Two Wheels. Two Cities. One Great Time of Year.
Apparently the rest of the country is catching on to something Minnesotans already know. Travel + Leisure recently named Minneapolis the most bikeable city in the country.
With fall color just around the corner, we thought we’d put that reputation to good use, and picked two rides to consider: one through Minneapolis and one through St Paul, with a few strategically placed stops along the way.
Minneapolis River Gorge Loop
Distance: ~15.7 miles. This one is pretty much an out-and-back along the same route throughout.
START at Spyhouse Coffee in the North Loop.
1) Follow the river south along West River Parkway, through the Mill District toward Minnehaha Falls.
2) Enjoy the views from the banks of the Mississippi River (and get ready for a bit of an ascent!)
3) Half-way point is Minnehaha Regional Park
STOP at Sea Salt Eatery for lunch and a walk over to the falls.
Head back north along the river for fall color and city views.
FINISH at Pryes Brewing for a beer and wood-fired pizza overlooking the river – just a few blocks from your starting point.
St. Paul River Bluffs, Summit & Pike Island Grand Loop
Distance: ~12.1 miles. This one also has out-and-back sections using the same paths, but the scenery is grand in both directions.
START at Quixotic Coffee in Highland Park.
1) Take the Ford Bridge west across the river and then head south through Minnehaha Regional Park to Pike Island (Take your time and don’t miss the views on this section!) Trek as far as you want into Pike Island, it’s where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet.
2) Head back up into St. Paul and take in even more sweeping views along Mississippi River Boulevard. At the University of St. Thomas, head east on Summit Avenue.
3) If you’re hungry at the turn-around point in this stretch, stop at W.A. Frost for a bite to eat – or scoot another two blocks east to the St. Paul Cathedral and great views of downtown St. Paul.
FINISH at Highland Grill for craft brews or a milkshake!
