Pedal Into a New Adventure: A Family Biking Getaway in Red Wing
Looking for a new way to explore together? Pack the helmets, gather the family and make Red Wing, Minnesota, the starting point for a biking adventure along the Mississippi River. From leisurely paved paths to scenic rail-trails and unforgettable river views, Red Wing makes it easy to turn a day on two wheels into a multi-day family getaway.
Start with the Cannon Valley Trail
Make a day of exploring the Cannon Valley Trail, one of the region’s best-known recreational trails. Built along a former Chicago Great Western Railroad line, the paved trail stretches 19.7 miles through the Cannon River Valley, connecting Red Wing, Welch and Cannon Falls. Along the way, riders are treated to limestone bluffs, wetlands, prairie landscapes and beautiful views of the Cannon River.
Families can choose a comfortable section of the trail, stop along the way to take in the scenery and turn around whenever little legs are ready for a break. Experienced cyclists can make a longer day of it and explore more of the route.
Please note: Portions of the Cannon Valley Trail near Red Wing are currently affected by 2026 construction. Before heading out, check the official trail website for the latest closure, access and detour information.
Bring Your Bikes—or Rent Them Here
No bikes? No problem. The historic St. James Hotel Bike Rentals offers rentals right in downtown Red Wing. Pick up your bikes and make the city itself part of the adventure.
Explore Red Wing’s network of paved paths, trails and parks, with routes that make it possible to experience different parts of the community from two wheels. Cruise along the riverfront, stop at a park for a picnic or playground break, and enjoy a relaxed ride before heading downtown for shopping, ice cream or a family meal.
Visit the City of Red Wing Parks & Recreation page to explore local parks, recreation opportunities and maps. Red Wing offers dozens of community and neighborhood parks, giving families plenty of places to stop, stretch their legs and add another activity to the day.
Make It a Great River Road Getaway
Why stop after one day? Turn your biking adventure into a multi-day journey along Minnesota’s Great River Road.
The Minnesota Great River Road follows the Mississippi for 565 miles and connects 43 communities, with the bluff country surrounding Red Wing offering spectacular river vistas, wildlife viewing and historic river towns. The route’s interactive trip-planning resources also include Mississippi River bicycle trail alignments and hundreds of points of interest.
From Red Wing, continue south toward Lake City, Wabasha and Winona, creating your own Mississippi River cycling and road-trip adventure. Ride for part of the day, explore each river town, enjoy local dining and attractions, then settle in for the night before discovering another stretch of southeastern Minnesota.
Add a Stop at Frontenac State Park
Between Red Wing and Lake City, make time for Frontenac State Park. The park provides another opportunity to get outside, stretch your legs and experience the natural beauty surrounding the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin.
Whether your family prefers a relaxed afternoon ride, a full day on the Cannon Valley Trail or several days exploring communities along the Great River Road, Red Wing is a natural place to begin.
Pack the bikes. Bring the family. Stay a little longer.
Your next adventure is waiting in Red Wing, Minnesota—where paved paths, beautiful parks, historic trails and the Mississippi River invite you to experience the journey one pedal at a time.