Loop the Lake Festival to hold 10th anniversary event June 15

062123.N.BP.LOOPTHELAKE 2.jpg — Cyclists bike through Diamond Point Park during Bemidji's Loop the Lake Festival on June 17, 2023. This year's event is set for Saturday, June 15.

By Charley Gilbert

May 23, 2024 at 11:42 AM

BEMIDJI 鈥� Mur Gilman is eager for the 10th anniversary of Loop the Lake Festival on Saturday, June 15.

鈥淚 just love to see people get on their bikes and enjoy what a great place we have to ride,鈥� said Gilman, chair of the steering committee.

The 17-mile route starts at and loops around Lake Bemidji. Stops are set up along the way where participants can enjoy music, food, photo opportunities and fun at rest stops, including the

According to Gilman, there will be live music performances staggered throughout the day at various locations including Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge and Lake Bemidji State Park.

The event will begin with a rolling start between 7:30 and 10 a.m. with a music truck from Paul Bunyan Broadcasting. There will also be a limited supply of reflective wristbands given at check-in that will have the 10th anniversary logo.

Gilman said to celebrate the 10th anniversary, there will be past year鈥檚 T-shirts on display at the beach house on Nymore Beach and former postcards and posters throughout the biking route.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really rewarding to see people excited to go out on their bikes to enjoy our community and our beautiful environment,鈥� Gilman said.

Registration information

For those who register before May 31, the cost is $10 per person ages 13 and older and $5 for those 12 and younger. Loop the Lake T-shirts will not be available after May 31.

From June 1-13, the is $20 for ages 13 and older and $5 for 12 and younger.

For walk-up registrations on June 15 during check-in or on the day of the event, the cost is $30 for ages 13 and older and $10 for ages 12 and younger.

The registration cost includes food, music and photo ops along the scenic route. Event T-shirts are not included in the price of registration.

Loop the Lake merchandise is for sale during check-in and at the event.

Adaptive cyclists can make arrangements by contacting Diane Pittman at (218) 444-7172 or diane@truenorthbemidji.com. To rent an adult bike for the event, call Jamie at (218) 333-1857.

For more information or to register, email info@bikebemidji.com or visit

By Charley Gilbert

Charley is a multimedia reporter for the Bemidji Pioneer covering outdoor and human interests stories. She graduated from Bemidji State University in 2024 with a bachelor's in Communication Studies.

Raised in Ham Lake, Minnesota, she has always enjoyed being outside in nature, which is one of the many reasons why she has decided to stay in Bemidji. When she is not outside, she can be found learning new recipes, reading books and spending time with friends.

You can contact Charley at (218)-333-9798 or cgilbert@bemidjipioneer.com.