Tag Archives: Twin Cities Gateway

Twin Cities Gateway: Vacation Like an Olympian in Blaine, MN

By Andrew Ellis and Hayley Spalding, HaveFunBiking.com

Blaine is a city in the Twin Cities Gateway known for its sports. It’s home to the National Sports Center, the largest amateur sports complex in the world. The city has a hockey rink and many soccer fields. Plus, miles of trails and bike-friendly roads to all the other wonders of this north Twin City Metro Area.

You can also find Minnesota’s own velodrome, which regularly hosts bicycle races on Thursday evenings. You can also test out your skills and speed at designated times.

Test your Olympian skills in Blaine on Minnesota’s only Velodrome track.

There’s even more for the Olympian in you to try. From curling to disc golf, to miles of bike trails and road routes, there is no better way to explore all Blaine has to offer than riding your bike when visiting.

Four Seasons Curling Club in Blaine

You can’t experience the city like an Olympian without paying a visit to Four Seasons Curling Club. Many have caught the sport on TV and may be wondering if this sport is for them. At Four Seasons Curling, there are scheduled events throughout the year where you can learn the game of curling. There’s instruction followed by practice and friendly games to put your newly developed skill to the test. It’s an official Olympic training center so you’ll have the chance to catch professional games and learn more. If you can’t make it to one of the scheduled learning days, you can always call ahead for another time. Once you’re done, there’s a restaurant that overlooks the ice to share your experience with friends.

Disc Golf in Blaine

Once you have tried curling, head on over to Lochness Park to play around on the new disc golf course. It’s known as the longest nine-hole (baskets) course in the area. All of the holes have at least two tees and six of the holes have three tees. The natural scenery built around the course is superb.

The different colored tees are for different levels of difficulty. Blue is for professionals, red is for intermediate, and green for the novice and beginner.

Carol’s Restaurant Brings The Home Town Atmosphere To Blaine

At some point, you’re going to need to eat and replenish your body for the rest of the day. Carol’s Restaurant is an independently owned, old-fashioned diner-style eatery. It’s got a nice small town vibe with homemade bread and pies perfect for any meal. They even have a quaint gift shop that you can browse as well.

Blaine Festival Is A Special Event Worth Considering

You won’t want to miss the annual-toe tapping Blaine Parade, fun for the entire family!

If you decide to explore Blaine in June, you’ll be in the midst of a celebration over the weekend of the 23rd, 24th & 25th. It’s the annual Blaine Festival. Aquatore Park (corner of highways 65 & 10), showcases a wide variety of entertainment with something for everyone. It’ll be a great time for the family as it includes a carnival full of rides the kids will beg to go on, live music to tap your feet to, and more.

Blaine’s Trails and Road Routes

In the Twin Cities Gateway Community of Blaine, you will find paved trails and many bike-friendly roads with ample shoulders. Thanks to its spacious layout, the roads offer plenty of room for pedaling around the many streets that have sidewalks run along with them. If you feel like going a little further, the Bunker Hills Regional Park and Rice Lake Trail systems are easy to connect to.

So check out all of Blaine’s Olympian opportunities available in the Twin Cities Gateway.

Bike-Friendly Minneapolis Northwest is Full of Natural Gems Hidden Along the Trails

by Andrew Ellis, HaveFunBiking.com

As you look around the Minneapolis Northwest area you are dazzled with options! Here there are city streets and major highways as far as the eye can see around this northwest suburb of Minneapolis. You will find plenty of fast food eateries and strip malls amongst the trees and greenery in this suburban setting. So, how can this possibly be an attraction for those looking to take in some of Minnesota’s nature’s beauty in the Twin Cities?

Have no fear as there are plenty of options for outdoor recreation in the Minneapolis Northwest area. You just have to look closer below or look at our At A Glance Minneapolis Northwest link.

The Minneapolis Northwest area is made up of three suburban communities: Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and Maple Grove. Where you will find plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors activities, including hundreds of mile of paved trail. You will also find some exhilarating riding in the Elm Creek Park for some mountain biking.

