FOLLOWING THE GANDY DANCERS
St. Paul to Duluth
Escape the Twin Cities' rhythm and find gravel freedom on this multi-day route from Saint Paul to Duluth. Each part of the ride offers unique charm, from urban trails to charming towns and remote forests. Much of the route follows the Gandy Dancer Trail which is named after the railroad workers who laid the railroad tracks in the early 1900s. Using tools known for their rhythmic work style made by the Gandy Tool Company of Chicago, the early railroad workers laid down rails from Duluth down to St. Croix Falls and beyond.
While many cyclists have completed the Twin Cities to Duluth via the paved Munger Trail we wanted a little something more remote. This route is about 60% gravel ranging from smooth crushed stone to soft-sandy ATV track.
Route & Photos by Todd Gunzenhauser
Route at a Glance
Distance: 166 Miles
Days: 2-3 Days
Elevation: 4,110 ft
Gravel: 60%
Pavement: 40%
ROUTE MAP
Disclaimer: If you choose to ride these routes, you do so at your own risk. You are 100% responsible for being prepared for all conditions and making sure that biking these routes is legal. Before riding, check local weather, road conditions, closures, and property ownership. Obey all traffic laws and follow land use restrictions. Do not ride these routes without proper safety equipment and navigational tools. The accuracy of these routes cannot be guaranteed neither can we guarantee that these routes are on public property. TheNxrth.com and its contributors are in no way liable for the personal injury or damage to property that may result from cycling this route or any other routes on this website.
Segment 1: Gateway to Wildness (47.5 mi)
(Saint Paul to Saint Croix Falls)
Start by easing into adventure on the paved Gateway Trail. Wind through urban parks, wetlands, and fields, feeling the city fade with each pedal stroke. Reach Saint Croix Falls and cross the border into Wisconsin, ready for gravel.
Segment 2: History on the Rails (48.5 mi)
(Saint Croix Falls to Danbury)
Embrace the Gandy Dancer's legacy on this converted gravel rail trail. Cruise through charming river towns, soak in rolling farmland views, and feel the history hum beneath your tires. Feel free to rest in Dansbury, fueled by the journey's spirit.
Segment 3: Deep into the Northwoods (39 mi)
(Danbury to Patzau)
The third act of the adventurer plunges deeper into the northwoods. Gravel winds through dense forests, past hidden lakes, and alongside rushing rivers. Embrace the solitude and the rhythm of your wheels in the wild.
Segment 4: Grand Finale on Superior's Shores (31 mi)
(Patzau to Duluth)
The final stretch rewards your efforts with stunning views of Lake Superior from atop the DWP Trail. A bit of gravel overlooks the coastline, offering glimpses of turquoise water and endless horizons. Arrive in Duluth triumphant at the lift bridge, the city a testament to your grit and the beauty of the journey.
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
The Gandy Dancer Trail
The namesake trail for this route is a noteworthy highlight from start to finish. You will find the easy gravel miles flying by through the first Wisconsin section, followed by the tranquil and absolute remote section up through the Nemadji State Forest.
The DWP Trail
This 6 mile section of trail offers stunning views of the St. Louis River estuary and Ely's Peak. It also allows you to traverse through history under a tunnel and across two steel trestles, feeling the spirit of the "Gandy Dancers".
Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge
The ideal place to finish any bikepacking adventure. Grandma’s Saloon and Grill is a great place to celebrate the journey and I can personally recommend Northern Waters Smokehaus as well. Those are just two highlights at the finish line with plenty of great options to cap off the trip.
Dark Skies
If you get the chance to camp anywhere post-Danbury you will be greeted by an awe inspiring view of the stars on a clear night. A look here on a dark sky map helps show which places have the least light pollution.
MUST KNOW
Gravel Condition
While most of the route is a lovely breeze on the gravel there are two stretches that are made for the cycling masochists. North of Danbury for a one mile stretch on the Gandy Dancer where the trail gets soft and sandy. While rideable it's a section you might wish a fat bike would suddenly appear between your legs and we rerouted around on forest service roads as soon as possible (the official route hops off the Gandy Dancer Trail to follow the forest road). Similarly towards the end of the Gandy Dancer Trail roughly from the WI border into Pazau the surface softens up but can be routed around on beautiful country roads if desired.
When to Ride
May - early October. Go early or late if you want to avoid mosquitoes (which you definitely want to avoid). Fall colors are in September - October. We took this route for the first time in mid October and got very lucky with unseasonably warm weather and beautiful foliage.
Beware of Hunting Season
The Nemadji State Forest is used for hunting in the fall and spring. Wear bright colors and watch for ATV’s on the Minnesota section of the trail.
State Trail Pass
Don’t forget to purchase your Wisconsin State Trail Pass! This $25 annual or $5 daily pass is required for any section of the Gandy Dancer Trail in Wisconsin and can be purchased through Friends of the Gandy Dancer, directly through Wisconsin DNR, or at a self registration station.
Washed Out County Road W Bridge
The original route we drafted found us stranded at the base of a washed out bridge in the section after the Gandy Dancer and enroute to Duluth. While Google Maps and Strava both allow navigation across the County Road W Bridge, we had to resort to fording the river in a shallower section. Not a worry for anyone following the route directly this is simply a heads up to those looking to edit it in any way.
CAMPING
The route can be completed in 2 but best enjoyed over 3 days. For a two day trip, Danbury was just in reach for us but a bit of a stretch. Most campgrounds are seasonal so check out individual options before planning the trip.
St Croix
Interstate State Park | (April 1st - 3rd weekend in October)
Luck
Big Butternut Campground
Lewis
Sundown Saloon and Campground | (April 15th - October 15th)
Webster
Saint Croix Pines Campground | (May 3rd - October 6th)
Danbury
Pardun’s Jack Pine Campground | (May 1st - October 1st)
Eagle’s Landing Campground | (May 1st - October 15th)
Saint Croix State Forest | (A few dispersed camping spots on Mallard Lake Forest Rd)
Nemadji State Forest
Dispersed Camping | (Would be hard to pitch a tent due to very dense vegetation)
Pattison State Park
Pattison State Park Campground | (Open year round with limited facilities in winter)
New Duluth
River Place Campground | (Fish opener weekend in May - Saturday nearest Oct 10th)
FOOD & WATER
There are ample gas stations and restaurants for a majority of the route, however there is a 55 mile stretch from Danbury to Oliver with no food or tap-water available. I recommend stocking up at the well supplied grocery store in Danbury and bringing a water filter as there are many streams and lakes you could refill water at.
All grocery stores along the route are noted on the Ride With GPS map as well as many of the convenience stores.
While some of the bars and restaurants are on the Ride With GPS map, there are too many towns with small bars and restaurants that not all could be included.
Pro Tips
Getting Back to St. Paul
Starting Point
We started out from our house nearby in Saint Paul; anywhere in the Twin Cities could be the start point just route to the Gateway Trail. At the start of the route there are parking lots at Union Depot for overnight parking if preferred.
Returning Home
Ideally you can convince a family member or friend to enjoy a nice weekend getaway in Duluth or further up North and catch a ride back with them. Outside of that option there are shuttles that offer rides from Duluth to the MSP Airport (check with each one individually about bringing a bicycle as luggage). One could also schedule a rental pickup truck although it might take a phone call to allow a one way trip. In the distant future we can hope for the Northern Lights Express.