The far-southwestern Minnesota town of Luverne (pop. 5,000) rolled out a new 7.4-mile bike trail this month.
The new Luverne Loop encircles city outskirts and links to the 2-mile Ashby Memorial Trail and the 6-mile Blue Mounds Trail. The latter trail heads north to Blue Mounds State Park, known for its pink quartzite cliffs, prairie trails, prickly pear cactus blooms, and a bison herd that can be viewed on a 90-minute bus tour.
The Luverne Loop project includes a trailhead (601 E. Main St.) with restrooms, Wi-Fi, a bike repair station and drinking water. The nearby GrandStay Hotel & Suites (908 S. Kniss Av.) loans bikes for free, even to non-guests. The city also rents eight e-bikes, which make it easier to reach the state park's 90-foot-high Eagle Rock Vista.
Rent e-bikes at Luverne Aquatics & Fitness (802 Blue Mound Av.) for $10 for the first hour and $5 per additional half-hour.
Find more details at cityofluverne.org/trails.
