Minneapolis Bike Trails

Best Minneapolis Bike Trails for Every Ride Style

Best for Commuters

The Midtown Greenway is hands-down the best commuter trail in Minneapolis. Fully grade-separated from traffic, smooth pavement, lit at night, and plowed in winter — it's the fastest 5.5 miles you'll find in the city. The Cedar Lake Trail is the west-side equivalent, connecting downtown to Cedar Lake and the western suburbs.

Best for Beginners and Families

The Chain of Lakes Loop is the go-to for new riders and families — completely flat, fully paved, and ringed with parks, beaches, and coffee shops. The Minnehaha Falls & Creek Trail is a beautiful, short option with a waterfall payoff and shaded creek riding.

Best for Scenic Rides

The Mississippi River Trail through the Stone Arch Bridge and the river gorge offers the most dramatic scenery in the city. The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is the ultimate scenic tour — 50+ miles connecting every major park and lake in Minneapolis.

Best for Those Who Want to Get Off the Beaten Path

Theodore Wirth Regional Park offers rolling forest terrain and a quieter ride away from the lake crowds. The Northeast Minneapolis Riverfront mixes riverside trail with the arts district and brewery culture.

What to Know Before Riding in Minneapolis

Trail Etiquette

Minneapolis trails are shared with pedestrians, joggers, rollerbladers, and other cyclists. Stay right, pass on the left with a vocal 'on your left' or a bell. Keep your speed reasonable in crowded areas, especially on the Chain of Lakes on summer weekends. Yield to pedestrians on shared-use paths.

Trail Conditions

Minneapolis maintains its major commuter trails (Midtown Greenway, Cedar Lake Trail) through winter, often plowing them before side streets. However, icy spots can form on shaded sections. Check trail condition reports before heading out in winter or after heavy rain. The Minnesota DNR and Minneapolis Park Board post seasonal alerts.

Gear for Minnesota Weather

Summer: light layers, sunscreen, and water. The lake trails offer no shade on the lakeside sections — hydrate. Fall: extra layer and lights as daylight shortens. Winter: studded tires (front and rear), bar mitts or pogies, a windproof shell, and bright lights. Spring: watch for post-thaw gravel and wet leaves on wooded trail sections.

Bike Locking

Minneapolis has a healthy bike culture and also a real bike-theft problem. Always use a quality U-lock through the frame and rear wheel, not just around the seat tube. Secure to a designated bike rack when possible.

How to Choose the Right Minneapolis Bike Trail

With over 100 miles of trails to explore, knowing where to start depends on what kind of ride you're looking for. Here's a simple framework:

1. Know Your Goal

• Daily commute? → Midtown Greenway or Cedar Lake Trail
• Leisurely day out? → Chain of Lakes Loop or Minnehaha Falls Trail
• Maximum scenery? → Mississippi River Trail or Grand Rounds
• Something quiet and natural? → Theodore Wirth Park or Northeast Riverfront
• Full-day epic? → Grand Rounds Scenic Byway (50+ miles)

2. Match the Surface to Your Bike

Road bikes and hybrids: stick to paved greenways and the Chain of Lakes. Gravel/cyclocross: the Luce Line State Trail and Wirth Park offer mixed-surface options. Mountain bikes: Wirth Park has some singletrack and the skills area for off-road riding.

3. Consider the Season

Summer weekends mean the Chain of Lakes will be busy — go early or head to the quieter Northeast riverfront instead. Winter riders should prioritize the plowed commuter trails. Spring is spectacular on the Minnehaha Falls trail when the creek is running high.

4. Check Conditions Before You Go

The Minneapolis Park Board and MnDOT post trail condition updates. Our trail detail pages also show community-reported conditions — check them before heading out on wooded or gravel segments after rain.