Rail-Trail
State: MN Length: 3.40 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Afton to Lakeland Trail links its namesake towns on the Minnesota side of the Saint Croix River. The trail runs between Pike Avenue near the Afton City Hall and Hudson Rd./8th St. at Crocker Park in Lakeland. The flat trail parallels County Road 18 (once called Old Highway 95), passing through Saint Mary's Point, Lake Saint Croix Beach, Lake Saint Croix and Lakeland Shores.
State: MN Length: 4.20 miles Surface: Asphalt
Big Rivers Regional Trail meanders between limestone bluffs and river parkways, near the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River. The trail is flat and occupies the former rail bed once belonging to the Minnesota Central Railroad, believed to be one of state's oldest lines. The trail offers scenic views of the river basin and Fort Snelling, Minnesota's first military outpost on Pike Island, a National Historic Landmark. The southern end of the trail passes through the town of Mendota, another of the state's oldest.
State: MN Length: 8.40 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Bruce Vento Regional Trail links the White Bear Lake area with the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in St. Paul, along the Mississippi River. From the nature sanctuary the trail heads north through Swede Hollow Park and continues through a decidedly urban setting. The trail passes by Lake Phalen, meandering through a wooded corridor between neighborhood back yards as it makes its way toward White Bear Lake. The trail joins with other urban paved trails in St. Paul.
State: MN Length: 19.70 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Cannon Valley Trail connects the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing on a former Chicago Great Western Railway line. Motorized vehicles and pets are not allowed on the trail, so hikers, bicyclers, in-line skaters and cross-country skiers enjoy a quiet, people-powered experience. Paralleling the Cannon River, the trail offers stunning views of the valley. There is a significant descent of 115 feet from Cannon Falls to Red Wing, but—because this is a rail-trail—the slope is gradual. The dazzling mix of scenery includes bluffs, wetlands, farmland and a handful of large lakes. The trail was dedicated May 31, 1986, with the towns of Cannon Falls and Red Wing along with Goodhue County agreeing to jointly manage the trail. The former Chicago Great Western corridor actually extends westward even farther to the city of Mankato. Between that city and Faribault, the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is open on the former rail line for recreational use. In the future, the planned Mill Towns Trail will fill the gap on the corridor between Faribault and Cannon Falls; when complete, trail users would be able to travel from Red Wing to Mankato on an uninterrupted series of rail-trails. To help pay for maintenance of the Cannon Valley Trail, the Cannon Valley Trail Joint Powers Board requires trail users 18 and older to purchase a Wheel Pass when using the trail between April 1st and November 1st. Passes can be purchased at kiosks at major access points to the trail and at local businesses; pedestrians and wheelchair users are exempt from purchasing a Wheel Pass throughout the year. In Red Wing, a city trail beginning a couple blocks east of the trailhead will take you south for about 2 miles to the northern trailhead for the Cattail State Trail Rail-Trail State: WI Length: 17.80 miles Surface: Ballast, Dirt, Gravel The Cattail State Trail runs for nearly 18 miles along an old railroad corridor between the communities of Amery and Almena, passing through the village of Turtle Lake in between. The trail traverses forests, farms, wetlands and remnants of prairie. The trailhead at Amery has restrooms and picnic areas, and wildlife is abundant throughout the area. From the end point in Amery, you can continue west on the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail (no motorized vehicles). The Cattail State Trail is open year-round to motorized uses, including ATVs, snowmobiles and UTVs (restrictions apply to the latter). Off-road motorcycles are allowed in Polk County only. The trail may be too rough and soft in places for both horseback riders and mountain bikes.
State: WI Length: 17.80 miles Surface: Ballast, Dirt, Gravel
The Cattail State Trail runs for nearly 18 miles along an old railroad corridor between the communities of Amery and Almena, passing through the village of Turtle Lake in between. The trail traverses forests, farms, wetlands and remnants of prairie. The trailhead at Amery has restrooms and picnic areas, and wildlife is abundant throughout the area. From the end point in Amery, you can continue west on the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail (no motorized vehicles). The Cattail State Trail is open year-round to motorized uses, including ATVs, snowmobiles and UTVs (restrictions apply to the latter). Off-road motorcycles are allowed in Polk County only. The trail may be too rough and soft in places for both horseback riders and mountain bikes.
