Luverne, Minn., unveils bike loop that connects to Blue Mounds State Park

The new Luverne Loop encircles city outskirts and links to the 2-mile Ashby Memorial Trail and the 6-mile Blue Mounds Trail.

By Lisa Meyers McClintick

For the Minnesota Star Tribune
June 21, 2023 at 5:42PM
The town of Luverne, which will see economic benefits from the construction of tru ShrimpÕs production facility expected to be completed in about two years
The new 7.4-mile Luverne Loop encircles the southwestern Minnesota town. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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.

Minnesota State Parks Magazine Story - Blue Mounds State Park is full of natural surprises. Start with the Sioux Quartzite cliff (Shown here), rising 100 feet from the plains. A bison herd grazes on the prairie. Prickly pear cactus blooms in June and July. A sea of prairie grasses and flowers sway in the wind. The park is also a favorite for birdwatchers who want to see nesting blue grosbeaks and other birds.
The Sioux Quartzite cliff at Blue Mounds State Park, near Luverne, Minn. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

about the writer

Lisa Meyers McClintick