Minnesota River Ramble

• Best Time to Go: The ideal time to ride is late September to early October, when the fall colors are at their peak and insect activity is minimal. However, due to scheduling constraints, we rode in late July, encountering lot’s of sun, temperatures in the 90s and high humidity making us a sweaty mess, ripe for mosquitoes to atack us while setting up tents.
• Parking: We chose to ride the route clockwise, but it can also be done in reverse. We started in New Ulm to accommodate our drive from the Minneapolis area, aiming to be on the bikes by 9:30 am. Note that New Ulm does not have designated overnight parking lots, and street parking is subject to local ordinances. However, traffic enforcement mentioned that parking in the Cash Wise lot would likely not be questioned. We opted to park in the driveway of a friendly local who offered us a spot.
• Cell Access: Cell service is not reliable in all areas of the route, particularly in some campgrounds deeper in the valley. However, you should be able to find signal at various points throughout each day.
• Nicollet Bike Shop: Serving the greater Mankato area since 1971, Nicollet Bike Shop was originally located 3 miles south of Nicollet, MN. Shop owners Justin and Jenna Rinehart, both avid gravel cyclists, have since moved the shop to downtown Mankato. They can assist with any needs you may encounter before heading out.
• For a suggested itinerary highlighting key stops and dining options, check under the “Trail Notes” tab.

• Ramsey Park Campground offers modern amenities, including restrooms, water, and multiple shower rooms. There are power outlets available for recharging electronics at the nearby park pavilion. The tent area is small but provides several spots for setting up camp on a first-come, first-served basis. The town of Redwood Falls is a short bike ride away, offering food and drink options. The golf course is a convenient spot for a beverage and popcorn before heading back to camp.
• Granite Falls Memorial Park provides camping spots for both recreational vehicles and tents, with access to modern restrooms, water, and a single shower room. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with RV spots located at the front and more private tent sites toward the back. There is also a larger group camping area available if the main camp is full. Power outlets for charging devices are located at the pavilion and shower area. The town of Granite Falls is just a short ride away, offering food and drink options.
• Fort Ridgely State Park offers a peaceful camping experience, with the option to fall asleep to the sound of Fort Ridgely Creek or choose a hike-in campsite for more privacy (and potentially more mosquitoes). Be sure to stock up on firewood before heading down the steep hill into the campground. Free showers and electricity are available.
• Minneopa State Park The name “Minneopa” means “water falling twice” in the Dakota language, referring to the two beautiful waterfalls of Minneopa Creek. The campground, located north of the falls up a short but steep climb, is a modern facility offering a mix of electric and non-electric sites, as well as a shower room. For those looking for a break from tent camping, there is also a camper cabin available for rent.

• I typically carry a few dehydrated meals, instant oatmeal, and coffee with me. There are enough restaurants and convenience stores along the route, so you don’t need to pack food for every meal. With proper planning, and being comfortable with gas station food, you could even skip bringing any meals from home if you prefer. For our five-day trip, I packed three breakfasts (days 2, 4, and 5), one lunch (day 1), and one dinner (day 3). We were able to eat at restaurants on other days.
• Water can be scarce, so make sure to fill up your bottles whenever you have the chance. I recommend carrying three bottles, depending on the time of year and how much you’re sweating, as there are sections without easy resupply points. Each campground has water available for cooking and to get you started each day. Lastly, don’t underestimate the kindness of locals; a friendly wave to someone in their yard and a polite “How’s your day?” followed by a request to use their hose can often result in a refill.
• Water Filtration There are plenty of streams and ponds along the route, but there is also a lot of agricultural activity, which raises concerns about farm runoff. I am hesitant to use this water but read up on your filtration system before you go. 
• Grandview Winery This family-run winery started as a dream, with the father, mother and son seated at the kitchen table discussing the possibilities of what could be. Established in 2008 on land that’s been in the family for four generations, the winery now serves craft beer and scratch-made pizzas. Believe me, one pizza can feed three hungry riders. If beer and wine aren’t your style, they also have a cocktail lounge on the other side of the parking lot.
• The Korner: One of the best parts of bikepacking is visiting small local establishments, and The Korner in Morton fits that bill. It’s a great place to stop before camping at Fort Ridgely State Park. They have a full bar with a selection of tap beers, along with burgers, deep-fried foods, and pizzas. I recommend the bacon cheeseburger. Sit at the bar and chat with the staff or talk to the locals about what you have been up to. You can also grab beers to go from the off-sale liquor counter if you feel the reward is worth the effort to carry them the rest of the way.
• Rubi’s Kitchen Farm to Table Located in Redwood Falls, Rubi’s Kitchen is a great spot for dinner. After setting up camp, take the short ride up the hill into town to the old main street in town. Chef Rubi Kaufenberg focuses on farm-to-table dining, offering the freshest food directly from local farms. The diverse menu combines classic dishes with unique flavors from around the world.
• Casey’s General Store became our goto convenience store for the trip.  Grab an electrolyte beverage, a breakfast sandwich, a Pearson’s nut roll or even a bundle of firewood to bring back to the camp.  This is a premium convenience store and should be able to cover your resupply needs.

