Must-Do Bike Rides in 2027

Nov 3, 2025Biking

Road, trail, or gravel—whatever you ride, 2027 is packed with adventure! Check out our list of must-do bike rides in Minnesota and beyond, and start marking your calendars for a year full of unforgettable cycling experiences.

A group of cyclists wearing bike helmets rides on a paved street on a sunny day
Tour de Tulips photo

Orange City Tulip Festival Tour de Tulips

Orange City, Iowa

May 15, 2027

This supported ride is just the beginning of the fun at Orange City’s Tulip Festival, a celebration bursting with color, culture, and Dutch pride. When you’re done pedaling, join in the festivities of this nationally recognized event, where over 100,000 visitors gather each year to experience one of the Midwest’s most charming traditions. website

The logo for the Med City Meander Bike Tour over a background of the Rochester, MN skyline.

Med City Meander

Rochester, MN

May 29, 2027

Join the friendly crew from BikeMN’s We Bike Rochester Chapter for a celebration of the city’s amazing trail network that winds through parks, rivers, and neighborhoods in Minnesota’s third-largest city. website

A man rides his bike on a trail departing from a trailhead

Tour de Loop

Luverne, MN

June 3, 2027

Enjoy a leisurely spring loop around Luverne, register for fun prize drawings, and gather for a sweet treat afterward! Stay for the weekend and dive into Luverne’s lively Buffalo Days, featuring a classic car show, parade, craft fair, and tons of family-friendly fun. website

Two people on bicycles ride along a road on a river on a sunny day

Tour de Pepin

Lake City, MN

June 5, 2027

Experience one of the Midwest’s most unique and beloved cycling tours, the Tour de Pepin! Choose your route and explore the captivating terrain and historic river towns surrounding beautiful Lake Pepin. website

A person wearing a purple helmet and blue shirt rides a bright orange bicycle on the Paul Bunyan Trail through lush green foliage. The path is surrounded by dense trees and grassy areas under sunlight.

Tour of Lakes

Nisswa, MN

June 5, 2027

This ride promises an abundance of beautiful scenery, fresh air and terrific rest stops. The Tour of Lakes is a one day recreational, not for-profit bicycle tour hosted by the Paul Bunyan Cyclists Bicycle Club. website

a woman rides her bike by a mile marker sign

Caramel Roll Ride

Albany, MN

June 12, 2027

Choose from three options: East to Avon, Collegeville, and Saint Joseph, west to Freeport, and north to Holdingford and the covered bridge on the  Lake Wobegon Trail. As always, the best Caramel Rolls you can find anywhere will be at rest stops along the way! website

Four cows lie on green grass under a blue sky with clouds and sun. Large orange text reads Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows Bike Tour. A yellow cow illustration made of cheese sits in the left corner.

Swiss Cheese and Spotted Cows Bike Tour

Sauk City, WI

June 15-19, 2027

This fully supported, hotel-based bike tour explores the best of southern Wisconsin, from the rolling hills of the Driftless region to the gentle countryside beyond. website

A man rides a bicycle across wooden bridge on a trail through forested mountains
South Dakota Fish, Game and Parks photo

Mickelson Summer Trail Trek

Custer, SD

June 18-20, 2027

Discover the heart of the Black Hills on the Mickelson Trail, pedaling through valleys, tunnels, and historic mining towns on this 119-mile bucket list adventure. website

The Paul Bunyan Trail crosses the young Mississippi River as it exits Lake Bemidji

Midwest Mountain Bike Fest

Crosby, MN

June 18-20, 2027

A rider-driven, non-competitive festival in the legendary red dirt of Cuyuna, built for mountain bikers, by mountain bikers. Explore over 60 miles of iconic red dirt singletrack that makes Cuyuna a true bucket-list destination.
website
Lake Wobegon Trail Lady Slippers

Lady Slipper Ride

Avon, MN

June 19, 2027

This short ride on the Lake Wobegon Trail comes with a glimpse of the beautiful lady’s slipper orchids growing wild on the trail near Avon. website

The Paul Bunyan Trail crosses the young Mississippi River as it exits Lake Bemidji

Loop the Lake Ride

Bemidji, MN

June 19, 2027

Take a fun bike cruise around Lake Bemidji with the whole family and experience the charm of the first city on the Mississippi from the seat of your bike. Enjoy beautiful lakeside views, community spirit, and plenty of family-friendly activities. website

