GREAT OUTDOORS MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL By Madilynn Garcia I’ve been bike touring for a little over two years now. I love taking the opportunity to explore Minnesota on my bike, soaking in all that the state has to offer. probably the best donut I’ve ever had. After my meal, I biked the 14 miles to Frontenac State Park and set up camp. After two relatively easy days of riding, I geared up for the lengthiest portion of the trip: Frontenac State Park to Winona . Even though For my latest trip, I rode the Mississippi this was my longest day of riding—55 miles— River Trail (MRT) from my home in the I immediately felt refreshed when I rolled into Twin Cities nearly 200 miles to the state’s Winona late in the afternoon. I can confidently southern border. say this is the most charming town I’ve ever biked to. It has adorable I am lucky enough to enjoy the cafes, self-guided Twin Cities section of the MRT IT WAS AMAZING tours of the historic all the time, but its winding downtown and, of route through both downtowns TO SEE HOW course, the Mississippi never fails to impress. Once I River, which is NORTH AMERICA’S made it through downtown St. absolutely stunning at Paul, I slowed down to enjoy MOST FAMOUS this point. There are the sight of the Mississippi multiple campsites River as it begins to widen. RIVER TRANSFORMS nearby, but I couldn’t The ride to Hastings —my resist staying in a cute THROUGHOUT destination for day one—took B&B with a view about four hours. I prefer a of the river. THE STATE. shorter first day; it means I’m After a restful night, not under a huge time crunch I took my time getting breakfast downtown to leave town. While exploring Hastings, I before starting on the last (and hilliest) leg of stumbled across Vermillion Falls , a stunning my journey: the Apple Blossom Scenic Byway . waterfall right in the middle of town. I’d tell you Spinning my way to the top of each hill, I to keep an eye out, but it’s almost impossible to was rewarded with incredible fall views of the miss! After a picnic lunch at Levee Park along Mississippi River Valley—a solid trade in my book. the Mississippi, I hopped back on my bike and headed to St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park to set up my campsite and relax with a book. I spent the first couple hours of day two riding the 25 miles from Hastings to Red Wing . After browsing the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum until I got hungry, I wandered around downtown until the heavenly smell of Hanisch Bakery enticed me inside for lunch and This was my longest solo bike trip ever, and an accomplishment I didn’t know I was capable of just a few years ago. It was amazing to see how North America’s most famous river transforms throughout the state. Maybe next year I’ll ride the entire Minnesota portion of the MRT— starting at the Mississippi Headwaters in Itasca State Park ! Mississippi River Trail in South St. Paul Photo by Min Enterprises BIKE TOURING THE 24 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2021 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 24
