ROUTES

Ride the Heart of Minnesota’s Lake Country!

Lakes take center stage on BAM 2026 as we explore one of Minnesota’s most popular and scenic regions. The loop tour begins and ends in Detroit Lakes, with overnights in Detroit Lakes (two nights), Fergus Falls, and Perham.

Day 0 – Wednesday, Aug. 12: Detroit Lakes

Begin and end your four-day adventure in Detroit Lakes — a classic Minnesota lake town with a lively, welcoming vibe and a mile-long sandy beach. Between lake-day adventures, the whimsical Troll Stroll, and a lineup of lakeside restaurants and bars perfect for a drink or a bite with a view, it brings together big-lake fun and small-town charm.  

Pick up your rider packet, connect with fellow riders, get your tent set up or check into your hotel, and make sure your bike is dialed in for the adventure ahead. Join us mid-afternoon for an unsupported 20–25 mile ride to get the legs turning and your vacation rolling.

In the evening, take in Cruise Night, a beloved summer tradition where classic cars, convertibles, and polished chrome line the streets in a gleaming showcase of nostalgia. The whole community comes alive with music, spectators, and that unmistakable lake-country energy that defines summer here.

Day 1 – Thursday, Aug. 13: Detroit Lakes – Detroit Lakes
0-60 miles

60 miles, 2408 feet of climbing; 50 miles, 1854 feet of climbing.  Shorter options available.

No need to pack up today — this ride is a loop that winds you in and out of sparkling lakes and classic lake-country scenery. Savor the shoreline views with several mileage options to choose from.  Along the way, stop at the Lakeland General Store where you can grab ice cream or duck into the Cornfield Café for a classic small-town bite.  After you roll back into Detroit Lakes, stretch out on the sandy beach, cool off with a swim, or grab some fellow riders and rent a water bike, 10-person floating lounge, or pontoon to soak up more lake life.  Local spots nearby make it easy to grab a bite while you watch the water.  Check out the Becker County Museum which houses a collection of oddities. These include a three-legged wolf, a two-headed calf, a meteorite, the world’s smallest gas station and the world’s largest ball of store string.  

As the day winds down, enjoy a lakeside stroll and settle in for Trucks & Tunes, where food trucks and live music add a festive finish to your day.

Day 2 – Friday, August 14:  Detroit Lakes – Fergus Falls
58 miles, 2230 feet of climbing 

Leaving Detroit Lakes, we head to Pelican Rapids, a small town set along the Pelican River known for its iconic pelican statue and easygoing downtown.  We’ll ride a portion of the Heart of the Lakes Trail on our way to Fergus Falls.  Fergus Falls blends small-city charm with quirky landmarks like Otto the Big Otter, a walkable historic downtown, and the scenic Riverwalk along the Otter Tail River — home to Outstate Brewing Company. Uncle Eddie’s Ice Cream Parlor offers more than 40 flavors, and local eateries and cafés makes it an easy place to relax and refuel as you enjoy the rest of the day.

Day 3 – Saturday, August 15: Fergus Falls – Perham
64 miles, 2181 feet of climbing

Today’s ride brings you past more lakes and small towns on county roads and the scenic Heart of the Lakes Trail, and over to the hometown Dent Corn Daze festival and parade — complete with the chance to be part of the parade itself, plus horse‑drawn carriage rides, a classic car show and plenty of buttered corn. Our host town for the evening is Perham, featuring the Pioneer Fest’s heritage celebration with antique tractors, engines, exhibits, and historical buildings, craft beers at Disgruntled Brewing, and a walkable boutique downtown lined with colorful murals, creating an inviting stop in the heart of lake country.

Day 4 – Sunday, August 16:  Perham – Detroit Lakes
41 miles, 1225 feet of climbing

Our final day takes us to Vergas where you can stop for hand-scooped ice cream or a coffee at Otter Coffee & Ice Cream, enjoy the peaceful shoreline at Long Lake City Park, or snap a photo with the World’s Largest Loon. With its lakeside setting and easy places to rest and refuel, it’s a simple, welcoming stop before heading onward to Frazee’s signature landmark — the World’s Largest Turkey — and then on to Detroit Lakes, the tour’s end.  Showers provided. 

*Routes are subject to change based on construction in the area or finding hidden gems that we want to incorporate.