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At A Glance: Exploring Prairie Waters Area – Fun and Food
Enjoy pedaling alongside the wild flowers and nature in the Western Minnesota Prairie Waters Area.
In an area where the prairie meets in the Upper Minnesota River Valley, you can relax, kick back, and enjoy this serene grassland area with wild flowers as you bike alongside the meandering rivers and streams. While pedaling, indulge yourself in the rich ethnic and culture heritage of the Prairie Waters Area. While visiting enjoy popular bike routes on low traffic roads in the counties of: Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle, Swift, and Yellow Medicine. And, after pedaling through the countryside with family and friends, enjoy the kick back experience and fun offered in several of the Prairie Waters communities here.
Where to Bike in the Area
There are miles of country back roads in the region with a variety of scenery and terrain. Bike around Lac qui Parle Lake or travel on the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway roads. Here, in this three county area, many of the route loops allow you to ride past wildlife refuges and parks for bird viewing and historic points of interest. You can do all of this while meandering through the rolling countryside, which consists of farm fields, wooded areas, marshes, and rivers between the towns of Montevideo and Ortonville.
The back roads between the two communities are quiet and perfect for biking. In Montevideo and the four state parks in the Prairie Waters Area (Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Monson, and Upper Sioux Agency) you will find paved trails. Plus, in Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, leading out of Ortonville, you will find a paved trail and additional trails for mountain biking.
Biking along the Luce Line State Trail is just one of the cycling opportunities visitors can find when in Hutchinson, MN. Known as Minnesota’s Hometown, you will feel welcomed and comfortable, just as you would where you are from. Located in central Minnesota, Hutchinson is the ideal location for an exciting day trips or an enjoyable weekend getaways with your bike.
This family is having fun at the Water Carnival Rotary Bike Ride, held each June in Hutchinson, MN.
Each year, thousands of people visit the trails, family attractions, fun places to eat and recreation opportunities here. About an hour drive west, from the Twin City metro area, you will find many bicycle riding options, plus many fun things to do when not pedaling.
When not biking, the warm summer air welcomes good times with outdoor art fairs, restaurant patios, festival events, maybe a round of golf or try their disc, or mini golf for a change of pace. Bowl a few frames with friends or test your batting skills at the batting cages. If you enjoy something a little more extreme, paintball could be a great option for you. In the Fall enjoy the colorful array of the fall foliage in the city and nearby county parks, while local winery and brewery establishments offering the crisp flavors of the harvest. In between winter fat bike experiences, explore their ice rinks and many trails for: snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring flowers bloom in the parks and along the local bike trails welcoming another season to come back, again and again.
Where to Bike in the Area
Being a bike-friendly community, you will find riding the streets and roads in the area safe and relaxing. Along with the 63-mile Luce Line Trail offering a scenic bicycle excursion from the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, you will be amazed at the beauty as you arrive riding in along the Crow River through Hutchinson. Also, Stahls Lake Mountain Bike Park and the new Hutchinson terrain are worth checking out. Or, you could also join in on one of the many community bike rides.
Zella’s | Lunch Menu | Dinner Menu | 14 Main St. S., Hutchinson, MN 55350 | 320-587-9463 Tokyo Grill | 1190 Highway 7 West, Hutchinson, MN 55350 | 320-587-8880 Sonora’s Mexican Restaurant | 15 2nd Ave. S.W., Hutchinson, MN 55350 | 320-587-7303 McCormick’s Family Restaurant | 1105 Highway 15 S., Hutchinson, MN 55350 | 320-587-4417
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. Additionally, the public library is another good option. Hutchinson Public Library is located at 50 Hassan Street S.E., Hutchinson, MN 55350 and can be contacted by calling 320-587-2368.
Biking along the Mississippi River Trail, as it turns to the east in Granite Country, visitors can find many opportunities for fun memories that will last a lifetime when visiting the Saint Cloud area. Each year, thousands of people visit the trails and attractions of the area for good times, bustling nightlife, amazing arts, and the natural beauty and recreation you’d expect from a Mississippi River town. With a long list of places to stay and fun activities here in this Central Minnesota community, you will find many bicycle riding options and fun things to do when not pedaling.
Competition on the Jail Trail, near St. Cloud, Minnesota. Photo Credit from MN High School Cycling League.
When not biking, the warm summer air welcomes good times with outdoor art fairs, restaurant patios, festival events, and water sports activities. In the Fall you can enjoy the colorful array of the fall foliage in 80 city parks, including the stunning Munsinger and Clemens Gardens. All the while you’ll find that local winery and brewery establishments will offer up the crisp flavors of the harvest. In between winter fat bike experiences or cross-country skiing on the local trails, checkout the dozens of art and theater options, including the legendary Paramount Theatre in the vibrant, historic downtown district. Spring flowers blooming in the parks and along the bike trails welcome another season and makes this place great to come back again and again.
