Tag Archives: #onlyinMN

Bike Friendly Willmar now offers a fleet of yellow bikes

The picturesque Glacial State Trail, rolling into the city of Willmar, has now been enhanced with a series of bike friendly routes on city streets and trails. Another key factor worth mentioning is its fleet of yellow bikes. With several improvements over the last couple years, this spring, the city was awarded the Bronze Bike Friendly Community Award from the League of American Bicyclist (LAB).

Bike Friendly Willmar a fun and safe place to Live and visit

According to an article published by the Bicycle Aliance of Minnesota (BikeMN), over the past seven years the city and its local advocacy group, ‘Willmar Bikes’, has upped their game in every aspect of bicycling.

Here Dorian Grilley, Director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and Steve Brisendine, Director of Community Education and Recreation for the City of Willmar celebrate being a bike friendly city by the League of American Bicyclists.

The community is now home to a small fleet of yellow-painted cycles for free public use. It hosts an annual Mayor’s Bike Ride. It works to connect low-income youth with an earn-a-bike programs. The community is also planning a bike route connection between a new development and a school being built. Also, they support bike trail maintenance. Residence and visitors alike can now enjoy the countryside trails that connect to many of the city’s streets and inter-city trails, making the community a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC).

In the northern part of Minnesota, Cloquet was was given an Honorable Mention this spring for its work toward bicycle friendliness.

Riding the trail in the countryside as it connects to trails and safe street routs in Willmar, MN. photo Steve-Brisendine

BFC recognition is a nationally recognized thumbs-up. The program is administered by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). LAB commends towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas for taking concrete steps toward making bicycling more safe, more visible, and more fun in their communities. In Minnesota, there are more than two million residents who live in Bike Freindly Communities in the state. This exciting initiatives is making more communities safer for visitors as well as those who live in the stare.

Learn more about Bike Friendly Willmar and the fun you can have staying and playing here.

The Time of Your Life biking at Madden’s

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

I remember watching Dirty Dancing when I was young and wondering if resorts similar to the one that Baby and Johnny fell in love at actually existed. Surprise! They do and Madden’s on Gull Lake took me back to the first time I watched the movie. It’s the perfect place to go for your next family bike adventure.

Biking along the trail in front of Madden's Driving Range, near Brainerd, MN.

A family bike outing along the trail in front of Madden’s Driving Range, near Brainerd, MN. is always fun.

Located in the Brainerd Lakes Area, you will find many bike trails, north woods sights, and fun activities around the resort that the whole family will enjoy. So grab your bike and cue “The Time of My Life.”

Biking through Beauty

Located a few miles away from the Paul Bunyan Trail, I found Madden’s the perfect place to stay and experience a variety of biking activities and more. Around the Resort, or on the Paul Bunyan Trail, you and your bike will roll along the picturesque pine forests skirting around the pristine lakes along the way. Mountain bikers can ride the nearby Pillsbury State Forest trails or take a short drive over to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area for some of Minnesota’s premier riding opportunities. The mountain bike trail in Cuyuna offer miles of fun for all levels of riders.

Riding the red dirt trails of the Cuyuna Trails, just East of Brainerd, MN. turned out to be fun for a first-timer.

As a beginner, I hopped on a bike to experience the red dirt trail for myself. While I have to admit mountain biking isn’t my favorite cup of tea, the scenery on the trail made the experience fun.

Other Activities at Madden’s

A little shuffle board challenge to end a perfect day of activities at Madden's.

A little shuffleboard, croquet, or horseshoe challenge is the perfect way to end the days activities at Madden’s Resort.

Then, back at Madden’s, stop at the spa for a massage after a long day of riding the bike trails. Or play a game of croquet on the only official course in the area. If you would like to take a day off of biking, then Madden’s is sure to keep you entertained. Make a tee time for Madden’s Classic or one of their other two 18 hole golf courses. Perhaps go with the Social Nine with the kids for the day. Also, with sandy beaches all around the resort, enjoy a swim in the lake or head to Marina. Here they will set you up with something sure to keep your adventure going. You can get a kayak, canoe, paddle boat, stand-up paddle board, or even a paddle bike to take on the lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, then water skiing lessons are available at Madden’s Ski School.

