USBR 20 in Minnesota begins in Moorhead. Traveling through scenic prairies and past dozens of the state’s 10,000 lakes, inviting cyclists to visit a series of small and historic towns parallel to Interstate 94. It takes advantage of several state and regional trails, with more than two-thirds of the route on off-road trails. Notably, Amtrak’s Empire Builder train has stops in St. Paul/Minneapolis, St. Cloud and Fargo, giving the option for an easy and scenic return trip (reservations needed for bicycles).
After taking advantage of off-road trails in Moorhead, the route then follows a county road with generous paved shoulders, passing through Sabin and Barnesville. In Pelican Rapids, USBR 20 continues on the Heart of the Lakes Trail to Maplewood State Park, where travelers can find camping and hiking trails, and swimming and fishing at Lake Lida.
The route then follows county roads until north of Fergus Falls, where the North County Trail continues into Fergus Falls, located on the Otter Tail River. Fergus Falls is also the start of the Central Lakes State Trail, which the route follows through multiple communities (stop to see the Kensington Runestone in Alexandria!).
In Osakis, the route continues on the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail passing through many small towns to St. Cloud. USBR 20 meets USBR 45 on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, where riders can find lodging and services before turning north towards Brainerd and Itasca State Park, or south towards the Twin Cities, Wisconsin and Iowa on USBR 45 (Mississippi River Trail).
More information about USBR 20: dot.state.mn.us/bike/usbr20.html
More information about the U.S. Bicycle Route System: adventurecycling.org/usbrs