At a Glance: Explore Albert Lea – Fun and Food

Explore Albert Lea offers many family-friendly biking, hiking, and paddling opportunities. In southern Minnesota, at the crossroads of Interstate 35W and I-80, you will also find the annual Rock N’ Roll the Lakes Bicycle Ride here in August. Other options include mountain biking in Big Island State Park, enjoying a picturesque ride around Fountain Lake, or a trip to the State Park on the Blazing Star State Trail. Then, after your ride, take in the art, history, and music the community here has to offer.

In the “Land Between the Lakes,” Albert Lea is nestled between Albert Lea Lake and Fountain Lake and geographically located at the crossroads of Interstate I-90 and Interstate 35W in southern Minnesota. This charming community is about 90 miles south of the Twin Cities. Both the city and the lake were named in honor of Albert Miller Lea by Joseph N. Nicollet. Nicollet explored and mapped streams and lakes in this county in 1835.

Today when exploring Albert Lea, you will find a relaxing setting to bike with family and friends while enjoying some of southern Minnesota’s hospitality.

Albert Lea was one of the first cities to participate in the Blue Zone Health Initiative.

Explore Albert Lea by bike

Along with the paved trail running out to Myre-Big Island State Park, many recreational trails will allow cyclists and walkers to enjoy the area. In addition, there are many bike-friendly streets and rural roads to explore the countryside. If you are interested in exploring Albert Lea’s nature-based sides, one of the best ways is by taking the Blazing Star State Trail. The trail is paved from Albert Lea Lake to Big Island State Park, a distance of approximately six miles, and it connects to Albert Lea’s city trail system. Plans are for the trail to connect to Austin’s city trail system and the Shooting Star State Trail. When completed, the Blazing Star State Trail will be approximately 20 miles long and connect Albert Lea to Austin via Big Island State Park.

Trail users will enjoy views of rural landscapes along the entire trail. Big Island State Park has the opportunity to experience a diversity of natural environments, including wetlands, oak savanna, big woods, and prairie. The park is an excellent birding spot in southern Minnesota, especially during spring and fall migration.

Places to ride

Myre-Big Island State Park

This park has something for everyone with hike/bike trails around wet lowland marshes and through patches of oak savanna and grasslands
19499 780th Ave.
507-668-7060 Website https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00175#homepage

Blazing Star State Trail

The Blazing Star State Trail is paved and runs from Albert Lea Lake to Myre-Big Island State Park.
Website https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/blazingstar/index.html

Bike around Fountain Lake

From Downtown Albert Lea, this map shows the ten and 18-mile route for the annual Rock N’ Roll the Lakes Ride
Website https://havefunbiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/AlbertLeaRides10mi18.pdf

Available Maps

HaveFunBiking Albert Lea Area Map

AlbertLeaRides(10mi)18

AlbertLeaRides(30&50mi)18

Walk/Hike Opportunities

Exploring Albert Lea Parks 
Exploring Myre-Big Island State Park

Area Bike Shops and Clubs

Broadway Bicycle Shop | 114 S. Broadway Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507-373-2060

Martin’s Bike Shop |1137 South Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507-377-3704

Where to Play When Not Biking

Albert Lea has a variety of attractions to keep the whole family having while they visit, including:

Freeborn History Museum

Where time travel is possible, and our past inspires the future, discover your pioneer spirit with many exhibits
1031 Bridge Ave.
507-373-8003 Website https://www.freeborncountyhistory.org/

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

Named after a star of the “Happy Days” TV show, the center is in the historic downtown district and a great place to spend an evening while visiting
147 N. Broadway
507-377-4371 Website http://actonbroadway.com/concertsevents/

Albert Lea Civic Music

Albert Lea High School Auditorium
2000 Tiger Lane
Website http://www.albertleacivicmusic.com/concert-series.html

Albert Lea Farmers Market

Open on Wednesdays, stop by and check out all the local produce and treat from the area.
Broadway Ave. And Fountain St.
Website https://www.facebook.com/ALFarmersMkt/

Albert Lea Art Center

After your ride, the center offers programs, classes, Art on Broadway, and more
101 S. Broadway Ave.
507-373-5665 Website http://www.thealbertleaartcenter.org/home.html

Freeborn County Arts Initiative

Encouraging exploration of new ideas, art forms, and self-expression through the arts, the Gallery is in the Historic Downtown District
224 S Broadway Ave. Studio 3
507-721-1285 Website https://www.fcai.us/

Albert Lea Aquatic Center

This family-friendly center is a great way to cool off after your ride
321 James Ave.
507-377-4370 Website http://cityofalbertlea.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/aquatic-center/

