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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Minnesota
Hennepin County

Medicine Lake

The best road cycling routes around Medicine Lake

4.6

(83)

3,114

riders

109

rides

Road cycling around Medicine Lake features an extensive network of paved trails, offering diverse terrain within an urban setting. The area is characterized by scenic lakefronts, wooded public land, and interconnected park systems. Medicine Lake, the second-largest lake in Hennepin County, serves as a central feature, providing varied cycling experiences from flat pathways to sections with moderate elevation changes. This combination of well-maintained trails and natural beauty makes it a notable destination for road cyclists.

Best road cycling routes around…

Last updated: May 8, 2026

1.0

(1)

33

riders

#1.

Luce Line State Trail – West Medicine Lake Park Beach loop from Schmidt Lake

26.1km

01:09

130m

130m

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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Moderate

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy
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Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy

5

riders

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Tips from the Community

Tyler Sanders
June 20, 2025, Clifton E. French Regional Park

Clifton E. French Regional Park provides a wide range of activities, including playgrounds, a visitor center, swimming beach, fishing pier, and illuminated trails. The north shore of Medicine Lake is the most popular area, attracting people who enjoy swimming in the water and relaxing on the beach.

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The Luce Line Regional Trail seamlessly connects the city to the Minnesota prairie for hikers and cyclists. Visitors cross wooded bridges with views of Bassett Creek marshlands and Medicine Lake, then pass through Plymouth and Golden Valley into Theodore Wirth Park. Enjoy great views of the Minneapolis skyline and access major trails like the Cedar Lake Trail and Midtown Greenway. West of Vicksburg Lane, the Luce Line State Trail extends more than 60 miles, transitioning from crushed limestone to pavement and natural paths. The Luce Line Regional Trail is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.

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THis 12-acre park along the shore of Medicine Lake is a good spot to have a water or snack break during your ride. There's a playground for the kids too, if you are out on a family ride.

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mtm05005
May 9, 2025, Boardwalk

Nice boardwalk along the Luce Line Regional Trail. There is a small pull-off halfway through, so you can pull over and enjoy the wonderful views.

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Nice place tucked away off a church parking lot.

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West Medicine Lake Park Beach offers a public waterfront with picnicking areas, volleyball courts, fishing spots, and a playground. A 2.7-mile paved pathway connects this park to the Medicine Lake Regional Trail in Minneapolis and the Luce Line Trail in Plymouth, providing scenic views of the lake along the way. The trail winds through the park, leading to the beach, and offers peaceful moments away from the road. Open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, the park is dog-friendly with public restrooms and picnic tables, making it a great destination for outdoor fun.

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Part of Theodore Wirth Park, The Trailhead is a hub for outdoor recreation in the community. Here, you'll find ski passes and all the essentials for your adventures in the park. There are lockers, a drinking fountain, restrooms, concessions, and equipment rentals.

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Theodore Wirth Parkway is one of seven segments of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. Although you do share the Parkway with cars, its generally pretty quiet and the road is well-paved, making this a pleasant section of riding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around Medicine Lake?

There are over 120 road cycling routes around Medicine Lake, offering a wide variety of options for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars.

What is the best time of year for road biking around Medicine Lake?

The warmer months are ideal for road biking around Medicine Lake, typically from spring through fall. During this time, you can fully enjoy the scenic lakefronts and extensive trail networks. While the area offers year-round recreation, winter conditions may include snow and ice, making road cycling less suitable.

Are there easy or beginner-friendly road cycling routes in the Medicine Lake area?

Yes, Medicine Lake offers many easy and beginner-friendly road cycling routes. Over half of the routes (65 out of 125) are classified as easy. An excellent option for a relaxed ride is the East Medicine Lake Park – West Medicine Lake Park loop from Plymouth, which provides scenic views along the lakefront.

Are the road cycling routes around Medicine Lake suitable for families?

Yes, the extensive network of paved trails and generally easy difficulty of many routes make Medicine Lake very suitable for family-friendly road cycling. The area's parks, like West Medicine Lake Park, offer additional amenities such as playgrounds and picnic areas, perfect for a family outing.

Where can I park when visiting the Medicine Lake road cycling trails?

Parking is generally available at various access points to the Medicine Lake Regional Trail and other interconnected parks. West Medicine Lake Park and East Medicine Lake Park are good starting points with parking facilities, providing direct access to the scenic lakefront trails.

Can I reach the Medicine Lake bike trails using public transport?

Yes, the Medicine Lake area is accessible via public transport, particularly through Metro Transit bus stops near the trails. The interconnected trail system, including the Medicine Lake Regional Trail, is designed to be accessible, making it possible to reach various starting points without a car.

What kind of landscapes and attractions can I expect to see along the road cycling routes?

Road cycling routes around Medicine Lake offer diverse scenery, including extensive lakefront views, wooded public lands, and connections to other urban trails. You can pass by attractions such as West Medicine Lake Park Beach, and the routes often connect to other notable lakes like Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles.

Are there any long-distance road cycling routes that connect to other areas?

Yes, the Medicine Lake area is part of a larger interconnected trail system. For example, the Cedar Lake – Bde Maka Ska loop from Medicine Lake extends beyond the immediate lake area, connecting to other major lakes and urban trails, offering a longer ride of over 23 miles.

Are there any loop trails for road cycling around Medicine Lake?

Many of the road cycling routes around Medicine Lake are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular loop is the Luce Line Regional Trail – East Medicine Lake Park loop from Medicine Lake, which takes you through wooded sections and along the lake.

What are some notable trails that connect to the Medicine Lake area?

The Medicine Lake area is well-connected to several significant trail networks. The Medicine Lake Regional Trail itself offers scenic views and connects various parks. It also links to the Luce Line Trail, a multi-use rail trail, and the Midtown Greenway, providing extensive cycling opportunities.

Are there cafes, pubs, or accommodation options near the Medicine Lake road cycling routes?

Yes, being within the Minneapolis metropolitan area, there are various cafes, pubs, restaurants, and accommodation options in nearby Plymouth and other surrounding communities. Many establishments cater to visitors and cyclists, with some even offering bike parking.

What is the general difficulty level of road cycling routes around Medicine Lake?

The road cycling routes around Medicine Lake are predominantly easy to moderate. Out of 125 routes, 65 are easy and 60 are moderate, with no difficult routes. This means the area is very accessible for most cyclists, offering varied terrain with some moderate elevation changes but no extreme challenges.

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