In a relaxing setting and comfortable riding environment, make sure to plan your next bike getaway with family and friends and go to Saint Cloud in Minnesota.
Where to Bike in the Area
Being a bike-friendly community, by the League of American Cyclists, you will find riding the streets and roads here safe and relaxing. You will also find miles of paved trails nestled in Granite Country. For the mountain biker, no matter your level of expertise, many fun trails are offered.
Fitzharris Ski and Sport | 105 7th Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN 56301 | 320-251-2844 Rod’s Bike Shop | 28 Lincoln Ave. S.E., Saint Cloud, MN 56304 | 320-259-1964 Besser’s Bike Barn | 3310 10th St. N.E., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 | 320-252-3373 Scheels | 40 North Waite Ave., Waite Park, MN, 56387 | 320-252-9494
From Texas Roadhouse to Mongo’s Grill, one of the finest in the area, Saint Cloud offers several interesting and charming cafes, coffee shops, and ice cream shops ideally suited to a cyclist’s taste.
Val’s Rapid Service | Take out restaurant specializing in burgers | 628 E. Saint Germain St., Saint Cloud, MN 56304 | 320-251-5775 Star of India | Menu | 2812 W. Division St., St. Cloud, MN 56301 | 320-281-3388 Mongo’s Grill | 3701 Division St., Suite #103, St. Cloud, MN 56301 | 320-253-2695 Texas Roadhouse | Menu | 345 2nd St. S., Waite Park, MN 56387 | 320-253-7427
Where to Sleep
Public Wi-Fi Spots in the Area
Along with most hotels, coffee shops and restaurants having Wi-Fi availability, the public library is another good option when exploring Saint Cloud and needing internet access.
Memories are guaranteed when taking an easy and relaxing ride on the Glacial Lakes State Trail or biking along the cottage roads that meander around some of the 360 lakes in the Willmar Lakes area. Located in West Central Minnesota, along the glacial ridge, you will find a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. Mountain bikers and gravel road riders will also find many options. After pedaling through the countryside with family and friends, take in some of the fun water sports activities the Willmar Lakes area offers. You’re bound to find something that suits you while exploring Willmar.
Where to Bike in the Area
The Glacial Lakes State Trail is located on a former Burlington Northern Railroad grade. You will enjoy over 20 miles of scenic trails here that meander through the rolling countryside which consists of farm fields, wooded areas, marshes, and lakes between the towns of Willmar, Spicer, New London, and Hawick. The trail from New London goes west out to Sibley State Park. It is at this state park that you will find additional trails inside the park for mountain biking.
Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center – The facility offers entertainment for all ages, diving boards, and two raging water slides. | 1601 22nd St. S.W., Willmar, MN 56201 | 320-441-2018
Kandiyohi County Historical Society and Museum – The Kandiyohi County Historical Society is a non-profit dedicated to preserving, discovering, and sharing the story of the Kandiyohi. It also offers a beautiful and exciting museum and research center. | 610 Hwy 71 Srv Rd., Willmar, MN 56201 | 320-235-1881
The Barn Theatre – The Barn Theatre provides affordable, quality performing arts. | 321 4th St. S.W., Willmar, MN 56201 | 320-235-9500
Willmar Area Arts Council – The Area Art Council displays numerous pieces of art and has a large gallery on diverse and exciting sculptures, paintings, and shows. | 611 5th St. S.W., Willmar, MN 56201 | 320 235-8560
KRA Speedway – The speedway is a 3/8 mile dirt track with large seating areas for spectating mudsling racing. | 781-899 7th St NW, Willmar, MN 56201 | 320-552-0255
Glacial Ridge Winery – Glacial Ridge Winery is a beautiful winery with lakes, and great scenery in the backyard. The winery provides tours, show casing, and taste testing of their award winning wine. The apple orchard contains over 800 trees of 12 different varieties. | 15455 Co Rd., Suite 131, Spicer, MN 56288 | 320-796-9463
From Deidra’s Espresso Cafe & Bakery to the Oaks at Eagle Creek, Willmar offers several interesting and charming cafes, coffee shops, and ice cream shops ideally suited to a cyclist’s taste.
Jazz N Java – The Jazz N Java offers great tasting food with excellent coffee in an atmosphere filled with music. | 913 Hwy 71 Srv Rd., Willmar, MN 56201 | 320-262-3999
Azteca – This authentic Mexican restaurant has numerous plates that provide great taste and a real Mexican food experience loved by many customers. | 215 4th St. S.W., Willmar, MN 56201 | 320-262-3920
Harberts Ice Cream Shop – This small ice cream shop provides a great family atmosphere and is a great place to go for ice cream. | 924 1st St. S., Willmar, MN 56201 | 320-235-3950
For camping see the Kandiyohi County Park information.
Public Wi-Fi Spots
Along with most hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants that have Wi-Fi availability, the public library is another good option. The Willmar Public Library is located at 410 5th St. S.W., Willmar, MN 56201 and can be reached at 320-235-3162.
