Minnesota riding guide
Minnesota motorcycle rides: North Shore, bluffs and lake country
The best Minnesota motorcycle rides run along water: MN 61 up the Lake Superior North Shore, the Gunflint Trail into the north woods, and US 61 along the Mississippi bluffs in the southeast. The season is short, so riders make the most of it. Here are the roads, the season, the laws, including the 2025 lane splitting change, and how to track it free with Rippin'.
- Helmet law
- Some riders
- Lane splitting
- Legal under conditions (2025)
- Prime season
- May to early October
- Rippin' price
- Free
Why ride Minnesota
Why ride Minnesota: lakes, bluffs and big woods
Minnesota's riding comes in three flavors. In the southeast, the Mississippi and its tributaries cut through bluff country the glaciers missed, giving the state its best curves. In the northeast, the Lake Superior North Shore and the Arrowhead are forest, cliffs, waterfalls and big water. And in the north central lake country, the roads wind between thousands of lakes and pine forests.
The Twin Cities sit in the middle, with the Grand Rounds parkways inside the city and the St. Croix River valley just east. The southeast has US 61 along Lake Pepin and the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway. The North Shore runs from Duluth to the Canadian border at Grand Portage. The Arrowhead inland has the Gunflint Trail, MN 1 and Ely. And lake country has the Edge of the Wilderness byway, Itasca and the lake towns around Park Rapids and Detroit Lakes.
From the Twin Cities, the bluffs and the St. Croix are easy day rides; the North Shore and the Gunflint Trail make a weekend.
The roads
Best motorcycle roads in Minnesota
These are well-known Minnesota rides. The southeast has the curves; the north has the scenery and the long days.
- North Shore (MN 61)Runs about 150 miles from Duluth to Grand Portage along Lake Superior, past Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls and Grand Marais. Watch for fog off the lake and cars stopping at waysides. The old North Shore Scenic Drive between Duluth and Two Harbors is quieter.
- Gunflint TrailHeads inland from Grand Marais roughly 60 miles into the north woods toward the Canadian border, past lakes and Boundary Waters entry points. Watch for moose, deer and logging trucks, and fill up in Grand Marais because services are few.
- Great River Road (US 61)Follows the Mississippi through Red Wing, past Lake Pepin and Lake City, and on toward Wabasha and Winona under tall bluffs. Watch for weekend traffic. Cross to Wisconsin and ride WI 35 back for a loop.
- Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway (MN 16)Runs through the Root River valley in the far southeast, with bluffs, curves and towns like Lanesboro and Preston. Watch for Amish buggies, cyclists near the trail towns and gravel on side roads.
- Whitewater Valley (MN 74)Runs through Whitewater State Park in the bluff country near St. Charles and Elba, with steep valley walls and tight bends. Watch for deer and wet patches under the trees.
- St. Croix Scenic Byway (MN 95)Follows the St. Croix River from Stillwater north toward Taylors Falls, with river views and small towns. Close to the Twin Cities. Watch for weekend traffic around Stillwater and Taylors Falls.
- MN 1 (Ely to the North Shore)Cuts through the Superior National Forest between Ely and the North Shore, with curves, hills and almost no traffic. Watch for rough pavement, moose, logging trucks and long stretches with no services.
- Edge of the Wilderness (MN 38)Runs north from Grand Rapids through the Chippewa National Forest with lakes, hills and curves. Watch for deer.
- Lake Country (MN 34)Runs between Park Rapids and Detroit Lakes through lake country, close to Itasca State Park and the Mississippi headwaters. Watch for summer cabin and boat trailer traffic on weekends.
- Grand Rounds (Minneapolis)A loop of parkways through Minneapolis past lakes, Minnehaha Falls and the Mississippi. Great for an evening cruise. Watch for low speed limits, cyclists and people walking.
Road conditions, closures and construction change every season. Check before you ride.
When to ride
When to ride in Minnesota
Minnesota has a short, sweet season. In the south and the Twin Cities it runs from about April to October; up north it is closer to May through early October. Snow is possible in April and October, and the North Shore can be chilly on a July morning.
Fall color starts in the Arrowhead in mid to late September and moves south into early October.
- April: some nice days in the south, but cold and sandy roads. The north is still winter.
- May and June: the season opens up north. Expect cool mornings and bugs near the lakes.
