The best road cycling routes around Brooklyn Park

This 8-acre park consists of three islands located in the Mississippi River. While Chase Island is accessible on foot, the other two can be reached by water or enjoyed from a distance. The park earned its name from its founder's quote, "Where Peace Is A Way of Life Every Hour of Every Day for All Those Willing to Share the Experience."

This section of Mississippi River Trail goes under the South Ferry Street Bridge. Close by, there is a boardwalk if you want to have a closer look to the river.

The Mississippi River Trail features a mix of paved and gravel sections, following the river through diverse landscapes. This stretch of the trail is entirely paved, winding through trees with river views. Scenic, smooth, and refreshing path.

A stretch of fun singletrack swoops along beside the trail. If you don't want to give it a shot, you can stay on the main trail, which is comfortable for cyclists of all levels.

The Rum River Regional Trail extends upstream for 3.16 miles along the east bank of the Rum River from its confluence with the Mississippi to Anoka Nature Preserve at its northern terminus. At the trailhead there is plenty of public parking but no public toilets.

Coon Rapids Dam, located between Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids, was built by Northern States Power Company in 1913-14 for hydropower generation, operating until 1966. The surrounding 446-acre Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is a year-round recreational hub, with scenic views, hiking trails, picnic pavilions, fishing, and boating. The park connects to the Mississippi River Regional Trail, offering biking opportunities between Minneapolis and Ramsey.

The Coon Rapids Dam sits on the Mississippi River between Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids. The dam was built by Northern States Power Company in 1913–1914 for hydropower, operating until 1966. Today, visitors can explore the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, open from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, with the Visitor Center open Monday through Friday based on staff availability and on weekends from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The park offers activities like fishing at Cenaiko Lake, picnic pavilions, a boat launch, snowshoe rentals, and trails for biking, walking, and running. Seasonal concerts are every Thursday night at 7:00 pm during warm seasons. Enjoy the natural side of the park too like edible wild onions, blood root, and wildlife like ospreys, peregrine falcons, carp, and minks.

The Rush Creek Regional Trail spans 9.6 miles through forests, farmland, and suburban areas, linking several notable parks in Hennepin County. Starting at Coon Rapids Park along the Mississippi River, the trail extends westward, passing through residential neighborhoods, shaded tree corridors, and farmland before ending at the Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The trail features a smooth, wide, and mostly flat paved path with ample signage, making it accessible for hiking, jogging, and biking. Early mornings are ideal for wildlife sightings. The trail also connects to other routes, including the Medicine Lake Regional Trail.