Bike with a Ranger is a great way to exercise, explore with others and learn about the Mississippi River. This summer we will offer ranger-led bike rides on Saturdays, June through September.

Trip Information

• Trips start promptly at 10:00 a.m. and last until about 1:00 p.m. Participants should arrive at 9:45 a.m. to prepare for the ride. 
• Routes are from 8-14 miles in length and end where they begin.
• Participants must pre-register and will receive a registration packet that includes bike safety information, what to bring, route map, weather preparation, parking information, and start location.
• A limited number of loaner bikes are available to participants for the Confluence route only. Please reserve a bike during registration.

Registration Information

Participation is free, but registration is required. All rides are limited to 20 participants. Call the Mississippi River Visitor Center at (651) 293-0200 to make your reservation.

Group Tours

Groups are welcome to schedule a ride with a park ranger at a special time, based on one of the tours below. Call Brian Valentine with questions or to reserve a time at 651-293-8428.

Rides

A Confluence of Rivers and Peoples

Location: Base Camp near Historic Fort Snelling
Dates: Jun 25, Jul 23, Aug 20, Sep 17
Distance: 8-14 miles
Notes: Parking is free. The route may cross a bridge which includes staircases with bike treadway where bike trailers must be carried.

Travel back in time to a place where human history and the natural world intertwine. This route circles the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers beginning and ending at the Boy Scout's Base Camp, near Historic Fort Snelling. Riders will experience the floodplain forest and its historic city of Mendota, the blufftop Historic Fort Snelling, and explore the beautiful Minnehaha waterfall.

On the Waterfront

Location: Harriet Island
Dates: Jun 18, Jul 16, Aug 13, Sep 10
Distance: 9 miles
Notes: We will meet at the Mississippi River Visitor Center. 

Ever wonder why the Twin Cities exist? People have always been drawn to the power of the Mississippi River and its unique characteristics in this area. The trip starts and ends at Harriet Island in Saint Paul. Participants will ride on trails upriver to explore the history, geology, watersheds and parks which made this section of the river an irresistible destination for so many people.

River at the Dam!

Location: Coon Rapids Dam East, Coon Rapids, MN. 
Dates: Jul 2, Jul 30, Aug 27, Sep 24
Distance: 10 miles
Notes: Anoka County Parks charges $5 vehicle fee. Free if arriving on bicycle.

This trip explores the Mississippi above the nine foot navigation channel and offers a chance to see natural and cultural features of the river upstream of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. We will ride bike trails along the river and across the Coon Rapids dam while uncovering the rich history and natural resources of the Mississippi River from the Coon Rapids Dam to Banfill Locke/Manomin Park. Bike rental is available at the visitor center, (763) 757-4700.

Minneapolis Riverfront

Location: Matthews Park, Minneapolis. Meet in the parking lot off 28th Avenue.
Dates: Jul 9, Aug 6, Sep 3
Distance: 10 miles
Notes: Parking is free.

Minneapolis and Saint Paul are river towns. See the Mississippi River's only major waterfall and explore the great river's only gorge. We will ride through modern parks while exploring the river's ancient geology and its extraordinary human history that led to the founding of the Twin Cities and the area becoming a regional and world economic powerhouse.