The best traffic-free bike rides around Edina

The CP Rail Regional Trail is a planned 21-mile regional corridor that will run from the Minnesota River in the south to the Bassett Creek Regional Trail in the north. The proposed alignment will connect to six regional trails: Nine Mile Creek, Cedar Lake LRT, North Cedar Lake, Luce Line, Bassett Creek, and Crystal Lake. Each of these trails, in turn, connects with many others. Here is a link to the CP Rail Trail Master Plan: https://www.threeriversparks.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/construction/03-21%20CP%20Rail%20Reg.%20Trail%20Master%20Plan%20DRAFT.pdf Since we recently moved to a home very near Hyland Lake Regional Park, Martha and I are looking forward to the completion of the final 1.5 miles of trail connecting the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail to the Minnesota River. We hope this trail, together with the many others it connects to, will help knit Minneapolis together as a community.

Runs right along the ski trail in the winter.

Nice park office with ski rentals in the winter. Big playground. A lake that they run a aerator, so it stays open and a bunch of swans stay in the winter.

Nice lake with a ski trail that loops around it.

Purgatory Creek is a stream located in the western metropolitan area of Minnesota. It primarily flows through Hennepin County. The creek originates from three primary sources: Lotus Lake in Chanhassen, Silver Lake in Shorewood, and wetlands in Minnetonka. After these tributaries merge, Purgatory Creek travels about 12 to 16 miles, passing through a variety of landscapes, including lakes, marshes, forests, and urban areas. Notable points along its route include the Purgatory Recreation Area (the location of this highlight) and Staring Lake in Eden Prairie. The creek’s watershed covers most of Eden Prairie and Minnetonka, with smaller sections in Deephaven, Shorewood, and Chanhassen. Ultimately, Purgatory Creek passes through the bluffs of the Minnesota River Valley before emptying into the Minnesota River.

The Hyland Lake Park Reserve Visitor Center is the main location for visitors at Hyland Lake Park in Bloomington, Minnesota. Managed by the Three Rivers Park District, the Visitor Center offers access to park activities and services. Next to the Visitor Center, families can enjoy the Hyland Play Area, known as "Chutes and Ladders.”. The center also has restrooms, serves as a warming shelter, and is close to a concession stand for snacks and drinks. Near the Visitor Center is a small 3-hole disc golf practice course, and during the warmer months, canoes and paddle boats are available for rent on the nearby lake.

Hyland Park Reserve has around 9 miles of paved paths with light climbs, passing through woods and open areas. It connects to other local trails like Nine Mile Creek and has access points with parking and restrooms, including Richardson Nature Center. Good for a steady ride away from traffic.

This trail follows along its namesake creek through wetlands and woodlands, along boardwalk, and under highways. It serves as a way to connect the communities it travels through, and offers a great alternative to car travel.