Albert Lea Audubon Society

This local chapter offers information, classes, and field trips centered around an increased interest in ecology and nature study around ornithology.
Website http://www.albertleaaudubon.org/

Albert Lea Disc Golf Courses

Check out three parks offering challenges for disc golf players in between your bike excursions around Albert Lea.
Website http://cityofalbertlea.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/1645-2/

Events

Rock N’ Roll the Lakes Bike Ride is Saturday 13, 2019 – A fun ride for the entire family,

Bayside Water Show come Join the FUN… Memorial Day to Labor Day at Edgewater Bay in Albert Lea, MN

Where to Eat

Regardless if you are in the mood for a quick snack, a casual meal, or upscale fare after your ride, or outdoor activity, there is a place for you at the table in Albert Lea.

Some of the favorites

Along with the favorite chain restaurants, when exploring Albert Lea, you’ll find that it has some local restaurants that will give you a one-of-a-kind experience.
Crescendo Exquisite – offers excellent food and fine wines | Menu | 118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507-377-2425
Elbow Room – Offers burgers | Menu | 310 E. 8th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507-373-1836
Trumble’s – Offers classic hometown feel with all your favorites | Menu | 1811 E. Main St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507-373-2638
Grandma’s Kitchen – Offers a great family feel with favorites foods for all ages | Menu | 115 E. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507-552-1599

Here are many more options. https://www.explorealbertlea.com/life

Where to Sleep

Where to Stay [box in at bottom]
With many lodging properties to choose from, the area around Albert Lea provides visitors with their preferred lodging setting from trusted hotel brands. B & B’s and lodges.
Website https://www.explorealbertlea.com/life

WI-FI Hotspots

You will find Wi-Fi access in many coffee shops and restaurants, along with most hotels. The public library is another good option. The library here is at 211 E Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007; their phone number is 507-377-4350.

See the Albert Lea Tourism Bureau for more detailed information on your next trip to explore Albert Lea.

At-A-Glance: Exploring Faribault – Fun and Food

Located along the Cannon River Valley corridor, Faribault is 60 minutes south of the Twin Cities. Faribault is a great southern Minnesota destination for a family outing or biking vacation. The relaxed lifestyle and picturesque surroundings here draw many people out to explore. On the east end of the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, you will have several loop options that will take you on quiet rural roads for a true touring experience. With plenty of retail areas, recreational activities, and restaurant choices in Faribault, it’s easy to spend several days here.

Where to Bike in the Area

Explore and enjoy the beauty of the lakes and rolling terrain around the Faribault area. It is easy to ride your bike to both the city and State Trail from the hotels in town. From the trail, you can continue your adventure as the trail connects to the paved community roads. At the city park, take the 39-mile journey on the paved rail-bed west through Morristown, Waterville, Elysian then onto Mankato. For road riding choose from many scenic loops designed by the local bike club. For the mountain biker, there are miles of off road trails at the River Bend Nature Center.

 

Available Maps for the Area

HaveFunBiking Faribault Area Map 

River Bend Nature Center’s Map
Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail Map
Map My Ride

 

Walk/Hike Opportunities

River Bend Nature Center
Sakatah Lake State Park

 

Area Bike Shops and Clubs

 

Milltown Cycles | 311 Central Ave. N., Faribault, MN 55021 | 507-331-2636
Faribault Flyers Cycle Club – offering safe rides in Rice County through Cannon River Offroad Cycling & Trails (CROCT) | Main Office: 912 Meadow View Drive, Northfield, MN 55057

 

Where to Play When Not Biking or Hiking

Explore the historic downtown area, Rice County Museum or take a dip at the Aquatic Center, plus golf and many other fun activities in the area.

J&J Bowling | 1802 4th St. N.W., Faribault, MN 55021 | 507-334-3262
Aleman Apple Creek Orchard | 5524 185th Street West, Faribault, MN 55021 | 507-334-9043
Whillock Studios | 122 1st Ave. N.E., Faribault, MN 55021 | 507-334-8306

Where to Eat

From the Cheese Cave to Augustos Piadina Restaurant, the Faribault area also offers several interesting and charming cafes and ice cream shops. If these do not appeal to you, there are many other options as well.

The Cheese Cave | 318 Central Ave. N., Suite #6, Faribault, MN 55021 | 507-334-3988
Godfather’s Pizza | 328 4th St. N.W., Faribault, MN 55021 | 507-334-1672

Grandpa Al’s | Menu | 28 3rd St. N.W., Faribault, MN 55021 | 507-334-3582

 

Where to Sleep When Visiting 

 

Public Wi-Fi Spots in the Area

Along with most hotels, many coffee shops and restaurants have Wi-Fi availability. Also, the public library is a good option.  The Buckham Memorial Library is located on 11 Division Street East, Faribault, MN 55021 and can be reached by phone at the following number: 507-334-2089.

