Visit Minneapolis for your next mountain biking trip

Minneapolis

Minnesota

Urban trails and lake country rides! Discover 140 miles near a vibrant metropolis.

The Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are a major metropolitan area in Minnesota, known for their vibrant arts and culture scene, parks and lakes, and a mix of urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities. The cities offer a diverse range of attractions, including museums, theaters, and a thriving music scene. The area is also known for its many lakes and parks, providing opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and cycling.

The area has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time for mountain biking is generally spring through fall, when the weather is milder. Summer can bring humidity and insects, while winter is best for snow sports. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and check trail conditions before riding.

Featured MTB Trails

The Twin Cities area offers 140 miles of a growing network of mountain biking trails, ranging from urban trails along the Mississippi River to more challenging rides in the surrounding suburbs and parks. The terrain includes a mix of flowy singletrack, technical sections, and wooded areas.

  • IMBA Ride Center: Minneapolis-St. Paul area, collectively known as the Twin Cities, is recognized as an IMBA Bronze-Level Ride Center. This designation acknowledges the surprisingly diverse and accessible network of singletrack trails woven throughout its urban and suburban parks, offering an impressive variety for a major metropolitan area. Riders can find everything from tight, twisty, and technical routes with short, punchy climbs

  • Theodore Wirth Park (Minneapolis): Offers a surprisingly diverse and well-maintained network of singletrack right in the city. Features flow trails, technical sections, and options for various skill levels. The "Area 36" is known for its more advanced features.

  • Lebanon Hills Regional Park (Eagan, south of St. Paul): An extensive network with over 12 miles of well-marked singletrack, offering a mix of flowing sections, climbs, and more technical areas. It's a very popular destination.

  • Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve (Savage, south of Minneapolis): Known for its more challenging and "old-school" technical trails with lots of roots and tight sections, appealing to experienced riders.

  • Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove, northwest of Minneapolis): Features a well-designed system of flowing singletrack with options for beginners to advanced riders, including some machine-built flow trails.

  • Cuyuna Lakes (Crosby, MN - approx. 2 hours north): While not in the Twin Cities, it's a major destination for Minnesota riders and an IMBA Silver-Level Ride Center, known for its unique red dirt trails and clear mine lakes. It's worth noting as a significant nearby option.

  • More Ride Centers: Cuyuna Lakes, located about two hours north, is an IMBA Silver-Level Ride Center.

More mountain biking towns in Minnesota