Midtown Greenway - Amsterdam🇳🇱Netherland
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Midtown Greenway

4.7
·11 reviews·Minneapolis, United States

A 5.5-mile paved urban trail on a former railroad corridor, connecting Minneapolis neighborhoods with gardens, bridges, and scenic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Midtown Greenway - Amsterdam🇳🇱Netherland

Midtown Greenway

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 5.5-mile paved urban trail on a former railroad corridor, connecting Minneapolis neighborhoods with gardens, bridges, and scenic views.

4.7
(11 reviews)

"It's truly breathtaking how beautiful it is, and right in the middle of the city too."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚴‍♀️ Bike Commuter's Dream

A fantastic option for commuting, connecting you across the city. Often plowed in winter!

🌳 Hidden Urban Gem

Breathtaking beauty right in the city. Perfect for a scenic ride or walk.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Martin Olav Sabo Bridge

Martin Olav Sabo Bridge

Over Hiawatha Avenue (Hwy 55)

Minnesota's first cable-stayed suspension bridge, offering stunning views and architectural interest.

Urban Oasis

Urban Oasis

Throughout the trail

Discover surprising community gardens and a convenient bike shop nestled within this vibrant city trail.

Connected Urban Exploration

Connected Urban Exploration

Connecting Minneapolis neighborhoods

This trail acts as a vital artery, linking the Mississippi River to the Minneapolis Lakes and beyond.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Midtown Greenway

This 5.5-mile paved trail is a former railroad corridor, offering a unique urban escape. It's a popular spot for biking and walking, connecting various Minneapolis neighborhoods. Be aware of its popularity, especially during peak hours.

Winter Riding & Safety

The Midtown Greenway is often plowed before most roads, making it a viable option for winter cycling.Reddit While generally safe, late evening or dusk rides might warrant extra caution. Stick to well-lit sections and be aware of your surroundings.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, good for people-watching
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter daylight hours
Why
Unique snowy landscape, plowed paths
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Save this tip ‼️This $4.5 ferry ride to Midtown Manhattan has one of the best skyline views I’ve seen. You get both The Vessel and The Empire State Building in one shot 📸 Board from Battery Park, Wall Street/Pier 11, DUMBO or Hoboken and enjoy the ride! 📍Midtown Manhattan, New York ##newyorkcity##newyork##manhattan##nyctiktok##newyorktiktok##fyp##nyc##nycferry ##nycbucketlist#empirestatebuilding #...
@andrew_molchan
24.1K likes • 304.6K views

🚴‍♀️ Bike Commuter's Dream

A fantastic option for commuting, connecting you across the city. Often plowed in winter! Reddit

🌳 Hidden Urban Gem

Breathtaking beauty right in the city. Perfect for a scenic ride or walk. Reddit

The East Midtown Greenway Extension NYC #nyc #NewYork #travel #tourism #visitnyc #nybucketlist
@jeffreyinnyc
13.7K likes • 233.8K views
The Newly Opened EAST MIDTOWN GREENWAY East River Esplanade in New York City Here’s a new waterfront space to check out this winter. The East Midtown Greenway Project Connecting Walkway in Manhattan including the 54th St. Bridge leading to 60th St and Andrew Haswell Green Park is now open to the public. The two new spaces extend the route for safe cycling and walking, while also providing space f...
nyclovesnyc
115K likes • 4.2M views

🗺️ Well-Marked Paths

Clearly marked with separate lanes for biking and walking/running. Easy to navigate. Reddit

🛠️ On-Trail Bike Shop

Conveniently located bike shop for any quick repairs or supplies you might need. Reddit

East Midtown Greenway: Must Visit NYC Spots 🌅 The East Midtown Greenway newly opened as part of the East River Esplanade from E 53rd to 61st St You’ll find wide paths for walking & biking, benches and chairs throughout to enjoy the beautiful river views, plus a dog run and more. @esplanadefriend also hosts free events throughout the year on the East River Esplanade: live music, free ice cream,...
nyc_forfree
1.8K likes • 127K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚴‍♀️ Bike Commuter's Dream

A fantastic option for commuting, connecting you across the city. Often plowed in winter! Reddit

🌳 Hidden Urban Gem

Breathtaking beauty right in the city. Perfect for a scenic ride or walk. Reddit

🗺️ Well-Marked Paths

Clearly marked with separate lanes for biking and walking/running. Easy to navigate. Reddit

🛠️ On-Trail Bike Shop

Conveniently located bike shop for any quick repairs or supplies you might need. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Midtown Greenway, calling it a 'beautiful bike path' and a 'hidden gem' that offers a breathtaking escape right in the city. Its well-marked, divided paths and surprising features like community gardens and a bike shop are frequently praised. It's a highly recommended spot for both commuting and leisure.

"A nice historic trail on the old Milwaukee Road transcontinental line through South Minneapolis."

Jay Dee

"Beautiful bike path."

Christopher Porter

"Love the Midtown Greenway. A hidden gem that takes you from the Mississippi River to the Minneapolis Lakes and beyond. Well marked with divided biking and run/walk paths, there are several wonderful surprises on the route including community gardens, a bike shop and the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge over Hiawatha Avenue (Hwy 55), the first cable-stayed suspension bridge in the state of Minnesota. Check it out!"

Steven Mosborg

What People Like

Beautiful and scenic
Great for biking/walking
Hidden urban gem

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Midtown Greenway is accessible from numerous points throughout South Minneapolis. Major access points include intersections with Hiawatha Avenue, Nicollet Avenue, and Hennepin Avenue. You can find detailed access points on the Midtown Greenway map.TikTok

Limited street parking is available near various access points. For longer visits, consider parking at a nearby park or utilizing public transportation to reach an access point.

