This route highlights paths along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Paved paths follow the historic and mighty Mississippi River from the Ford Bridge to the Washington Bridge, along the West River Parkway and East River Parkway. Overall, one can do a loop of nearly 9 miles, with lots of options for loops using the numerous bridges crossing the river. The views are spectacular on both sides, arguably the best views being from Franklin Bridge to the north. Note: there are a couple of road sections.
We recommend starting at Plymouth Ave. near downtown Minneapolis and including St. Anthony’s Stone Arch Bridge (Note: This pedestrian bridge was built with a 6-degree curve at its west end to enable its work around St. Anthony Falls and is a National Historical Civil Engineering landmark). You are treated to great views, with Guthrie Theatre and the old Mill City to the west bank, looking over the St. Anthony Falls. The only downside is that paths are not so well connected north from the Washington Bridge, so you’ll need to incorporate some road.
It is also possible to continue south of Riverside Park along West River Parkway, as far as Minnehaha Park — about 4 miles. The road has some water views, and a dedicated path in parts.
This route highlights paths along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Paved paths follow the historic and mighty Mississippi River from the Ford Bridge to the Washington Bridge, along the West River Parkway and East River Parkway. Overall, one can do a loop of nearly 9 miles, with lots of options for loops using the numerous bridges crossing the river. The views are spectacular on both sides, arguably the best views being from Franklin Bridge to the north. Note: there are a couple of road sections.
We recommend starting at Plymouth Ave. near downtown Minneapolis and including St. Anthony’s Stone Arch Bridge (Note: This pedestrian bridge was built with a 6-degree curve at its west end to enable its work around St. Anthony Falls and is a National Historical Civil Engineering landmark). You are treated to great views, with Guthrie Theatre and the old Mill City to the west bank, looking over the St. Anthony Falls. The only downside is that paths are not so well connected north from the Washington Bridge, so you’ll need to incorporate some road.
It is also possible to continue south of Riverside Park along West River Parkway, as far as Minnehaha Park — about 4 miles. The road has some water views, and a dedicated path in parts.
The signature run in Minneapolis. Run loops around adjacent Lake Bde Make Sa, Lake of the Isles, and Lake Harriet, with Cedar Lake as a bonus. Combine three lakes for a 10-mile loop. Lake views, parks, lovely homes, skyline views!
This scenic pathway stretches from Lake Harriet to Minnehaha Park from west to east. We recommend the 7.4 mile lake loop, including Lake Nokomis and the Minnehaha Parkway.
A paved multi-use trail in Minneapolis that connects the Mississippi River Trails in the east to the Chain of Lakes paths in the west. It’s ~6 miles one-way through the heart of downtown, roughly paralleling Lake Street. Bonus: lit at night and cleared of snow!
Arguably the best choice for a lake run in St. Paul. The loop around the lake is 1.7 miles and for the longer run, connect to the trails in Como Park at south.
Summit Avenue stretches from the Mississippi River in the west towards St. Paul downtown. The tree-lined street and path passes the most prestigious homes in the city. Nice option to add on a jaunt to the State Capitol.
One can put together an interesting run in downtown St. Paul. Enjoy a jaunt along the Capitol mall and the pretty residential area to the east. Also several paths under the bridges: Upper Landing Park on the north side and Harriet Island Park on the south side.
A pleasant 3-mile paved path around the perimeter of this lake, located in northeastern St. Paul. There are water views for a good part of the loop. It is quite hilly in sections! Add another mile with a loop around Round Lake!
Beautiful park located near the airport. 18 miles of paved and gravel running trails including a great 3.6 mile route from historic Fort Snelling and around Pike Island.
Located in the heart of Bloomington, about 15 miles southwest from Minneapolis downtown. Offers great scenery of prairie landscapes and a major body of water. Various trails and options.
Paved multi-use trail that runs for 19 miles between St. Paul and Pine Point Regional Park. The trail becomes increasingly rural as you head north of the city, combining wooded sections with open parks and farmland.
63-mile 'rail trail' is a great way to access some of the beautiful countryside from near MSP. Combination of surfaces and terrain, from woodland to open fields. Runs from Plymouth to Cedar Mills, though there's access in Theodore Wirth State Park.
This 2,165-acre preserve, located 10 miles east of St. Paul, is a great spot for a destination run. 30 miles of trails over a gentle rolling hill landscape with a mix of lakes, woods, and prairie. Paved multi-use trails and more rugged, hilly trails.
Historic Stillwater is a worth-it spot for a destination run! Enjoy the 4.7-mile St. Croix Loop Trail, featuring two historic bridges, the 5.8-mile Brown's Creek State Trail, Millbrook Park, and pretty, historic streets in downtown Stillwater.
It's worth the 1/2 hour drive from MSP to enjoy rolling hill running in these two popular park reserves. Good options for running on paved paths & also trail running. Open & wooded terrain.
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