State: MN Length: 4.10 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail is an integral component of Hennepin County's extensive trail network, in which rail-trails feature prominently. The trail directly links 4 trails together: In the west, it branches off from both the similarly-named North Cedar Lake Regional Trail/Cedar Lake Trail and the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail, while in the east, it leads directly to the Kenilworth Trail and Minneapolis' popular Midtown Greenway. Running past mostly industrial properties, the paved Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail occupies an abandoned Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway (and later Chicago and North Western Railway) corridor. The right-of-way was abandoned in the early 1990s and acquired by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA), who installed the trail. The HCRRA always planned to use the corridor for a future passenger rail line; in fact, the LRT designation of several Hennepin County trails indicates those pathways built on corridors intended for future light rail transit use. Fortunately, even though the planned Southwest LRT line will run on the entirety of what is now the Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail, the HCRRA has committed to maintaining all existing trails. In this case, the trail will become one of an ever-increasing number of successful rail-with-trail projects around the country.
State: MN Length: 1 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Courthouse Loop Trail is one of several trails located in the Carver County city of Chaska. As the name suggests, the trail forms a loop around Courthouse Lake, which sits directly behind the Carver County Courthouse and other administrative buildings. A short spur off the trail near the north parking lot leads to a pier, so be sure to bring your fishing gear.
State: MN Length: 8 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
Phase one of the development of central Minnesota's Dairyland Trail was completed in April 2013, allowing trail users to hike, bike or ride their horse for 8 miles between the small towns of Elrosa and Greenwald. The trail, named in recognition of Stearns County's status as the top dairy producer in Minnesota, occupies an abandoned Soo Line Railroad corridor and will eventually stretch for nearly 30 miles between Albany and Brooten. The open portion of trail passes through a landscape of cornfields, prairie remnants and—as you might expect—dairy farms. When complete, the trail will link directly with the paved Lake Wobegon Trail in Albany, which itself offers a number of other connections to trails throughout the heart of Minnesota.
State: MN Length: 25.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
Sections of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, which extends westward from the Minneapolis suburbs situated along Lake Minnetonka, have been opening since June 2009. The trail occupies the former Dakota Rail corridor, which ran for a total length of 44 miles to Hutchinson, Minnesota, before being abandoned in 2001. That same year, the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA), Carver County and McLeod County jointly purchased the corridor with the goal of establishing a rail-trail. The 13-mile Hennepin County section of the trail begins at the lakefront in downtown Wayzata, an idyllic suburb of Minneapolis. Lake views are never far away for much of the trail's journey through Hennepin County. In fact, many of these communities were developed in the late 19th century as popular resort towns due to their stunning views of the clear water and convenient location along the expanding railroad lines. These towns—which are now largely residential—include Orono, Minnetonka Beach, Spring Park and Mound. After passing through the town of St. Bonifacius, the trail enters Carver County. The section of trail from the border with Hennepin County in the east to the small city of Mayer in the west was constructed in 2010. Like the first portion of the trail, striking lake views—now of vast Lake Waconia—make up much of the scenery. After the lake, the trail passes through an equally beautiful mix of open fields and forest. The newest section of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail opened in early 2013. Running from Mayer to the Carver–McLeod county line, the trail parallels a lightly-used rural road. Trail users pass through the tiny town of New Germany before reaching the current western endpoint. In the near future, a short extension will allow trail users to access the first road approach in McLeod County along County Road 23. Longer term plans call for the trail to be extended to the small city of Lester Prairie. The former Dakota Rail corrid
State: WI Length: 47 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
The 98-mile Gandy Dancer Trail runs along the old Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad corridor from St. Croix Falls north to Superior. The trail is separated into two sections: the 51-mile northern section (between Superior and Danbury) is primarily a snowmobile/ATV trail, while the 47-mile southern section (between St. Croix Falls and Danbury) offers a more traditional and leisurely rail-trail experience. The southern section has a well-maintained, crushed limestone surface and scenic views of northwestern Wisconsin. "Gandy Dancer" is derived from the trail's former use as a railroad corridor. In the 1880s crews building and maintaining the corridor used tools manufactured by the Chicago-based Gandy Tool Company; crews often worked in unison to a vocal and mechanical beat, much like a well-rehearsed dance. Beginning in St. Croix Falls, the Gandy Dancer Trail travels north through the communities of Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic, Lewis, Siren, Webster and Danbury. Before heading down the trail, consider a side trip to Interstate State Park (just down the road from the Polk County Information Center), where you can marvel at the beauty of the St. Croix River and the unique glacial heritage of the area. Once on the trail, be sure to take advantage of the many sights and amenities in each of the friendly towns along the way. Railroad buffs will enjoy the restored railroad depot and museum in Frederic. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required of all bicyclists 16 years of age or older riding the trail between St. Croix Falls and Danbury. Trail passes are available at the Polk County Information Center and from business vendors located in communities along the Trail.
