Check Out These 9 Minnesota Bike Trails For Families

Looking for a fun and healthy way to spend time with your family in the Twin Cities? Look no further than these fantastic Minnesota Bike Trails for families! Whether you’re a family of seasoned cyclists or just looking to enjoy the great outdoors together, the Twin Cities is home to some of Minnesota’s best kid-friendly bike trails. These paths offer the perfect combination of scenic beauty and safety for cyclists, ensuring an enjoyable ride for parents and kids alike. From lakeside trails to lush parkways, each route provides unique sights and plenty of opportunities for adventure. So grab your helmets, pack some snacks, and get ready to explore 9 of the best bike trails for kids in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the greater Twin Cities metro. Each one will surely help you create unforgettable memories for you and your family!

Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail

Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, part of the Three Rivers Park District, stretches over 15 miles between Hopkins and Carver Park Reserve. Along the way, the trail offers stunning views of Lake Minnetonka. This well-maintained aggregate trail also passes through the charming communities of Minnetonka, Deephaven, Greenwood, Excelsior, Shorewood, and Victoria. It’s the perfect trail for a day of enchanting downtowns, lake views, and fun days pedaling in the sun.

Alternatively, for those seeking a bit more adventure, pack a tent and spend the night under the stars. If you love to combine biking and camping, reserve a spot at Lake Auburn Campground! Accessible from the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, the bike campsite features a commons area with a fire ring, picnic tables, a bike rack, and access to all the facilities of Carver Park Reserve. Without a doubt, this is one of the best Twin Cities bike trails for families who love camping!

person biking on dakota regional trail — Photo Courtesy: Three Rivers Park District

Dakota Rail Regional Trail

Those looking for kid-friendly bike trails in the Twin Cities west metro will adore the Dakota Rail Regional Trail. Part of the Three Rivers Park District, this trail offers spectacular views of Lake Minnetonka as it follows the former Dakota Rail Corridor. This 13.5-mile paved trail winds through Wayzata, Orono, Minnetonka Beach, Spring Park, Mound, Minnetrista, St. Bonifacius, Mayer, New Germany, and Lester Prairie. As such, the trail provides a scenic journey through both urban and rural landscapes.

Related Article: 11 Best Places to Visit in Minnesota with Kids

If you want a longer ride, an additional 12.5 miles of paved trail extends west from St. Bonifacius to Mayer in Carver County. Approved activities for this multi-use trail include walking, hiking, biking, running, dog walking (on a 6′ leash), inline skating, and roller skiing. Keep in mind, that cross traffic does not stop at trail intersections, so trail users must obey all signage and stop at each road crossing.

Minnesota Bike Trails: Cedar Lake Regional Trail

Following former Great Northern and Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway lines, Cedar Lake Regional Trail runs from downtown Minneapolis to the western suburbs. Managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the trail’s eastern portion stretches between West River Parkway and the city’s western boundary. On the eastern side, the trail connects downtown, passing under Target Field, and through Bryn Mawr Meadows Park, Cedar Lake, Kenwood Parkway, and Parade Park. West of Minneapolis, the trail continues through St. Louis Park and Hopkins, where it is managed by Three Rivers Park District. This extensive trail network offers seamless connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians, making it a popular route for families, as well as commuting and overall recreation. The paved trail is 4.5 miles.

Notably, as the nation’s first federally funded bicycle commuter trail, Cedar Lake Regional Trail is also known as the first “bicycle freeway,” featuring separate one-way lanes for bike traffic and a parallel lane for pedestrians. This trail is a key part of Hennepin County’s trail network, linking four major trails: North Cedar Lake Regional Trail, Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail, Midtown Greenway, and Kenilworth Trail. With so many connection options, it’s quickly become a favorite bike trail for families in the Twin Cities looking to explore the area on wheels.

Please note that recent light rail construction has impacted part of Cedar Lake Regional Trail. Check for trail closure updates here.

Luce Line State Trail

From the heart of the city to the edge of the Minnesota Prairie, the Luce Line State Trail offers a seamless transition from urban to rural landscapes that will delight all ages. While you pedal along, enjoy scenic views from wooden bridges overlooking Bassett Creek marshlands, with Medicine Lake on the horizon. Then, as you journey through Plymouth and Golden Valley, you’ll enter Minneapolis via Theodore Wirth Park. A short ride from Wirth Park you can enjoy a lovely view of the Minneapolis skyline and easy access to major connections like the Cedar Lake Trail, Grand Rounds, and the Midtown Greenway.

The Luce Line Regional Trail is managed by the Three Rivers Park District and is part of the larger state trail system. It offers a shorter, paved, 9-mile option that is great for cyclists of all ages and features many of the aforementioned sights and experiences!

Meanwhile, for those seeking more adventure while exploring one of the best bike trails near Minneapolis for families, the Luce Line State Trail extends west of Vicksburg Lane, offering over 60 miles of crushed limestone trail through the Minnesota Prairie, nearly reaching Hutchinson. This 63-mile former railroad grade is a multi-use trail, perfect for biking, hiking, mountain biking, and more. This part of the trail features various surfaces, including crushed limestone, paved sections, crushed rock, and natural mowed grass, catering to diverse outdoor activities and connecting urban explorers to the tranquil countryside. Find a map of the trail to learn more about the terrain here.

