On this tour, you traverse four of Minnesota’s best paved trails: the Mesabi Trail, the Paul Bunyan Trail, the Heartland Trail, and the Willard Munger Trail. Plus, you see lovely lakes, charming small towns, and learn of local mining and logging history. Northern Minnesota has a special mystique. The area is home to legendary lumberjacks, has a rich mining history, and features an abundance of diverse scenery and wildlife. Boasting thousands of miles of bike trails, Minnesota is a hotspot for cycling. On this tour, you traverse four of Northern Minnesota’s best paved trails: the Mesabi Trail, the Paul Bunyan Trail, the Heartland Trail, and the Willard Munger Trail. Pedaling these trails makes you thirst for more. For six days, you spin through forests, pastures and quaint towns. Pass alongside bogs, creeks and lakes galore. Minnesota, after all, is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” though some would argue that number is considerably higher. See if you can count how many lakes you pass on this tour. We bet you are so absorbed in the wondrous vistas that you quickly lose track! Don’t miss this exciting new tour in beautiful Minnesota! Surfaces for this tour: 98% Paved and 2% Gravel. After brief introductions, shuttle to the trailhead and get fitted for your bike. Then pedal the first section of the Mesabi Trail, named after the "Great Mesabi Glacier," which once covered the region in a thick layer of ice. You traverse the mining district of the Iron Range, with its sedimentary formations rich in iron-ore. After ending the ride in Chisholm, enjoy a short 20-minute shuttle to Hibbing. Prior to dinner together, we'll make a brief stop at Bob Dylan's childhood home, a fun photo opportunity and a chance to see where the legendary musician spent his early years. After breakfast, continue pedaling along the Mesabi Trail, through one of the prettiest regions in the state. Those with alert ears may be rewarded with the distinctive call of the common loon, the Minnesota state bird. In Hibbing, consider visiting the Greyhound Bus Museum, where 17 historic buses are available on display. Mid-ride, enjoy a picnic at O'Brien Reservoir. Today's cycling ends at the trailhead in Grand Rapids, a city named for the 3.5-mile-long rapids on the Mississippi River that marked the furthest limits of steamboat travel. Then shuttle to the beautiful Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge on Lake Bemidji. After dinner, enjoy the North Woods from the beautiful lakeside lodge. Today, begin riding the Paul Bunyan Trail, one of the longest trails in the country and a "Hall of Fame" trail according to the Rail-to-Trails Conservancy. Start the ride in Bemidji, known as "The First City on the Mississippi" as well as the alleged birthplace of Paul Bunyan. At the south side of the lake, consider exploring downtown Bemidji, recently recognized by "Smithsonian Magazine" as one of the 15 best small towns to visit. Here stands the 18-foot-tall statue of the legendary lumberjack and his blue ox, Babe, as well as a variety of public art on display. The ride ends in Walker, a popular vacation destination nestled on the western shore of Leech Lake. Those wishing for a longer ride can add miles along the Heartland Trail toward Cass Lake to the north. Settle in, as you spend three nights at the lovely Chase on the Lake. Today you take a break from the Paul Bunyan to ride the Heartland Trail, one of the first rail-to-trail projects in the country. Make sure to stop off in Akeley at the Historical Museum to see its very own Paul Bunyan statue, which is even more massive than the lumberjack shrine in Bemidji. Enjoy one of the numerous lunch options in Park Rapids. If you wish to pedal more miles, turn around and head back to Walker, enjoying the final few miles along the shoulder of a country road. If you wish to return early to Chase on the Lake -- perhaps to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the spa -- the van can whisk you back to the resort. Choose an evening itinerary that suits you, as dinner is on your own. After breakfast, continue riding the Paul Bunyan. Along the trail, pass through Hackensack, home to Paul Bunyan's sweetheart, Lucette Diana Kensack, but more importantly, home to the Big Dipper Cone Shoppe where yummy treats are awaiting your consumption. As you continue your journey, don't be shy about taking a dip in one of the trailside lakes if you feel so inclined. Or, if birdwatching or geocaching is your thing, this is a great day to partake. You end the ride in Brainerd. Despite a population well below fifteen thousand, it's one of northern Minnesota's largest cities. At the end of the ride, you shuttle back to Chase on the Lake to spend the evening along the shores. Welcome to your final day of riding. Today, cycle an easy 33 miles along the Willard Munger Trail. The route, which is tucked among the trees for nearly its entire length, traces a 19th-century railroad corridor that ran between the Twin Cities and the gateway to the Great Lakes. At the end of the trail, enjoy a final lunch together before saying our goodbyes mid-afternoon. Enjoy free hot breakfast each morning, and stay connected with free WiFi. Relax in their indoor swimming pool and hot tub. Exhilarating outdoor adventures await at the edge of picturesque Leech Lake in Walker, MN. Charming architecture, gorgeous lake views, and just about every recreational activity imaginable come together at Chase on the Lake, one of Minnesota’s premier resorts. Located on the shore of scenic Lake Bemidji, this resort’s historic roots give you a look into the past, while their renovations keep things refined. Whether you’re looking for peace and tranquility or an adventurous lake vacation, there are accommodations and activities for everyone! From where the trip starts to what to pack, check out our Frequently Asked Questions about this tour. On the first morning of the tour please meet at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Duluth North at 7am. You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Duluth, though you must make your own way to the pick-up point at the pre-designated time. Your tour ends with a drop-off at either the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Duluth North at 3:30pm, or the Duluth International Airport at 3:30pm in time for flights below. Arrival: We recommend arriving in Duluth at least the day before your tour starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your tour start. Departure : Flying out on the last day of the tour, we recommend departing from Duluth International Airport after 6pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense. Occasionally, your accommodations may differ from those featured, but they'll always be hand-picked by our expert team with care. We'll send your final accommodation list a month before your tour begins, so you'll know exactly where you're staying before you set off. 5 nights' accommodation 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners You're supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1) All activities outlined in the itinerary Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities Branded t-shirt and bag Gravel bikes with drop handlebars, Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars, or E-Bikes - equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror, and flat pedals Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable! Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away You're "trip ready" with our Customer Care Team's calls prior to your trip "My Account" - your own online space with everything required for your adventure
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