Go Cycling along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway

Father and Daughter Cycling past the Mississippi River (MN) [1]

Get fit and get active on the great bike trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis! With over 10,000 daily commuter and recreational cyclists of all ages, 40 miles of dedicated commuter cycling lanes, and 82 miles of off-street bicycle trails, Minneapolis and its adjacent neighborhoods are celebrated as one of the most cycling-friendly districts in the nation. The bike routes of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway that loop through the city of Minneapolis are separate from the other 122 miles of Minneapolis commuter cycling trails. These 53 miles of breathtaking Grand Rounds Bike Trails will take you and your family around lakes and creeks, through historic neighborhoods, past urban golf courses and expansive parks, and over and alongside the great Mississippi River.

Group of Cyclists on a Shady Lane in Minneapolis (MN) [2]

The Grand Rounds Bike Trail System, mostly separated from pedestrian walkways and roadways, parallels nearly the entire length of the byway. The paved path next to the road is perfect for a safe, smooth ride for kids, and you’ll see historic homes and parkways as you’re surrounded by city and nature. Head south on Marshall Street, just east of the Mississippi River on the northeast portion of the byway, to get to Boom Island, Nicollet Island, and St. Anthony Falls.

Cycle past the visual delights of Boom Island--which is actually a riverside city park where you and your family can stop to picnic--experience the 19th-century décor of the Nicollet Island Inn on Nicollet Island, and stop to rest at the cooling mists of St. Anthony Falls along the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail. Cross to the west side of the Mississippi on the Stone Arch Bridge and follow the river down to the southern loop of the byway. Located in downtown Minneapolis, the Stone Arch Bridge was first built in 1883 and measures 2,176 feet long. With 23 arches, it's the only stone arch bridge ever constructed over the Mississippi River.

Scenic Blue Waters of Lake Calhoun (MN) [3]

Enjoy the smooth bicycles-only path as you pedal past Minnehaha Falls along the byway. This path takes you around the lakes of Nokomis, Harriet, Calhoun, and Lake of Isles. Take a brief break from biking practically anywhere along the byway to take pictures or view the magnificent city backdrop behind the crystal blue lakes.

Biking on the Theodore Wirth Parkway (MN) [4]

From Lake Calhoun, head north past Lake of Isles and Cedar Lake to enter the northern leg of the byway and Theodore Wirth Park. Bike through this park, where you can experience views of the Minneapolis skyline all along the byway’s Theodore Wirth Parkway. Zip on down to the beaches of Wirth Lake, pump your way around the lake or stop to play with the kids on the playground, watch the pros hit the greens on the golf course, or just enjoy the cool, tranquil shade of the meadows, forests, and marshes in the park. Finish your Grand Rounds cycling tour along the Victory Memorial Parkway where 568 memorial monuments honor the soldiers of WWI.

Whether you and your family are looking to commune with nature or explore the bustling excitement of a city, the Grand Rounds Bike Trail System on the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway has the creature comforts of the city surrounded by the beauty of nature, a unique combination perfect for anyone eager to bike their way to a healthier lifestyle!