Bike Trails at Locke County Park • Twin Cities Outdoors

Fridley/Anoka County • No fee

paved bike trail in locke county park in early spring — *Bike trail at Locke in early spring*

Locke County Park is a small but lovely wooded park in urban Fridley. Rice Creek West Regional Trail goes through the park, and older children will love a little “mountain biking” here.

I visited this lovely oasis in the middle of the city in early May, when the leaves were just budding. While not lush and green, this meant great views of Rice Creek, which meanders through the length of the park.

Who’ll Love Biking Here

An avid cyclist won’t see this as a destination park. But if you’re on Rice Creek West Regional Trail, it’s a beautiful break from the neighborhoods and busy streets. This is especially true if you choose to get off the paved trail and head down along the dirt section. It’s well worth the detour.

dirt hiking trail at locke county park, in the trees in early spring — *The pretty dirt trail gets down by Rice Creek*

Here’s the map of the park.

Older children who are confident bikers will love this park! There’s some challenging but not overly-difficult hills on both the paved and dirt trails. And it’s very scenic—not that they’ll notice—but if you’re with them, you will!

Rice Creek and the foot bridges add fun elements you don’t see at every bike trail.

foot bridge over rice creek at locke county park — *One of the foot bridges at Locke*

What Else is at Locke?

There’s a gorgeous picnic area with mature shade trees and a playground, as well as a dog park. Come for a picnic, bring the bikes, wear the dog out, and spend a couple hours relaxing in the shade!

This short trail system is also wonderful for a little hiking. It’s not too long, so it’s very good for all ages.

bike trail locke with steep hill warning sign

How to Get There

Locke County Park is just east of University Avenue in Fridley, between Mississippi Street and 73rd Avenue. You’ll need to get on University East Service Road, and then take 71st Avenue east to the parking lot. Plug 840 71st Avenue NE into your GPS.

Sharon Brodin

Founder & Publisher of Twin Cities Outdoors at Brodin Press LLC

Sharon loves to hike, paddle, camp, snowshoe and cross country ski...and she bikes sometimes, too! Besides maintaining Twin Cities Outdoors and her other blog, Heaven and Nature, Sharon works on client writing and design projects.