Four women in matching Tour of Minnesota cycling jerseys and shorts stand beside a bicycle. They are outdoors, in front of a building with reflective windows. Two hold bright yellow clothing items, and one wears a red bandana.
Tour of Minnesota photo

The Tour of Minnesota

St. Croix Falls, WI;  Hinckley, MN; Duluth, MN

June 19-25, 2027

Celebrating over 50 years of adventure, this iconic Minnesota ride continues to inspire cyclists with its mix of scenic roads, rolling trails, and lasting camaraderie. website

A group of racing cyclists rides peloton style on a road next to a lake
WI Bike Fed photo

Ride Across WI

Eau Claire, WI

June 10-11, 2027

Riders from across the country come together to tackle epic distances, cruise through breathtaking countryside, and discover the hospitality of small-town USA. website

The open road calls on the Tour de Bun in Montgomery, MN
Minnesota Trails Magazine  photo

Tour de Bun Bicycle Classic

Montgomery, MN

July 24, 2027

Pedal through the heart of Minnesota Czech Country in scenic Le Sueur County, where refreshment stops, quiet rural roads, and two adventurous gravel routes make for an unforgettable day on the bike. website

A mountain biker wearing a helmet and race number 3043 rides down a rocky, forested trail, surrounded by tall green trees and yellow tape marking the course at Spirit Mountain in Duluth.

Duluth Trails Fest

Duluth, MN

August 6-8, 2027

Whether you’re chasing gravity in thrilling downhill runs, tackling timed enduro stages across increasingly technical terrain, cruising cross-country loops, or testing your endurance on adventurous trail courses, there’s a challenge waiting for you at Spirit Mountain. website
The annual Tour de Tonka brings thousands of cycling enthusiasts to Minnetonka, MN.

Tour de Tonka

Minnetonka, MN

August 7, 2027

The Tour de Tonka is a Minnesota classic. Roll through the Lake Minnetonka area and its surrounding communities on your choice of routes, there’s a perfect distance for every rider. website

Seven women in matching bicycling gear pose in front of a large Rotary Club inflatable sign
Jeff Nelson photo

Bridge the Valley Bike Rally

Stillwater, MN

August 8, 2027

Join the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club on an epic trip through the hills and valleys around Stillwater, MN. Part of the Rivers, Lakes, Fields Ride Series, including the Northfield Rotary Bike Tour. Ride both for extra swag and prize drawings. website

A group of bicyclists is gathered in front of an American flag

CaNDak

Northwestern North Dakota (exact location TBD)

August 8-15, 2027

This ride carries on the tradition of the CANDISK ride of North Dakota, with daily routes ranging from 35 to 70 miles and a century option. This is a multi-day tour through North Dakota with terrain varying from flat fields to steep hills. website

Spectacular views of Lake Superior on the annual Gitchi Gami Ride

Gitchi-Gami North Shore Ride

Gooseberry Falls State Park

August 21, 2027

Enjoy a supported, recreational ride on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail along Lake Superior’s spectacular North Shore. Get up close to breathtaking shoreline views, listen to the rhythm of rushing waterfalls, and wind your way through beautiful state parks.  website

Lake Wobegon Trail

Caramel Apple Ride

Sauk Centre, MN

September 11, 2027

This family-friendly ride on the Lake Wobegon Trail starts in Sauk Centre and offers two route options: East to Melrose and west to Osakis. All rest stops will have refreshments and caramel apple treats and ride proceeds go to promoting and improving the trail. website

A cyclist wearing a yellow jacket, helmet, and sunglasses rides a bike on a road next to a cornfield under a partly cloudy sky during the Northfield Rotary Bike Tour.
Jesse Steed photo

Northfield Rotary Bike Tour

Dundas, MN

September 11, 2027

There’s a route for everyone: Road, gravel or family. Part of the Rivers, Lakes, Fields Ride Series, including Bridge the Valley Bike Rally. Ride both for extra swag and prize drawings. website

The Saint Paul Classic is a long-standing tradition in Minnesota's biking community
Saint Paul Classic photo

Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour

Saint Paul, MN

September 12, 2027

As always, Classic riders enjoy the scenic and historic Grand Round in Saint Paul. Enjoy a delightful tour of five regional parks, plus a jaunt over the Mississippi River over to lovely Lilydale Park. Live music at every rest stop! website

