Jogging in St. Paul?
 

I'm headed there in a couple of weeks and for the life of me, I can't find good maps for my needs. I need to do at least one 10-16 mile run but I'll be fine with 5-8 miles if need be.

Unfortunately, I got stuck with the Days Inn St. Paul. I know, I know, it's a dump; I went through Priceline and made a desperate, stupid move. but that's another story for another day. I plan to have a car. Any suggestions on where to go?

If you don't mind heading over to Minneapolis, they have a great system of biking/running/walking trails. We did the one by Lake Harriet this summer, probably road close to 10 miles. They had separate paved paths for bikers/joggers and those who were just strolling. The trail continued around to along the Mississippi by Fort Snelling. I think the whole system made a 30-35 mile loop. St. Paul may have some similar trails.

You can do a big loop around Lake of the Isle, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet in Minneapolis that would put you at around 10 miles. Look at a map here: http://tinyurl.com/yvxfe4

Each lake is roughly 3 miles around, so you can pretty easily bump the mileage up to 13 or 16. I know there are water fountains at Harriet (near the bandshell) and Calhoun (by the bathrooms near Lake Street) but I don't think there's anything around Lake of the Isles.

Oooo. That sounds good. Is it hard to find if I drive there and I am directionally challenged?

You're staying at the Days Inn Midway, right?

From there, you'd take I-94 west to I-35W south. Go south about 1 mile on 35W, then exit at 35th-36th street. Take a right onto 35th, and after a couple blocks take a left and go one block to 36th. Take a right onto 36th and it will dead end at Lake Calhoun.

I know I said there's water at Harriet and Calhoun, but I'm assuming it'll be shut off at some point when it gets too cold, so keep that in mind. I haven't been down there in a couple weeks but I'm sure I can take a walk and check on it some time before your trip.

You are correct. Days Inn Midway.

Thank you soooo much for the directions!

You could also do your run along Summit Ave in St Paul, it is a very wide street that had gorgeous mansions along it and a tree lined strip dividing north-south. You could start at the cathedral.

I think I will do all of the above!! Sounds great.

Melissa, I'm not a runner, but found this doing a search: running trails minneapolis

http://www.runmdra.org/resources.html

Also do a search: running trails st. paul

I live in Minneapolis. Do a search for Grand Rounds. This is the parkway trail system in Minneapolis, and it is 30 miles long and all connects. The Days Inn Midway does sound bleak. Another route you can take is to drive west to the Mississippi River from the Days Inn. Park your car and run up the paths on both sides of the river. This is a favorite of runners. Or you could park at the cathedral end of Summitt Av. run along Summit to the river, go south and go into Minnehaha Falls park just across the river in Minneapolis, go back up along the river on the Minneapolis side going north and then cross the river and run south along it on the St. Paul side until you are back at Summit and then continue back to your car.

The Twin Cities marathon was just last week-end and they run a beautiful route covering many of the ideas you've just been given. Do a search for its route.

Thanks for the tips! I will search the links on a real computer in a few days. (i am in NOLA right now.) One question, are there water fountains along the paths or do I bring my own?

I'd bring my own. At a certain time of year the Park Board shuts off the water for outdoor fountains so the lines won't freeze.

I don't know anything about St. Paul - but I do know that my BF likes this website as a resource when he's out of town:
www.mapmyrun.com

This one also might have routes:
www.yourrunning.com/running-routes

Plug in a location and see if someone has mapped their favorite run for you to use! :)

These maps are incredible. Thank you sooo much.

MelissaHI, it's so nice to hear that at the end of a way-too-long day! I'm so glad they worked out for you. :)

Well, not yet! I looked them up and they are fantastic. I'm still visiting (and jogging) in Philadelphia....will arrive in St. Paul tomorrow. Aloha!