Midtown Greenway – Lake Harriet loop from Medicine Lake
Midtown Greenway – Lake Harriet loop from Medicine Lake
2.6
(4)
66
riders
Midtown Greenway – Lake Harriet loop from Medicine Lake
02:15
53.3km
210m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 13.0 km for 202 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
3.07 km
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
4.18 km
Medicine Lake Regional Trail Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
5.77 km
Luce Line Regional Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
15.1 km
Cedar Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
15.7 km
Midtown Greenway
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
21.6 km
Martin Olav Sabo Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
33.7 km
Lake Harriet
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
34.9 km
Bde Maka Ska
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
39.2 km
Cedar Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
53.3 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
41.7 km
10.5 km
494 m
372 m
229 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
46.7 km
5.50 km
1.10 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 11 July
32°C
20°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for one of the best road cycling routes in Minneapolis that blends urban vibrancy with natural beauty, the Midtown Greenway – Lake Harriet loop from Medicine Lake is a fantastic choice. This moderate 33.1-mile (53.3 km) road cycling route, with 689 feet (210 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete. It's perfect for cyclists who want a diverse ride showcasing the city's extensive trail network.
What to expect on Midtown Greenway – Lake Harriet loop from Medicine Lake
This route is a journey through varied terrain and scenery, starting with the winding, forested sections of the Medicine Lake Regional Trail, offering views of Medicine Lake and a quiet escape. As you transition eastward, you'll connect through the Luce Line and Cedar Lake trails, leading you to the unique Midtown Greenway. This "bicycle superhighway" runs mostly below street level, providing a smooth, traffic-free urban experience before connecting to the picturesque Chain of Lakes area, including the popular Lake Harriet loop. While generally smooth, be aware that some sections of the Medicine Lake trail can be bumpy due to tree roots, so padded shorts are a good idea. The varied terrain and moderate elevation changes make this a rewarding ride for most fitness levels.
Planning your visit
The trails are generally well-maintained and accessible, making this a great option for road cycling. The extensive connectivity means you can enjoy a long, continuous ride with minimal interaction with vehicular traffic. While specific parking details for the start point near Medicine Lake aren't detailed, the popularity of these trails suggests ample access points. Consider riding during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially on the highly popular Midtown Greenway and Lake Harriet sections.
Trail details
- Distance: 33.1 miles (53.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 689 feet (210 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 14 minutes
Comments
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