State: MN Length: 9.20 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Goodhue Pioneer State Trail is a work in progress as part of a planned 47-mile trail linking the cities of Red Wing, Goodhue, Zumbrota, Mazeppa, Bellechester and Pine Island along an abandoned railroad corridor. The line was originally constructed by the Duluth, Red Wing & Southern Railroad in 1888 and was embargoed by the Chicago Great Western in 1964 after a derailment. Currently, two sections of trail separated by a 6-mile gap are open for recreational use. The 4-mile northern segment begins at Pioneer Road on the southern edge of Red Wing. The trail follows Hay Creek as it winds through the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. The scenery here consists of rugged hills primarily forested with oak, elm, birch, basswood and black cherry trees. An adjacent unpaved trail allows for equestrian use. This portion of the trail currently ends at the private Hay Creek Valley Campground in Hay Creek Township. The 5.2-mile southern half begins at Covered Bridge Park in Zumbrota, home to Minnesota's last remaining covered bridge. This section of trail crosses agricultural land and native prairie before ending north of 410th Street in rural Minneola Township. The trail is popular with snowmobilers in the winter. In Red Wing, trail users can take a city trail about 2 miles north and a couple blocks west to reach the eastern trailhead for the popular Cannon Valley Trail. In the future, the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail will also connect to the Douglas State Trail in Pine Island.
State: MN Length: 9.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
The hardwood Creek Trail consists of two parallel trails which run along US highway 61, from County Road 8 in the City of Hugo to the Chisago County Line. The paved portion of the trail is for hikers/bikers/skaters and the turf portion is for horses in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter.
State: MN Length: 4.70 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
Minnesota's Hiawatha Trail (also known as the Hiawatha LRT Trail) runs along a north-south route paralleling both Hiawatha Avenue and the Hiawatha Light Rail Line in Minneapolis. The trail connects downtown Minneapolis and the vibrant Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in the north to Minnehaha Creek, Minnehaha Park and the former site of the Longfellow Zoological Gardens in the south. Residential neighborhoods line the entire length of the route, making it an excellent trail for commuting. The trail begins just 1 block north of the Metrodome in the Downtown East neighborhood, although bike lanes along S. 3rd Street and S. 4th Street allow for a trek deeper into the heart of Minneapolis. Continuing south from the Metrodome, the Hiawatha Trail crosses busy I-35W on the light rail overpass and under I-94 just north of the large Metro Transit storage and maintenance facility. At E. 24th Street, a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Hiawatha Avenue/State Route 55 carries trail users to the Phillips community of Minneapolis. Just past E. 26th Street, the stunning Martin Olav Sabo Bridge connects the Hiawatha Trail with the popular Midtown Greenway over Hiawatha Avenue. Those wishing to continue south on the Hiawatha Trail should cross to the western side of the road, where the trail surface changes from asphalt to concrete. The section of trail from E. 28th Street south to E. 32nd Street is little more than a sidewalk; trail users should exercise caution when navigating this section. Fortunately, Minneapolis has targeted this portion of the Hiawatha Trail for improvement in the future. For most of the rest of its route, the trail is wedged between the light rail line and Hiawatha Avenue. At E. 46th Street, trail users cross the tracks and pick up the trail on the western side of the Hiawatha LRT Line. After just 1 block, the trail ends at Minnehaha Parkway in the Minnehaha neighborhood, where a
State: MN Length: 2.75 miles Surface: Grass
Interstate State Park near Taylors Falls has a small network of trails along the St. Croix River. One trail, the Railroad Trail, runs for 1.5 miles on the northwest side of US 8/State Rt. 95 somewhat removed from the river and among a densely forested canopy. The river trail follows closer to the river on the southeast side of US 8/SR 95; both begin at the boat rental area on Milltown Road (south end of the park) and end at the boat tour dock at the northeastern park boundary. You can snowshoe on the trails in winter but cross-country skiing is not available. Other park activities include climbing the bluffs along the river, flat-water canoeing, kayaking in the rapids and taking an excursion by tour boat. In spring the park is alive with wildflowers and in fall the forests turn brilliant colors. You can also see 10 different kinds of lava flow that are exposed in the park, as well as other geological features.
