Enjoy the best of Northern Minnesota in the springtime by participating in The Spring Bike Fling, on May 18th, 2019. Starting at Walker City Park, on the shores of beautiful Leech Lake, take a ride through the Chippewa National Forest on the Paul Bunyan Trail to Laporte (26 miles total round trip) or a little further to Guthrie (44 miles complete round trip).

Spring Bike Fling Routes

Both rides leave from the City Park at 10 a.m., and there will also be a free family ride of 2 miles south along the Shingobee Connection Trail starting at 10:30 am. The main route will take you first on the western shoreline of Leech Lake along Walker Bay, before heading Northwest by beautiful Kabekona Bay and Lake Bennedict. This ride is flat, completely paved, and as you pass from Cass County into Hubbard County, you will enjoy the tranquil countryside on the way to Laporte. In the village for a rest stop

Stopping in Laporte

You have three options: shop at the famous Laporte grocery store (they feature uniquely flavored brats and ice cream); enjoy the hospitality of the Popple Bar, with its nice deck and view; or check out Third Base Bar and Grill. There is a park there with shade to relax in, park your bikes, and put your feet up! Those who are ambitious can bike a further 9 miles to Guthrie where there will be refreshments in the small park there, otherwise turn around and head back to sunny Walker!

On your return, we are having a celebration gathering at Portage Brewing Company, voted one of the best craft breweries in Minnesota and winner of several awards.

Walker has several fine hotels, motels and Bed and Breakfasts, and they are all listed here. There are also numerous restaurants and many local attractions, including the headwaters of the Mississippi, Forestedge Winery, Deep Portage Learning Center, and the Cass County Museum. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing and boating out on the lake as well as a plethora of resorts open for business. Camping opportunities are listed here.