Looking for a route from St. Paul to Stillwater

[SanDiegoCyclist]

In a few weeks my wife and I will basically be doing a self-supported bicycle tour in northern Wisconsin. I have the Wisconsin part figured out because I bought the maps, but haven't figured out the route from St. Paul to Stillwater. (We are flying into Minn/St Paul airport). Does anyone have any suggestions that gets off the busy streets once we leave St. Paul going east to Stillwater?

San Diego Cyclist

[dannwilliams]

Gateway trail goes north of Stillwater, but rural roads will get you down there.
St Paul bike maps: http://www.stpaul.gov/maps/
Hope this helps

[shoerhino]

You could start on the gateway trail and use 12 (75th St N) to go to Stillwater. 12 has a little used path next to it but also has good shoulders. I ride this route every so often (I prefer the shoulder) and 12 is defintely the way to go. 96 is a very busy and the shoulders are not good at all...

I've never been on the Gateway trail where it begins in St. Paul but the gateway is a pretty decent trail. Lot's of cyclists use it and it's generally not very crowded.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/tra00705.pdf

They are doing some work to the gateway trail around the McKnight / 120 (century ave) area but I think that there are clearly marked detours that should be easy to navigate. There are also some portapotties and a water fountain where the gateway goes under 694.

[SanDiegoCyclist]

Shoerhino,

I noticed on the map that part of the trial is unpaved. Is it well-packed? Is it suitable for a loaded touring bike?

San Diego Cyclist

[shoerhino]

The map dooesn't show this well but starting at where the path goes under 694, there are actually 2 paths. There is a 6' wide paved path and a 6' wide unpaved paths for horses.

[CastIron]

I have LOTS of suggestions depending on your exact starting point, time needs, road or trail preferences, and scenery vs traffic demands.

GatewayTrail is a sound option BUT not appropriate south of Wheelock Parkway in St. Paul and detoured (minor) in N.St. Paul.

[SanDiegoCyclist]

Mike,

A long time ago I lived at Selby-Dale, so I am familiar with dowtown St. Paul, at least how to get there. What are you suggestions for getting to Stillwater from downgtown? And where is Wheelock Parkway, couldn't find it on the Gateway Trail map.

[CastIron]

Wheelock Pkwy runs under the trail in the northern part of St. Paul (NE of part of St. Paul, just East of I-35e). East of there is fine, but further into St. Paul it's a mugger's paradise and has enormous frost heaves.

DT St. Paul to Stillwater:
Kellogg Blvd East up the bridge. Right on Mariah Ave. Follow to left as it becomes Hudson Rd. (along I-94 noise wall) to Johnson Pkwy. Left (North) on Johnson to Lake Phalen. Right at fork around lake on East Shore Drive. Pick up bike trail at northern tip of lake (heading NW) and it intersects with Gateway Trail in about a block (crossing under that and Frost Ave, there's a portage of sorts). Follow Gateway Trail until the Washington Cty Rd 12 underpass. **stores are a mile west** Go east (right) on Wash. Cty 12 all the way into Stillwater where it becomes Myrtle St. (STEEP downhill) until the river (lift bridge 1 block South).

Scenic and hilly option with more miles:
Top of the Kellogg Bridge turn right on Mounds BLVD. Follow blvd (center option of split on next bridge) past Johnson Pkwy crossing US 61/10 where it'll become Upper Afton Rd. Turn right on Winthrop St. and go south to Lower Afton Rd. Turn left of Lower Afton (going East) and then turn Right (So) on McKnight. McKnight South to Carver Rd and turn left of Carver (E). Go under Bridge and turn Right on Sterling (so). Go to Bailey Rd (cty rd 18) and turn East (left). Follow Bailey Rd for several miles (**option**Military Rd./Cty 20 for more miles to Afton State Park) until Trading Post Trail (uber scenic, newly paved for about half of it, bypasses Afton). Turn Left (N) on Trading Post until it 'T' intersects with Valley Creek Trail S. Turn Right (E) on Valley Creek until it 'T' intersects with Stagecoach Trail (cty 21). Turn Left (N) on Stagecoach Trail and proceed to Stillwater from the South. There's a jog to the left just past the prison over MN Hwy 36 on Beach Rd. where it becomes Cty 23.