State: MN Length: 1.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Kenilworth Trail runs through dense forest along the eastern side of Minnesota's Cedar Lake. Occasionally, trail users can catch glimpses of some of the stately residences in the ritzy Minneapolis neighborhood of Kenwood, which occupies land immediately to the trail's east. On the western side of the trail, the Twin Cities and Western Railroad temporarily operates freight service on a restored line. The short paved trail is a vital link in the extensive trail network of Minneapolis and its western suburbs. In the north, the trail branches off from the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail/Cedar Lake Trail, which extends from the Mississippi River in Minneapolis to the suburb of Hopkins. Like the Cedar Lake Trail, much of the Kenilworth Trail consists of a pair of separated one-way bike paths along with a multi-directional pedestrian pathway. In the south, the Kenilworth Trail directly connects with both the Midtown Greenway and Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail; taking both these trails allows trail users to travel uninterrupted from midtown Minneapolis to Hopkins along a more southerly route. Both the Kenilworth Trail and the temporary freight line were opened on a corridor originally built by the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway and later abandoned by the Chicago and North Western Railway. The corridor is owned by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA), which intends to open the Southwest Corridor light rail line along the route in the near future. Fortunately, the HCRRA intends to preserve the existing trail network, which means the Kenilworth Trail is here to stay.
State: MN Length: 15 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
The Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail begins in downtown Hopkins, just a few blocks north of the eastern endpoint of the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail. The 15-mile trail (as you might guess) skirts the edge of Lake Minnetonka on its run through the communities of Minnetonka, Excelsior and Victoria. The trail cuts diagonally northwest across residential neighborhoods in the Minneapolis suburb of Hopkins before turning due west at Minnetonka Boulevard. Paralleling the road for about 2 miles, the trail passes under busy I-494. In the city of Minnetonka, the landscape changes to dense forest, although housing developments are never far away. The trail runs directly behind the large campus of Minnetonka's Middle School East, making the trail a safe route to school for a number of students. About halfway into the trek, the trail rejoins Minnetonka Boulevard to cross the Carson Bay inlet of Lake Minnetonka; be sure to stop nearby to check out the stunning views. The trail skirts the shoreline for a short while before passing the former site of the famous Excelsior Amusement Park and entering the city's downtown area. The small city is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. The rest of the journey to Victoria is through a now familiar mixture of local residential properties and dense woodlands. Victoria is home to the large Carver Park Reserve, which includes horse trails, hiking trails and a nature center. The park is accessible directly from the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail on the eastern side of Steiger Lake.
