Mecca of the Midwest

A few weeks ago a crew of friends went up to the mountain bike trails at Cuyuna State Recreation Area.  This lies just outside Crosby, Minnesota.  Up on the iron range, the first recommendation I can give people is to make sure to bring water (or be prepared to purchase).  Iron range equals iron water.  Not tasty.  We filled a cooler with visually clear tap water and by the next morning it had turned quite red.  Gatorade red.  Like I said, tasty.

The Heartland Staff

Second recommendation is to eat at the Heartland Kitchen & Cafe.  I really cannot explain how marvelous this business is.  The food is solidly delicious.  Not "I will call everyone I know and tell them about this meal" delicious, but really, really good.  What sets this place apart is how wonderful the staff is.  Immediately upon entering the restaurant they were making space for us.  Even with our dirty, sweaty group, they welcomed us like we were family.  I have never experienced that level of service when dining out.  We made sure to make it back for Sunday brunch.  Again, beyond worth it.  

Third recommendation is if you enjoy riding off road, make a trip to Cuyuna.  Every local we spoke with made comments about how much they enjoy having mountain bikers come to town.  Every rider I have talked to has raved about the trails.  This isn't the mecca destination of Moab, but for the midwest, it doesn't get much better.  It would be great to keep the hype going for as long as possible.  There are plans to continue to develop trails in the area, and the more people that ride responsibly, the better the chances to enhance our midwest mecca.