Visit Five Regional Parks, Two Great Trails and a National Park!
1. Como Regional Park
Start your ride at Como Lakeside Pavilion, one of the park’s signature structures with its mighty porch overlooking the lake. The Zacc Harris Trio and an array of tasty treats await. Finish your day with a slice of watermelon or a discounted beer at Dock & Paddle. Either way, you’ll love the rousing songs of the Roe Family Singers.
2. Mississippi Gorge Regional Park
Classic cyclists coming down onto Mississippi River Boulevard are not only entering a National Park (MNRRA!) they’re bicycling along the Mississippi’s only true gorge. Four miles down take a break at the Gorge Overlook Rest Stop. There’ll be fresh baked treats from Kowalski’s and lively tunes on the squeezebox. Don’t miss the gorgeous (!) view just a few steps away.
3. Hidden Falls – Crosby Farm Regional Park
Look for special signage on ride day pointing out the Hidden Falls overlook. It’s located at a bend in the boulevard, about a half mile south of the Ford bridge. Riders continue along the river bluff onto the Sam Morgan Trail to the I-35E bike bridge. The panoramic view from the bridge follows the Mississippi River downstream to downtown Saint Paul.
4. Lilydale – Harriet Island Regional Park
The Classic crosses the river and glides down into another world ~ Lilydale Regional Park ~ stretching along the Mississippi for over three miles. The quiet road is tempting but take the trail to fully appreciate peaceful Pickerel Lake. Stylish Lilydale Park Rest Stop overlooks the lake. Besides bagels and cream cheese you’ll want to dig into the earthy songs of the Saint Paul Mudsteppers.
5. Bruce Vento Trail
Explore this hidden gem of the Twin Cities! The Vento Trail climbs gently through the wooded ravine cut by Phalen Creek, following the original path of the Saint Paul and Duluth Railroad. Roll slowly through the 1883-84 Seventh Street Improvement Arches (pictured), a National Engineering Landmark with a spiraling arch of massive stones. You’ll then enter Swede Hollow, once home to thriving waves of immigrants. The massive Hamms Brewery looms overhead, another reminder of the trail’s storied past, before continuing on to Lake Phalen.
6. Phalen Regional Park
The Lake Phalen Rest Stop is a highlight for riders on both the Grand Round ride and the Lollipop Loop. Enjoy panoramic lake views and bountiful snacks while listening to the jazz stylings of pianist Larry McDonough (early) and the bodacious tuba-driven Better Mistakes. Extend your scenic tour with a three-mile loop around Lake Phalen. Soon after leaving the rest stop you’ll pass the WPA-era waterfall (pictured).
7. Gateway State Trail
After taking a lap around Lake Phalen ~ why not! ~ head north up to the Gateway Trail. Cruise through a canopy of green on this multi-use trail that extends from Saint Paul to Stillwater. Soon enough you’ll be exiting, stage left, to Wheelock Parkway and the Grand Round route back to Como Lakeside Pavilion.
Your Five Park, Two Trail Tour is nearly complete! Head west young cyclists but don’t miss the trail spur leading down to Wheelock Parkway. Just a few more miles back to Lake Como, the Roe Family Singers and some watermelon ~ or perhaps a discounted beer and a sandwich at Dock & Paddle.