State: MN Length: 76.70 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Grass
The Luce Line State Trail follows a former railroad grade and accommodates biking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling and cross-county skiing. From Plymouth the trail now continues east on a paved route toward Minneapolis, ending at the Cedar Lake Trail just west of Interstate 394 and near Bryn Mawr Meadows park. This section of the Luce Line was once called Bassett's Creek Trail but as of 2012 has been included in the Luce Line State Trail system. The Luce Line State Trail leads from urban Minneapolis west through Minnesota's rural landscape, traveling through suburbs, wooded stretches, across wetlands, near lakes, through tall-grass prairie remnants and into the countryside over varying surfaces. Between Plymouth and Winsted the trail has a limestone surface with a parallel treadway for equestrians. Between Winsted and Hutchinson the trail is gravel; between Hutchinson and Cedar Mills it is crushed granite; between Cedar Mills and Cosmos it is mowed grass. Snowmobiles are allowed on the trail west of Stubb's Bay Road. Certain areas are not maintained regularly and can be a challenge following severe weather when the surface becomes muddy or otherwise impassable. Wildlife encountered along the way include deer, foxes, minks, owls, pheasants and many species of duck and geese. The Luce Line State Trail occupies the former rail bed of the Electric Short Line Railroad, started in 1908. The tracks continued to be expanded into the late 1920s, when the rail became known as the Minnesota Western. Passenger service stopped in 1947, and in 1956 the Minneapolis and Saint Louis Railway took over. The corridor was abandoned by 1970 and the Luce Line Trail was born.
State: MN Length: 5.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
The 5.5-mile Midtown Greenway follows a former railroad corridor through south Minneapolis, heading due west from the Mississippi River to the neighborhood of West Calhoun in the scenic Chain of Lakes Area. The paved pathway is only 1 block north of the improving Lake Street corridor and runs parallel to the road for most of its route, thus providing a safe alternative for cyclists and pedestrians to travel on the busy street. Much of the trail is below-grade as a direct result of a 1912 mandate by the Minneapolis City Council for the Milwaukee Road to dig a trench for their rail line. In the present day, the decision ensures that trail users have minimal contact with vehicular traffic. East of State Route 55/Hiawatha Avenue, the Minnesota Commercial Railway operates trains on the corridor to this day. This section of the Midtown Greenway is an example of a successful rail-with-trail project. Busy Hiawatha Avenue is crossed via the stunning Martin Olav Sabo Bridge, which is open exclusively for bicycle and pedestrian use. Just east of the bridge, trail users can pick up the Hiawatha Trail to travel north to downtown Minneapolis or south to Minnehaha. On its western end, the Midtown Greenway connects directly to the Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail, which links Minneapolis to the suburbs of St. Louis Park, Hopkins and beyond via other connecting trails. Traveling north on the Kenilworth Trail—also located at the Midtown Greenway's western end—leads trail users to the longer North Cedar Lake Regional Trail/Cedar Lake Trail.
State: MN Length: 26 miles Surface:
From Mill Town Trail :
The Mill Towns State Trail will provide a connection between public and semi-public open spaces serving three counties and six communities. It is envisioned as a recreational investment that will link these communities in a way that will ensure their continued vitality.
State: MN Length: 3 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Minneapolis Diagonal Trail (also known as the Northeast Diagonal Trail) is primarily a commuter route offering grade-separated crossings of Interstate 35W. The trail links an industrial area north of the University of Minnesota with the suburbs of St. Anthony and Roseville. Most of the trail occupies a former BNSF Railway corridor. Kiosks along the industrial portions of the trail in the south outline the local neighborhood history. Farther north, the trail passes a large cemetery; be sure to stop at the top of the hill for impressive views of the Minneapolis skyline. Immediately after the cemetery, the trail skirts the edge of Gross National Golf Club before reaching its eastern endpoint in Roseville. An extension of the Minneapolis Diagonal Trail from its intersection with Stinson Boulevard parallels the road south to E. Hennepin Avenue; this is the portion that is not a rail-trail. Trail users should exercise caution, as this segment intersects a number of streets and driveways. 18th Street SE continues south of Hennepin Avenue as a signed bike route through residential neighborhoods to SE Elm Street.
State: MN Length: 5 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Minnehaha Trail runs between Minnehaha Park in the north and Fort Snelling State Park to the south. The trail mostly follows the course of the Mississippi River through a corridor that is a mix of woodland and open areas. Portions of this nice urban escape offer scenic views of the river and bluffs. North of Minnehaha Park you can pick up the West River Parkway Trail and head into the city.
