Tag Archives: Twin Cities Gateway

Biking to Good Times – Stockyard Days

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

The Twin Cities Gateway is known for having nine wonderful communities. In typical Minnesota hometown fashion, they each have a festival. This weekend kicks off nine days of fun in New Brighton. Stockyard Days, in their 35th year, will be fun for the entire family, taking place in Long Lake Regional Park. Ride your bike or come by car to this celebration. You won’t want to skip it.

Sunday at Stockyard Days

Sunday, August 7th starts off the events with a golf tournament at Brightwood Hills Golf Course. Gather a team of four to play and vie for one of many prizes, including best team name. There will also be prizes for men and women for closest to the pin, longest drive, and longest putt. The tournament starts at 8 a.m. so join in the fun or come watch some great golf.

Stockyard Days bike sprints will give you a taste of NASCAR Racing on two wheels.

Sunday is also the date of the first annual Bike Sprints. The racing starts at 10 a.m. and is an event you will want to attend. The high energy surrounding the event with cyclists whizzing by as fast as they can, fills everyone attending with excitement.

Monday

Monday, August 8th, at 5 p.m. opens the Medallion Hunt. Clues are posted at City Hall each day and participants search the 12 city parks and the community center to find the Medallion. The winner is presented with $125, but here’s a tip. If you plan on participating, buy a button by August 7th to double the prize.

Wednesday is Kids Day

If you and the kids can only make it to Stockyard Days one day, make it Wednesday. That night is when the kiddie parade takes place, ending in the park. Kids get to dress up in costumes and decorate their bikes to ride through the parade route. Prizes go to best costume and best bike decoration. That night BikeMN will be putting on a bike rodeo for kids. Here they will learn more about safety while biking and practice the new skills they learned. The fun continues in the park with a screening of Disney’s movie “Zootopia”.

Thursday

Mark your calendar for Thursday at 6 p.m. since this is the day that The Stockyard Days parade rolls through town. See businesses, politicians, clowns, bands, and visiting royalty. The parade makes for a great Thursday night and a good way to snag some candy.

Friday

Friday night kicks off the street dances. Live music in the park by Bad Girlfriends will have you singing and dancing along to a variety of music. From the bands Journey to Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Maroon 5 to Dixie Chicks, and everything in between, it promises to be a great night.

Saturday

Saturday really packed in the events. Starting with the 5K, 10K, Kid’s run in the morning. Then, the New London to New Brighton Car Run will take place. Check out classic cars as they drive through town. In the park from 3 to 6 p.m. is a fantastic one man band, Wayne and the Boys, with a great taste in music. Fireworks will be at dusk to “oo” and “ah” the crowd. Finally, Ladies of the 80’s band will wrap up the night from 7 to 11 p.m. with a great tribute to music legends across the decades.

Sunday

Wave and cheer on the Stockyard Days Parade Royalty.

Wave and cheer on the New Brighton Ambassadors at the parade.

Sunday, August 14th starts with a car show and swap meet in the park. At noon, head over to the semi-finals of the talent show. The final round begins at 3 p.m., to find the winner of New Brighton Idol. The festival ends with the crowning of the 2017 New Brighton Ambassadors.

Bike over to the Twin Cities Gateway for a week filled with fun, food, and music.

Bike Pic August 2, BikeMN angel looking out for MRT riders safety

Here cyclists enjoying the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) with the BikeMN angel (van) looking out for their safety. This HFB photo was taken on June 25, as riders rode back from Big Lake, MN to Minneapolis on the Train & Trail Tour. See all the photos at HaveFunBiking’s Facebook Page Photo Gallery.

BikeMN (Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota) has a vision to make “Minnesota a place where bicycling is a easy, safe, and fun for everyone.”

Find many more bike friendly places to 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!

Enjoying the Parks by Bike – Coon Rapids

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

Biking along the Mississippi River Trail (MRT), you will find many great communities to explore. One of which is the great Coon Rapids, MN a wonderful town with great parks to keep you entertained. While enjoying the 40 miles of bike trails surrounding the city of Coon Rapids, take some detours through a few of the 40+ parks there.

Lions Coon Creek Park

With large play structure and plenty of bike trails, Lions Park is a fun place to visit.

As the park with the largest play structure in Coon Rapids, everyone will love Lions Coon Creek Park. Bring your lunch with you to enjoy in one of the picnic shelters in between the activities that can be done there. The park totals about 15 acres and has features for park-goers of all ages. Kids will love the playground and parents will love the walking trails. Get some friends together for a great game of bocce, basketball, or volleyball. After a round or two, then unpack that lunch and take a bite to eat before the next game.