Yes, several Metro Transit bus routes run parallel to or intersect with the Greenway, making it accessible via public transport. Check the Metro Transit website for routes near your starting point.

Absolutely! The Midtown Greenway bike trail is a paved, relatively flat path with clear markings and often separated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, making it very beginner-friendly.Reddit

The most popular way to explore is by bike, as it's a dedicated bike trail.TikTok However, it's also a beautiful path for walking, jogging, or rollerblading.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Midtown Greenway is a public park and trail, so there are no tickets or admission fees required to use it. It's free for everyone! Reddit

The Midtown Greenway is open year-round, from dawn until dusk. However, it is plowed and maintained for winter use.Reddit

Restroom facilities are limited directly on the trail. It's advisable to use facilities at parks or businesses near access points before or after your ride. Some sources suggest checking near Bryant Park or Grand Central for restrooms in NYC, but this is not applicable to the Minneapolis Greenway.TikTok

Yes, the paved surface of the Midtown Greenway makes it accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Dogs are welcome on the Midtown Greenway, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be respectful of other users and clean up after your pet.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Midtown Greenway bike trail spans over 5 miles, offering a substantial route for cycling and walking enthusiasts.TikTok

You'll experience a diverse range of scenery, from urban landscapes and community gardens to beautiful natural areas and impressive bridges like the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge.Reddit

Many users find the Midtown Greenway safe, especially during daylight hours. It's a popular commuter route. For late evening rides, it's recommended to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit areas.Reddit

Yes, there are benches and resting spots along the trail, particularly in park-like areas. The East Midtown Greenway in NYC also offers benches for enjoying river views.Instagram

To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends, especially during pleasant weather, tend to be busier. Winter daylight hours also offer a less crowded experience.Reddit

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

While the Greenway itself doesn't have direct dining establishments, you'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars in the neighborhoods it passes through, such as Uptown Minneapolis and near the Minneapolis Lakes.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy during your visit. Pack out everything you pack in to keep the trail clean.

There are several park-like areas and open spaces along the Greenway that are perfect for a picnic. Look for designated seating areas or grassy spots.

📸 📸 Photography

The Martin Olav Sabo Bridge is a standout for photography. Also, look for scenic overlooks, community gardens, and the urban cityscape views along the trail.

Yes, the East Midtown Greenway in NYC is noted for its sunrise runs,Instagram and the open nature of the Minneapolis Greenway offers opportunities for beautiful light during golden hours.

The Greenway is ideal for landscape, urban, and nature photography. Capture the blend of city life and green spaces, the unique bridge architecture, and seasonal changes.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Midtown Greenway is a fantastic and safe option for families. Its paved, well-marked paths are perfect for young cyclists and strollers.Reddit The separated lanes for biking and walking minimize potential hazards. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots along the way. Keep an eye out for the community gardens, which can be a fun point of interest for children.

🚴 Budget Travelers

As a public park, the Midtown Greenway is completely free to access, making it an ideal budget-friendly activity.Reddit You can spend hours exploring without spending a dime. Pack your own snacks and water to save even more. It's a great way to experience the city's natural beauty and active lifestyle without any cost.

🏃‍♀️ Runners and Joggers

Runners will love the Midtown Greenway for its smooth, paved surface and dedicated lanes, which offer a comfortable and safe running experience.Reddit The trail's length provides ample opportunity for both short jogs and longer training runs. The changing scenery keeps your run interesting, from urban vistas to more tranquil green spaces.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Evolution of the Midtown Greenway

The Midtown Greenway is built upon the former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad corridor, a significant transcontinental line that once served the region.Reddit This history imbues the trail with a unique character, transforming an industrial past into a vibrant recreational present. The conversion of this railroad line into a multi-use trail is a testament to urban planning and community vision, creating a vital green artery through the heart of Minneapolis.

The development of the Greenway has been a phased process, with significant improvements and extensions over the years. Key milestones include the construction of the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge, a visually striking and functional piece of infrastructure that enhances connectivity and safety.Reddit The trail continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to improve access, amenities, and its overall user experience, solidifying its role as a beloved urban amenity.

Cycling the Midtown Greenway: Tips and Tricks

The Midtown Greenway is a cyclist's paradise, offering over 5 miles of paved, dedicated bike trail.TikTok It's a popular choice for commuters, recreational riders, and families alike. The trail is well-maintained and often plowed in winter, making it a year-round cycling destination.Reddit Remember to signal your turns and be mindful of other users, especially pedestrians and runners who share the path.Reddit

For those looking to commute, the Greenway provides a safe and efficient route, bypassing much of the city's traffic. Several access points allow for easy entry and exit, connecting you to various Minneapolis neighborhoods. If you encounter any mechanical issues, there's a convenient bike shop located directly on the trail.Reddit For a truly scenic ride, consider starting near the Mississippi River and heading west towards the Minneapolis Lakes, or vice versa.

Winter Wonders on the Midtown Greenway

Don't let the cold deter you; the Midtown Greenway transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The trail is frequently plowed, ensuring it remains accessible for cycling and walking even after snowfall.Reddit This makes it one of the most reliable winter trails in the Twin Cities. The crisp air and snow-covered trees offer a serene and picturesque experience, a stark contrast to its bustling summer atmosphere.

Cycling in winter on the Greenway can be a unique adventure. Ensure your bike is equipped for the conditions, perhaps with studded tires. The quiet solitude of a winter ride, with the city's sounds muffled by snow, is truly special. It's a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of Minneapolis during the colder months.TikTok

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