State: MN Length: 13 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
The Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail runs southwest from the Minneapolis suburb of Hopkins to the eastern edge of Chaska. The 13-mile trail occupies a former rail corridor originally built by the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway and later abandoned by the Chicago and North Western Railway. The right-of-way is now owned by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA), who intends to use a short portion of the corridor in Hopkins for a future light rail line. Fortunately, the HCRRA plans to maintain the existing trail alongside the new transit option. Begin your journey in Hopkins at the Depot Coffee House—housed in a restored train station—and trailhead between Excelsior Boulevard and Milwaukee Street. The site also contains the western endpoints for the similarly-named North Cedar Lake Regional Trail/Cedar Lake Trail and Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail, which ultimately both take trail users to the heart of Minneapolis. Just west of the trailhead, a short trek up 8th Avenue will connect bikers, walkers and runners with the scenic Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail. The Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail passes a number of industrial and commercial properties in Hopkins before emerging into open space next to Shady Oak Lake. Much of the rest of the route consists of a similar landscape, although residential neighborhoods make up the scenery in Eden Prairie. Popular Miller Park emerges just past State Route 5/Arboretum Boulevard. The park contains several ball fields and stunning views of Mitchell Lake. Shortly after the trail bridge over busy US 212, the pathway runs through the grounds of Bearpath Golf and Country Club. At Riley Lake Park, play a game of softball
State: MN Length: 25.30 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
NOTE: The trail suffered severe damage from flooding in 2011 and some sections are closed. Check with the MN Dept. of Natural Resources for updates. The Minnesota Valley Trail is used by cyclists, equestrians, hikers, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. The trail passes through the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area on its southern end, as well as other natural areas along its route. The trail parallels the Minnesota River, which means it's subject to flooding in high-water years. Along the way, you'll encounter hardwood forests, floodplain forests and wetlands. Between Belle Plaine and Chaska the trail has a natural surface and can be rough in places. Between Chaska and Shakopee the trail is paved. There are plans to extend the trail to cover a total of 80 miles between Fort Snelling and Belle Plaine.
State: MN Length: 7.90 miles Surface: Asphalt
This paved trail links Minneapolis' Warehouse District to both the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail and Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail in Hopkins. The trail is mostly urban at the eastern terminus—where it is most often called the Cedar Lake Trail—but as it heads southwest, it passes a more serene landscape through Minneapolis' wooded suburbs. The trail also links many neighborhood parks along the way. From Hopkins to St. Louis Park, the trail is officially named the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail. A part of the trail actually consists of three separate paths: Two unidirectional paths for bicylists and a multidirectional trail for pedestrians. Near the trail's midpoint, bikers and runners will pass its namesake lake. Just west of the lake, the Kenilworth Trail begins, which takes trail users through the ritzy Kenwood neighborhood to the Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail. You can also pick up the Luce Line State Trail where the Cedar Lake Trail passes Bryn Mawr Meadows to continue on a much longer journey westward. This eastern section of the Luce Line State Trail was formerly called Bassett's Creek Trail and opened in 2002. In Minneapolis, the Cedar Lake Trail runs under Target Field—home to the Minnesota Twins—and immediately next to its rail station. At the trail's terminus in north Minneapolis, connect to the West River Parkway for a pleasant ride or run along the Mississippi River.
Although short, the River Bend Trail provides access to a recreational gem, the River Bend Nature Center, a 750-acre park with woodlands, prairie, rivers, and ponds. Along the way, the paved trail runs through neighborhoods and nicely shaded areas. For further exploring, you can hop on the Straight River Trail, an 8-mile journey through Fairbault that connects several parks.
