Mississippi River Trail becomes first U.S. Bicycle Route in Minnesota

photo courtesy MRT, Inc.

Federal officials announced approval of the Mississippi River Trail bicycle route today U.S. Bicycle Route 45 in southeastern Minnesota, making it the first U.S. route in the state. State lawmakers also recently designated the trail as Minnesota's first state bikeway during the 2012 legislative session.

The Mississippi River Trail in Minnesota closely follows the Mississippi River from the headwaters at Itasca State Park to the Iowa border, running 148 miles.

Also known as the Mississippi Bluffs segment of the Mississippi River Trail, this route is one segment of a proposed national network of bicycle routes, knows as the U.S. Bicycle Route System. Trail authorities are planning additional improvements to the route in Minnesota, including more signs along the route.

Minnesota is the first of 10 Mississippi River states to seek legislation to formalize their portion of the national route. Once complete, the Mississippi River Trail will continue south along the Mississippi River to New Orleans.

See more here and here.

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