At A Glance: Exploring Walker and Leech Lake Area – Fun and Food
The area of Leech Lake is still the land of stories, rich history, and is a great place to bike. As more and more people discover this beautiful area, where the Heartland Trail intersects with the Paul Bunyan Trail, there are adventures that are sure to turn into a tale that can be shared over and over. Whatever you seek, come to the Leech Lake Area and form your own tale.
A fun place to mountain bike with warmer days ahead is the Godbolt Lake and Hanson Lake Loops, near Walker, MN, just south of Leech Lake.
Where to Bike in the Area
The Heartland State Trail is a multiple-use paved trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake, with Walker at the center, intersecting with the Paul Bunyan Trail. The trail is located entirely on a level abandoned railroad grade, except a segment of the Paul Bunyan Trail southwest of Walker is on sharply rolling terrain. The 22 mile segment to Cass Lake, north of Walker, offers views of lakes, rivers, and streams and many are accessible from the trail. This trail corridor passes through northern hardwood forests, stands of jack, red pine, white pine, as well as the spruce fir forests for scenic views of nature along the way.
The Paul Bunyan Trail, stretching from Bemidji to Brainerd, intersects with the Heartland Trail in Walker. Built along abandoned rail corridors, both these trails are great venues for easy-going exploration of northern Minnesota.
Mountain bikers will appreciate both the Gadbolt Lake Loop and the Hanson Lake loop in the area.
Available Maps for the Area
HaveFunBiking Walker/Leech Lake Area Map
Heartland Trail Map
Paul Bunyan Trail Map
Walk/Hiking Opportunities
City and Area Parks
Paul Bunyan and Huntersville State Forests & Trails
Area Bike Shops and Clubs
Highway 34 East, Park Rapids, MN
218-732-5971
Website
Northern Cycle | 100 Mill Road, Park Rapids, MN 56470 | 218-732-5971
Where to Play
405 Minnesota Ave, Walker
218-547-4044
Website
95 Walker Industries Blvd. Walker, MN
35295 State Hwy 64, Laporte
218-224-3535
Website
405 Minnesota Ave, Walker
218-547-4044
Website
95 Walker Industries Blvd. Walker, MN
35295 State Hwy 64, Laporte
218-224-3535
Website
405 Minnesota Ave, Walker
218-547-4044
Website
95 Walker Industries Blvd. Walker, MN
35295 State Hwy 64, Laporte
218-224-3535
Website
Forestedge Winery | 35295 State 64, Laporte, MN 56461| 218-224-3535
Folklore Theater | 100 Highland Ave., Walker, MN 56484 | 218-547-4044
Where to Eat
511 Minnesota Ave W, Walker, MN 56484
218-457-3310
Website
8363 Lake Land Trl NW, Walker, MN 56484
218-457-1006
Website
509 Minnesota Ave W, Walker, MN 56484
218-457-1183
400 Minnesota Ave W, Walker, MN 56484
218-457-1896
Website
From the Lucky Moose Bar & Grill to the elegant Dancing Fire Restaurant, the Leech Lake/Walker Area also offers several interesting and charming cafes, coffee shops, and ice cream shops ideally suited to a cyclist’s taste.
Benson’s Eating and Drinking Emporium | Menu | 400 Minnesota Ave., Walker, MN 56484 | 218-547-1896
Walker Bay Coffee Co. | 499 Minnesota Ave. W., Walker, MN 56484 | 218-547-1183
The Boulders | 8363 Lakeland Trail N.W., Walker, MN 56484 | 218-547-1006
Outdoorsman Cafe | 511 Minnesota Ave. W., Walker, MN 56484 | 218-547-3310
Where to Sleep When Visiting
Public Wi-Fi spots:
Along with most hotels, coffee shops and restaurants have Wi-Fi available. Additionally, the public library is another good option.
The Walker Public Library is located at 207 4th St., Walker, MN and can be contacted at 218-547-1019.
See Leech Lake Tourism for more detailed information for exploring Walker, Minnesota.
HaveFunBiking To Akeley on the Heartland Trail
Akeley is located on the Heartland Trail. Here in town, you can enjoy the Paul Bunyan Historical Museum, the Akeley City Park & Campground, and the Moon Dance Ranch & Adventure Park. This is a great place for family fun all day.
HaveFunBiking to Hackensack on the Paul Bunyan Trail
Situated at the heart of Minnesota’s “ten thousand lakes,” south of Walker, Hackensack is home to the ultimate in fishing, water-skiing, swimming, and canoeing. In fact, you’ll find 127 lakes within a ten mile radius of here. This community along the trail offers several interesting and charming coffee shops and cafés ideally suited to a cyclist’s interest.