More About the Bike-Friendly Minneapolis Northwest Area

Tucked into the communities are substantive parks that offer the feeling of remoteness while visiting. If you want take a break from pedaling one of many trails there, you will find many options. You can meander along the trails by foot, channel your inner Robin Hood and learn archery or disc golf while learning more about the natural world around you.

While pedaling this three-city community there comes a point where you may need a break to enjoy some other activities available. Luckily, each community offers plenty to do. Whether it’s a game of bowling or trying your luck at Dave & Buster’s arcade games in Maple Grove. There are even plenty of chain and locally owned eateries throughout the area to satisfy whatever it is you crave. You will even find several movie theaters in the area and easy to get to on your bike from your hotel.

Biking Opportunities in the Minneapolis Northwest Area

Riding the scenic trails here in the Minneapolis Northwest Area you find many trails that safely cross over or under the busy roads.

In this area the opportunities for riding your bike are endless. In this three city area you will find quite a few parks that connect to trails for a lengthy ride. If you don’t want to stick to the meandering trails, then there are plenty of bike friendly streets and the Mississippi River Trail that will allow you to share the road with other vehicles. Here are some of the parks to bike too:

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

On a warm day crossing the Coon Rapids Dam from Minneapolis Northwest you can feel the cool mist rising in the air as you cross.

Find your way to the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park via the Rush Creek Regional Trail. At the park, a part of the National Park System, you can connect to the Mississippi River Trail. If you want to discover what’s on the other side of the dam you can easily connect to the Twin Cities Gateway side of the park, crossing the paved trail across this massive water barrier.

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Here in Elm Creek Park the mountain biking is fun and exciting, with trails for all skill levels.

This park is full of biking opportunities for multiple kinds of riders. There are many miles of paved multi-use trail that take the rider on a very scenic journey of the park. It passes by several of the park’s lakes. The trails here have plenty of slightly rolling hills to give you a little challenge as you ride and enjoy the many picture taking opportunities. You can also take a break for a swim, try your hand at archery, and more. For mountain bikers there’s plenty of singletrack trails depending on your preferred level of skill. While some are bike-only, others are multi-use trials.

Medicine Lake Regional Trail

This is a paved trail of over 13 miles and connects you to many parks such as French Regional Park. You can also catch views of Rice Lake in Maple Grove and Medicine Lake if you take the trail into Plymouth. The trail also has connections to Bassett Creek Trail, Luce Line Regional Trail, and many other community bike trails.

Rush Creek Regional Trail

This trail links Elm Creek Park Reserve to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. The path is smooth, wide, and mostly flat. Its abundance of signage makes it usable many different cyclists. If you’re looking to encounter wildlife, it’s recommended you get on the trail in the early morning. Pedaling here you will also pass through residential areas, but the trail here is shielded by trees which gives the rider a remote feel. The other side of the roadway slowly turns into farmland after you cross Highway 169. It ends at Elm Creek Park Reserve where it links to other trails such as the Medicine Lake Regional Trail.

Shingle Creek Regional Trail

This branches out of the Rush Creek Trail at Noble Parkway. The trail takes you through mostly residential areas and follows Shingle Creek for a while. It tapers off to wind through the greenery and marshes of Palmer Lake Park. The trail ends at 45^th Memorial Parkway in Minneapolis. It’s a paved trail and provides access to various points of interest. Crossings are above and below grade when crossing some of the major highways.

Road Biking Opportunities

In the Minneapolis Northwest there are many ways to get around on your bike. The three communities here offer a mix multi-use trails that parallel most major roads. So its easy to get around safely and connect to other parts of the metro area. So bring your bike and spend a day, a weekend or a lifetime exploring this north west section of the Twin Cities.

Ice Cream Smiles Friday, Snow Cream Anyone?

As the snow starts falling across most of Minnesota, once again, take a break this Friday to enjoy some ice cream or maybe make your own Snow Cream?