If you would like:
Depending on timing I'll happily guide you to Stillwater (it's a nice ride) or, go out that week and check the route (whatever you decide or craft on your own). It's no trouble, so don't hesitate to ask.

Also:
For $10 the Little Transport Twin Cities Bike Map (http://littletransport.com/store/?product_id=6) is great. It's what I turn to for searching out new routes.

Need anything else?

[efolsom]

#2 is nice, when I want to take the really LONG way home from work, I ride out that way from downtown

[Scot_Gore]

In a few weeks my wife and I will basically be doing a self-supported bicycle tour in northern Wisconsin. I have the Wisconsin part figured out because I bought the maps, but haven't figured out the route from St. Paul to Stillwater. (We are flying into Minn/St Paul airport). Does anyone have any suggestions that gets off the busy streets once we leave St. Paul going east to Stillwater?

San Diego Cyclist

SDC,
Here's what I would recommend. When you arrive and retrieve your bikes find a lounge or side space and assemble and load your bikes to a ready to ride state. Walk your bikes following the ground transport signs to the Hiwatha Light Rail line. There's racks for two bikes on every car and they are welcome on the train all hours. Take the light rail to the 50th Street/Minnehaha Park station (towards Minneapolis). Debark from the train and follow this Bikely Route.
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Mpls-Stillwater-for-SDC
I've not put any turn cues on this route yet. It's my bedtime, I'll drop some on in the next day or so. edit: Ok I got some turn cues added to the Bikely route. When you hit the link click the start tour button and click the >> through to the end of the route.

If you arrive and you need a bike shop. Stay on the light rail to Cedar Riverside Station and proceed 1.5 blocks due west from the station and look for Freewheel Bicycle.

Do you have a campsite picked out for the first nights stay? I'd recommend Interstate State Park (Wis).

I'm not a big fan of riding across the Stillwater Lift Bridge. The bridge is pretty and historic, but with that comes old, rickety, and high traffic volumes. If your routes accomodates a crossing at Oscela, I'd strongly consider it.

In the route I showed the Gateway Trail on it's trail bed. I know it's got a detour in place right now along the Hwy 36 section, but I've not ridden it so I don't know it's exact route. See the DNR site for more details.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/gateway/index.html

Ask more questions if you've got them.

Scot

[SanDiegoCyclist]

Thank you to everyone who has provided advice on getting from St. Paul to Stillwater!! I really appreciate it. We probably will be pick up the Bikeway Trail from the Capitol in St. Paul, and then cut off the trail west of Stillwater. Would not have known about the trail without your help. Thanks again.

San Diego Cyclist

[CastIron]

SDC if you need anything else, just ask. Proceed on the trail with care until you're past I-35E. There are several frost heaves that may require you to dismount a fully loaded touring rig.

[Scot_Gore]

I just rode to Stillwater yesterday. Here's a few shots of the Gateway for you and your wife.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1337/566530848_2632ebb5ef.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1087/562164978_fd367cf7f4.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1036/566530882_9d6e451945.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1382/566530912_f89ccceff6.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1081/562530246_5b1803fb34.jpg

The trail detour through North St. Paul was very well marked and will not be a problem for you.

Scot

[shoerhino]

Great pictures Scot.

That last one is the underpass for 12. If you go under the tunnel you can loop back up and take a right to get to Stillwater.

[Scot_Gore]

Great pictures Scot.

That last one is the underpass for 12. If you go under the tunnel you can loop back up and take a right to get to Stillwater.

Thanks.

I should have consulted you ahead of time. I rode out looking for the turn for 12/75th, I've ridden it enough that I know what it looks like. I blissfully roll through this cool new tunnel, not even thinking that it's my turn and proceed all the way up to Pine Point Park before I realize what's going on. :)