Believe it or not, weather in southern Minnesota is expected to be in the 40’s this week. While that type of temperature might have Californian’s reaching for their winter jackets, some Minnesotans might see the temperature spike as their first chance to run outside this year. Although some of the places mentioned in this list may not hit their prime beauty until the middle of the summer, we thought we’d throw together a list of ten great spots to go for a run in the Twin Cities.
1) Mississippi River Trail – On the St. Paul side of the river lies a popular trail for outdoor enthusiasts. This trail runs parallel with the scenic Mississippi River, and benches and historical markers allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the river. The only downside is that it is usually a very popular running spot, meaning you’ll likely be sharing the trail with bikers and dog walkers.
2) Fort Snelling State Park – Fort Snelling State Park allows runners to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and experience nature while they run. The state park has 18 miles of open running trails, so you’ll probably need more than one visit to explore the whole area. The trails offer unique views of both the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River.
3) The Lakes of Minneapolis – Another popular running path is around the three main lakes in Minneapolis. The trails around Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, and Lake of the Isles offer a stunning view of the lake, with the metro skyline serving as the backdrop. Much like the Mississippi River Trail, the lake trails are often busy during the summer. Running around all three lakes is roughly a 10-mile journey.
4) Stone Arch Bridge – The Stone Arch Bridge is another popular running spot because it blends the power of nature with the awe of Minneapolis skyscrapers. Many Minnesotans say this bridge is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. You can hear the roar of the root-beer colored water rush over the dams, all while looking at the big city lights. This is another spot with a lot of foot traffic, but for the best views, a dawn or dusk run is encouraged so you can see the city as it wakes up, or as the nightlife begins.
5) Lake Como – Nestled in northeast St. Paul is Lake Como, one of the largest lakes in the city. The loop around the lake is about 1.6 miles, so you can circle it a few times if you’re looking for a longer run. Once you’re done with your run, swing over to the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory to see some of your favorite exotic animals.
6) Minnehaha Parkway – Another scenic pathway is Minnehaha Parkway. Located in southwest Minneapolis, the Minnehaha Parkway trail takes runners around beautiful Lake Nokomis. The trail is just under six miles, and runners of all skill levels will enjoy running alongside the Minnehaha Creek. The route is paved and rather flat, making it a popular running trail in the summer.
7) Hyland Hills Park – Hyland Hills Park in Bloomington, Minnesota is another top destination for running enthusiasts. Lush with prairies and lakes, many runners enjoy the looping trails Hyland Hills offers.
8) Cedar Lake Trail – The Cedar Lake Trail calls itself “America’s First Bicycle Freeway”, but it is also another hotspot for runners. The trail begins in downtown Minneapolis and heads west to St. Louis Park. The trail runs 4.3 miles, and offers scenic view as you make your way out of the city.
9) Summit Avenue – Summit Avenue in St. Paul offers a historic and breathtaking view of some of the most luxurious houses in the city. Be sure to swing by the governor’s mansion, and feel free to run around the State Capital and the Cathedral. The route stretches a little over four miles.
10) The Twin Cities Marathon – Pegged as “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America”, the Twin Cities Marathon goes through many of the routes already mentioned on the list. You’ll run around the three main Minneapolis lakes, swing through Minnehaha Parkway, dash alongside the Mississippi River and finish along Summit Avenue. For the experienced runner, the Twin Cities Marathon offers a spectacular view of the Twin Cities.