This photo was supplied to us by the Hiawatha Bicycling Club, from a past December ride held up in the Twin Cities Gateway Area of Minnesota.

With the snow on the ground, we hope you get out on your fat bike, X-C skies, snowshoes, etc. and enjoy all the winter’s active outdoor possibilities. See many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Ice Cream Smiles Pic of the Day.

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While showcasing all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure. Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Nov 04, TGIF and Another Weekend for a Bike Ride

Thank goodness it’s Friday and another weekend in the upper Midwest to go for a bike ride. Here in this photo cyclists enjoyed riding along the Mississippi River Trail in the Twin Cities Gateway area this summer.

With the leaves turning and perfect biking weather, we hope you get out on your bike and enjoy all the fall riding possibilities and Halloween decorations along the way. See many more bike-friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Mississippi River Trail Bike Ride Pic of the Day

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.

As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Sept 14, More Perfect Bicycling Weather – Ride Safe!

More perfect bicycling weather – Ride Safe! Photo taken in the Twin Cities Gateway Area on a ride showcasing the bike friendly roads connecting to a vast system of trails. Here, driving their bikes and following road safety etiquette, members of the Hiawatha Bicycling Club rode a 32-mile loop.The route they toured passed through the towns of Anoka, Blaine, Fridley, and Ham Lake in the gateway communities.

Notice in the photo that the riders approaching the intersection’s stop light are riding two abreast and staying in the center lane to go straight through. This is a Share the Road procedure so vehicles in the right and left turning lanes are not blocked from making their turn. See more safety riding tips in this AAA Video. Want to take a cycling 101 class, see: BikeMN.org for their schedule or your state bicycle advocacy group.

See many more perfect bicycling weather tips and bike friendly places to explore, in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Perfect Bicycling Weather Pic of the Day.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Fishing Spots in the Twin Cities Gateway – By Bike

They say the best part of fishing is when your line is in the water. This is especially true if the lake or stream is close enough that you can ride your bike and fish more often. Here in the Twin Cities Gateway we found several opportunities to wet a line and catch some fish in Minnesota. So get your family and friends together, plan a route, and enjoy nature while fishing the shorelines in the these north Twin City Metro locations.

Fishing at the Coon Rapids Dam

At the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park you will find one of the most popular fishing spots in the Anoka County Area. Here, as the mighty Mississippi River flows over the dam, anglers can test their fishing tackle and luck. Fish to catch includes: Bass, Crappies, Carp, and more. With the recent high waters, a report says anglers are catching Crappies using jigs and minnows. The shoreline hot spot is above the dam, in the back waters, near the bike trail.

The Coon Rapids Dam is a fishing hot spot in the Twin Cities Gateway.

A boat ramp is located behind the Visitor Center and there is no launching fee. However, there is a fee to enter the park unless you enter the park on your bike or walk. The Visitors Center also has some bait items available.

Fishing on Ham Lake

A shoreline fishing hot spot in the Twin Cities Gateway.

One of the many shoreline fishing hot spots in the Twin Cities Gateway.

Largemouth Bass brings most anglers to Ham Lake, even though the abundant population of small Northern Pike present in this lake can be frustrating. You will also find that the Bluegill (Sunfish) here are abundant and are usually biting, whereas the Crappies are hit or miss.

This lake is located east of Highway 65 and north of 153rd Street N.E. in the City of Ham Lake, Minnesota. If you don’t have a boat, you can head over to the city park where there is a fishing pier adjacent to the boat ramp that can be promising.

Two Fishing Options on the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes

Fishing on George Watch Lake

On the Chain, just south of the city of Lino Lakes, is George Watch Lake which has Walleye, Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Bullheads, and Catfish. And, if Northern Pike are your game fish of choice, reports have it that there are plenty of them and that they are of good size.

Using a canoe or kayak is another option for fishing the hot spots in the Twin Cities Gateway.

Using a canoe or kayak is another option for fishing the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes in the Twin Cities Gateway.

