Fall adventures, biking and hiking Albert Lea

by Andrew Ellis

One of my favorite fall Adventures is visiting Albert Lea, Minnesota. It is a one-tank getaway that offers a beautiful bike route around Fountain Lake. Connecting to the Blazing Star State Trail is also easy for more exploring. Another option is to follow one of the routes from the annual bike ride called Rock n’ Roll the Lakes. The ride usually happens on the second Saturday in August and offers cyclists of all abilities several fun, scenic route options for that #NextBikeAdventure!

Fall adventures in bike-friendly Albert Lea

It’s less than a two-hour drive down Interstate 35 from Minneapolis. After passing the I-90 crossroad, pull into Albert Lea and prepare for outdoor fun. Known as the Land Between the Lakes, the city sits between Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake. It is a prime destination for soaking in the rays and paddling through the summer months. But now that fall is here, it is still an excellent destination for biking and hiking. Getting around on your bike from several lodging options is easy with the city’s low-traffic bike lanes and trails. After checking in at one of the hotels, riding around this southern Minnesota community is exciting, with the fall colors soon to appear.

Touring around Albert Lea Lake

The homes along the lake route are very picturesque.
The homes along the Fountain Lake route are very picturesque.

In town, it is recommended to tour Fountain Lake clockwise. This route is reminiscent of riding around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. With beautifully landscaped lawns along the fingering shoreline, a ride around the lake is very picturesque. This popular route is about eight and a half miles around, using trails and quiet residential streets.

After returning to the downtown area of Albert Lea, you will find many options for lunch. Then, it’s time to ride on the paved Blazing Star State Trail to Myre-Big Island State Park.

Myre-Big Island State Park and the Blazing Star State Trail

The Blazing Star State Trail is over six miles from Albert Lea to the State Park.
Getting to the State Park on the Blazing Star State Trail is easy.

In Myre-Big Island State Park, you will find hiking trails, a mountain bike trail system, and a paved trail for cyclists of all skill levels to enjoy. The park offers about seven miles of wide grass trails in three loops, strung alongside the State trail for mountain bikers. The Blazing Star State Trail is paved and runs from the edge of the downtown area, approximately six miles to the State Park.

Both trail systems meander through the open prairie meadows with some young woodland near Lake Albert Lea throughout the park. Nice rolling hills make for a surprisingly good workout, and the park is also an excellent birding spot.

Road Biking Opportunities

Exploring the area on a bike is easy, too. You can use the roads to navigate both around town and rural routes throughout southern Minnesota. There’s even a dedicated bike lane to get you in and out of town safely. From past Rock n’ Roll the Lakes events, here are the printable maps for the 10-mile loop option and the 30/50-mile loop option for your enjoyment.

More about Albert Lea 

The bike route around Albert Lea Lake id reminiscent of the Lake of the Isles.
The bike route around Albert Lea Lake is reminiscent of the Lake of the Isles.

When you need a break from the outdoors, there’s plenty to keep your exciting adventure going. There are locally-owned shops and one-of-a-kind restaurants, and the area’s history will top off your bike or hike adventure. Check out more here and enjoy Albert Lea in the fall.