You’re going to be hearing a lot about the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway on this itinerary—the 51-mile network of trails circles just about all of the city, and it’s a great way to see most of Minneapolis by bike. In fact, go ahead and save this map. It’ll come in handy!

Morning

Let’s start our weekend at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, where you’re sure to see tons of other cyclists who’ve had the same idea. Not only do four miles of paved byway trail run through Theo Wirth, but the park also boasts 13 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails. And if you don’t have a mountain bike? That’s no problem—you can rent one at the Trailhead.

When you've worked up an appetite, Mill Valley Market serves up fresh food at the park, or take a 10-minute bike ride to Sammy’s Avenue Eatery. Or, make a stop at Utepils Brewing, with its utopian beer garden on the banks of Bassett Creek. It’s open at 11 a.m. on weekends, and there’s hardly ever a sunny day that you won’t see dozens of bikes locked up outside.

Afternoon

Let’s take a mini brewery bike tour in Northeast Minneapolis! Take the Grand Rounds north, past Wirth Golf Course, and you’ll wind up on Victory Memorial Parkway, a picturesque section of the trail running along the Victory and Camden neighborhoods. Crossing the Mississippi, you’ll find yourself in Northeast, a sprawling arts district known for its studios, dive bars, and breweries.

Hop off the Grand Rounds, and you can try a trio of Minneapolis’s best breweries in short succession. Start at Fair State Brewing Cooperative on Central Avenue for union-made Vienna Lager. From there, it’s just a five-minute bike ride to Bauhaus Brew Labs, a colorful taproom with a big patio and killer smoked meats from Animales Barbeque Co. It’s only another five minutes to Indeed Brewing Company, where another large patio and refreshing Pistachio Cream Ales (you’ve gotta try it to believe it) await.

Breweries not your scene? Northeast also boasts some of the city’s best restaurants, like Young Joni, Hai Hai, and Oro by Nixta Tortilleria—all of which have been nominated for James Beard awards over the years. If you’re self-conscious and sweaty, less gussied-up options exist: the Eastern European deli Kramarczuk's for an incredible sausage sandwich, Uncle Franky’s for a Chicago dog, or Emily’s Lebanese Deli for kebabs and kibbi.

Evening

Remember when we said the Grand Rounds circles “just about” all of the city? Well, that’s because there’s a section known as the “missing link” between Northeast and the Mississippi. The good news is you’ve already been off the trail brewery-hopping, and you can link back up with it along East or West River Parkway.

And really, what better way to spend an evening than riding along the Mississippi River? The Stone Arch Bridge boasts perhaps the best views of downtown Minneapolis and is closed to cars, meaning pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy the view at their own pace. (Unfortunately, only half of the bridge is open right now as it undergoes needed repairs, meaning you’ll have to cross the river at the Third Avenue, 10th Avenue, or Hennepin Avenue Bridge.) Nearby, there’s Mill Ruins Park, which showcases the remains of flour mills and other abandoned industrial buildings.

There are plenty more great breweries and restaurants right along the Mississippi or just a short ride away. Pull up a picnic table on Pryes Brewing Company’s riverside beer garden and split a few wood-fired pizzas, or snag a seat on the patio at Aster Cafe, and watch the sun set.

Morning

The Midtown Greenway is a triumph of barrier-free bicycling infrastructure, a 5.5-mile bike- and pedestrian-only trail with on-ramps and exits that make it function like a car-free highway. Start your day with breakfast on Eat Street, and then take the Greenway exit on Nicollet Avenue and pedal on up to the Chain of Lakes.

The Grand Rounds spans 13.3 miles around this area, connecting Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake. The shores of these lakes are perfect for hanging a hammock and reading for a while, or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, lock up your bike and rent a kayak or a paddleboard and get out on the water.

As a bonus, the Chain of Lakes is situated near Minneapolis’s Uptown neighborhood, where you can do a little bit of everything. Buy some books at Magers & Quinn, knock down some pins at Bryant-Lake Bowl & Theater, or shop cool secondhand finds at Leisure World. You might even have time to catch a matinee at the Lagoon Cinema before heading to your next destination, and consider swinging into Black Walnut Bakery or Isles Bun and Coffee to pop a pastry in your backpack before you go.

Afternoon

As flowing bodies of water go, the Mississippi River gets most of the attention, but locals know the Minnehaha Creek is where the fun is. This tributary, running from Lake Minnetonka to the Mississippi, is a little treasure, and lucky for you, roughly 12 miles of the Grand Rounds run alongside its rushing waters. Whenever you’ve wrapped up at the Chain of Lakes, hop on Minnehaha Parkway and head along the creek towards Lake Nokomis, stopping to dip your feet in the creek and hunt for cool rocks whenever the mood strikes.

Continue on to Minnehaha Regional Park, one of the oldest and most popular parks in Minneapolis and home to the namesake Minnehaha Falls. There will certainly be a huge line at Sea Salt Eatery, the park’s beloved seafood restaurant, but I promise you that enjoying a fried oyster po’boy and clam fries on the sunny deck while you listen to the rushing water will be worth the wait. Plus, there’s a Dairy Queen right there—send a friend to grab cones for the group while you wait in line. When you’re finished eating, the park also has three gardens to explore, and there might even be live music at the bandstand.

Evening

Phew! I don’t know about you, but I am worn out from all this pedaling (and eating, and drinking). Assuming you’ve got some life left in those little leggies, we’re going to get on West River Parkway and travel along the Mississippi towards downtown Minneapolis.

As for what you do once you get there—it’s up to you! If you time it right, you can catch a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field, where there’s abundant bike parking, or see a show at the iconic First Avenue. Still hungry? For wings, the Monte Carlo is a classic; for a burger, Parlour is perfect. The North Loop is full of bars and restaurants where you could grab a nightcap or a small snack, but don’t be embarrassed about calling it a night early—you’ve had a busy weekend, after all.