In the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, operated by Anoka County, there is no boat access. However, canoe rentals are available at Wargo Nature Center. Anglers are allowed to fish from shore, but it may take a hike to reach some great sites. Fishing is also permitted from the shoreline along County Road 14. Another option, with the paved trails in the park, is to use a bike to get to other parts of the lake’s shoreline.

Fishing Peltier Lake

Across the road from Wargo Nature Center is another hot fishing spot on Peltier Lake. Here Northern Pike and Panfish are the primary target of most anglers fishing here. Walleye are present and Channel Catfish yearlings provide additional opportunities for anglers. Plus, Muskies are starting to migrating in from other lakes on the Rice Creek Chain.

This lake has good shore fishing facilities. The County has a fishing pier in the southwest corner of the lake near the boat access. Anglers often fish from the shoreline of County Road 14 near the connection with Centerville Lake. The most popular shore fishing spot may be on both sides of the dam, both upstream and in the pool downstream.

Have fun and keep your line wet!

Bike Pic Aug 18, fun on the Mississippi River Trail

Having fun on the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) riding into the Twin Cities Gateway to explore the scenic paved river routes through Anoka, Coon Rapids and Fridley, in Minnesota.

Find many more bike friendly places along the Mississippi River Trail to explore in the latest edition of the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

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

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike. While showcasing all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.

As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section here at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure. Each destination section offers printable maps of the area along with must-have information and links of where to stay and play when biking in the area. Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Twin Cities Gateway Train & Mississippi River Trail Tour

Have you ever considered riding your bike along the Mississippi River Trail (MRT)? Not sure if you have the time or ability to do a multi-day bike trip through Minnesota or a tour all the way to New Orleans? Consider trying this single day, self-guided Twin Cities Gateway Train & Trail Loop Tour.

Here cyclists depart the Northstar Train to pedal back to the Twin Cities Gateway on the Mississippi River Trail.

This single day tour is a multi-modal adventure that will give you a chance to see if riding along the MRT is right for you. With three mileage options to consider, the ride can be a fun family outing or a chance to check out bicycle touring. Also, it is a great trip to enjoy with friends. There is plenty of time to go pedaling along the river and visit a few river towns along the way.

With your bike, board the Northstar Commuter Rail for a train ride to Big Lake. Leaving from Anoka by train, it is a 25-miles ride back. Board the train in Coon Rapid for a 27-mile bike ride back. For a 36-mile route, depart from the Fridley Station and ride your bike back further down the MRT.

Riding back to the Twin Cities Gateway on the Mississippi River Trail you will pass the landscaped grounds of the Dayton Mansion.

Riding back on the Mississippi River Trail you will pass the landscaped grounds of the Dayton Mansion.

As you pedal along the Mississippi river on the MRT, visit the river communities of Elk River. Visiting Dayton and Champlin are great opportunities for a rest stop and lunch. Approaching Dayton, both the river and the MRT enters into the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area for the next 60 miles. This area is managed by the National Park Service. Riding this stretch of the Mississippi River Trail offers cyclists several spectacular views as they bike the Great River Road.

To plan a MRT Loop Tour, check the schedule of the Northstar Commuter Rail Line here. Then, download and print this PDF sheet which is a Turn-by-Turn Direction Sheet for your next Twin Cities Gateway bicycle adventure.

For map options see MnDOT’s series of bike maps by county and have fun!

Farmers’ Markets – Biking to Deliciousness

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

One of the many joys of summer is to enjoy your favorite fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden. However, not all of us have the time and space to raise these foods ourselves. That’s where farmers’ markets come into play and the Twin Cities Gateway (TCG) has you covered when you are in the area. Between the nine communities that make up the Gateway, there are six farmers’ markets for you to choose from. Great places to pick up the couple things you want for a healthy snack or a fun destination for a bike outing.

A perfect time to bike to the farmers’ market in the Twin Cities Gateway for some healthy treats.

