Find out why Minnesota is one of the Top 5 cycle-friendly states! Nine days won’t be enough to tour the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but following its network of premier trails is a decent kick-start. Switch back and forth between sandy beaches, fragrant woodlands, lush prairies, and clear creeks. Traversing well-maintained biking paths goes hand in hand with van support and , so you’ll complete those 421 miles before you even know it. Count on spotting abundant wildlife along the way—after all, you are touring the Gopher State.
Minnesota offers a great combo of touring its multitude of lakes via some of the best cycling trails in the country. This 9-day tour takes you through highlights of those routes, be it through aspen, birch, and conifer forests or along lakes’ scenic shorelines. With comfy accommodation every night and a van-support on your 421-mile journey, you can relax and put all your efforts into exploring the North Star State.
Your cycling tour starts in Duluth, Minnesota, where you’ll go through bike fitting and make sure you have everything necessary for the adventure. Meet your fellow cyclists at the orientation dinner.
Meals: Dinner
The beginning of your tour commences on the shores of Lake Superior. Ride along the lake’s shoreline and its sparkling blue waters early in the morning. Join the Gitchi-Gami State Trail at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Passing through birch and aspen forests, you’ll reach Silver Bay, a charming city on the North Shore of Lake Superior, where you’ll spend your first night.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Biking: 56 miles/ 90km
Start your day by riding through Tettegouche State Park. Turn north and begin your climb up the Sawtooth Ridge in Superior National Forest through fragrant conifer woodlands, passing by countless pristine lakes. Your lodge for the night is in Ely on Shagawa Lake, the gateway to the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area. The area was named as one of National Geographic’s “50 Places of a Lifetime”—see for yourself what makes it a dreamy location.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Biking: 67 miles/ 108km
This whole day is dedicated to the Mesabi Trail, which you’ll join in the early afternoon on your way to Virginia. It’s a 145-mile paved trail winding through some of the state’s most scenic regions, taking you past lakes, creeks, and ponds.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Biking: 50 miles/ 80km
Return to the Mesabi Trail as it traverses the Mesabi Iron Range. With its name meaning the constellation Orion, you’ll discover stellar points along the trail, as well as possibly sight wildlife. Spend the night in the Grand Rapids.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Biking: 68 miles/ 109km
Spend the day in the heart of northern Minnesota, in the Chippewa National Forest—the first national forest established east of the Mississippi river in 1908. Cycle down the rolling prairies and boreal forests in the core of Minnesota’s Land of Lakes region. Spend the night on the shores of Leech Lake in Walker at the grand Chase-on-the-Lake Resort.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Biking: 74 miles/ 119km
Departing from Walker, head south into the Brainerd Lakes region. Leave the trail at Nisswa and trace the shore of Gull Lake, a beautiful area offering sandy beaches and lush forests. Advance towards Madden’s Resort, where you’ll spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Biking: 56 miles/ 90 km
Madden’s Resort is the kind of place that deserves a layover, so that’s your plan for the day. Whether it’s a bike ride along Gull Lake’s coastline, a round of golf, a canoe or sailboat, or a lazy day at the beach—this place will keep you occupied.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Your final day is anything other than a leisurely spin to the finish line. Ride through Brainerd, skirt the northern and eastern shores of the massive Mille Lacs Lake, and finally join the Munger Trail at Finlayson as you ride on to Hinckley. You’ll stop at the famous Tobies Restaurant and Bakery for a legendary, guilt-free cinnamon roll, before your shuttle back to the Duluth Airport. If you wish to extend your visit in Minnesota, your guides will help you figure out your next move.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Biking: 50 miles/ 80km
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Minnesota, please refer to Minnesota’s latest travel resources.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
The Minnesota lakes cycling tour is designed for bikers with good fitness. As long as you pedal on two wheels with no issues for 40 to 55 miles (65 to 90km) per day, you can book the Minnesota lakes adventure. Over 9 days, you’ll cross about 421 miles (677 km). On the most difficult day of the tour, you’ll need to be able to bike up to 74 miles (120km). Consider preparing for this tour and riding your bike a couple of times a week with similar mileage.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
If you’re bringing your own bike, here’s the cycling equipment you’ll need:
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Knowing your own bike is a huge plus. This is especially the case if you have extensively customized your bike. If you’re bringing your own bike, we recommend making arrangements in time.
If you require a bike rental, your guides will take care of it. The bicycle rate per day per person is $35, $315 total.
Your guide rents specialized E-bikes as well. An additional deposit of $50.00 per E-bike will be collected upon booking by your guide.
Group sizes and prices:
Cycling tour of Minnesota lakes can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
If you’re a solo traveler, you must choose the single booking rate. However, if you’re open to having a roommate assigned to you, and your guide is able to give you one, you will be reimbursed $810 that will be taken away from your final payment.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has riders under the age of 21, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Your cycling tour of Minnesota lakes starts in Duluth, MN. To get there, most people fly into Duluth International Airport, a 10-minute drive from the city. Your guides will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at the end of your adventure.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
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Flexible
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I love Timberline Adventures! If you like biking and hiking, definitely check out the website for their list of tours. Great company and great customer service.