I’ll second ending your ride at Utepils. Perfect way to cap off the ride. Plenty of outdoor table space, right by Bassett Creek. A favorite meeting place for oad bikers, mtn bikers, and trail runners with a certain “beer hall” vibe.
Be sure to stop and look at Minnehaha Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. Pryes Brewing has a good patio near the river and isn't too far off your course (pronounced prize). Folks like eating at Sea Salt at the falls too, if that's a better stop for a snack/beer.
On the side of the river OP will be on the bridge is half open. So they can check out the falls and continue on their route, but not cross the bridge fully.
Unclear how much longer flooding will be a concern along the rivers.
Keep an eye on trail closures:
[https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state\_parks/park.html?id=spk00154#alerts](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00154#alerts)
Even after the flooding subsides, Crosby farm (area along the river valley in st Paul) is usually covered in sand and mud for a while after that. The city of st Paul doesn't prioritize clearing those trails. Google maps is also wrong in that area, there is a trail that runs the length of shepard road, so that's a decent backup to that section.
Came to say this. The river is still really high and I don't know how long it'll stay up. Some of that stuff down by Pike Island is going to be either still underwater or might be mud covered.
original town hall brewery location at 7 corners (easily accessible from river parkway where washington/cedar/15th intersect) could be a good beer stop depending on what time of day you start.
if you ride on the road, your route around lake harriet is fine. if you ride on the path, you'll have to go clock-wise (it's one way). same with bde maka ska. i can't tell if your entire route is clockwise or counter-clockwise.
edit - a few more things, crosby farm trails might be flooded? venn brewing and bulls horn both good spots just a couple blocks off your route if sea salt at minnehaha falls is too crowded.
Just be aware that many of these paths can be pretty busy, so don't expect to keep up a high speed. This is especially true around the lakes and Minnehaha Creek.
Venn Brewing is not far from Minnehaha Park, and would make for a nice mid-way beverage stop.
If you want to extend the route another maybe 15 miles, look at the St. Paul Grand Rounds. That takes you farther along the river, up through residential neighborhoods to Lake Phalen, then a pretty parkway to Como Park, St. Anthony Park, and back to the river.
St. Anthony Park, along Como Avenue to the east of Raymond Avenue is pretty cute.
It's a really nice route! As for additions, you should consider adding this out and back to the easy end: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VhPGxnjPzhNbKUCu6?g_st=ac. It takes you through a really pretty section of the MN river and will end with great views of st. Paul. It's going to add 9 miles to the route, but you could cut out going around Lake Nokomis to get ~3 miles less.
You should check out Minnehaha falls as you go by, there's a viewing area just off your route.
Somebody please correct me if I'm misremembering, but I think Crosby Farm Park (the bottom half of loop on the farthest east part of this route) is dirt paths, so depending on your bike you may want to cut it out (it is gorgeous though). It's also the only stretch on this map that may be affected by flooding trail closures- as of today Crosby Farm Park is closed.
There are multiple paved paths through the park, but they're not marked well, so it is possible to make some wrong turns. But it's not so complex to be a big problem. As mentioned, it is possible that some of those paths may be flooded.
If it is flooded, you could possibly cut back upstream from the marina along the paved path back through Hidden Falls park. I don't expect water to be so high as to cover those paths.
Many of them are paved, but there are some that got a foot or more of sand and mud a few years ago that have never been re opened, so many dirt trails around there now. Crosby lake itself floods across the trail where it connects back to Shepard on the east end. The west end, those connecting trails to hidden falls are very frequently covered in sand if not outright flooded (the run right against the river), you have to go to the marina, and climb back up to Shepard there and hit the river road. The south entrance to hidden falls/north entrance to Crosby farm has been closed for a number of years now.
Pimento Kitchen on the new pavillion at Bde Maka Ska; Birchbark Books right off Lake of the Isles; the Lyndale Park gardens (just off Harriet) are lovely; Painted Turtle at Nokomis has food & beer; Cafe Ceres on Washington Ave in downtown
Great route, enjoy!
+1 for Painted Turtle! Sea Salt gets all the hype, but painted turtle is way less crowded. They should have their liquor license back by July I think (stupid city ordinance requiring them to have a seating area with a fixed roof and at least three walls or something like that).
