Dakota County Rail Trail - Wayzata to Mayer, MN

I am home in Minnesota for a visit and took the time to ride the new extension of the Dakota Rail Trail.  This bike trail starts in Wayzata, MN and heads out through the farm country west of Minneapolis. I can pick up the trail about 4 miles from my house in Excelsior where the trail crosses the road.  From my house out to Mayer and back is about 40 miles of bicycling nirvana. 

Perfect, uncrowded pavement that winds past farms, lakes and marshes.  The trail follows an old railroad bed that was important in Minnesota's early history.  It carried settlers, equipment and crops out west over the prairie and then on towards California.  We are lucky to still have the rail right-of-way that we can convert to a bike path.  Eventually the trail will go all of the way from Wayzata to Hutchinson for a total of 44 miles one-way!

Gayle Woods Farm is a farm that was given to the park system by the owners in their estate.  It is a working farm which shows visitors how food is produced.  They raise free-range chickens and other livestock as well as crops.  You can buy your eggs, meat, wool, and grains directly from this farm! The trail passes right by the farm and it is a nice place to stop for a break.

 Another great place for a break is this nice Bistro in St. Bonifacius.  They serve mostly local and organic produce and their breakfasts are especially good.

 Upon leaving St. Bonifacius you cross 2 bike bridges that take you over the area's major highways.  What amazing infrastructure!  These bridges keep cyclists safe; especially families with young children.

 The trail then passes by Lake Waconia.  There are some nice views of the lake from the trail as well as some benches to stop for a break.

 Bridges over pretty marshes, farms, woods and fields.  Very peaceful...

Mayer - a rural small town just west of the Twin Cities.  This is the first time that I have been here.

The end of the trail (for now) in Mayer, MN.  Be sure to stop by Ron's Smokehouse for a sandwich.  I had half of a summer sausage and cheese sandwich on sourdough which was PACKED with really yummy sausage for only $3.25.  I shared my lunch with a little kitty who sidled up to me as soon as she saw my sandwich.





My "Gear of the Day" has got to be my waterproof IPhone case that I bought at REI. You just slip your phone inside and you can then put it into your rear jersey pocket without fear of getting wet from sweat.  All of my pictures were taken right THROUGH the case.  I just pulled it from my pocket, operated the camera through the film and clicked away!  This case is especially helpful when you have to do frequent map checking while riding on unfamiliar roads.  I used to use a sandwich "Baggie" for this job but I would have to take my phone out of the bag every time I wanted to check the map or take a picture.  I believe that the case was under $20 but I can't remember the exact price.

 

 

Gear of the Day - Seal Line IPhone Case