Buffalo To Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park
Buffalo To Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State ParkOpen this route in the Bikemap appOpen this route in Bikemap

Buffalo To Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park

A cycling route starting in Buffalo, Minnesota, United States of America.

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Overview

About this route

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This is a great route from Buffalo to the Mississippi Headwaters in Lake Itasca State Park (about 225 miles). I've lead multiple trips with our Boy Scout troop and it has been fun every time.  For those scouts heading to Many Point, the camp is just a few miles south of Lake Itasca State Park.  There are shorter routes that don't use the trails but using the bike trails increases safety and is a lot more fun/scenic.

You can do this trip in 4 days (3 camping nights) of 5 days (4 camping nights) depending on your ambition (you could do the whole trip in 3 days, two camping nights but why rush the enjoyment).

The last couple times I road as follows:

  • Buffalo to Lindbergh State Park

  • Linbergh to Pine City

  • Pine City to Park Rapids.

  • Park Rapids to Headwaters

There are sections of the route that are approximated because the software does not snap to trails.  I added notes along the way to highlight these areas.  Simply follow the trail, it is obvious.

Most of the roads are on wide paved shoulders with light to medium traffic. Hwy 55 can be busy but if you head west in the morning you'll be going into commuter traffic.

Hwy 371 is four lane.  Traffic is fast but depending on the day and time it is not terrible.  Avoid Fridays going north or Sundays going south to avoid the cabin traffic.  At the Mississippi river bridge near Brainard you leave the freeway, walk through the fense and get onto streets.  Check for my notes on the map.  Also, changes are in the works relative to trail extensions  near this area.  Check it out before you leave for better routing in the area.  I believe the Paul Bunyan Trail will eventually extend to the Crow Wing State Park.

Heading north on Hwy 15 towards St Cloud you'll encounter one of the few overpasses.  CAUTION: traffic exiting at the ramp is traveleing at 55- 80MPH.  Make sure as you cross the ramp that there is NO traffic approaching.  There is another similar safety risk on 371 just north of the visitor center.

Much of the route is on the Paul Bunyan & Heartland trails which really adds to the enjoyment.  Print a trail map off the DNR site for more trail details.  The trail is all paved and in good shape.  NOTE:  Getting on the trail is marked with a note.  Zoom in to see the details.  For whatever reason, the trail is not marked at this entry point.

Lots of photo opportunities along the way in the little tows or along the trail.

Bicycling is inherently risky, especially along traffic proceeding at high speeds.  Be careful and make the trip at your own risk.

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Duration
356.4 km
Distance
290 m
Ascent
117 m
Descent
---
Avg. speed
---
Avg. speed
NKemp

created this 13 years ago

Route highlights

Points of interest along the route

  1. Point of interest after 62.1 km

    Use Caution as you cross the exit ramps. Traffic approaching from the rear does so at 55- 80 mph ... or more!

  2. Point of interest after 91 km

    The maps make this are look easier than it is. Watch you road markings!

  3. Point of interest after 91.7 km

    This intersection is a bit tricky. Zoom in for details. If you cross the river you have gone too far (did that twice).

  4. Point of interest after 119.1 km

    Camping at Lindbergh State Park

  5. Point of interest after 134 km

    Stop in at the Army base and visit the museum. It is a nice spot for a break

  6. Point of interest after 156.7 km

    At the visitor center in the middle of the freeway ( you can't miss it) stop for water, local maps and a bit of a rest. If you want to camp in the area, head towards Crow Wing State Park.

  7. Point of interest after 161.8 km

    Use caution crossing these exit ramps. Cars approach from the rear at 55-80MPH (or more)!

  8. Point of interest after 164.3 km

    At the north end of the bridge, you change from the freeway to the trail/road. You'll need to cut through the weeds.

  9. Point of interest after 164.3 km

    Here is a gap in the fence designed to keep motorized vehicles out. Bikes and bikes with trailers can make it through.

  10. Point of interest after 171.7 km

    At this intersection, the Paul Bunyan Trail starts but it is not marked here (Why???). Follow the sidewalk/trail as marked and it will become obvious. Really.

  11. Point of interest after 222.6 km

    Free camping in Pine River City Park

  12. Point of interest after 249.7 km

    From Hakensack north then west you will be in the wilderness. For a bit you will be sorta close to roads. When you get to the sign warning of steep terrain (6-8% grades) you'll be is a different and fun world. Part of the route shown is approximated since the software does not snap to bike trails. Simply stay on the trail.

  13. Point of interest after 273.8 km

    The trail from this point east is approximated on this map since it does not snap to bike trails. This is a FUN section with 6%-8% grades and all sorts of twists and turns. You are in the woods out of sight of civilization. You barely even see any telephone poles. During the mid summer, stop and check for raspberries along the trail. ENJOY this section

  14. Point of interest after 274.8 km

    From the parking lot, head to the Heartland Trail by going north from 34. At the trail, head west towards Akely

  15. Point of interest after 316.1 km

    Connect to the Heartland Trail in Park Rapids at 34 near the center of town. You'll start by crossing a nice red wooden bridge.

  16. Point of interest after 349.3 km

    Get on the bike/walking trail at the visitor center. This site does not snap to bike trails so the route is approximated. Note that there are a lot of walkers nad casual bikers so be careful!

  17. Point of interest after 355.9 km

    Mississippi Headwaters!

  18. Point of interest after 356 km

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