Bunker Beach

Feeling like a cool challenge is in order, take a chance in the park walking the “wiggly water walk”

On a hot summer day, the perfect place to cool off is at Bunker Beach. Bike there from the MRT or from your hotel. From a playground and sand volleyball court to the lazy river and water slides, Bunker Beach has something for everyone. Afterward, check out the wave pool where three-foot waves run for fifteen minutes intervals every ten minutes. For extra fun try out the waves on a tube. For those feeling a bit adventurous, take a chance walking the “wiggly water walk” in the plunge pool. Here, you can balance your way across lily pads using only the cargo net above as a source of stability.

Dog Parks

Bring your furry friend with you on your next bike ride and stop by the Dog Park in Coon Rapids. A great place for you to enjoy the fresh air and let your dog roam and interact with other dogs. Open from 6 a.m. to half an hour past sunset, this is a wonderful place to let your dog run free. The dog park also has a large off-the-leash area.

So the next time you are biking near Coon Rapids swing by one of the city’s parks for a great time.

The Art of Biking- all things Fridley

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) takes cyclists through the remarkable art communities that create the Twin Cities Gateway. One of these nine communities is the city of Fridley, MN just north of downtown Minneapolis. Here the community offers a one of a kind experience for art and bike lovers alike. From live theatre to a stunning gallery, everyone will feel inspired after taking a look at the creative scene in bike-friendly Fridley.

Banfill-Locke Center for Art

Enjoy the beautiful garden as you enter the the Banfill-Locke Center for the Art in Fridley.

Enjoy the beautiful garden as you enter the Banfill-Locke Center for the Art in Fridley.

Just off of the MRT the Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts makes a great rest stop on your bike ride. Stop in to cool off and admire the works in the gallery. Maybe pick up a gift for another art lover in their gift shop. If seeing all the collections inspires you, consider making the trip to Banfill-Locke regularly and sign up for a class. Find a class that would best fit your schedule, from a single lesson to an eight week workshop. The Banfill-Locke Center has classes in literary, visual, and self-discovery arts. The center also allows poetry enthusiasts to appreciate the art live by bringing in local poets.

The Banfill-Locke Center for the Art’s newest exhibit opens on July 30 with a reception open to the public. This new exhibition “Art of Darkness” features a variety of pieces all inspired by the paranormal. This exhibit will be open until August 27th.

Fridley Community Theatre

Come by bike or car the “Lady Pirates of Captain Bree” is a show you are sure, to not want to miss.

Along with wonderful art, Fridley also has a renowned community theatre. With three productions a year, the community theatre works hard to bring wonderful live theatre to its audience. For this year’s summer production the actors are grabbing their eye patches and are prepared for “The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree”. The show opened last weekend, but don’t worry if you missed it. There are three more shows this weekend. Watch the promo clip to get a taste of what to look forward to in the show on their website.

So bike on over to Fridley to get your fill of all things art.

The Art of Biking – all things Anoka

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

When biking down the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) or staying overnight in the Twin Cities Gateway Area, spend some time enjoying Anoka’s amazing art scene. Discover the art of biking between the Rum River Art Center and the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage. It’s the perfect stop along on the way.

Biking to the Rum River Art Center

The Rum River Art Center has classes for you to “brush up” on your painting and other skills – photo ABC Newspaper

The Rum River Art Center has classes for you to “brush up” on your painting and other skills. These classes range from painting to clay, for a variety of ages. Bike over to the RRAC for one of the Adult Meditative coloring class. Or, if you are a Lord of the Rings fan, head over for Tolkien Tuesdays. Summer workshops are a great way to keep the kids entertained while teaching them art skills. These art camps allow you, or your kids, to take classes on what you are most interested in. From animal drawing to Pokémon, polymer clay and even mosaic stained glass, everyone will have fun while making their artwork.

Biking to the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage

"Nice Work If You Can Get It" is now showing Now showing at the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, in Anoka.

“Nice Work If You Can Get It” is now showing at the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, in Anoka.

The Lyric Arts Main Street Stage brings you a wonderful theatre experience right in downtown Anoka. Stop by to admire the mural on the side of the building. If you go on a Monday you can enjoy Anoka’s farmer’s market in the theatre’s parking lot. Love what you see on the outside of the building, then come back for one of their shows.

Lyric Arts’ current play is “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” Along with theatre productions, they have several summer workshops on a variety of topics for all ages. From sketch and improv comedy to singing and dancing lessons, these workshops are great for kids during the summer or anyone wanting to get involved with theatre.

Apart from theatre productions, Lyric Arts also has their “Music in the ‘Burbs” concert series. Relish an evening of music by local artists from around Minnesota on the Lyric Arts stage for an intimate concert. Some scheduled artists include Kat Perkins and Tonic Sol Fa.

So bike on over to Anoka and get your fill of all things art.