Madden’s Lodging Accommodations

There is a multitude of options everywhere you look at Madden’s, especially when it comes to deciding where to sleep. From the Madden Inn to the Golf Villas, each has their own facet of luxury. For early risers, enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the view from the Sunrise Villas. If you are more of a night owl, then have a glass of wine and take in the breathtaking sight in the Sunset Villas. I stayed in the new Voyageur Suites where each suite has a spacious bathroom and beautiful private patio. The patio was great to enjoy the sunset views of the lake. Sleeping on that King Size bed in the room had to have been one of the best nights of sleep I’ve ever had. Especially after a long day of exploring the trail and resort activities.

At Madden's you will always find a helpful smile, like when placing an order for a fresh-baked lunch or dinner at Parfecto Pizza at the resort.

At Madden’s you will always find a helpful smile, like when placing an order for a fresh Parfecto Pizza at the resort.

While I can’t promise that you’ll find love or get better at dancing, I can assure you that you’ll find something to love on and off the bike trails when staying here at Madden’s. It’s the perfect place for your Next Bike Adventure.

Bike Pic July 13, perfect day to be out on a mountain bike

A perfect day to be out on a mountain bike in Lebanon Hills Regional Park near Lakeville, MN. Here, this cyclist is practicing his trail riding techniques for the upcoming fall competitions scheduled with the Minnesota High School Cycling League.

Find many more bike friendly places to mountain bike and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB).

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic July 12, Mississippi River Trail below the Coon Rapids Dam

Another beautiful day to bike the Mississippi River Trail in the Minneapolis Northwest Region of the Twin Cities. The photo was shot south of the Coon Rapids Dam in the community of Brooklyn Park along the West River Road.

Find many more bike friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB).

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

A Luxury Bike Vacation at the Leech Lake B & B

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

When looking for a luxury bike vacation on your next Minnesota getaway consider giving Gary and Sandra a call, for a little slice of heaven. Tucked in the trees along the shoreline of Leech Lake is a peaceful and beautiful home away from home, at the Leech Lake Bed & Breakfast. This lakefront lodge, located North of Walker, MN is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing vacation, spring, summer or fall, in luxury at fair price.

The Leech Lake B & B Suites

The Leech Lake Bed & Breakfast makes you feel right at home as soon as you walk in. With Northwoods themed rooms, any of their suites would be a wonderful place to stay.

A relaxing sight from the Harbor View Suite, at Leech Lake B & B.

A relaxing sight on your luxury bike vacation, from the Harbor View Suite at Leech Lake B & B.

I got a sneak peak at the Up North and Harbor View suites. The Harbor View suite has a large window overlooking the lake with a comfy couch to spend hours on, soaking in the view with a good book. Gary says, ” the majority of people that stay in that suite hardly leave the couch and usually take breakfast in their room, just to enjoy the view”.

A luxury bike vacation at a Fair Price

The B&B here is situated on the Paul Bunyan Trail and close to the Heartland Trail to plan some wonderful biking adventures. The Heartland Trail was the first rails-to-trails in the world and connects to the Paul Bunyan. If you don’t have a bike or don’t want to bring yours along, Gary and Sandra have bikes you can borrow, included with the room cost. Gary will even map out where the best sights are on the trail. He also can recommend where to go depending the length and level of a ride (your preference).

Other Activities

On your next luxury bike vacation relax on the deck near the Leech Lake B & B fire pit with a lake view.

The B & B ensures that you have fun on your luxury bike vacation. With 24 boats to choose from (seven included with your room) you can spend time on the lake when not biking. So whether it’s by kayak, canoe, or a stand-up paddleboard, you are sure to have a good time exploring the lake. For the golfers out there, get a 25% discount at two of the local golf course by staying at the Leech Lake Bed & Breakfast. If you want to stay in and relax for a night, they have a DVD collection for you to choose from. Another option is to enjoy the bonfire on their patio or spend some time in any of the comfy chairs they have on the back lawn overlooking the lake. You could also spend time reading on the “island” at the end of the dock.

The Food

In the words of Gary, “if we don’t have good beds and we don’t have a breakfast they’re gonna make us change the sign out front.” While I did not get to taste the breakfast, the guests raved about it.

Enjoy a special Leech Lake B & B breakfast before your day of fun.

Enjoy one of the special Leech Lake B & B breakfasts before your day of fun.

All of the guests have access to a large shared refrigerator as well as the 24-hour coffee, tea, and treat bar. Besides the expected variety of teas at this bar, they also have homemade spiced chai that Gary and Sandra make themselves. To help you decide where to get lunch or dinner, Sandra has collected menus from all of the local restaurants.

