Take The Scenic Route: Big Lake To Minneapolis Just Got Easier With New Bus Connections

Published on August 29, 2025

Minneapolis and Big Lake, Minnesota, are switching from nan Northstar Commuter Rail to autobus service. This alteration starts successful January 2026, truthful group coming to nan authorities tin still easy recreation around. The Metropolitan Council decided to extremity Northstar train trips betwixt these 2 cities, and they’ll adhd autobus routes alternatively to support recreation options dependable for everyone.

The last Northstar train is scheduled for January 3 aliases 4, 2026. This work ends correct aft nan past Vikings location crippled astatine U.S. Bank Stadium. Buses footwear successful connected January 5, moving regular schedules that nexus Minneapolis to suburban and location stops, including Big Lake. This will support visitors moving smoothly, whether they’re present for leisure aliases events.

Moving from train to autobus will little yearly costs while still keeping tracks successful spot for imaginable early trains. The Council says nan alteration won’t trim anyone disconnected from galleries, parks, aliases seasonal festivities crossed nan region. Visitors tin support their plans conscionable nan same.

New buses will usage nan aforesaid way arsenic nan Northstar train, truthful everyone tin support utilizing nan aforesaid stops to find parks, Lake Big earthy fun, stepping trails, and lively location municipality festivals—and to research Minneapolis’ culture, shopping, and waterfront spots. Schedules will enactment regular to thief time trips, speedy play getaways, and longer trips astir nan region.

Tourists heading to Big Lake, St. Cloud, aliases different adjacent places tin cheque nan updated Met Council timetables connected nan charismatic transit pages. Visitors tin bargain tickets and find way specifications online aliases astatine transit centre kiosks, helping everyone scheme astir nan champion section events, reservoir fun, aliases attractions. This displacement is portion of a larger scheme to usage proscription resources wisely while boosting location tourism. The Met Council pointed retired that buses will connection dependable rides for guests heading to seasonal happenings successful Minneapolis and adjacent areas. Landmarks for illustration U.S. Bank Stadium, nan Minneapolis Institute of Art, and seasonal open-air markets will still beryllium easy to reach, which keeps Minnesota a apical prime for travellers.

The updated autobus routes will besides unfastened nan doorway to Minnesota’s bluish reservoir areas, which are celebrated for outdoor adventures, fishing, and boating. By linking these routes, visitors tin time off Minneapolis aliases surrounding towns, hop connected a bus, and seamlessly spell connected to bask nan region’s earthy beauty and taste gems.

Tourism operators and hospitality teams successful some Minneapolis and Big Lake are already moving pinch location transit authorities to make nan move easy for guests. Moving from trains to buses is designed to support visitors flowing into section businesses and promote longer stays successful nan region, because visitors tin easy scope moreover much attractions connected their way.

The Northstar corridor has agelong served commuters and visitors heading to and from nan Twin Cities, and nan upgraded autobus work keeps that convenience rolling from Minneapolis to Big Lake and adjacent towns. New, afloat accessible buses, reliable timetables, and connections to awesome transit centers guarantee that everyone, from regular commuters to vacationing families, tin make onward trips pinch minimal fuss.

Riders tin get nan nitty-gritty connected routes, timetables, and autobus stops connected nan charismatic Met Council and Minnesota Department of Transportation sites. These online resources thief travellers representation retired stops astatine Minneapolis’ must-see spots, Big Lake’s scenic beaches, and nan galore sights successful between, guaranteeing that tourism flows smoothly moreover aft nan Northstar obstruction work changes.

With nan autobus work now successful place, nan Minneapolis–Big Lake corridor remains a cardinal nexus for travellers who want to acquisition Minnesota’s rich | civilization and outdoor nosy while boosting nan section economy. The coordinated work keeps nan attraction connected comfort, affordability, and easy transfers to landmarks each astir nan region.