An easy bike ride to the “Slice” of Shoreview

Are you planning on visiting or looking for something to do in the north side of Minnesota’s Twin Cities Metro Area next weekend with your bike? If so, check out the popular ‘Slice of Shoreview‘ see (map). One of nine entertaining towns of the Twin Cities Gateway Area, this event on July 22nd to July 24th is at Island Lake County Park and gets better each year.

The Slice of Shoreview

The “Slice of Shoreview” is held at Island Lake County Park with music each day.

It’s an annual festival held to celebrate life in Shoreview. The “Slice”, as it has come to be known, takes place over a weekend of July. It incorporates a wide variety of family-oriented activities. Some of which include a carnival, parade, arts/crafts fair, food vendors, helicopter rides, various displays, and demonstrations. Not to mention lots of entertainment from talent shows, the Rockin Hollywoods, and, of-course, fireworks. Since the late 1990’s, it has taken place at Island Lake Park at the intersection of Interstate 694 and Victoria Street, in Shoreview.

You will find many flavors of good things to eat at the “Slice of Shoreview”.

The name Shoreview came from the range of hills surrounding the center of the area while overlooking the lakes there. Today, you can experience numerous attractions that this picturesque city has to offer. Just ten miles north of both Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Shoreview is set amidst a beautiful natural landscape for riding your bike, playing golf and having fun.

Come by bike, the “Slice of Shoreview” is easy to get to and has free bike parking.

Shoreview’s beautiful environment includes lakes, parks, wetlands, and open space areas. There are eleven lakes here including three with public beaches. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation in 14 parks and the City has more than 50 miles of trails and sidewalks. And, don’t forget about the Slice of Shoreview Days, a weekend full of fun featuring an art fair, parade, and more for the whole family. See a full schedule for “Slice” here. Have Fun!

Find many more bike friendly places at Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

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 June 28, velodrome fun Thursday evenings in Blaine

Here each Thursday evening, in the Twin Cities Gateway community of Blaine, at the National Sports Center Velodrome the ladies have some fun out on the track in between several men’s races. The Gateway Area, just north of downtown Minneapolis, offers several lodging opportunities and attractions for visitors to the Twin Cities, year-round.

MN Bike 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!

Bike Pic June 24, ice cream smiles Friday!

Here a family, coming out of Two Scoops Ice Cream Shop in Historic Downtown Anoka, smiles enjoying a summer treat. Anoka is one of nine bike friendly communities in the Twin Cities Gateway area.

MN Bike 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!

A Mississippi River Trail bike loop in one of our National Parks

An experience you are sure to want share is biking along Ol’ Man River. Ol’ Man River is a National Park treasure you will discover while visiting the Twin Cities Gateway. If you are new to the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) system, this segment of the trail offers the perfect round-the-river bike loop with a 13 and 26-mile option. This is a great choice for nature lovers and families alike showcasing some of the best the river has to offer.

MRT Loop a part of the Mississippi River Recreation Area

In the middle of a bustling Minnesota urban setting is the scenic MRT. MRT is a part of the 72-mile Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service (NSP). The trail starts in the historic downtown area of Anoka (a Gateway City at the point where the Rum and Mississippi Rivers meet). Here, cyclists can consider a number of unique eating establishments, before or after their ride.

Touring this MRT Loop offers a chance to pedal through several parks, a national wildlife refuge, and along city streets. These streets are filled with stunning homes with beautiful landscapes. Beginning in historic downtown Anoka, the suggested route takes the East MRT Trail along the quiet city streets there. You will pass through the historic Christian Hill and McCauley’s Pond neighborhoods. Soon riders are cruising along a trail that parallels the local boulevard in the Gateway City of Coon Rapids. Then, along Mississippi Boulevard, a low traffic street that takes you to the Coon Rapids Dam, your first river crossing option.

Bike riding the Mississippi River Trail, in Twin Cities Gateway community of Coon Rapid, MN.

Coon Rapids Dam makes the perfect place for a picnic

Here, seven miles into the ride, you will find the perfect place to bring a picnic lunch or cross over the river, for the 14-mile loop. The dam, built in the early 1900’s, today offers some of the best bird watching in the Twin Cities Metro Area. The 446-acre park boasts an extensive trail system. This is great for bicyclists, roller-bladders, and hikers alike.

For those riding the 26-mile loop, continue along the MRT‘s East bank trail. You will be riding from one river community neighborhood to the next. Soon you are in the Gateway City of Fridley. This is the halfway point of your ride where you will head North after crossing the I-694/Mississippi River Bridge crossing. Now, on the West bank, the MRT takes you back up to the Coon Rapids Dam. Then, the trail continues up to Champlin, where the Loop crosses Hwy 169/Bridge into Anoka.

For more information on the MRT and the Twin Cities Gateway, click here.