- July and August: prime time for the North Shore and lake country.
- September to early October: fall color, north first. The best time for the North Shore and Gunflint Trail.
- Mid October to March: snow, salt and cold. Most bikes are stored.
Laws
Minnesota motorcycle laws: helmets and lane splitting
Minnesota requires helmets for some riders, mainly younger riders; the age and conditions are set in state law. The IIHS helmet law overview has the details. Whatever the law says for you, wear one, ideally full-face.
Minnesota legalized lane splitting and filtering under conditions in 2025. The conditions are set in state law, so read them before you try it. Drivers may not expect it yet, so take it slow and stay visible. Laws change, so check before you ride.
This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Laws change, so check the current Minnesota statute or the state motor vehicle agency before you ride.
Events
Minnesota motorcycle events and the riding calendar
Minnesota's riders are close to one of the biggest rallies in the country: the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, every August. Check the organizer for dates. Every May, the Twin Cities and Duluth join the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, the worldwide charity ride. Check the organizer for dates.
The rest is local: Twin Cities bike nights, North Shore runs, fall color rides, poker runs and charity rides. They are on the Rippin' events map, which covers the whole US. RSVP in the app, or post your own meet. Here is what is coming up in Minnesota right now.
Live from the app
Minnesota on Rippin' right now.
0 upcoming events and 0 rider-added roads in Minnesota on the map today. This list updates whenever the site is rebuilt; the app always has the latest.
No Minnesota events are on the Rippin' map yet. Know a bike night, rally or charity ride? Post it in the app under Meets, or have the organizer add it, and it shows up here and on the map for every rider nearby.
No Minnesota roads are in the app yet. Add the one you love from Segments and a person on our team checks it before it goes live. How roads get added.
Local tips
Minnesota riding tips
- Moose and deerOn the Gunflint Trail, MN 1 and the Arrowhead roads, moose are a real hazard, especially at dusk. Deer are everywhere. Slow down and watch the ditches.
- Fuel in the ArrowheadServices are sparse inland from the North Shore. Fill up in Grand Marais, Two Harbors or Ely before heading into the woods.
- Lake Superior weatherThe lake makes its own weather. Fog and cold can roll in on a warm day, so pack a layer and a visor cloth.
- Frost heaves and constructionWinter leaves heaves and potholes, and summer is construction season. Expect grooved pavement and lane shifts.
- New lane splitting rulesSplitting and filtering have been legal under conditions since 2025. Know the conditions, and assume drivers won't expect you.
Rippin' in Minnesota
How the Rippin' motorcycle app works in Minnesota
Rippin' started in Southern California, so Minnesota is early: few riders and roads in the app so far. The Turf Wars map is open. Close a loop around a lake or through the bluffs and the land inside becomes your turf, with your name on it. Empty land is free to claim.
Minnesota roads need riders to add them. Put a start and finish gate on MN 61 or the Whitewater Valley with Create a Segment, someone on the Rippin' team checks it, and your name stays on it. Here is how roads get added.
- Group rides: everyone on one live map for a North Shore weekend. See group rides.
- Road and weather alerts: hazards flagged on the map, weather alerts before you ride. See road and weather alerts.
- Poker runs: North Shore cafes and Twin Cities shops can become poker stops.
- Free: recording, turf, poker runs, segments, squads and events are free.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
What is the best motorcycle road in Minnesota?
MN 61 along the North Shore of Lake Superior is the signature ride. The Gunflint Trail and US 61 along the Mississippi bluffs are favorites too.
Is lane splitting legal in Minnesota?
Yes, under conditions. Minnesota legalized lane splitting and filtering in 2025. Read the conditions in state law and check for updates before you ride.
Do you have to wear a helmet in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires helmets for some riders, mainly younger riders; the age and conditions are set in state law. Check the IIHS table or the statute, and wear one anyway.
When is motorcycle season in Minnesota?
About April to October in the south and May to early October up north. September is the best month on the North Shore.
How far is Sturgis from Minnesota?
It is a long day west on I-90 from the Twin Cities. Many Minnesota riders make the trip every August.
Is there a free motorcycle app for Minnesota riders?
Yes. Rippin' is free on iPhone and Android, with ride recording, turf, poker runs, squads and an events map.
Make the short season count
Download Rippin' free, ride the North Shore, and claim your first Minnesota turf.