You’ve probably heard people call Minneapolis and St. Paul the "Mini Apple" or some other cheesy marketing nickname, but honestly, if you aren't on two wheels, you're missing the point of these cities. Most tourists get stuck in a rental car on I-94, staring at concrete barriers and wondering why everyone talks about the "lakes." That’s a mistake. To really feel the pulse of the place, you need a Twin Cities bike tour. It sounds cliché until you realize this metro area consistently ranks at the top of the PeopleForBikes ratings and the League of American Bicyclists' charts.
It's about the infrastructure.
Minneapolis alone has over 200 miles of paths. St. Paul is catching up fast with the Grand Round. When you combine them, you get this massive, interconnected web of paved trails that makes most other American cities look like they’re stuck in 1950.
The Grand Round is kind of a big deal
If you're planning a Twin Cities bike tour, you have to start with the Grand Round Scenic Byway. It’s a 50-mile loop. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do the whole thing in one go unless you’re trying to prove something to your Strava followers. The most iconic stretch is the Chain of Lakes.
Biking around Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun), Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles is basically a local rite of passage. On a Saturday in July, it’s chaotic. You’ll see elite cyclists in full spandex flying past families with ice cream-covered toddlers. It’s a vibe. But the real magic happens when you head toward the Mississippi River Gorge. The views from the bluffs near the University of Minnesota are world-class. You’re looking down at this massive, powerful river while pedaling through a canopy of oak and maple trees.
One thing people get wrong: they think it’s all flat. It isn't. While the lakes are easy cruising, the river banks have some sneaky climbs that will remind you that you haven't been hitting the cardio as hard as you thought.
Why the Midtown Greenway changed everything
You can't talk about a Twin Cities bike tour without mentioning the Midtown Greenway. It’s a 5.5-mile "bike freeway" built in an old railroad trench. Because it’s below street level, there are no stoplights. Zero. You can blast from the West End all the way to the river without touching your brakes. It’s functional, but it’s also a gallery of local street art.
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If you’re doing a self-guided Twin Cities bike tour, use the Greenway to cut across town. It connects the lakes to the river. It’s also where you’ll find the "Bike Center," which offers rentals and repairs if you didn’t bring your own rig.
Crossing the river into St. Paul
St. Paul has a different energy. It’s older, twistier, and honestly, a bit hillier. If Minneapolis is the cool, modern sibling, St. Paul is the one with the dusty library and the hidden speakeasy.
The Gateway State Trail is the crown jewel here. It starts in the city and stretches 18 miles out to Stillwater. But for a shorter Twin Cities bike tour, stick to Summit Avenue. It is, without exaggeration, one of the best-preserved Victorian residential streets in the country. You’re riding past F. Scott Fitzgerald’s old haunts and massive stone mansions that look like they belong in a Gilded Age drama.
- Pro tip: Stop at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Even if you aren't religious, the architecture is wild.
- The Descent: Ride down Ramsey Hill if you’re brave, but check your brake pads first. It’s steep.
Where to get a decent bike
Not everyone wants to pack a bike box and deal with TSA. I get it.
The "Nice Ride" bike-share program was a staple for years, but things shifted recently. Now, you’re mostly looking at Lime or Veo for those quick, app-based rentals. They’re fine for a three-mile jaunt, but if you want a real Twin Cities bike tour experience, go to a local shop.
One on One Bicycle Studio in Minneapolis is legendary. It’s half-coffee shop, half-bike graveyard/museum, and all-around cool. They know the trails better than anyone. Tangletown Bike Shop is another solid choice if you’re near the lakes. Renting a high-quality hybrid or road bike for $50 a day is a much better investment than struggling with a heavy, one-speed scooter-bike that’s been left in a snowbank.
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The "Fat Bike" obsession
We need to talk about winter.
Most people assume cycling season ends in October. In Minnesota? Not a chance. The Twin Cities bike tour market actually pivots to fat biking in December. These bikes have tires that are four or five inches wide. They look ridiculous. They ride like tanks. But on a groomed snow trail at Theodore Wirth Park, it’s pure joy.
The Loppet Foundation manages miles of winter-specific trails. If you’ve never biked on snow, it’s quiet. Muffled. It feels like you’re floating. Just wear wool. Seriously. No cotton.
Safety and the "Minnesota Nice" myth
Let’s be real for a second. Even in a bike-friendly metro, drivers can be distracted. The infrastructure—protected lanes with plastic bollards or concrete curbs—is great, but you still have to pay attention at intersections.
The "Minnesota Nice" thing applies to bikes too. People will usually give you space, but they might also be passive-aggressive if you blow through a four-way stop when it wasn't your turn. Just follow the rules of the road. Use hand signals.
Hidden gems you won't find on a map
Every Twin Cities bike tour should include a stop at a brewery. It’s basically the law here.
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Surly Brewing Co. is right off the Transitway (a bus-only road that bikes can use). It’s huge. It has a massive "beer garden" where you can park your bike and grab a slice of pizza. For something more low-key, hit up Pryes Brewing near the river. They have indoor featherbowling, which is basically bocce ball but weirder.
If you want nature without leaving the city, bike through the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. It’s tucked away in Wirth Park. It’s the oldest public wildflower garden in the U.S., and it feels like you stepped into a fairy tale.
Essential gear for your ride
Don't overcomplicate it. You aren't climbing the Alps.
- A U-lock. Cable locks are basically gift-wrapping for bike thieves.
- Water. Even though there are fountains at most parks, they’re often shut off in the early spring or late fall to prevent frozen pipes.
- The "Twin Cities Bike Map." You can find physical copies at most libraries or shops, and it’s way better than relying on Google Maps, which occasionally tries to send you down a staircase.
How to structure your day
Start at 9:00 AM at the Stone Arch Bridge. It’s the only bridge of its kind over the Mississippi. You get the best view of the St. Anthony Falls. From there, follow the West River Parkway south. It’s all downhill or flat.
By noon, you should be at Minnehaha Falls. It’s a 53-foot waterfall in the middle of the city. Grab lunch at Sea Salt Eatery—the fish tacos are worth the 30-minute line.
After lunch, cross the Ford Parkway bridge into St. Paul. Follow Mississippi River Boulevard. The trees overarch the road, creating a green tunnel. It’s spectacular in the fall. Loop back via the Greenway if you’re staying in Minneapolis. That’s a solid 20-mile day.
Actionable steps for your Twin Cities bike tour
If you’re ready to roll, don't just wing it.
- Download the "Ride with GPS" app. Look for public routes tagged with "Grand Round" or "Midtown Greenway."
- Check the trail closures. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website is the source of truth for construction detours.
- Book your rental in advance. Especially during events like the Twin Cities Marathon or the Five Boro-style "Bike Tour" events, inventory disappears.
- Pack a light shell. The weather near the lakes can be 10 degrees cooler than the pavement in the North Loop.
The Twin Cities aren't meant to be seen from a car window. You need the wind in your face and the occasional bug in your teeth. That’s the real Minnesota experience.