All of these farmers’ markets are up and running, just waiting for you come and take a look around. The majority of the farmers’ markets in the TCG end in October, making them the perfect place to grab all your favorite produce during the changing seasons. Break out your bikes and take a ride to deliciousness.

Farmers’ Markets

New Brighton

3000 5th St NW New Brighton, MN 55112

From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, the New Brighton Farmers’ Market is open. A great place to get your produce for the week and more. Need to find a last minute gift for someone? Check out Mousework Glass’ stand and peruse their new pieces. Refill on some cleaning supplies with limited chemicals at the Norwex stand. If you are starting to feel the summer heat while looking at the stands upon stands of produce, grab an ice cream cone from Grandpa’s Ice Cream. Before you leave with your new treasures, grab some homemade pretzels for the road from Tübinger Bakery.

Anoka

420 E. Main Street Anoka, MN 55303
Keep away the Monday blues by paying a visit to Anoka’s Farmers’ Market on Monday afternoons from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Right in the parking lot of Lyric Arts you can get what you need for the week.

Blaine

707 89th Ave NE Blaine, MN 55434

Blaine gives you two opportunities to go to the farmers’ market. Tuesdays 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon.

Lino Lakes

7690 Village Drive Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Check out their Farmers’ Market open on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to see their freshest produce.

Shoreview

4580 Victoria Street North Shoreview, MN 44126
Shoreview is open Tuesdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. but have slightly different hours from the end of September to October.
Tuesdays from September 27 to October 18, the hours change to 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. so make sure to make note and not be late.

Fridley

6085 7th St NE Fridley, MN 55432
Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon is when you can check out Fridley’s Farmers’ Market.

So strap a basket onto your bike and grab some great food and gifts.

Twin Cities Gateway: Exploring Sports

A Bike Ride that Will Tease the Inner Psyche of Any Sports Fan

Devin Ulman, HaveFunBiking.com

With miles of bike routes and trails in the Twin Cities Gateway, the area offers sports fans many phenomenal sights and sports facilities to venture to while biking here. Many will find one complex a place worth visiting. The National Sports Center (NSC) is located in Blaine, MN and is the world’s largest amateur sport facility. Home to numerous national and international teams, the center welcomes all varieties of sports and spectators. Containing more than fifty athletic fields and a super ice rink, this sports center is a must see. Additionally, it is also home to the NSC Velodrome – for bicycle track racing. So, if you are a sports fan and biking down the Mississippi River Trail, this is one destination you won’t want to bypass.

The soccer stadium here is a sports fan haven

For any sports fan the 50-plus athletic fields and soccer stadium sets the stage for world-class tournaments.

The NSC Soccer Stadium is the most intimate sporting site in the state with each seat offering a spectacular view and excitement as the game goes on. Home to the Minnesota United FC, soccer games include U.S. Women’s National Team matches and tournaments with the English Premier League. The stadium also hosts adult and youth matches that are fun to watch.

Catch a game and cool off

For any sports fan, the Schwan Super Rink is the largest ice arena of its kind in the world.

On a hot summer day, when looking for a fun location to cool off, bike on over to the Schwan Super Rink. As the largest ice arena of its kind in the world, the super rink contains eight sheets of ice under the same roof. Four are capable of hosting NHL games and four are Olympic-sized sheets that host the USA International Hockey Cup. Perfect for fans of hockey, speed skating, figure skating, or broom ball. Numerous major events can be viewed in this unique facility.

Velodrome racing has been called the “NASCAR on Two Wheels”

NSC Velodrome racing is a perfect place for cyclists to gain an amazing experience or enjoy viewing the action during their own bicycling expedition. The only outdoor wood-plank velodrome in the United States, this exclusive track hosts numerous events for professionals and amateurs. Including Olympic and International Grand Prix events, there are also community rides and training lessons. So, for those who want to develop their biking skill and get a unique experience, check it out. If you are passionate about cycling, or just bike for recreation, then the Velodrome is a premier destination for entertainment.