Feature travel article on Minneapolis' cycling trails

1. MINNEAPOLISPARKANDRECREATIONBOARD
M
inneapolis is a
city that grew
up around
its beautiful
landscape instead of
paving over it. Calling
itself “The City by
Nature,” it’s been ranked
as one of the best biking
cities by Bike Score, in
no small part because
of its Grand Rounds
trail system (minneap-
olisparks.org).
Designated as a
National Scenic Byway,
the system is 51 miles of
connected cycling trails
that never fail to deliver
a stunning skyscape or
a diverting — and often
delicious — side trip.
Whether you’re
aiming to tackle part or
all of the Grand Rounds,
you’ll find incredible va-
riety in each of its seven
unique districts — from
the dense woods that
surround Minnehaha
Creek, to the gorges
along the Mississippi
River that allow views
of University of Min-
nesota crew teams and
glimpses of bald eagles
in flight, to the met-
ropolitan crown jewel
known as the Chain of
Lakes (it’s exactly what
it sounds like).
“I always tell
people not to go too
fast, because you’ll
miss all the scenery, the
neighborhoods and the
perfect places to stop
for a water break,” says
local writer and cyclist
Liz Ward. “You’ll see the
life of the Twin Cities on
this route.”
Another tip: Bring
along a hearty appetite,
because the trails will
lead you past several
chef-driven restaurants
located in historic park
buildings, including the
seasonal Sea Salt Eatery
(seasalteatery.wordpress.
com), located near the
side-trip-worthy, 53-foot
waterfall, Minnehaha
Falls, part of the Mis-
sissippi National River
& Recreation Area (nps.
gov/miss).
“When you’re riding
the Grand Rounds, it’s
hard to believe you’re
in a major metropolitan
area, because you’re
cycling through so many
beautiful natural set-
tings,” says Minneapolis
Park and Recreation
Board Superintendent
Jayne Miller.
— Julie Kendrick
pleasures
AGRANDRIDE
Minnehaha Falls
Stone Arch Bridge
Lake Calhoun trail