The Best and Most Scenic Bike Trails in Minnesota for E-Bikes: A Rider’s Guide

Minnesota, with its jaw-dropping vistas and a whopping 645 miles of state-managed paved trails (Minnesota DNR, 2023), is an e-bike rider’s playground begging to be explored! These scenic Minnesota bike trails zip through whispering forests, vibrant prairies, and shimmering lakeshores, making them a match made in heaven for electric bikes that blast your range and flatten any hill. Get ready to roll through 28 of the best bike trails in Minnesota for e-bikes—including all 22 DNR state trails plus 6 regional stunners—sourced from rock-solid DNR data, BikeMN, TrailLink reviews, Explore Minnesota, and local tourism gems.

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Top 28 Scenic Bike Trails in Minnesota for E-Bikes

Minnesota’s 645 miles of DNR-managed paved state trails—plus a handful of epic regional paths—unleash a wild ride for e-bike enthusiasts! Below are 28 scenic bike trails in Minnesota, featuring all 22 DNR state trails and 6 bonus regional gems, verified by DNR inventories, BikeMN, TrailLink, Explore Minnesota, and local tourism boards. Each trail’s packed with must-hit stops—sightseeing, dining, resting, shopping, and quirky towns—to turbocharge your trip:

Northern Minnesota Highlights

Itasca State Park – one of the many scenic highlights along Minnesota's Heartland Trail

• 1. Bluestem Prairie Scientific and Natural Area Trail: 5 paved miles near Glyndon—zoom through a dazzling tallgrass prairie bursting with wildflowers (DNR). Stops: Gawk at Bluestem’s vibrant blooms; chill at Glyndon City Park; scarf down burgers at Glyndon Grill; snag trinkets at Glyndon Antiques.
• 2. Casey Jones State Trail: 13 paved miles from Pipestone to Lake Wilson—cruise past wind-whipped prairies and golden fields (DNR). Stops: Marvel at Pipestone National Monument’s sacred quarries; dig into pie at Lange’s Café in Pipestone; kick back at Lake Wilson Park; grab goodies at Pipestone Gifts.
• 3. Douglas State Trail: 12.5 paved miles from Rochester to Pine Island—rip through whispering woods and rolling farmland (DNR). Stops: Unwind at Douglas Wayside Rest Area; savor treats at Olde Pine Theatre Café in Pine Island; explore Pine Island’s cheesy charm.
• 4. Glacial Lakes State Trail: 22 paved miles from Willmar to New London—swoop past dazzling lakes and sprawling prairies (DNR). Stops: Soak in Sibley State Park’s vistas; feast on tacos at El Tapatio in Willmar; lounge at New London’s Lions Park; score finds at Willmar’s Main Street Gifts.
• 5. Heartland State Trail: 49 paved miles from Park Rapids to Cass Lake—blast through pine-scented forests and lake-dotted wilds (DNR). Stops: Chase the Mississippi’s start at Itasca State Park; savor eats at Park Rapids’ Great Northern Café; rest in Dorset’s quirky trailhead; browse Sister Wolf Books.
• 6. Mesabi Trail: 135 paved miles from Grand Rapids to Ely—charge through Iron Range mining lore and untamed forests (DNR). Stops: Gape at Hull Rust Mine View in Hibbing; grab pizza at Sammy’s in Virginia; chill at Eveleth’s Veterans Park; shop Ely’s Piragis Northwoods Company.
• 7. Paul Bunyan State Trail: 123 paved miles from Bemidji to Brainerd—Minnesota’s longest paved thrill ride past lakes and pines (DNR). Stops: Splash into Lake Bemidji State Park; sip brews at Bemidji Brewing; kick back in Nisswa’s trailhead; snag gear at Brainerd’s Notch Up North.

Central & Twin Cities Favorites

Ride through classic Minnesota small towns and prairie beauty along the Lake Wobegon Trail

• 1. Gateway State Trail: 18 paved miles from St. Paul to Pine Point Park—zip through oak savannas and wetlands (DNR). Stops: Ogle St. Paul’s Capitol; munch at Mickey’s Diner; unwind at Pine Point Regional Park; shop Summit Avenue’s Grand Avenue boutiques.
• 2. Gitchi-Gami State Trail: 29 paved miles from Two Harbors to Beaver Bay—rocket along Lake Superior’s jaw-dropping North Shore (DNR). Stops: Marvel at Split Rock Lighthouse; feast at Northwoods Family Grille in Silver Bay; rest at Gooseberry Falls State Park; grab treasures at Two Harbors’ Agate Bay Gifts.
• 3. Glendalough State Trail: 5 paved miles near Battle Lake—loop through serene woods and sparkling lakes (DNR). Stops: Bask in Glendalough State Park’s beauty; dig into Stub’s Dining in Battle Lake; chill at trailhead benches; browse Art & Soul Gallery.
• 4. Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail: 18 paved miles from Harmony to Preston—barrel through bluff country’s rolling splendor (DNR). Stops: Dive into Niagara Cave near Harmony; savor BBQ at Branding Iron in Preston; kick back at Harmony’s trailhead; shop Harmony’s Amish Market.
• 5. Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail: 15 paved miles from Hopkins to Carver Park—cruise Lake Minnetonka’s glitzy shores (DNR). Stops: Gawk at Excelsior Commons; dine at Maynards in Excelsior; rest at Carver Park Reserve; raid Water Street’s quirky shops.
• 6. Lake Wobegon Trail: 65 paved miles from Osakis to St. Joseph—sweep past prairie vistas and tranquil lakes (DNR). Stops: Splash at Lake Osakis; dine at Tipsinah Mounds in Elbow Lake; rest at Albany’s trailhead; shop St. Joseph’s Farmers Market.
• 7. Luce Line State Trail: 63 paved miles from Plymouth to Cosmos—zoom through prairies and hardwood groves (DNR). Stops: Sightsee Wayzata’s Lake Minnetonka; eat at Watertown Café; rest at Winsted’s trailhead; shop Plymouth’s Main Street Gifts.
• 8. Minnesota Valley State Trail: 10 paved miles from Shakopee to Chaska—dash along the Minnesota River’s lush banks (DNR). Stops: Thrill at Valleyfair in Shakopee; dine at Chaska’s Crooked Pint Ale House; rest at Chaska’s trail benches; shop Shakopee’s Old Town.

