Road Running in Minneapolis, MN

With many entry points and scenic views in the center of the Twin Cities metro area, the River Gorge is a great running or hiking option for the urban dweller.

In 2014, Forbes Magazine published an article called America’s Top 20 Healthiest Cities, and ‘don’t cha know,’ Minneapolis won first place! With more parks per square mile than in any other major U.S. city and hundreds of miles of paved, interconnected bike loops, no wonder we are considered the healthiest city in the U.S.A. The Chain of Lakes is just a snippet of what Minneapolis has to offer for the urban runner.

Offering amazing views of Minneapolis’ skyline and hosting a plethora of well-reviewed restaurants and bars, the downtown riverfront is the perfect place for a stroll about town.

With 5 miles of paved trails and a total of 10 miles of dirt trails, Minnehaha Creek Park is a great running option, especially if the Chain of Lakes area is too crowded.

Hyland Lake Park Reserve offers runners 18-miles of paved and unpaved trails through hilly woodlands and grass prairie.

If you’re looking for a car-free weekend out of the city, the easily accessible Luce Line Regional Trail can take you 63-miles out from Downtown Minneapolis by bicycle or foot.

In the heart of downtown Minneapolis and parallel to the Mississippi River are miles upon miles of running trails. Running alongside the river is one of the best road running options in the Twin Cities.

It’s hard to go wrong with urban running in Minneapolis. With its countless miles of flat running trails in such close proximity to downtown, it’s obvious why Minneapolis is considered one of America’s top ten running cities.

When Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes trails are overcrowded, but you still want to get your run in; then travel across town to St. Paul’s 3.1-mile paved trail around Lake Phalen.

Lace up your running shoes and hit the trails along Minneapolis’ downtown riverfront. Not only are you getting a workout, but there is no better way to appreciate the views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls.