The Itasca Lakenights: Northwoods Gravel

The Itasca Lakenights is a three-day gravel bikepacking route through the lake country of Itasca County in northern Minnesota, scouted and named by Josh Rizzo of The Nxrth. It threads a vast network of low-traffic forest gravel between remote, swimmable lakes, the kind of place that feels built for long days riding and long nights by the water. With 1,400 lakes in the county and almost no cars, solitude is the default.

Josh Rizzo scouted and named the route, riding it with friends on everything from skinny gravel tires to a plus-tire singlespeed. Read their full story here.

Most of the riding is good, fast gravel, but this is scouted country, not a polished trail. Expect a few chunky, rocky ATV sections and the odd stretch of soft sand that has you on and off the bike, especially on the longer middle day. Nothing technical, but enough to reward wider tires and a relaxed pace.

The lakes are the whole point. Nights are spent at dispersed lakeside sites like Arrowhead Lake and the sandy-beached Bear Lake campground, with swimming, fishing, and cards after dark. The route bookends nicely too, starting and finishing at the Antler Lodge, a wood-paneled northwoods bar and grill that makes for a perfect post-ride burger and beer.

A few practical notes. Ride it in summer, when the water is warm and the seasonal roads are passable. Some roads here are marked winter-only, meaning they flood in the warm months and are only rideable once frozen, so check with the county forestry office before committing to a line. Carry water and food between the lakes, do not rely on cell service, and bring a gravel bike with room for tires that can handle a little chunk and sand.