Two men and two women ride together on a gravel surfaced bike trail in the summer
South Dakota Fish, Game and Parks photo

Mickelson Trail Trek

Custer, SD

September 17-19, 2027

Discover the heart of the Black Hills on the Mickelson Trail, pedaling through valleys, tunnels, and historic mining towns on this 119-mile bucket list adventure. website

The annual Mora Bike Tour explores quiet and scenic country roads around Mora, MN
Kirsten Faurie photo

Mora Bike Tour

Mora, MN

September 18, 2027

Join the annual Mora Bike Tour, starting and finishing at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center. With two beautiful rural routes, well-stocked rest stops, and mobile repair support, it’s a perfect blend of Minnesota charm and cycling spirit. website

Bike riders climb up a hill at the annual Ride the Ridges Bike Tour in Winona, MN

Ride the Ridges

Winona, MN

September 18, 2027

Ride the Ridges takes cyclists through some of the most scenic areas in southeastern Minnesota, from lush valleys along winding streams to bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Every route features well-stocked rest stops with local delicacies to keep you fueled and happy. website

A woman bikes on a paved road through rock formations at Badlands National Park
Mama Law photo

Wheelin’ To Wall

Wall, SD

September 25, 2027

Experience the magic of Badlands National Park and its striking rock formations during this two-day cycling celebration. Both road and gravel routes are available on this fully supported ride through one of America’s most dramatic landscapes. website

Find your Trail Partners with Minnesota Trails Magazine
Person riding a bicycle on a paved path through a sunlit forest, with the text “Visit Brainerd Baxter, MN. Minnesota’s Playground” and a website link at the bottom.
Walker, MN is connected to more than 150 miles of paved trails!
Two cyclists ride mountain bikes on a narrow dirt trail through lush green woods. The bottom of the image reads, Explore Alexandria Minnesota.
Hutchinson MN: Home of the Luce Line State Trail

Keep up with the latest MN Trails news and events in our newsletter

About me

A person wearing a yellow helmet, sunglasses, and warm winter clothing smiles while outside in a snowy Minnesota landscape. They are pointing at something, perhaps one of the scenic mountain bike trails nearby, as the sun shines brightly overhead.

I’m Jan, the publisher of Minnesota Trails Magazine. I’m looking for that one trail, the next ride, a new discovery and other reasons to never sit still in Minnesota.

Save

More stories:

New Mountain Bike Trails at Cuyuna

Advanced and expert mountain bike riders now have 10 miles of new trails to ride at the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Three Awesome Minnesota Trail & Beer Pairings in 2023

Reap your reward for all of the hard work you do on the trails and treat yourself to a post-ride, barley-based electrolyte drink.

Cycling the Skyline

A bike trip with a view: Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway travels the length of Duluth at the crest of the hill.

February Events at Itasca State Park

Family-friendly events at Minnesota’s iconic state park celebrate exploring the outdoors in the winter.

Where the Heck is Breadloaf Ridge?

During peak fall color season on Minnesota’s North Shore, it’s good to have some alternatives to busy hiking trails.

Trail Pairings: A Visit to Thief River Falls

We spent a weekend biking and exploring northwestern Minnesota, where, as they say, two rivers meet.

Going the Distance on Four Wheels

The Lake Wobegon and Central Lakes Trail system is known for being a destination for walkers, bikers, runners and inline skaters, but the long, flat trail is beginning to gain the attention of endurance skateboarders.

Minnesota Gravel Rides Q&A

Ready to leave the pavement behind? Trails caught up with organizers of some of Minnesota’s many gravel rides.

Winter at Maplewood State Park

10,000-acre Maplewood State Park offers miles of winter trails, groomed and not.

Adventure Report: A Visit to Sparta, WI

In the cover of darkness we snuck across the border to do some biking and fishing. Turns out we may have to do it again soon.

MN Trails Logo

Our Mission

To inspire you to explore the Outdoors by telling the story of Minnesota’s parks and trails and the people who love them.

© Minnesota Trails Magazine

Please join our newsletter mailing list!

It’s your source for sneak previews of the next print issue, new trails to explore, upcoming events and the latest blog posts. We promise to keep it brief, entertaining and relevant and you can unsubscribe anytime. We will not share your info with anyone.

* indicates required