Until the Camp Ripley/Veterans Trail is completed (2015+), there are several existing road routes that are recommended for bicycle travel between the Paul Bunyan and Soo Line trails.

When using any maps of the area, be sure you can identify which roads are paved, as the majority of roads in this region are unpaved. Local snowmobile maps are perhaps the best resource for differentiating paved/gravel roads and can be obtained from the local chambers of commerce. The Brainerd Lakes Tourism website or Visitor Center (on Hwy 371) is a good place to get these local maps. The Little Falls Visitor Center also has maps, but you will want to specifically ask for snowmobile maps.

While all roads in Minnesota, except those specifically restricted, are open to bicycle travel. Not all roads are comfortable for cyclists of all abilities, especially younger or inexperienced riders.

A quick map of a few suggested connecting routes has been drafted and uploaded for your reference. The map will be revised/improved in the fall/winter of 2010 to show more detail and service information.

Route Map:

Camp Ripley/Veterans Trail - Interim Road Route Map - 2010.08.19 (921 Kb)

The Camp Ripley/Veterans Trail group's website, along with similar State Trail associations, is now listed on the MN DNR State Trail website.

To find the link, visit the main MN State Trail page. State Trail Associations is listed in the Resources section on the bottom half of the page.

CRV Trail Map - 2010.07.23

 Camp Ripley/Veterans Trail Map - 20100723.pdf

The map has been cleaned up to make it more presentable with the addition of lakes/rivers and few other minor changes. The exact corridor of the trail is still to be determined, but it has been corrected to match the legislative authorization.

An important note that has been added to this version, is that the CRV Trail will be dual tread-way to accommodate both motorized and non-motorized use.

The total mileage of the trail system that will be created with this trail has also been updated (421 paved miles).

Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (just south of Little Falls) is hosting Astronomy Night this Saturday, July 17 at 8:30 p.m. As part of their Universe in the Park series, University of Minnesota astronomers will provide a free public talk and slide show. Following the presentation, the astronomers will provide star charts and multiple telescopes to assist with individualized, guided viewing of the night sky. If you prefer, you could bring your own telescope. The event is appropriate for all ages, and children are welcome.

Explore Minnesota will be hosting a half-day conference to discuss regional bicycle tourism issues in Central and Northern Minnesota. The event is scheduled for Monday, June 28, 2010 and will be held at the Walker, MN Community Center from 09:30AM - 12:30PM.

The conference is a regional follow-up to the successful MN bicycle tourism summit that was held in May 2010 at Pequot Lakes. If you are involved with trails or cycling issues in Central and Northern Minnesota, it will be an important meeting for you to attend.

Full details for the event yet are not yet available, but will be posted on our site and on our Twitter feed as they are made available.