Minnesota Trails Magazine

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from the Trails team.

Pause. Breathe. Enjoy. Go forward into the new year with your eyes on the horizon.

12/21/2025

Did you get out today?

The Trails team had a get-together today at Rune Stone County Park near Alexandria and made the most of it. Fatbiking was awesome on rock-hard, grippy snow. And, in light of the recent weather, sking was OK, too!

12/17/2025

Great news from our friends in Duluth!

The money is for new trailhead and bike skills area, making biking more accessible in the Northland.

12/11/2025

Bring bug spray, just in case. 🦟🤚

12/11/2025

Bring bug spray, just in case.

12/10/2025

Great news from our friends in Rochester!

Big announcement!

Rochester Active Sports Community (RASC) is pleased to announce that Gamehaven Regional Park has been awarded a grant of $827,938 from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. This grant is to support significant upgrades and new amenities at Gamehaven, including new mountain biking and Nordic skiing projects. The grant application was led by the City of Rochester Parks and Recreation Department, with meaningful collaboration and support from RASC.

This investment aligns closely with RASC’s mission to advance mountain biking, Nordic skiing, road and gravel cycling, and other silent sports throughout the Rochester area. To help bring these improvements to life, RASC has committed to raise and contribute $75,000 (25% of the $300K bike park portion) to the project. RASC volunteers have long played an essential role at Gamehaven Park, developing and maintaining mountain bike trails, establishing new Nordic ski loops, and supporting year-round outdoor recreation. RASC volunteers will continue to be instrumental in implementing the upcoming improvements.

Thanks to this grant, RASC and our partners are excited to move forward with several key enhancements:

-PROFESSIONALLY BUILT MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
RASC commitment - $75K
RASC is working with Pathfinder Trailbuilders to create a substantial Skills Park and Progressive Jump Lines designed for riders of all experience levels. These new additions, planned near the upper paved parking lot at Gamehaven, will provide a dedicated space for learning, practicing, and advancing mountain biking skills. Learn more about Pathfinder at their website: https://pathfindertrailbuilding.com

-ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SNOW MAKING OPERATIONS
Grant funded - No RASC monetary commitment
Grant funding will also support the installation of critical electrical systems needed for snowmaking, helping ensure more consistent and reliable winter recreation opportunities.

In addition to the RASC-supported initiatives, the $827,938 grant includes improvements to other Gamehaven Park amenities, including upgrades to the tubing hill and a new tubing tow rope. RASC has no monetary commitment to these additional projects, which are grant funded.

There is still significant planning ahead before construction can begin. In the coming months, RASC will continue working closely with Rochester Parks & Recreation, Rochester Public Works, contractors, and partner organizations to finalize plans, establish timelines, and prepare for the next phases of implementation.
We will keep you informed as the project progresses. Updates will be shared through our email lists and on RASC social media platforms to ensure you stay connected and up to date.

As noted, RASC has pledged $75,000 toward the mountain bike park portion of this project. We are seeking the ongoing support of our community to help meet this commitment. If you are able, please consider contributing at: https://www.rasc-mn.org/donate

Thank you for your continued support, enthusiasm, and advocacy for active outdoor recreation in our region. Exciting developments are ahead for Gamehaven, and we look forward to sharing this journey with you!

To learn more about the Rochester Active Sports Community, please visit: https://www.rasc-mn.org/

12/03/2025

If you’re on a quest to find the right bike seat, this Minnesota invention may be what you’re looking for.
Story link in the comments

Best Bike Seat

12/02/2025

Here’s your chance to be Santa’s BIG Helper this year, support a Minnesota business, and put some gravel in someone’s stocking!

Link in the comments.

11/29/2025

Good news from our friends in Albert Lea!

📍Blazing Star Trail | UPDATES

Even tho the project isn't complete yet...the bridge is IN & the trail is OPEN! Have you been out to see the beautiful new path? 🚲👟🌳🌲

Thanks to Bryce Gaudian for the awesome captures!

11/28/2025

Thankful for the days spent exploring Minnesota's abundant and diverse wild places, the joy of discovering something new and extraordinary in our parks and trails, and access to the great outdoors for peaceful moments in nature 🍂🌲

What are you thankful for in Minnesota's natural spaces?

📷 Temperance River State Park, Stan/P&TC Photo Contest

11/18/2025

We’re adding lots of rides to our hot list for 2026! 🚲🔥