The area around downtown St. Paul has an interesting geography: a grand Capitol building, several bridges spanning the Mississippi River, and a series of islands and river paths below the bridges administered by the National Park Service. It’s beautiful, but a bit of a tangle, so rather than design a specific route, here’s our guide to best running spots in the area. See our attached map.
Capitol. Pleasant run along the ‘Mall’ to the Capitol from WWII Memorial, or use John Ireland Blvd. Just to the east, run by the Cathedral of St. Paul, and pleasant residential streets such as Summit Ave. and off Summit.
National Recreation Area. Thee is nice riverfront running under the bridges. From the Visitor Center off Kellogg Blvd., Upper Landing Park on the north side offers a lovely 1.7 mile one-way run along the water to Shepard Rd. There is also a path under the Wabacha St. Bridge, onto Raspberry Island and in Harriet Island Park on the south side, which has paths running for ~1 mile to Kelly Landing. You can retrace your steps or go a bit further to the Robert St. Bridge, and run along Kellogg Mall Park back to the Visitor Center. This is a 6.5 mile run.
The area around downtown St. Paul has an interesting geography: a grand Capitol building, several bridges spanning the Mississippi River, and a series of islands and river paths below the bridges administered by the National Park Service. It’s beautiful, but a bit of a tangle, so rather than design a specific route, here’s our guide to best running spots in the area. See our attached map.
Capitol. Pleasant run along the ‘Mall’ to the Capitol from WWII Memorial, or use John Ireland Blvd. Just to the east, run by the Cathedral of St. Paul, and pleasant residential streets such as Summit Ave. and off Summit.
National Recreation Area. Thee is nice riverfront running under the bridges. From the Visitor Center off Kellogg Blvd., Upper Landing Park on the north side offers a lovely 1.7 mile one-way run along the water to Shepard Rd. There is also a path under the Wabacha St. Bridge, onto Raspberry Island and in Harriet Island Park on the south side, which has paths running for ~1 mile to Kelly Landing. You can retrace your steps or go a bit further to the Robert St. Bridge, and run along Kellogg Mall Park back to the Visitor Center. This is a 6.5 mile run.
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Essentials
Multiple options. We've put together a 6.5 mile loop involving the river paths and bridges
180 feet
For river paths, the Visitor Center is a good spot to start
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 scenic river run on paved along the mighty Mississippi from the Ford Bridge to the Washington Bridge. Full loop is ~9 miles, with shorter loop options. A highlight is St. Anthony Falls Stone Bridge!
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.
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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Essentials
Multiple options. We've put together a 6.5 mile loop involving the river paths and bridges
180 feet
For river paths, the Visitor Center is a good spot to start
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!