Paddle, Bike, Dance: It’s Time to Head Outdoors!

The National Weather Service is predicting sunny skies Saturday, and that means it’s time to get out and enjoy Minnesota’s beautiful outdoors.

Dance fans can catch ERV Dance performances at the Hopkins Farmers’ Market from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., courtesy of Hopkins Artstreet.

Canoeing is another options. Last month, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District advised paddlers not to use Minnehaha Creek because of the heavy rains that created unsafe conditions. But the creek has since returned to prime paddling spot.

The creek is 22 miles long, and it takes five to six hours to canoe the entire creek. But paddlers looking for shorter jaunts can take it in sections. Canoe maps are available as a PDF and on Google maps. Visit the watershed district’s website for more information.

Perhaps the biggest event of the weekend is Tour de Tonka. The annual Minnetonka Community Education bike ride through Lake Minnetonka communities drew nearly 2,800 riders, and organizers expect 3,000 people this year. It’s raised more than $25,000 for ICA Food Shelf over the past eight years.

Riders can take in beautiful scenery while biking 16-, 26-, 43-, 51-, 77- or 100-mile routes. People of all ages and abilities participate. Last year’s race drew nearly 2,800 riders, and organizers expect 3,000 people this year.

The rest stops will have refreshments and snacks—and most will have live music.

Tour de Tonka takes place Aug. 3. All riders need to be in the bike corral by 7 a.m. The first group of riders leaves the bike corral at 7:30 a.m. Helmets are mandatory.

Click here to register. Same day registration begins at 5:30 a.m.

The event also requires hundreds of volunteers. Click here to register to volunteer.