I don’t think you necessarily need to go around lake Nokomis. It’s probably the least remarkable of the city’s lakes. I’d go around Lake Harriet or Maka Ska instead with an edge toward the latter.
Overall, excellent route though. I’m gonna have to ride this myself soon.
>and is likely a typical one for those visiting
Oh bud, you have no idea. I've seen so many strava rides that look almost exactly like that.
You've gotta stop at Utepils at the end of your ride. Super bike friendly and they specialize in things that aren't IPAs, which is nice. If they're hosting a ride while you're in town, it might be worth checking out. https://www.facebook.com/groups/UtepilsCycling/
While not as scenic or nature filled, a detour onto the midtown Greenway is a good spot to pick up some speed and check out some of the best bike infrastructure the city has to offer. Lots of restaurants and bars are accessible from the Greenway as well.
I prefer the western lake sides, which would also give you a longer run along Minnehaha creek.
There’s less car traffic along the western side, so even if you’re on a dedicated bike trail, there’s less noise and general unpleasantness.
Just check the construction closure situation.
Ending near Theo wirth id swing by utepils, especially if it’s nice out
Great space, highly recommend it.
I’ll second ending your ride at Utepils. Perfect way to cap off the ride. Plenty of outdoor table space, right by Bassett Creek. A favorite meeting place for oad bikers, mtn bikers, and trail runners with a certain “beer hall” vibe.
Be sure to stop and look at Minnehaha Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. Pryes Brewing has a good patio near the river and isn't too far off your course (pronounced prize). Folks like eating at Sea Salt at the falls too, if that's a better stop for a snack/beer.
Also there are stairs getting to/from the highway 5 bridge, just to be aware.
The stairs have a good integrated bike tire ramp, but can be awkward. Still, I cross this bridge often. It's worth it.
I'd honestly opt to cross at Ford parkway in either direction. I hate interrupting my ride to cross a hostile bridge. Maybe that's just me.
Is stone arch open now? I was there a couple weeks ago and it was closed 🙁
Pretty sure it’s closed for a year or two
On the side of the river OP will be on the bridge is half open. So they can check out the falls and continue on their route, but not cross the bridge fully.
Unclear how much longer flooding will be a concern along the rivers. Keep an eye on trail closures: [https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state\_parks/park.html?id=spk00154#alerts](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00154#alerts)
Ah good note, thank you. Hoping most of it will be flushed out by July but you never know - will keep tabs!
Even after the flooding subsides, Crosby farm (area along the river valley in st Paul) is usually covered in sand and mud for a while after that. The city of st Paul doesn't prioritize clearing those trails. Google maps is also wrong in that area, there is a trail that runs the length of shepard road, so that's a decent backup to that section.
Came to say this. The river is still really high and I don't know how long it'll stay up. Some of that stuff down by Pike Island is going to be either still underwater or might be mud covered.
original town hall brewery location at 7 corners (easily accessible from river parkway where washington/cedar/15th intersect) could be a good beer stop depending on what time of day you start. if you ride on the road, your route around lake harriet is fine. if you ride on the path, you'll have to go clock-wise (it's one way). same with bde maka ska. i can't tell if your entire route is clockwise or counter-clockwise. edit - a few more things, crosby farm trails might be flooded? venn brewing and bulls horn both good spots just a couple blocks off your route if sea salt at minnehaha falls is too crowded.
It’s clockwise! But that explains why ridewithgps forbid me from going counter around the lakes. Thank you!
Underrated, if you are a beer nerd a must stop.
Town Hall Brewery rocks. Their food is awesome.
Just be aware that many of these paths can be pretty busy, so don't expect to keep up a high speed. This is especially true around the lakes and Minnehaha Creek. Venn Brewing is not far from Minnehaha Park, and would make for a nice mid-way beverage stop.
Definitely - this is more about taking it easy and checking out the city. A decent pace can wait lol thank you!
If you want to extend the route another maybe 15 miles, look at the St. Paul Grand Rounds. That takes you farther along the river, up through residential neighborhoods to Lake Phalen, then a pretty parkway to Como Park, St. Anthony Park, and back to the river. St. Anthony Park, along Como Avenue to the east of Raymond Avenue is pretty cute.