location New Ulm to Redwood Falls

Day 1: 52 miles, ~1,800 feet

Starting from New Ulm, you’ll head into Flandrau State Park, exiting via a gravel road at the park’s rear. While relatively short, be cautious on sections of paved road with limited shoulders; the gravel shoulders are solid and can be used safely. Enjoy the two descents into the river valley, followed by climbs back out. As you approach Redwood Falls, tuck in and make a straight shot across open farmland. Upon arrival, you’ll ride over the bridge crossing Chanshayapi River Falls but also take time to visit Ramsey falls before heading down to the campground to avoid an uphill return trip. Set up camp and explore the nearby town. For a post-ride drink away from mosquitoes, visit the golf course next to the campground, which offers beer, popcorn, and a spacious deck.

location Redwood Falls to Granite Falls

Day 2: 45 miles, ~1,300 feet

Enjoy one of the easier days on the route. Start the day by getting resupplies just off route at a convenience store in Redwood Falls, then head further upriver. Keep an eye out for a left turn on a big downhill around mile 13, leading to a mixed section of two-track and minimum maintenance road with several water crossings. At mile 21, stop by Grandview Winery for pizza and cold beverages, either on the back patio or in the air-conditioned indoors. If you’re interested in aviation, the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum is a short detour from the route and offers a place to refill water. Memorial Park Campground, just before Granite Falls, is a good spot to set up camp and shower before heading into town for a meal. Consider visiting Bluenose Gopher Public House or Jake’s Pizza.

location Granite Falls to Fort Ridgely State Park

Day 3: 61 miles, ~2,240 feet

You’ll ride directly through Granite Falls so stop to grab a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee and take a moment to watch the pelicans gathering by the dam. This leg of the journey features some of the world’s oldest rocks, granitic gneiss dating back 3.8 billion years. Refill your water bottles outside an 1868 dovetail cabin in Skalbekken Park. A few miles later, you’ll descend into Vicksburg Park, offering more forested roads and close-up views of the river including a large eddy that makes the water appear to go back upstream. An optional extra mile brings you back to the river to check out a 1903 trestle bridge that once served gold miners searching for gold. Morton might be a stretch for lunch, but it’s worth it for a hot meal at The Korner. The day ends with a ride past the ruins of Fort Ridgely; take a moment to explore the remnants of the old military base. If you wish to have a fire grab firewood before dropping down into the river valley to the camp spots below.

location Fort Ridgely State Park to Mankato

Day 4: 66 miles, ~1,930 feet

The longest day of the route starts with a short potential hike-a-bike uphill out of Fort Ridgely. An extra 400 yards off route will provide a beautiful view of the valley. The route includes some short, steep climbs as you navigate towards gravel roads to avoid traffic. With few resupply points, make sure to fill your water bottles at the faucet behind St. George Church. The small town of Courtland is a great lunch stop; grab food and drinks at the Crow Bar, then restock supplies at the convenience store across the street. In Mankato, consider stopping for dinner at Pagliai’s Pizza and picking up any last-minute snacks before the final push to camp. When you reach Minneopa State Park, take the time to visit the waterfalls before heading to the campground, as the next day’s route continues further up the hill.

location Mankato to New Ulm

Day 5: 33 miles, ~1,250 feet

The final day’s route is shorter, allowing for some time in New Ulm before heading out of town. The morning starts with an optional ride along a grassy path following the fence line; keep an eye out for the bison herd, which has grown to 30-35 animals since its start in 2012. The path ends at the historic Seppman Mill. From there, you can either return on the trail or bushwhack through an overgrown trail back to the road. The route then continues with several sections of minimal maintenance roads as well as some very fun downhills and uphills, before finishing back in New Ulm at Schell’s Brewery.