So the next time you are in the Walker area looking for a place to stay, look no further than the Leech Lake Bed & Breakfast for a luxury bike vacation. It’s a little slice of heaven right on Leech Lake.

Blazing Star Trailhead dedication extends trail closer to Austin

In Southern Minnesota, the Blazing Star Trail Head dedication and celebration, in Hayward, MN, will take place this Sunday, July 17, near Albert Lea. After the ceremony the contractors will start construction on the last two miles of the extension. This will be starting in Hayward, MN and going west, near Albert Lea Lake.

The Hayward/Blazing Star Trail Head Celebration

The dedication and fun begins next Sunday, at 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Hayward City Park, located about four miles east of Albert Lea. Throughout the afternoon kids from four to ninety will enjoy the events planned. These include games, bike/walk events, lemonade and root beer floats, and prizes.

Blazing Star to the Mississippi

A bridge over Albert Lea Lake is still necessary to connect the trail from Hayward, west to Albert Lea. Also, at this time there is no specific date to extend the trail from Hayward to Austin. However, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resouces (DNR) is scheduling meetings to discuss possible options. Eventually the trail is planned to cross the Albert Lea Lake adjacent to a Canadian Pacific Railroad bridge, then go through Hayward and extend to Austin.

According to DNR reports, the trail will eventually connect Albert Lea to Austin and the Shooting Star. Once the trail reaches Austin, it would be about 20 miles long. With long term goals set, someday bicyclists will have the ability to ride from Albert Lea, east to the Mississippi River.

About Albert Lea

Known as the “Land Between the Lakes,” Albert Lea is nestled between Albert Lea Lake and Fountain Lake. 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. Today you will find a relaxing setting to bike with family and friends while enjoying some of southern Minnesota’s hospitality. For more information contact the Albert Lea Tourism Center.

More Places To Ride

Find many more bike friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Bike Pic July 11, a last minute check before the race in Mankato

A successful bike race in Mankato, MN in June!. Here in the photo is North Star Bicycle Festival & Gran Prix race director, David LaPorte checking out the race course in between races.

Find many more bike friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB).

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic July 8, ice cream smiles Friday!

Enjoying an ice cream treat at Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake, after a bike ride on the trails around Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes Area. Madden’s is a full-service resort offering access to all the local bike trails, challenging golf courses, water sports, fine dining, and more.

Find many more bike friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB).

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

A Fairytale Brunch Tied To Your Next Bike Ride

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

Exploring Anoka on a recent bike ride, while lodging in Minnesota’s Twin Cities Gateway Area, I came upon a stately mansion with a fairytale brunch which peaked my childhood interest. Located along the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) this beautiful house, where the restaurant is located, caught my attention and imagination. Was this a dream? A reflection from my childhood reading of Alice in Wonderland?

I still remember a quote in the fairytale, “a dream is not reality, but who’s to say which is which.” – Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Dining Experience from a Fairytale

Pedaling my bike up the driveway of this historic mansion, this was a reality that I could experience. Tucked back along the river, The Mad Hatter is a restaurant that not only pleases your taste buds, but also your eyes. Occupying the historic and beautiful Woodbury House this is the perfect place for tea or brunch.

At any age, with superb entrees and desserts, guests will re-discover the child in them. photo- teapartays.blogspot.com

The dining room of the Woodbury house has a timeline of the previous owners hanging on the wall. Learn more about the history of the house while enjoying a cup of tea and perusing the brunch menu. With a variety of choices from french toast to burgers, you are sure to find something you’ll love here. While enjoying the delicious food and beverages, be sure to ask about tea parties. There is a few options to choose from including a children’s tea party at The Mad Hatter. Other party plans include the Queen of Hearts or Cheshire Tea Parties for a fun way to get together with friends and soak in the ambiance of this historic home.

After divulging in the desserts, such as Milk Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding, head up the stairs to browse through their gift shop. There you will find a selection of exquisite teapots and cups, some of which are even custom designed. Also you can find hats, jewelry, and (if you enjoyed the tea you had downstairs) they also have loose leaf tea available.

By bike or car, stop into The Mad Hatter when visiting the Twin Cities Gateway! They are open Tuesday through Sunday giving you a chance to make that childhood dream a reality.

Bike Pic July 5, pedal or walk down Lake Street in three weeks

A bike friendly day, here a family enjoys riding along Lakes Street at last years Open Streets Minneapolis event. See more on the Open Streets Minneapolis event on East Lake Street, July 26th 2016.

Find more fun places to bike in the MN Guide

Find many more bike friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB).

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!