Birds & Bison Bike Tours
Bike Tour Pre-Registration
Saturday, May 6th, 2023
The Birds & Bison Bike Tours showcases three unique bike trails that offer stunning river views, connect two historic downtowns and gets rides up close to unique birds and prairie bison! Tour guides are available to customize experiences based on skill level and interests. Check out the tour options and times below. The start times were selected to allow riders the opportunity to experience more than one trail ride.
These tours are FREE but space is limited.
If you are interested in taking more than one tour, please sign up for each one individually.
Point Douglas Trail
Two states, two historic river towns, one trail! The Point Douglas Trail connects Prescott, WI to Hastings, MN and runs right along the Mississippi River. This 3.5 mile trail (7 miles round trip) is great for cyclists of all levels and offers an incredible view from the HWY 61 Bridge. We encourage guests to stop, shop & dine in one or both locations.
Check in opens: 7:30 a.m.
Prescott Chamber: 237 Broad Street N., Prescott, WI
Tour starts: 8:00 a.m.
Arrive in Hastings: 8:30 a.m.
The 10-Mile Loop
Explore a 10-mile loop around the city of Hastings with stops at The Vermillion Falls, Mississippi River Scenic Overlook and Lake Rebecca Dike. This trail starts and stops in Hastings Historic Downtown. With stops, the tour will take 2 hours. Your experienced tour guide is from the Port Of Hastings Outfitters.
Registration is located on the Hastings Riverwalk, the best place to park is under the HWY 61 Bridge on 2nd Street E. Get there early! Our friends at Carpenter Natural Center will be at registration with local wildlife and lots of great tips for bird watching. Riders coming from the Point Douglas Trail are welcome to join the 10-mile loop tour. Please register so guides can take attendance.
Check in opens: 8:15 a.m.
Hastings Riverwalk under the Hwy 61 Bridge
Tour starts: 8:45 a.m.
Arrive back: 11:00 a.m.
Mississippi Greenway Trail
This 20 mile round trip tour will start on the Hastings Riverwalk with stunning views of the Mississippi River bluffs. Riders will follow the trail along Ninninger Road out to Spring Lake Park and Schaar’s Bluff.
A scheduled 20 min stop at Schaar’s Bluff will include the opportunity to use the restrooms and have a water break. After the break, riders will continue along the Mississippi River and past Bison Prairie where a small herd of bison has recently been reintroduced to a 150-acre prairie. (Bison Prairie Fact Sheet) A second stop at the Bison Praire Outdoor Classroom will feature naturalists from Dakota County and Carpenter Nature Center. Check out wildlife with binoculars and get your Bison questions answered.
Check-in opens: 8:15 a.m.
Hastings Riverwalk under the Hwy 61 Bridge
Tour starts: 8:45 a.m.
Arrive in Schaar’s Bluff: 9:45 a.m.
Riders interested in exploring the Bison Prairie portion ONLY can park and meet the group in Schaar’s Bluff.
Continue ride: 10:05 a.m.
Arrive back in Hastings downtown: 11:30 a.m.
Resources, fun facts & tips:
- Electronic Bike Rentals are Available through Port of Hastings Outfitters! Secure your rental at www.mypoho.com
- Carpenter Nature Center will have an interactive on the Hastings River Walk!
- Find out more on Bison Prairie HERE
- Those bikes have been sitting all winter. Be sure to check your tire pressure and chains prior to the tour.
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