Cuyuna, MN

Cuyuna is a tiny central Minnesota town of 250 people that's become the unlikely epicenter of mountain biking in the state. Highway 210 runs right through it, connecting to Brainerd 15 miles south and the Twin Cities two hours southeast via Highway 371. The main draw is Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, where old iron mining pits have filled with incredibly clear water perfect for swimming and scuba diving, surrounded by world-class mountain bike trails.