Travel For Two
Fall Date Night: The Best Bike Routes for Two
Pop up your kickstand and get ready for a memorable adventure with your plus-one.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic ride past stunning fall colors or an easy, breezy path to a local brewery, we’ve got the perfect routes for a date night on two wheels.
For Novices
If you’re a beginning cyclist, consider renting an electric bike in Stillwater for your date night ride — you can either pedal normally or opt for an extra boost to bike up hills and into the wind. For an easy route that begins in downtown historic Stillwater, try Brown’s Creek Bike Trail. Loop back around to end the evening with a visit to Charlie’s Restaurant and Irish Pub, which offers a glass-enclosed patio and beautiful views of the river.

For Seasoned Mountain Bikers
If you’re a duo looking for a challenge, Eagan’s Lebanon Hills Regional Park has nearly 12 miles of single-track trails through rolling, wooded terrain. Or get to know the Minnesota River Bottoms, a network of natural trails that stretches from Bloomington to Fort Snelling State Park. Expect an adventurous (and sometimes muddy!) ride with log crossings, sand sections, occasional overgrowth and possible wildlife sightings
For Adventurers
Elm Creek Park Reserve offers a date night adventure for every ability, whether you choose the 10 miles of “more difficult” and “most difficult” single-track mountain biking trails or the over 20 miles of paved trails that offer colorful views of fall foliage. Finish your ride at the park’s south entrance and pedal just a few more miles to Maple Grove’s OMNI Brewing Co. for a cold pint and tasty food truck fare.

For Road Warriors
The Mississippi River Trail traces the river from its source in Itasca State Park to the Iowa border, with an 800-mile route that is primarily on road shoulders plus some sections of state, regional and local trails. In the northwestern Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, fun date night stops include Two Scoops Ice Cream in Anoka’s historic downtown, the observation walkway on top of the dam at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park and happy hour with live music at Crooners in Fridley
For Nature Lovers
Looking for something a little more out of the way? Check out Burnsville’s Black Dog Trail, which follows the Minnesota River and winds through prairie terrain and scattered groves of trees. There’s also an observation deck and viewing area to spot wildlife at the Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge
For Photography Buffs
If slowing down to snap some photos is one of your favorite pastimes, the section of the Mississippi River Trail in Inver Grove Heights offers views of the river and colorful fall foliage. Stop at Rock Island Swing Bridge for a romantic photo op — this historic swing bridge has been converted into a walking pier and juts out 680 feet over the river for an incredible panorama. Finish at the Mississippi Pub for fish tacos on the riverside patio.
For Leaf Peepers
You’ll get an eyeful of the brilliant red and orange hues of the season at Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, which offers access to Richfield’s Adams Hill Park and Roosevelt Park and plenty of opportunities to slow down and appreciate the fall colors. Continue on to Lake Nokomis for a casual date night dinner at Sandcastle, a seasonal lakeside eatery open through mid-September.
For Urban Enthusiasts
If your ideal date night features the city skyline as a backdrop, Minneapolis’ River Parkways is for you. Cycle across the Stone Arch Bridge, explore the University of Minnesota campus, and admire local landmarks like the Mill City Museum and Guthrie Theater

For Small Town Sorts
Lakeville’s West Lake Marion Mountain Bike Trail offers 5 miles of single track, with segments for beginner, intermediate and advanced cyclists. Whether you opt for a relaxing ride or a more demanding route, continue along the trail system to historic downtown Lakeville, which is home to many breweries and local restaurants.
For Wine Lovers
The flat, paved terrain of the Dakota Regional Trail makes for a leisurely date night ride. Begin and end your journey at Waconia’s The Winery at Sovereign Estate on the shore of Lake Waconia, where you can order a tasting flight of wines made with Minnesota-grown grapes, appetizers and made-to-order pizza.
For the Couple Who Hates to Plan
Let someone else take care of the planning with the Roseville Bike Tour, a preplanned route with plenty of romantic stops. Bike through Central Park and steal a kiss at the lakeside waterfall. Then, escape the crowds in Reservoir Woods, home to the state’s largest butternut tree (a whopping 17 feet around!). Finally, explore the hands-on exhibits at the Bell Museum and wrap up the day with dinner and drinks at Rosedale Center.