Next Bike Adventure – Prairie Waters Area

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.

Available Maps for the Area

HaveFunBiking Map
Lac Qui Parle Co. Roads
Swift Co. Roads

Walk/Hiking Opportunities
Upper Souix Agency State Park

Area Bike Shops and Clubs

Midtown Bicycle | 301 N. 1st Street, Montevideo, MN 56265 | 320-269-9383

Where to Play When Not Biking or Hiking

Montevideo
Lagoon Park | 103 Canton Avenue, Montevideo, MN 56265

Ortonville
Big Stone Lake | 35889 Meadowbrook State Park Road, Ortonville, MN 56278

Where to Eat

Ortonville:
Headwaters Bar and Grill | 17 2nd St. N.W., Ortonville, MN 56278 | 320-839-2270
Lakewood Supper Club | 1073 Lake Shore Dr., Ortonville, MN 56278 | 320-839-9972

Where to Sleep When Visiting

Public Wi-Fi spots in the Area

Along with most hotels, coffee shops and restaurants having Wi-Fi availability, the public library in the Prairie Waters Area are another good option:

Ortonville Public Library | 412 NW 2nd Street, Ortonville, MN 56278 | 320-839-2494

See the Prairie Waters Tourism Bureau for more detailed information.

Next Bike Adventure – Hutchinson

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

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.

Available Maps for the Area

HaveFunBiking Hutchinson Area Map
Hutchinson Interactive Map
Hutchinson (Map My Ride) Map
Luce Line Trail (DNR) Map
Stahls Lake Park (Single track mountain bike park)
Tartan Terrain Park

Walk/Hiking Opportunities

You will be amazed at their beautiful city park system, encompassing over 30 individual recreation areas.

Hutchinson Recreational Brochure

Area Bike Shops and Clubs

Outdoor Motion | 141 Main St. S,, Hutchinson, MN 55350 | 320-587-2453
Water Carninival Rotary Bike Ride

Where to Play When Not Biking or Hiking

Under the Clock Framing and Gifts Main Website | 720 Century Ave. S.W., Hutchinson, MN 55350 | 320-587-4438

Where to Eat

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.

Next Bike Adventure – Saint Cloud

At A Glance: Exploring Saint Cloud – Fun and Food

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, Minn. photo from MN High School Cycling League.

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.

Available Maps for the Area

HaveFunBiking St Cloud Area Map

Wobegon
Other Saint Cloud Road Routes
Lake Wobegon Trail Info and Map
Pineview BMX Park

Mountain Bike Areas
Jail Trail
Plum Creek Trail
Quarry Park

Walk/Hiking Opportunities

City Parks
Munsinger/Clemens Gardens
Streans County Parks

Area Bike Shops and Clubs

ERIK’S Bike Board Ski | 2115 W Division Street, St. Cloud, MN 56301 | 320-257-0111
Revolution Cycle and Ski | 160 29th Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN 56301 | 320-251-2453

Where to Play

Munsinger Gardens | 1515 Riverside Dr. S.E., St. Cloud, MN 56301 | 320-257-5959

Beaver Island Brewery | 216 6th Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN 56301 | 320-253-5907
Quarry Park | 1802 County Road 137, Waite Park, MN 56387 | 320-255-6172

Where to Eat

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.

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.

Additionally, Saint Cloud State University has public Wi-Fi available as well.

Next Bike Adventure – Willmar

At A Glance: Exploring Willmar – Fun and Food

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 that the Willmar Lakes area has to offer. You’re bound to find something that suits you while exploring Willmar.

willmar bike

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.

Available Maps in the Area

HaveFunBiking Willmar Lakes Area Map

Glacial Lakes Trail
Mountain Biking Sibley State Park Maps

Walk/Hiking Opportunities

Willmar Downtown Walking Trails
Parks in the Willmar Area
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center Trails

Area Bike Shops and Clubs

Rick’s Cycling and Sports Center | 320 3rd St. S.W., Willmar, MN 56201 | 320-235-0202
Spicer Bike and Sports | 178 Progress Way, Spicer, MN 56288 | 320-796-6334

Where to Play When Not Biking or Hiking

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

Other fun attractions.

Where to Eat

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

More dining options.

Where to Sleep When Visiting

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.

See the Willmar Tourism Bureau for more detailed information.