my five favorite running routes in minneapolis.

I’ve been lucky enough to run in some pretty beautiful places – Whistler, BC; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; along the California coast; the Bahamas; and Kona, Hawaii.

But nothing quite compares to running at home in the city of lakes: Minneapolis. When I moved here 10 years ago, running was how I met new friends, explored my new city, and learned about places I’d never have discovered otherwise (like the bunny along the creek!).

Those new places – all of them along water – quickly became my favorite, go-to running routes. From a dark winter after-work runs to the Church of the Sunday Morning Long Run, the dedicated running paths that connect the corners of Minneapolis are one of the things that make this city stand out.

With that, in honor of the Twin Cities Marathon yesterday, my top five road running routes in Minneapolis!

1 – the lakes loop

This loop includes Bde Maka Ska, Isles and Harriet. The paths around these lakes are usually packed with other runners and walkers, so it’s the perfect place to run when you need a pick-me-up and want your run to fly by. Run one lake or all three, depending on your distance. Bde Maka Ska is about three miles around; and Harriet and Isles just under three each.

A couple tips if you run here. One – there’s free parking at the Lake Calhoun Executive Center on weekends and weekdays evenings. And two – there’s a water fountain (and real bathroom!) at Lola’s Café (formerly Tin Fish).

2 – River Road

River Road, paralleling both sides of the Mississippi River, is my all-time favorite place to run. I’ve ran the nine-mile Ford-Franklin bridge loop more times than I can count! I can’t quite put my finger on why I love it so much. Maybe it’s because there aren’t any stoplights. Or the scenery – the river on one side and beautiful houses on the other. Or perhaps it’s because I always run into (pun intended) another runner I know. Or that the bridges – Franklin, Lake and Ford – are great mileage markers.

Here’s what you should know if you run River Road. It’s perfect for any distance, whether that’s an out-and-back or one of the bridge loops (Ford-Franklin is close to nine miles; Lake-Ford is almost six miles; and Lake-Franklin is 3.5). There are also several water fountains and porta potties – both key for long runs.

The city of Minneapolis plows all run + bike paths year-round, including along River Road.

3 – lakes Hiawatha + Nokomis

These two lakes are in my backyard, and like the other lakes loop, you’ll always “run” into other runners, no matter what time of year.  Even though the path is only on the east side of Hiawatha, it’s still a beautiful place to run, especially at sunset. It’s a little over three miles around Nokomis if you tack on the little loop east of Cedar Avenue. Get in a bonus workout with the vita fitness course, various exercise stations around the lake, including a pull-up bar and parallel bars. And if you’re lucky, you may even see an owl on the path connecting these two lakes!

4 – Minnehaha Creek trail

When we were house hunting last year, we knew we wanted to be close to the creek. Not only does it connect to Lake Harriet at one end and River Road on the other, making one long run route, but it’s also an awesome running path itself. Every time I run here I have to remind myself I’m still in Minneapolis. It’s pretty neat that this gem runs smack through the city. Anyway, the creek running path is serene and shaded and where I run when I want to be quietly surrounded by nature.

Minnehaha Creek must-sees include the giant bunny at Portland – during the winter she’s often wearing a scarf – and Minnehaha Falls, which are gorgeous year-round.

A little inspiration on Minnehaha Creek trail.

One of the many bridges over the creek.

5 – downtown loop

The downtown loop is pretty much the opposite of Minnehaha Creek: urban. It includes the north part of West River Road, the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, the cobbles of St. Anthony Main, and across the soaring Hennepin Bridge. And it’s the perfect way to take in the downtown views. For some bonus mileage hit the trails on Nicollet Island or run up to Plymouth and/or Broadway bridges.

Happy running!