WLLMAR
WADENA
ST.CLOUD
MINNEAPOLIS
LITTLEFALLS
HUTCHINSON
FERGUSFALLS
BRAINERD
ALEXANDRIA
AITKIN
94
33
65
125
102
61
53
50
71
82
143
109
114
176
115
157
130
30
65
72
132
70
112
49
87
116
63
125
32
112
96
159
Terrific Trails to Explore by Bike
More than 200 miles of state and regional bike trails
explore the countryside, lakes and woods, and charming
towns of central Minnesota. These paved trails were mostly
developed along former railroad beds, offering easygoing,
scenic biking. Check out the Central Lakes, Lake Wobegon,
Soo Line and Paul Bunyan trails. Several towns offer local
trails, as well. Mountain bikers enjoy the thrills of the new
trails at the Cuyuna State Recreation Area.
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Cuyuna State Recreation Area
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Lakes & Links
The heart of Minnesota is dappled with hundreds of lakes
and traced by the Mississippi River. The lures include
great fishing, fine golf courses and terrific bike trails. The
lakeshores are home to many resorts, including some of
the largest in the state. In the winter, the woods and
waters of the area draw snowmobilers, ice anglers,
cross-country and downhill skiers.
The lovely rivertown of Little Falls has a historic
downtown with colorful murals and pretty riverside parks.
The boyhood home of aviator Charles Lindbergh is open
for tours and an interpretive center tells more about this
interesting family. Nearby is the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser
Memorial Museum, focusing on the area’s lumber
industry. The Pine Grove Zoo features a variety of animal
and the Minnesota Fishing Museum has a vast collection
of antique lures. Nearby is Camp Ripley, a training center
for the National Guard and Army Reserve. The Minnesota
Military Museum here has weapons, uniforms and other
memorabilia dating from 1850 related to Minnesotans’
military service.
The Brainerd Lakes area, a well-known vacation
destination, is anchored by the bustling city of Brainerd.
Its historic downtown offers a variety of shopping and
dining. Kids enjoy visiting Paul Bunyan at an amusement
park east of Brainerd, where Paul greets them by name.
Another major lure for young people is the indoor water
parks at several lodges in the adjacent town of Baxter.
Other attractions in the area are Brainerd International
