One of the first state trails authorized by Minnesota when state trail legislation was passed in the 1960s, the Casey Jones State Trail consists of three separate segments. The rail-trail is named for the engineer immortalized in the "Ballad or Casey Jones." In 1900 in Mississippi, the engineer "died at the throttle" when the train he was conducting collided with another train.
As for the trail itself, it courses through a much different landscape in America's heartland, passing remnants of tallgrass prairie and through wooded draws amid a sea of agricultural land.
The all-paved Currie Loop at Lake Shetek runs 6 miles and is wheelchair accessible. Horses are not permitted on this section. The trail loops from the town of Currie to Lake Shetek State Park. Nearby attractions include the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum in Walnut Grove and railroad artifacts in Currie and Tracey.
Also visit the
Lake Wilson segment and the
Pipestone to Woodstock segment.
Park in Currie at End O The Line Railroad Museum off Mill Street, just south of the trailhead. You can also park at Lake Shatek State Park. Take County Highway 37 northwest from Currie to State Park Road.
Easy access from Lake Shetek State Park. Many portions of the trail are tree lined. Beautiful views of the lake and river. Landscape is varied. The small town of Currie and the Rail Road Museum are worth the ride around town. Currie seems to be struggling ...