This nearly 2 week-long adventure consists of a scenic multi-community loop through rolling prairies, glacial lake basins, and deep pine forests.
Much of the ride includes the North Star State’s world-class paved trail networks—including the Lake Wobegon, Central Lakes, Paul Bunyan, and Heartland State Trails.
In addition, riders will have the chance to help improve a home for a deserving family.
What to expect on the Paul Bunyan Trail Adventure:
- Start and finish in Detroit Lakes, MN
- 9 Days of riding, mostly on pavement
- Approximately 250 miles of trails, including 100+ miles on the fabled Paul Bunyan Trail.
- Ride along the Mississippi River
- One volunteer day in a community along the way
Registration opens at 10am on September 1, 2026. Until then…
An Incredible Tour of Lakes and Trails
Come with us as we retreat to the northern US to escape the hottest days of summer! The Lumberjack Loop is an epic multi-day cycling tour where you’ll experience Minnesota’s lakes, forests, and their amazing rails-to-trails network.
Not only is this a beautiful route, but it’s also an opportunity that connects your riding and fundraising to the families we serve with a volunteer day along the way.
While the cycling attracts many people to our events, most participants quickly learn they’re part of something far grander than just a ride. Join us to learn why.
There is a lot to love about the Lumberjack Loop Bike Adventure!
Schedule: July 16 - 28, 2027
| Day | Date | Depart | Arrive | Mileage | Climbing |
| Friday | July 16 | — | Detroit Lakes | Arrival | — |
| Saturday | July 17 | Detroit Lakes | Detroit Lakes | VOLUNTEER | — |
| Sunday | July 18 | Detroit Lakes | Perham | 27 | 550 |
| Monday | July 19 | Perham | Fergus Falls | 45 | 2100 |
| Tuesday | July 20 | Fergus Falls | Alexandria | 45 | 1350 |
| Wednesday | July 21 | Alexandria | Albany | 45 | 800 |
| Thursday | July 22 | Albany | Brainerd | 48 | 1200 |
| Friday | July 23 | Brainerd | Hackensack | 50 | 850 |
| Saturday | July 24 | Hackensack | Bemidji | 60 | 1150 |
| Sunday | July 25 | Bemidji | Bemidji | OFF | — |
| Monday | July 26 | Bemidji | Park Rapids | 75 | 1800 |
| Tuesday | July 27 | Park Rapids | Detroit Lakes | 50 | 1100 |
| Wednesday | July 28 | Detroit Lakes | — | Depart | — |
| Total: | 445 | 10,900 | |||
| Average: | 50 | 1200 |
Transportation
We pick-up and drop-off from local transportation hubs.
Arrival: (FAR) Hector Int’l Airport in Fargo, ND
Arrive before 3pm on July 16, 2027
Departure: (FAR) Hector Int’l Airport in Fargo, ND
Please plan your departure after 5pm on Jul 27, or the morning of July 28, 2027
For more discussion and advice around arrivals and departures, please see our transportation page. Note that the trip leader will be in touch via email in the months ahead of your trip with more specific details.
What's Included
- Breakfast, lunch items, and 5-6 dinners per week
- Rest stops approximately every 20-25 miles
- Overnight host facilities
- Shower arrangements
- Bike Adventure jersey, t-shirt and water bottle
- Routes and route sheets
- Support Vehicle(s)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (within specified limits)
- Laundry
- Volunteer build day(s)
- Fundraising tools
- Ride leadership and organization
- Supportive, faith-based community environment
- Purpose and mission for your ride
Our amazing hosts, volunteers and riders often go far above and beyond this list. We invite you to come ready to be amazed by the generosity of others — and open to the nudges of the Spirit on how you, too, can be a blessing.
“This sounds great, can we talk before I join?”
“Tell me more about what to expect on this adventure”
