The rural roads of Minnesota have become a hotbed for gravel biking, with new races popping up alongside established favorites. It’s not hard to see why this area is a cyclist's paradise. The minimally maintained roads, rolling hills, and stunning rural scenery offer a challenging yet rewarding experience.
What makes these races so special? It's a combination of factors:
- Diverse Terrain: From smooth dirt to chunky gravel, the roads keep things interesting.
- Elevation Changes: Expect a good workout with plenty of climbs and descents.
- Stunning Scenery: The picturesque landscapes are a welcome distraction from the burn in your legs.
- Unpredictable Weather: Spring and fall races often come with a bit of everything—sun, wind, rain, or even snow—adding an extra layer of challenge.
While some of these events are free, others require a registration fee. However, most share one key characteristic: they are unsupported. This means you're on your own for any repairs, food, or mechanical issues you might face. It's a true test of self-reliance and preparation.
Whether you're a seasoned gravel grinder or a newcomer looking for a new challenge, rural Minnesota’s growing race scene has something for everyone.
Ready to get dusty? As the 2026 gravel cycling season approaches, the calendar is packed with a fantastic mix of races, laid-back rides, and mixed-surface events. The year's schedule features a wide variety of challenges, from local Minnesota favorites to exciting events in neighboring states.
This post will serve as your go-to guide for the season. You'll find a chronological list of all the gravel events I've heard about so far, with a mix of races, rides, and mixed-surface options. Keep in mind that for some events, registration deadlines, participant limits, and other key details are still being finalized. I'll be updating this post regularly as new information becomes available, so be sure to check back often!
Are you an event organizer? If you'd like your race or ride included in this list and on my dedicated
event calendars page, please don't hesitate to reach out via
email. I'm always looking to add new and exciting events for the gravel community.
May
Grandma’s House
Princeton, MN
100, 50, 25 miles
Chequamegon MTB Festival Headquarters
Cable, WI
100, 60, 28 miles
Central Park
Northfield, MN
390, 165, 110, 60, 30 miles
June
American Birkebeiner Trailhead
Cable, WI
Epic Singletrack-June 6
37, 18 miles
Epic Gravel-June 7
50, 20 miles
Gordon Station
Gordon, WI
50, 25 miles
Lutsen Mountains
Lutsen, MN
99, 59, 45, 29 miles
July
Freedhem Store
Little Falls, MN
Routes announced January 1, 2026
Online registration opens January 1, 2026
August
Gary, SD to Hager City, WI
240 miles
Stillwater, MN
Road routes TBD
Gravel route TBD
Coon Fork Lake County Park
Augusta, WI
88, 45, 28 miles
September
Cannon Valley Fairgrounds
Cannon Falls, MN
222, 111, 69, 50 miles
October
Lanesboro, MN
50, 25 miles
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