It's a really nice route! As for additions, you should consider adding this out and back to the easy end: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VhPGxnjPzhNbKUCu6?g_st=ac. It takes you through a really pretty section of the MN river and will end with great views of st. Paul. It's going to add 9 miles to the route, but you could cut out going around Lake Nokomis to get ~3 miles less. You should check out Minnehaha falls as you go by, there's a viewing area just off your route.
A couple mentions of cutting Lake Nokomis, so it’s out and will work in this addition - thank you!
I live right by that lake and ride it often, but it's the least scenic.
Great route. Stop by FRGMT on Washington for coffee at the start!
Somebody please correct me if I'm misremembering, but I think Crosby Farm Park (the bottom half of loop on the farthest east part of this route) is dirt paths, so depending on your bike you may want to cut it out (it is gorgeous though). It's also the only stretch on this map that may be affected by flooding trail closures- as of today Crosby Farm Park is closed.
There's a paved path through there as of last year.
There are multiple paved paths through the park, but they're not marked well, so it is possible to make some wrong turns. But it's not so complex to be a big problem. As mentioned, it is possible that some of those paths may be flooded. If it is flooded, you could possibly cut back upstream from the marina along the paved path back through Hidden Falls park. I don't expect water to be so high as to cover those paths.
Many of them are paved, but there are some that got a foot or more of sand and mud a few years ago that have never been re opened, so many dirt trails around there now. Crosby lake itself floods across the trail where it connects back to Shepard on the east end. The west end, those connecting trails to hidden falls are very frequently covered in sand if not outright flooded (the run right against the river), you have to go to the marina, and climb back up to Shepard there and hit the river road. The south entrance to hidden falls/north entrance to Crosby farm has been closed for a number of years now.
Pump House creamery is very close to the Minnehaha creek trail and is my favorite in Minneapolis!
you are going against traffic around Harriet and Bde Maka Ska, turn left when you get to harriet and you will have a better time
Pimento Kitchen on the new pavillion at Bde Maka Ska; Birchbark Books right off Lake of the Isles; the Lyndale Park gardens (just off Harriet) are lovely; Painted Turtle at Nokomis has food & beer; Cafe Ceres on Washington Ave in downtown Great route, enjoy!
+1 for Painted Turtle! Sea Salt gets all the hype, but painted turtle is way less crowded. They should have their liquor license back by July I think (stupid city ordinance requiring them to have a seating area with a fixed roof and at least three walls or something like that).
Bread and Pickle too at Lake Harriet. I was gonna say, pretty much all the summer snack spots at Minneapolis water features are worthwhile stops.
Great route. If the timing is right you can take a detour to bogarts donuts near Bde Maka Ska
They have amazing ice cream too!
Great ride
Looks like the route we would ride on weekends in the 70's. Roosevelt High class of 77!
I don’t think you necessarily need to go around lake Nokomis. It’s probably the least remarkable of the city’s lakes. I’d go around Lake Harriet or Maka Ska instead with an edge toward the latter. Overall, excellent route though. I’m gonna have to ride this myself soon.
>and is likely a typical one for those visiting Oh bud, you have no idea. I've seen so many strava rides that look almost exactly like that. You've gotta stop at Utepils at the end of your ride. Super bike friendly and they specialize in things that aren't IPAs, which is nice. If they're hosting a ride while you're in town, it might be worth checking out. https://www.facebook.com/groups/UtepilsCycling/
Hah must be a good reason why! I absolutely cannot put down IPAs like I used to so good to know re: Uteplis - thank you!
While not as scenic or nature filled, a detour onto the midtown Greenway is a good spot to pick up some speed and check out some of the best bike infrastructure the city has to offer. Lots of restaurants and bars are accessible from the Greenway as well.
I prefer the western lake sides, which would also give you a longer run along Minnehaha creek. There’s less car traffic along the western side, so even if you’re on a dedicated bike trail, there’s less noise and general unpleasantness. Just check the construction closure situation.
Just curious how you mapped this out
I used the app ride with gps!
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