Author: Janelle Nivens

Janelle Nivens

Janelle Nivens

Janelle is an urban explorer who likes to challenge herself to walk long distances (40 miles is her record). She lives in southwest Minneapolis with Scott and their adorable dog Stewie and works at the University of Minnesota. Janelle documents what catches her eye on long walks in hopes of inspiring others to discover hidden gems in their own communities. Walk with her on Instagram, Twitter (@Janellie23), and FitBit.

Minnesota Connection: Mass Transit Magazine’s 2016 Top 40 Under 40 List

Mass Transit magazine recently recognized 40 individuals under the age of 40 for “their contributions and who have shown a capacity for innovation, demonstrated leadership and a commitment to making an impact in transit.” Minnesota has a strong showing on this list: Lyssa Leitner, AICP is a Gold Line BRT Project Manager for Washington County. Chang Yang is a Assistant Transportation Manager for Metro Transit. […]

Community of Hope

Recently, I walked past a home in southwest Minneapolis with the word “HOPE” in all caps affixed to the exterior. I’ve recently been playing with the idea of pairing photos I snap on my walks with songs. Kind of a twist on The Current’s Coffee Break, one of my favorite segments on Oake & Riley […]

The Brass Messengers

40 Miles: A Birthday Walk

Last year, I read the story of an “Extreme FitBit user” who celebrated her 40th birthday by stepping a total of 40 miles. I knew immediately that this is how I wanted to mark my milestone year. Since my birthday is in January, I had to have a belated walking celebration. I chose Saturday, May 21 because it […]

Formal season on Stone Arch Bridge

A Minneapolis Saunter

On Saturday, May 7 in New York City a group of people known as Shorewalkers hit the trails along the shoreline of Manhattan for The Great Saunter, a 32 mile epic urban hike. Someday I will join them, but this year I decided to walk in solidarity and complete a 32 mile walk in Minneapolis. Since I’ve […]

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

On Saturday, May 7, Scott and I walked a stretch of the Midtown Greenway, a 5.5 mile bicycle and pedestrian trail that runs parallel to Lake Street. Traffic was heavier than usual because of the Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride. The trail had a race day vibe with lots of cyclists playing music and pedestrians cheering on the racers (OK, […]

Scott outside Able Seedhouse + Brewery

Beer Walk: Able Seedhouse + Brewery

After a stretch of cold, windy days, my husband Scott and I were thrilled to see that Sunday, April 10 was forecasted to be sunny and between 40 and 50 degrees. Perfect weather for another beer walk after having so much fun on our Wabasha Brewing Company walk. This time we chose to walk to […]

Map of walking route history using Moves App

Track Your Moves

Since using MapMyWalk in 2009 to log a dog walk, I’ve been hooked on mapping my movement. I like knowing the number of miles I’ve clocked and looking back on all of the neighborhoods I’ve explored on the map. Over the years, I’ve used various iPhone apps and one by one they’ve fallen out of […]

View of downtown St. Paul from Cherokee Avenue

Beer Walk: Wabasha Brewing Company

My husband Scott and I have been combining our mutual love of walking and beer since our first date. Since we’re in the middle of a brewery/cidery/distillery boom in the Twin Cities, it seems like we add a new destination to our walk wish list once a month. (Read “Create a Personal Walking/Biking/Rolling Wishlist” for wishlist ideas). […]

Gold Medal Flour sign on the Mill City Museum

A Spring-Like Walk to a streets.mn Writers’ Workshop

On Saturday, February 27, I attended the second annual streets.mn writers’ workshop and thanks to the 58° temperature, I took my time getting there on foot to remember what it feels like to shed my winter gear. This post is a recap of my journey to the workshop but I would be remiss if I didn’t pass […]