Southern Minnesota Beauties

Cruise through bluff country and charming river towns on the scenic Root River Trail

• 1. Cannon Valley Trail: 19.7 paved miles from Cannon Falls to Red Wing—race along the Cannon River with bluff-top vistas (DNR). Stops: Gaze at Cannon Falls’ waterfall; munch at The Old Market Deli; chill at Red Wing’s Bay Point Park; snag Red Wing Pottery treasures.
• 2. Great River Ridge State Trail: 13 paved miles from Plainview to Eyota—sprint through bluff and farmland glory (DNR). Stops: Stroll Plainview’s historic downtown; feast at Back 40 Kitchen; rest at Eyota’s trailhead; shop Plainview’s local crafts.
• 3. Preston-Forestville State Trail: 11 paved miles from Preston to Forestville—zip through bluff country’s rustic charm (DNR). Stops: Step back at Historic Forestville; dig into BBQ at Branding Iron in Preston; unwind at Preston’s trailhead; grab Forestville gift shop loot.
• 4. Root River State Trail: 42 paved miles from Fountain to Houston—blast through bluff country along the rippling Root River (DNR). Stops: Wander Lanesboro’s historic district; savor eats at Pedal Pushers Café; rest at Houston’s trailhead; shop Lanesboro’s Amish stores.
• 5. Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail: 39 paved miles from Faribault to Mankato—cruise past lakes and forest wonderlands (DNR). Stops: Bask at Sakatah Lake State Park; munch at Faribault’s Depot Bar & Grill; chill at Mankato’s Sibley Park; shop Mankato’s Riverfront.
• 6. Shooting Star State Trail: 14 paved miles from LeRoy to Adams—dart through prairie wildflowers and farmland dreams (DNR). Stops: Explore LeRoy’s Lake Louise State Park; dine at Adams’ Creamery Café; rest at LeRoy’s trailhead; raid LeRoy’s local shops.

Additional Regional Gems

Explore lakes, parks, and skyline views on Minneapolis’s iconic Grand Rounds Scenic Byway

• 1. Brown’s Creek State Trail: 5.9 paved miles from Stillwater to Duluth Junction—whiz along Brown’s Creek’s serene flow (DNR). Stops: Gape at Stillwater’s St. Croix River; feast at Dock Café; rest at trail benches; shop Stillwater’s Main Street.
• 2. Willard Munger State Trail: 63 paved miles from Hinckley to Duluth—rocket through forests and river views (DNR). Stops: Thrill at Jay Cooke State Park; dine at Hinckley’s Cassidy’s Restaurant; chill at Carlton’s trailhead; shop Duluth’s Canal Park.
• 3. Grand Rounds Scenic Byway: 50 paved miles in Minneapolis—zip through urban lakes and parks (Minneapolis Park Board). Stops: Swoon at Lake Harriet; munch at Bread & Pickle; rest at Minnehaha Falls; shop Uptown’s quirky boutiques.
• 4. Dakota Rail Regional Trail: 26 paved miles from Wayzata to Mayer—cruise Lake Minnetonka’s western edge (Three Rivers Park District). Stops: Gawk at Wayzata Bay; feast at 6Smith in Wayzata; rest at Mayer’s trailhead; shop Waconia’s downtown charm.
• 5. Minnehaha Falls Trail: 2.1 paved miles in Minneapolis—dash to the roaring Minnehaha Falls (Minneapolis Park Board). Stops: Marvel at Minnehaha Falls; dine at Sea Salt Eatery; rest at Minnehaha Park; shop nearby Longfellow Market.
• 6. Central Lakes State Trail: 55 paved miles from Osakis to Fergus Falls—sweep through lake-studded prairies (DNR). Stops: Splash at Lake Osakis; eat at Fergus Falls’ The Viking Café; rest at Osakis’ trailhead; shop Fergus Falls’ Riverfront.

These 28 trails are Minnesota’s top e-bike trails—hit the DNR’s trail finder or TrailLink for maps and access points!

Tips for Riding E-Bikes on Minnesota’s Scenic Trails

Riding Minnesota’s scenic bike trails with an e-bike is pure adrenaline meets pure ease—here’s how to crush it, straight from DNR rules and TrailLink rider buzz:

These tips will turbocharge your ride on Minnesota’s best trails for electric bikes. Ready to roll? Grab your ride at Outdoorica’s E-Bikes - Shop Now!

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