Midtown Greenway

If you’re looking for some of the best Minneapolis bike trails for older kids and teens, you’re going to want to add this one to your list! Start your journey at West River Parkway and E 27th Street, where street parking is available, and hop onto the Midtown Greenway bike trail near the Mississippi River. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile former railroad corridor in south Minneapolis, offering barrier-free bicycling. On weekends, this popular trail is bustling with bikers, walkers, and inline skaters, featuring two-way lanes for wheels and a separate lane for pedestrians. Thus, it may be best for older, more confident cyclists.

This trail stretch ends at Lake of the Isles Park, between Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska. Luckily for families, this 10-mile round-trip route is perfectly flat and smooth, with only a slight incline at one point (over the bridge at Hwy 55). Alternatively, if you don’t want to head back to the start, the trail continues for another mile or so to Chowen Avenue, where it merges with the Cedar Lake Regional Trail. The Midtown Greenway also connects to the West River Parkway Trail, providing easy access to Minnehaha Regional Park, downtown Minneapolis, and the University of Minnesota.

Owned by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority and maintained by the City of Minneapolis, this trail is grade-separated from the street grid, ensuring safe, uninterrupted travel. No wonder this is a preferred Twin Cities bike trail with families.
Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail

Operated by the Three Rivers Park District, the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail winds through Richfield, Edina, Hopkins, and Minnetonka, offering a picturesque biking route for all ages. Experience the journey as the reward on the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, where you’ll pedal past the creek, serene wetlands, and lush woodlands along 15.3 miles of paved trails. This trail even spans over a charming wooden boardwalk! While the trail welcomes walkers and roller skaters, it is primarily enjoyed by cyclists. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best bike trails near Minneapolis for families.

For convenient parking and trail access in Richfield, Adams Hill Park and Roosevelt Park are excellent options. Want to extend your adventure? From the Richfield end, cyclists can easily access the Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail, leading north to Lake Nokomis or south to the Minnesota River, allowing for extended biking adventures.

Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Trail

One of the most scenic bike routes in Minnesota is also one of the best Minneapolis bike trails for kids! Enter Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Trail. The trail encircles Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet, connecting each lake with trails that showcase stunning waterfront views. The entire Chain of Lakes bike loop, which is part of the Minneapolis Grand Rounds, covers approximately 10 miles of paved trail. Each lake loop is around 3 miles long, allowing flexibility to customize your ride based on your family’s interests (or cycling stamina).

Cycling the Chain of Lakes loop offers a unique way to connect with Minneapolis’ vibrant outdoor scene. The trail smoothly navigates around each of the lakes and offers striking views of the downtown skyline. Additionally, dedicated paths for bikers and pedestrians ensure safety, with clear signage and well-maintained connections between the lakes. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most beloved series of bike trails in the Twin Cities for families!

For a starting point, choose any spot along this loop trail that suits your family’s preferences. Though, consider finishing your ride at Bde Maka Ska, where you can cool off at one of several beaches. Or, opt for an evening ride and enjoy music and movies at the Lake Harriet Park Band Shell on select summer nights. Check here for event details.

Minnesota Bike Trails: Rush Creek Regional Trail

The Rush Creek Regional Trail offers a 9.9-mile paved scenic journey from Elm Creek Park Reserve to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. This smooth, wide, and mostly flat trail winds through forests, cities, and farmland, connecting some of Hennepin County’s most family-friendly parks.

As one of the best Twin Cities bike trails for families, early morning rides on Rush Creek Regional Trail are perfect for wildlife encounters. Kids will adore spotting all sorts of small animals and birds as they pedal (or ride) along. Then, despite some of its suburban setting in the beginning, tree plantings provide a sense of seclusion. Then, the trail then transitions into farmland as it crosses Highway 169 before briefly returning to residential areas.

The trail concludes at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, where it links to additional trails like the Medicine Lake Regional Trail. Finally, clear signage throughout makes it welcoming for a variety of users.

Paul Bunyon State Trail

The Paul Bunyan State Trail, extending 115 miles from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park, is the longest state trail in Minnesota and the longest continuously paved rail trail in the country. Not to mention, one of the best Minnesota bike trails with kids! Connecting to the 8-mile Heartland State Trail and the Blue Ox Trail at Lake Bemidji State Park, it offers diverse biking opportunities for all skill levels and ages.

Perfect for both long-distance bikers and families seeking a smooth, scenic ride, the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail is a cyclist’s dream. The trail boasts the beauty of the Brainerd Lakes area, surrounded by trees, lakes, and unique wildlife. In mid-summer, families can even cool off in one of the many lakes or take a break at a shaded trailside rest stop.

Before heading out, check the trail maps to plan your trip and find the best starting point. With 16 trail towns along the way, you’ll find plenty of amenities, including lodging, dining, picnic areas, and swimming spots. This is undoubtedly one trail you plan a family cycling vacation around!

Have Fun Biking in the Twin Cities with Your Kids!

We hope this list of kid-friendly bike trails in the Twin Cities helps you plan incredible adventures with your family. Each trail offers its own unique charm and scenic beauty for a day of family fun and biking. As you explore some of the best Minnesota bike trails with kids, you’ll undoubtedly create lasting memories, all while enjoying the natural beauty our state has to offer. So, gear up and get ready for fun-filled rides with your family!

Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.