 

See the Faribault Tourism Bureau for more detailed information.

At a Glance: Exploring Mankato – Fun and Food

As the Minnesota River bends to the North and the Sakata Singing State Bike Trail approaches from the East, the scenic river valley in and around the area offers miles of biking and hiking adventures. With all of this safe and gorgeous nature, exploring Mankato is fun and memorable.

For the trail rider, there are over 50 miles of family-friendly paved trail. Road touring enthusiasts will find a network of suggested routes offering wide shoulders and little traffic.

With the work of a devoted group of local mountain bikers, the area continues to grow as a premier off-road biking destination.  Here there is a relaxing setting to bike with family and friends while enjoying all that the area has to offer.

Where to Bike in the Area

Being a designated a bike-friendly community, by the League of American Cyclists, you will find riding the streets and roads here safe and relaxing. There are also miles of paved trails nestled in the scenic river valley. With the Red Jacket Trail connecting to the West from Minneopa Falls and State Park, bikers and walkers alike will enjoy a new form of public art along the trails. Something new to Mankato is the Poetry Walk and Ride. Along the miles of trails and in the parks of the City, poetry signs display creative verses that compliment the nature you can see along the way. Thanks to the efforts of the Area Mountain Bikers (MAMB), there are currently five areas for off-road biking enthusiasts.

Available Maps for the Area

HaveFunBiking Mankato Area Map
Mankato City Bike Map 
Mankato Bike Loops 
Mankato Bike Trails 
Crystal Lake Loop
North Mankato Loop
St. Clair/Eagle Lake Loop
St. Clair, Smiths Mill, Madison Lake Loop
North Gravel Ride

Multi Use Trails

Red Jacket Trail
Minneopa State Park
Sakatah Singing State Trail Map
Indian Lake Conservation Area

Mountain Biking Trails

7 Mile Creek Trail
Mount Kato
Kiwanis Recreation Area
Ft. LeHillier Trail

Walk/Hiking Opportunities

City Parks

Area Bike Shops and Clubs

Key City Bike | 1429 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-304-1936
Flying Penguin Outdoor Sports | 624 N Victory Dr., Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-345-4754
Nicollet Bike Shop | 607 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-388-9390
Scheels | 1850 Adams St. #404 (River Hills Mall), Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-386-7767
Mankato Area Mountain Bikers
Envision2020 – bike/walk advocates

Where to Play

The city offers a variety entertainment for the whole family!
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota – Clinic Tree of Forts Climber, Grow it Gallery, and Coughlan Quarry are just of few of their exhibits | 224 Lamm St., Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-386-0279
WOW! Zone – Laser Tag, Arcade Games, Bowling, etc. | 2030 Adams Street, Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-625-269
Old Town Escape – use your critical thinking skills to solve the mystery and escape the room | 403 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-779-7799

And more!
Learn more about the events in the area here.

Where to Eat

From the Blue Bricks Bar and Eatery to Charley’s Restaurant, one of the finest in the area, the city offers several interesting and charming cafes, coffee, and ice cream shops ideally suited to a cyclist’s taste. Here’s just a taste of some of the local restaurants.

Happy Chef – the original Happy Chef location allows you to get a bite to eat and take picture with one of the few remaining Happy Chef statues | 51646 US-169, Mankato, MN 56001| 507-388-2953
Tandem Bagels – the coffee shop and cafe has a variety of options including bagels made from scratch and they have bike racks! | Menu | 200 E. Walnut St., Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-720-6533
Mom & Pop’s Ice Cream Shop – they have over 30 unique flavors of ice cream including dairy free options | 629 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-344-0629

Check here for a complete list of more places to grab a bite!

Where to Sleep

Check out these links for more information:
Hotels
Bed & Breakfasts
Minneopa State Park Camping

Public Wi-Fi Spots in the Area

Along with most hotels,  many coffee shops and restaurants have Wi-Fi availability. Mankato has three public libraries that are also good options.
Blue Earth County Library located at 100 E. Main St, Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-304-4001
North Mankato Taylor Library located at 1001 Belgrade Ave. North, Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-345-5120
Traverse Des Sioux Library located at 1400 Madison Ave., Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-625-6169

See the Mankato Tourism Bureau for more detailed information.

Getting to Mankato

Located in Southern Minnesota, the city is approximately an hour and half drive Southwest on U.S. Highway 169, from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP).  From Interstate 90, at Blue Earth, it is a half hour drive north on Highway 169.  The Regional Airport is conveniently located north of town allowing visitors an opportunity to catch connecting flights to and from MSP and other parts of the country.