Biking in Inver Grove Heights: Regional Bike Trails

Pine Bend Bluffs
By Stacy Brooks

Inver Grove Heights is a top-notch biking destination, thanks to its miles of trails, parks, and Bike King, a full-service bike shop.  It’s also a convenient place to connect to some of the Twin Cities’ best regional bike trails and stop for a bite to eat along the way. 

Mississippi River Trail Bikeway (U.S. Bicycle Route 45) 

Minnesota’s segment of the Mississippi River Trail Bikeway runs about 620 miles from the river’s source in Itasca State Park to the Iowa border.  Located mostly on the shoulders of paved and low-traffic roads, the route also includes segments of state and regional trails.

Rock Island Swing Bridge regional bike trials
Photo Credit: Visit IGH

Inver Grove Heights’ portion of the trail passes through the heart of the city, running along Concord Boulevard, 80th Street, and South Robert Trail.  Stop at Swing Bridge Park for panoramic views from the 680-foot walking pier that juts halfway across the Mississippi River.  The park also has a trailhead facility with bike fix-it stations, restrooms, water, and benches.

Several locally-owned Inver Grove Heights restaurants are located on or near the Mississippi River Trail Bikeway.  For river views and elevated bar fare, visit the Mississippi Pub, which has two outdoor patios overlooking the river and a glass-walled dining room.  Other local favorites include Jersey’s Bar & Grill, Turitto’s Pizza, Iwa Sushi, and Dominick’s Pizza.  In the mood for something healthful?  Check out Oyevida Lifestyle Cafe for sandwiches and salads.

Mississippi Pub

 

Mississippi River Greenway- Regional Bike Trails

Extending 27 miles along the Mississippi River from St. Paul to Hastings, the Mississippi River Greenway runs through Inver Grove Heights, with trailheads at Swing Bridge Park and Pine Bend Bluffs.  The paved trail has scenic views of the river and is also connected to other local parks and trails.

Regional Bike Trails
Photo Credit: City of Inver Grove Heights

Salem Hills Park/Harmon Park Reserve Mountain Biking Trail

Looking for a beginner-friendly mountain biking trail?  Check on the 4.3 miles of trails in Harmon Park Reserve.  The one-way trail system includes three loops.  A Loop (Singletrack Sawmill) starts from the parking lot, and is less than a mile long, with a twisting route through the trees.  B Loop (Foul Pond) features two wooden bridges and goes in and out of the woods.  C Loop (Prairie Fire) also incorporates both wooded and prairie areas, with a bridge and an optional rock obstacle. 

Mountain Biking at Harmon Park Reserve

Make Inver Grove Heights your base for a weekend of biking in the Twin Cities!  Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Enjoy amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.  Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!

Stock up for Spring Planting at Gertens in Inver Grove Heights

Gertens Garden Center
By Stacy Brooks

Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to start planting!  Take a trip to Inver Grove Heights to stock up on spring planting supplies from Gertens, Minnesota’s destination garden center that has everything you need to make this season blossom.

Gertens Garden Center items for spring planting
Photo Credit: Gertens Garden Center

Minnesota’s Destination Garden Center- Shop Locally Owned for Spring Planting Supplies

Gertens is a fourth-generation family business that has been supplying customers with high-quality plants and trees since the early 1900s.  Not only does Gertens offer the largest selection of annuals, perennials, and nursery stock in the Twin Cities, they are one of only a handful of garden centers that grows the majority of the plants and trees they sell.  Whether you’re looking for ornamental shrubs, fruit trees, succulents, hanging baskets, rose bushes, or annuals in almost any color, you’ll find it at Gertens. 

Since the Gertens retail store is over 40,000 square feet, it’s a one-stop shop for your garden, lawn, and outdoor living needs.  You’ll find gardening supplies and tools, landscaping materials, patio furniture, grills, fire pits, and planters, plus gift items for garden lovers. 

Pansies at Gertens Garden Center
Photo Credit: Gertens Garden Center

Gertens is known for its excellent customer service.  Trees, shrubs, and perennials are warrantied for one year from the date of purchase, and there’s also warranty coverage for roses, houseplants, and annuals.  Customers can take advantage of the Gertens Rewards Program, which includes earning points that can be used on future purchases, warranty tracking, and special offers.

Restaurants Near Gertens

After you’ve stocked up on plants and gardening supplies, grab a bite to eat at these locally-owned Inver Grove Heights restaurants.

Mallards focuses on globally-inspired, seafood-based cuisine, from jambalaya to Maryland-style crab cakes to fish tacos.  There’s also a selection of sandwiches and salads.  Check out the brunch menu on Sunday, which features sweet specials like brandy French toast and savory items such as shrimp and grits or lobster quiche.

B-52 Burgers and Brew specializes in over-the-top burgers like the award-winning “Trashy” burger topped with deep-fried pickles and cream cheese and the Truffle Shuffle, which is loaded with pancetta, smoked gouda, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and truffle aioli.  The menu also includes salads, sandwiches, and ice cream shakes, and burgers can be made with a vegan patty or gluten-free bun by request.

Burger Flight and B52 Burgers + Brew
Photo Credit: B52 Burgers + Brew

Los Portales Bar & Grill serves up a full menu of authentic Mexican food. Known as a quality and relaxing Mexican Bar and Grill with freshly prepared food specials including tacos and other popular Mexican dishes. Los Portales has regular weekend entertainment too including karaoke, live music, and DJs too. Salsa!

Stay in Inver Grove Heights

Inver Grove Heights isn’t just a great place to shop for gardening supplies, it’s also a great place to stay!  Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Enjoy amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.  Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!

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