Tag Archives: #twincities

Finding a birding spot in the Twin Cities Gateway is always easy along the many trails.

Six different ways to explore the Twin Cities Gateway this summer

by Jess Leong, HaveFunBiking.com

With nine communities and the National Sports Center to explore in the Twin Cities Gateway Area, you will find many fun events and family activities here while visiting. From the Gateway’s southwest border where the Mississippi River flows by, the communities offer many connecting trails to spacious parks. Many along picturesque streams with lakeside outdoor fun, you will find many options for fond memories to cherish. Here are six fun experiences – ones you never want to forget.

1: Spotting Your Feathered Friends in the Twin Cities Gateway 

A birding hotspot can be found along most of the paved bike trails that meander through the parks in Shoreview.

A birding hotspot can be found along most paved bike trails that meander through the Gateway parks.

Grab your best pair of binoculars and head out on your bike – or take your car – to see the many birds in the Twin Cities Gateway Area. While robins and finches are pretty fine, we’re talking about catching sight of Blue Herons, hawk, and eagles here. Scout the area, and maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of those great raptors and more!

 2: Throwing in a Line and Enjoying the Twin Cities Gateway 

By bike or car Twin Cities Trout Fishing at Cenaiko Lake is worth checking out.

By bike or car Twin Cities, trout Fishing at Cenaiko Lake is worth checking out.

Explore the great area lakes where you can get away from the hustle and bustle and fish in a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for the whole family. Even if fishing in the Twin Cities Gateway isn’t your thing, the beautiful landscape makes a gorgeous backdrop for picnics and outdoor events.

3: Disc Golf – Challenge Yourself and Give it Your Best Throw

Looking for disc golf fun? Here in the Twin Cities Gateway Area find several scenic and challenging disc golf parks, all easy to access from the bike friendly roads and trails there.

Looking for disc golf fun? Here in the Twin Cities Gateway Area, find several scenic and challenging disc parks, all easy to access from the bike-friendly roads and trails here.

Get out there with your best buds or your family to try your hand at the many Twin Cities Gateway disc golf courses in the area. Some of the courses will definitely give you a challenge that even the experienced player will have a run for his money. Whether you’ve done it before or not, try it out – it’s fun no matter what age you are!

4: Bike the Mississippi River Trail then return on the train 

Riders on the Train & Trail Tour arrive in Big Lake, MN for their journey back to Minneapolis.

Riders on the Train & Trail Tour arrive in Big Lake, MN, for their journey back to the Twin City Gateway.

A Multi-Modal Adventure, a great experience that can fit your needs can be difficult. But, here with the areas Train and Trail Tour you can easily find a mix of trails and adjustable bike routes, it’s easy and just plain fun, with all the Gateways bike maps available! Plus, let’s not forget the scenic route you’ll take while on the Mississippi River Trail. A fun experience anytime, it’s especially breathtaking in the fall when the autumn colors take hold.

5: Explore the Farmer’s Market – Discover Local Produce and Goods

Have yoom in your bike bag to stop at one of the many farmers market in the Twin Cities Gateway.

Have room in your bike bag to stop at one of the many farmers’ markets in the Twin Cities Gateway.

Peruse what the local farms and businesses have to offer, and you may stumble upon fun surprises and foods that you might not have known existed. You thought that yellow watermelon was photoshopped? Or root beer honey was a joke? Think again! You never know what you might find there in the Twin Cities Gateway farmers markets scheduled throughout the week.

 

A fairytale come true at any age, with superb entrees and desserts, in the Twin Cities Gateway.

A fairytale come true at any age, with superb entrees and desserts, in the Twin Cities Gateway. 

So pick some activities to try in the Twin Cities Gateway this year, and have some fun!

Jess Leong is a writer for HaveFunBiking.com.

Ice Cream Smiles and Open Streets Minneapolis pare well.

Ice Cream Smiles Friday and Open Streets Minneapolis pair well

Our Ice Cream Smiles Friday and Open Streets Minneapolis pair well as this photo shot at the Franklin Avenues event demonstrates.

Open Streets Minneapolis is a Twin City community activity in its sixth year, the event covered eight Minneapolis locations through the 2016 summer bringing together community groups and local businesses.

With the leaves turning, we hope you get out on your bike and enjoy a fall ride in Minnesota. See many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. 

Thanks for viewing our Ice Cream Smiles Friday 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!

Ice Cream Smiles Friday at the Ben & Jerry's Stand on Franklin Avenue, in Minneapolis, MN.

Ice Cream Smiles Friday at Open Streets in the Twin Cities

Ice Cream Smiles Friday at the Ben & Jerry’s Stand at Open Streets on Franklin Avenue, in Minneapolis, MN.

Here Are Two Open Streets Events This Sunday

Open Streets Minneapolis on Nicollet Avenue is this Sunday, September 18th, between Lake St & W 46th St in Minneapolis, MN.  from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open Streets Minneapolis is the perfect chance to promote healthy living, local businesses, sustainable transportation and civic pride in Minneapolis. On multiple days throughout the year, we create miles of safe, car-free streets so that residents of all ages can walk, bike, shop, participate in spontaneous play activities, and get to know one another.

Open Streets at Penn Fest is also this Sunday, September 18, Noon to 4 p.m. From Crosstown Highway 75th Street along Penn Ave, Richfield, MN 

Sometimes, Penn Avenue in Richfield is fairly quiet, and sometimes it’s bumper-to-bumper with cars, but neither will be the case on Sunday, September 18 from Noon to 4:00 pm. That’s when Open Streets at Penn Fest happens. On that day, Penn Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic and cars will be replaced with fun activities like music, dancing, crafts, sports, kids entertainment and more! People are welcome to ride bicycles or stroll down the avenue to enjoy the street without motorized vehicles to contend with. Businesses along Penn Avenue will be showcased and will be a part of the fun!

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

Thanks for viewing this Open Streets 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!