Minneapolis Saint Paul Official Visitors Guide to the Twin Cities 2013 : Page 28

OuTdOOrs to get acquainted with an area than to get outside, so hike, bike, paddle, swim or stroll in what Forbes calls the nation’s healthiest cities. With 90,000 miles of shoreline and 929 metro area lakes, get in touch with nature in an urban environment, a concept that’s at the heart of Minneapolis Saint Paul’s outdoor scene. Tour the area on two wheels to slow down and appreciate the scenery and culture. Don’t have a bike? Don’t worry—America’s most bikeable city (as ranked by Bike Score in 2012) has you covered. Just hop on a Nice Ride bike available at more than 140 stations around Minneapolis Saint Paul. Best of all, the first half hour is free! Follow a section of the 50-mile Grand Rounds Scenic Byway , recognized as one of the best scenic byways in the country. Shortcut through Minneapolis on the Midtown Greenway , a bik-ing thoroughfare that connects Lake Calhoun to the Mississippi River . Slicing between the two cities, the river serves as a hotspot for outdoor recreation in Minneapolis Saint Paul. More than 20 miles of scenic pathways along its shores attracts runners, bikers and walkers in every season. For a shorter, scenic trip, concentrate on the Chain of Lakes — Minneapolis shorthand for lakes Cedar, Nokomis, Calhoun, Harriet and Lake of the Isles and the miles of walking and biking paths that connect them. Grab a bite to eat at Tin Fish on Lake Calhoun or Lake Harriet’s Bread and Pickle before strolling through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden and catching a show at the Lake Harriet Bandshell . Or take a quick stop at Minnehaha Falls to find out why more than 850,000 visitors flock to the 53-foot waterfall each year. Take a hike, spot the statue of Hiawatha at the top of the falls and grab a snack at Sea Salt Eatery . Not to be overshadowed by its sister city, Saint Paul boasts more Mississippi River shoreline (26 miles) than any other city along its path. Discover the natural beauty of Minnesota’s capital city. Stroll along the creek and on the walking paths at Mears Park , only a mile from downtown Saint Paul. For many Minnesotans, the arrival of winter means more play time in the great outdoors. Downhill skiers and snowboard-ers flock to Hyland Ski Area in Bloomington, Afton Alps in Hastings, Buck Hill in Burnsville (the childhood stomping ground of Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn) or many other nearby ski hills. The annual City of Lakes Loppet (early February) offers a variety of races for cross country skiers of all ages and speeds. Show off your stick skills in the state of hockey at the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships held annually on Lake Nokomis or make figure eights on Rice Park ’s free outdoor ice rink in Saint Paul. Melting snow and warmer temperatures means competitive and casual golfers alike take to the greens on more than 170 metro-area golf courses. Tee off at Theodore Wirth Golf Club as you admire the Minneapolis skyline or enjoy the manicured greens of Highland National Golf Course in Saint Paul. Play outside any season. OutdOOrs The GreaT There’s no better way Ph OtO by tOdd buchanan City of Lakes Loppet 28 | Minneapolis Saint Paul Official Visitors Guide 2013

Outdoors

Play outside any season The Great Outdoors There’s no better way to get acquainted with an area than to get outside, so hike, bike, paddle, swim or stroll in what Forbes calls the nation’s healthiest cities.With 90,000 miles of shoreline and 929 metro area lakes, get in touch with nature in an urban environment, a concept that’s at the heart of Minneapolis Saint Paul’s outdoor scene. Tour the area on two wheels to slow down and appreciate the scenery and culture. Don’t have a bike? Don’t worry—America’s most bikeable city (as ranked by Bike Score in 2012) has you covered. Just hop on a Nice Ride bike available at more than 140 stations around Minneapolis Saint Paul. Best of all, the first half hour is free! Follow a section of the 50-mile Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, recognized as one of the best scenic byways in the country.Shortcut through Minneapolis on the Midtown Greenway, a biking thoroughfare that connects Lake Calhoun to the Mississippi River. Slicing between the two cities, the river serves as a hotspot for outdoor recreation in Minneapolis Saint Paul. More than 20 miles of scenic pathways along its shores attracts runners, bikers and walkers in every season. For a shorter, scenic trip, concentrate on the Chain of Lakes— Minneapolis shorthand for lakes Cedar, Nokomis, Calhoun, Harriet and Lake of the Isles and the miles of walking and biking paths that connect them. Grab a bite to eat at Tin Fish on Lake Calhoun or Lake Harriet’s Bread and Pickle before strolling through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden and catching a show at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Or take a quick stop at Minnehaha Falls to find out why more than 850,000 visitors flock to the 53-foot waterfall each year. Take a hike, spot the statue of Hiawatha at the top of the falls and grab a snack at Sea Salt Eatery. Not to be overshadowed by its sister city, Saint Paul boasts more Mississippi River shoreline (26 miles) than any other city along its path. Discover the natural beauty of Minnesota’s capital city. Stroll along the creek and on the walking paths at Mears Park, only a mile from downtown Saint Paul. For many Minnesotans, the arrival of winter means more play time in the great outdoors. Downhill skiers and snowboarders flock to Hyland Ski Area in Bloomington, Afton Alps in Hastings, Buck Hill in Burnsville (the childhood stomping ground of Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn) or many other nearby ski hills. The annual City of Lakes Loppet (early February) offers a variety of races for cross country skiers of all ages and speeds.Show off your stick skills in the state of hockey at the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships held annually on Lake Nokomis or make figure eights on Rice Park’s free outdoor ice rink in Saint Paul. Melting snow and warmer temperatures means competitive and casual golfers alike take to the greens on more than 170 metro-area golf courses. Tee off at Theodore Wirth Golf Club as you admire the Minneapolis skyline or enjoy the manicured greens of Highland National Golf Course in Saint Paul.

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