mix of paved and unpaved roads, Elm Creek Park Reserve offers 20 miles of bike trails that meander through woodlands and farm fields.
– Fish Lake Regional Park: Don’t miss out on this gem, with its 3-mile paved trail encircling the central hill and continuing along the marsh and beach area, providing a scenic and refreshing ride.
– Fort Snelling State Park: This park caters to riders of all levels, with options for both paved and mountain bike trails, offering a diverse and engaging biking experience.
– Gateway State Trail: Formerly a Soo Line Railroad grade, this 18-mile trail takes you through various cities and ends near Pine Point Regional Park in Stillwater, providing a historic and picturesque route.
– Hyland Lake Park Reserve: With 8.6 miles of paved trails winding through picturesque woodlands and tall-grass prairies, Hyland Lake Park Reserve showcases the natural beauty of the area and even offers a spur leading to Richardson Nature Center.
– Lake Harriet: Wrapping up our list, Lake Harriet offers a delightful ride around the lake and convenient access to surrounding areas, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I rent an e-bike in the Twin Cities?
A: Yes, several rental businesses in the Twin Cities offer e-bikes for rent, including Angry Catfish and Capital City Deals Bike Shop.
Q: Are child trailers available for rent?
A: Yes, Baker Park Reserve and Lake Auburn Campground are among the rental businesses that offer child trailers for rent, making it convenient for families to enjoy biking together.
Q: Can I rent a bike online?
A: Yes, many of the bike rental businesses in the Twin Cities provide online booking options, allowing you to reserve your rental bike in advance.
Q: Are there any bike trails suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely! Anderson Lakes and Cleary Lake Regional Park offer gentle and peaceful trails that are perfect for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed biking experience.
In Conclusion
Leave your car behind and embark on a car-free adventure through the Twin Cities on two wheels. With an abundance of rental options and an incredible array of trails waiting to be explored, biking enthusiasts of all levels will find something to enjoy. Discover the beauty of the Twin Cities in a whole new way and create memories that will last a lifetime.
