One of the loveliest ways to get to know Minneapolis, encounter people and enjoy the accessible nature characterizing this area is through riding the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. While it’s possible to ride 50 miles on trails through seven districts, it’s easy to break up this trail loop into shorter excursions, like the one described in this tour.
Start at Loring Park, the Central Park of Minneapolis, located at the southwest corner of downtown. From there, take the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge over Hennepin and Lyndale Avenues. On the west side of the bridge is the entrance to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a free public park, which is also home to the unofficial symbol of the city, the “Spoonbridge & Cherry” artwork by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Wander through or visit the Walker Art Center, just across the street. Then, take Kenwood Boulevard to the Kenilworth Trail to pick up the route. The Kenilworth Trail is smooth and flat with a pleasant mix of prairie and woods.
Keep on the Kenilworth, until it intersects with Dean Parkway. Then, take a left and go down a hill. Follow the boulevard trail on Dean Parkway about two blocks until it intersects with West Lake Street. Be careful at this intersection as it’s a busy one, but once across, it’s a smooth ride around Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun), the largest in the Chain of Lakes at 3.19 miles around. One important note, bikers must travel clockwise around the lake.
Bde Maka Ska is a great place to pause. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and other rentals are available at Wheel Fun Rentals, located at the northeast corner of the lake. Right next door in the Mediterranean-style park shelter are restrooms and drinking fountains.
Continue down the east side of Bde Maka Ska and take a left on the trail along William Berry Parkway. Here’s the first hill on the route, but it’s worth the effort, because at the top is Lake Harriet and the Victorian-style band shell. Lake Harriet is a great place to stop, especially in the summer. The band shell is home to a live music and movies series and a small restaurant called Bread & Pickle. Gardeners and birders will want to continue along the trail and visit the Lyndale Park Rose Garden and Lyndale Park Peace Garden.
Return back north to Bde Maka Ska. On the northeastern corner of the lake, hop on the Midtown Greenway, which heads east across town. You’ll pedal through Uptown, a fun place to stop and shop—think gourmet coffee, upscale kitchen and stationary stores, an independent bookstore and chain clothing stores. From the Midtown Greenway, exit at the Mall; this is a good place to lock a bike while exploring the shops, which are concentrated at the intersection of West Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue.
Back on the Midtown Greenway, continue to take this flat trail east to the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge, which allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross over Hiawatha Avenue. Then pick up the Hiawatha LRT Trail north back to downtown.
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A string of blocks running from Franklin Ave to the Midtown Greenway featuring restaurants serving everything from Vietnamese to Jamaican with highlights, including pho from Quang Restaurant, bahn mi...
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Conveniently located off the Midtown Greenway, you can truly taste the Twin Cities at the Midtown Global Market where you'll find authentic tamales at La Loma, French pastries at Salty Tart, craft...
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Gorge on fried seafood at this seasonal (April through October) restaurant next to Minnehaha Falls. If the weather's nice, be prepared to wait in line. Pro top: Beer and wine can be ordered at a...
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Chef Alex Roberts is a James Beard award-winning chef who operates two restaurants in the space below the Alma Hotel. Alma Caf¿ offers bakery and casual dining all day, walk-ins are welcome. Next...
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Come for the fine collection of contemporary art and stay for a dinner at Esker Grove and a stroll through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which features the unofficial symbol of the city - the...
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Rent a road or hybrid bike from the Midtown location of this local chain. Locks, bags and other bike accessories are also available to rent. Mechanics are on site, as are various facilities for...
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Just steps from Lake Hiawatha, you'll find beautiful bikes, gourmet coffee and the cool (non-technical) biking clothes at this combination bike shop and coffee shop. Bonus: Buster's next door has...
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Get a repair, fitting or a custom bike from this rad woman-owned bike shop off Loring Park, open on Fridays and by appointment.
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Train travelers will disembark at the historic and recently renovated Union Depot where the conveniently located Lowertown Bike Shop can provide any needed repairs.
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Get a repair, grab a coffee from the shop or browse the handsome selection of bikes and accessories. Rentals and demos are also available.
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In the heart of the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus, this boutique hotel is right on the Green Line light-rail route and across the river from downtown. It is often the site of...
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The Foshay Tower, a 32-story art deco skyscraper, was completed in 1929. Shortly after, the builder, a businessman named Wilbur Foshay, was bankrupted by the stock market crash. His building, however,...
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Nicollet Island Inn is a hotel, restaurant and bar tucked away on the quiet side of the river but still only a short walk from downtown. Built in 1893, this building served as a factory and mens...
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At the heart of Minneapolis’ world class trail system is the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, a series of interconnected parks and parkways that loop around...
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