Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area provide an excellent opportunity to visit a place with a large variety of natural and cultural attractions without the need for a car. It has an excellent mass transit system and is either said to be the best or one of the best cities for cyclists. There has been an increase in infrastructure for bikes and there are a lot of maps and resources including bike shops and rentals. In addition, there are many great opportunities for walking, including an enclosed skyway system downtown, as well as trails and interesting neighborhoods.
The largest portion of this website is devoted to helping you navigate Metro Transit's extensive website so that you can optimize your mass transit experience. The one shortcoming that I found when visiting Minneapolis is that, although there is a sign at every bus stop, in some areas there is no other information to be found. Using their website, you can find routes and stop locations easily.
The photo below was taken by Andy Tucker from a light rail train. It shows the beautiful Martin Olav Sabo bike and pedestrian bridge. Notice that in the lower right corner it also shows people stuck in traffic on Hiawatha Avenue.
Click on photo below to view other sizes of Greenway Bridge by Andy Tucker on Flickr.
"The Martin Olav Sabo bike and pedestrian bridge over Hiawatha Ave, with the Minneapolis skyline behind it. Taken from a light rail train." Description and photo by Andy Tucker.
Link to Andy Tucker's Photostream on Flickr
The wikitravel page for Minneapolis
This is an excellent travel guide for Minneapolis. By selecting "Get Around" from the menu in the upper left corner of the website (or scrolling down to the Get Around section) you will find a summary of the major bus lines and a detailed stop by stop description of the stops on the light rail line. Below the mass transit section, there is information regarding biking and walking as well. This article provides a good introduction to the experience of visiting Minneapolis without a car.
Click on photo below to view other sizes (and other images) by Andy Tucker on Flickr.
Nicollet Mall Snowstorm February 21, 2011. Photo by Andy Tucker (Click photo for Flickr photo page)
Link to Andy Tucker's Flickr Photostream
External Links Arranged by Website Page
Using Metro Transit
Click on photo below to view larger sizes and other photos by Mike Hicks on Flickr
Link to Mike's Flickr Photostream
The Using Metro Transit page contains an introduction to Metro Transit services and some directions for using features on their website. Their website has a large number of features and I provided some examples and hints to help you get the most from it.
Flickr Photo by Mike Hicks
List of Outside Links from the Using Metro Transit Page:
Transit Maps & Schedules
Click on the image below to view a larger image.
The Transit Maps & Schedules page of this website includes directions and examples designed to help with this feature on the Metro Transit website. It also provides links to specialized bus services including high frequency, and free or $.50 routes downtown.
List of Outside Links from the Transit Maps & Schedules Page:
Order Info and Map/Schedules by Mail
Light Rail Construction Updates
Hi-Frequency Network Service Description
Hi-Frequency Network Service Map
Marquette & 2nd Avenue Bus Stops - Express Bus Service
Light Rail & Northstar
Click on the photo to view other sizes of this photo along with additional information and more photos.
Cyclist on bike path waiting for the Hiawatha Line Light Rail Train to pass. Photo by Steven Vance.
Link to Steven Vance's Photo Sets on Flickr
The current light rail system provides frequent service and convenient connections to bus routes. Its route provides an easy way to get to and from the airport and many of the most popular Minneapolis destinations. The Northstar is a commuter rail line running from Target Field to the north.
List of Outside Links from the Light Rail & Northstar Page
Lake Street/ Midtown Station Map
Maps of Bicycle Connections to Northstar Stations
Google Maps
Click on image below to see a larger version of a customized Google Maps walking route from a Light Rail station to Loring Park.
Google Maps link to Metro Transit information. They can be used to plan trips by mass transit, biking, and walking. The availability of Street View and Pegman make Google Maps especially helpful when deciding between routes. In the sidebar for Google Maps Minneapolis, if you click on Minneapolis, MN (and scroll down) there are links to many popular destination including links to routes and information.
List of Outside Links for Google Maps
Walking and Cycling
Photo of Whitney pedestrian bridge by Sandy Richard. Click on photo for other sizes and photos on Flickr.
List of Outside Links for Walking & Cycling
Minneapolis Named America's #1 Bike City
Profile of Minneapolis from Walk Friendly Communities
Bike Walk Move Minneapolis Search Results
Bike Everywhere - Northstar Map Set
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Alliance for Metropolitan Stability
Minneapolis Urban Partnerships Agreement
Interactive Google Map of Places in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Click photo to access the map.
Exploring Minneapolis without a Car web pages created by
Sandy Richard using Sandvox.
Internal Navigation Links:
Explore Without a Car - Home Page