FAT BIKING Designed for off-road biking in snow, fat biking is popular across the state in the winter. Forest scenery and city skyline views provide the backdrop to some of the region’s best single track for fat bikes. One of the top parks for fat biking is Theodore Wirth Park in the Twin Cities. Find everything from beginner-friendly paths to extreme routes, including a Mountain Bike Skills Area to help improve your technique. Check out Trail 45 North, an intermediate trail that crosses directly over the 45th parallel. You can even rent fat tire bikes (and other outdoor equipment) at The Trailhead, an outdoor recreation facility located within the park. Head to the woods west of Duluth to experience the epic scenery of Mission Creek . Feast on 20 miles of twisty single track for a fun, fast-flowing ride loaded with features like rollers, berms and bridges. As you ride, take in the stunning views of the St. Louis River Valley and Jay Cooke State Park. In southern Minnesota, the Bronk Unit Plowline Trail at Richard J. Dorer State Forest runs along the ridge between Stockton Valley and the Mississippi River for 6.5 miles. The north and south loop trails rise and fall with the ridge, soaring 500 feet over the valleys and creating amazing scenic overlooks. Theodore Wirth Park Credit: Waqar Ahmad Scan or visit ExploreMinnesota.com/ biking to discover more about biking in Minnesota. Lake Harriet Credit: Mike Krivit Photography, Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis gravel bike rides & races Gravel biking strikes the perfect balance between road biking and mountain biking. Take the experience to another level by entering a gravel bike race. USA Cycling’s Gravel National Championship will be hosted in La Crescent, Minnesota in 2026! Here are some races and rides where you can get in on the action. Ragnarok 105 (April) – Held in Red Wing, this challenging race along the Mississippi River has a history of rain, snow and ice. Le Grand Du Nord (May) – Enjoy a beautiful ride along the North Shore of Lake Superior at the peak of spring. Starting from Grand Marais, three race courses span 26, 50 and 110 miles. The Heywood Ride (May) – This non-race event takes place in the rolling countryside south of the Twin Cities. Cycle past active farms and wooded lanes on routes ranging from 30 to 390 miles. The DAM(n) (August) – “The Day Across Minnesota” race is a one-day, 240-mile ride across the whole (damn) state. It’s not for the faint of heart or the novice rider. 38 | ExpLorE MINNESOTA .coM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 38