State: MN Length: 39 miles Surface: Asphalt
This trail is so nice they named it twice: Sakatah is the Dakota word for Singing Hills. The Dakota people of the Great Sioux Nation originally lived in this scenic part of Minnesota, where the Big Woods once met the prairie. A rail line was built through the area in the late 19th century and abandoned by the Chicago & North Western in the 1970s. In 1980, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources opened the route—which they had acquired shortly after abandonment—as a rail-trail. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs through a beautiful landscape of farmland, lakes, wetlands and woods. The two anchor towns of Faribault (on the eastern end) and Mankato (to the west) are the trail's largest, with many restaurants and shops. In Waterville—near the trail's midpoint—the trail leaves the former railroad corridor for a short signed detour on city streets. Other towns on the route are smaller but can serve as refreshing rest stops. At times, the trail runs immediately adjacent to several large lakes, including Wells Lake, Cannon Lake, Sakatah Lake, Lake Elysian and Eagle Lake. Be sure to stop for an extended rest at Sakatah Lake State Park; the trail runs through the park for 3 miles, and it is a great place to picnic, hike or swim. In Mankato, connect directly with the North Minnesota River Trail, which leads to the Red Jacket Trail and its stunning trestle over the Blue Earth River. In Faribault, the planned Mill Towns Trail will eventually link the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail with the existing Cannon Valley Trail. When complete, a journey from Mankato to Red Wing (the eastern endpoint of the Cannon Valley Trail) would be just shy of 100 miles long o
State: MN Length: 1.89 miles Surface: Asphalt
From St. Paul Parks :
The Parks and Recreation Department will be renovating a 1.9 mile segment of the Samuel H. Morgan Regional Trail between Hwy 5 and Interstate 35E. The improvement project includes increasing the width of the trail and where there is available space, separating the bicycle and pedestrian paths. Other trail enhancements will include: * Addition of a trail lighting system. * Construction of a small scenic overlook. * Tree planting and installation of other landscape amenities. * Improvements to the site drainage to eliminate several wet trail areas.
State: MN Length: 1.80 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail is a two-mile loop along the Minneapolis riverfront within the St. Anthony Falls National Register Historic District. Maps, finding aids and the area's geological, engineering and industrial history are related on trail markers. Signs include the stories of American Indians, early white settlers and individuals and groups related to the falls.
State: WI Length: 13.50 miles Surface:
The Stower Seven Lakes State Trail runs for nearly 14 miles along an old railroad corridor between Amery and Dresser, passing through the towns of Deronda, Wanderoos and Nye. In Amery, the trail begins at Harriman Avenue, heading west. If you head east, you'll be on the Cattail State Trail (which allows motorized vehicles). The trail is mostly rural, passing among wetlands and lakes and among farms and remnants of prairie, with lots of wildlife. A state trail pass is required for cyclists and cross-county skiers.
State: MN Length: 8 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Straight River Trail forms a backwards L as it runs north-south through Faribault and then curves west. The paved trail begins at the Cannon River Reservoir, then travels through woodlands in Two Rivers Park before heading south along the western bank of the Straight River. On the way, it passes through Trail's Edge Park and Straight River Park before ending at Spring Greenway Park. A connection to the River Bend Trail allows access to the River Bend Nature Center. Trail spurs provide access to residential neighborhoods, businesses and Faribault Middle School.
State: MN Length: 17 miles Surface: Asphalt, Grass
The Sunrise Prairie Trail runs north–south atop an abandoned right-of-way along a Burlington Northern Rail corridor, traversing residential neighborhoods in the towns and mostly farmland in the middle. The trail also runs through hardwood forests and crosses several wetland areas. Wildlife is abundant, and you may see grouse, whitetail deer, wild turkey and waterfowl, as well as native prairie and wildflowers. In Stacy you'll find restrooms, a picnic area and playground at Lions Park. At the south end of the park the trail crosses the west branch of the Sunrise River, and in Wyoming, the trail crosses the river's south branch. Although snowmobiles are technically prohibited, you will find them along the trail in winter. At the southern endpoint, the Sunrise Prairie Trail becomes the Hardwood Creek Trail, which carries south to Hugo.
State: MN Length: 20 miles Surface: Asphalt
From Chisago County Parks :
The goal of the Swedish Immigrant Trail Project is to build and maintain a 20 mile, multi-use, hard surface trail that provides a safe route for recreation and alternative transportation, while interpreting and celebrating the Swedish immigrant history of Chisago County
State: MN Length: 8.90 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The West River Parkway Trail extends between N. Plymouth Avenue opposite Boom Island Park and Ford Parkway in Minnehaha Park, where you can join the Minnehaha Trail. The trail follows the Mississippi River south (down stream) to Minnehaha Falls and offers spectacular views of the river, as well as access to downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota campus. The trail mixes urban amenities with natural areas and is well used for recreation and commuting. The West River Parkway Trail is part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a 50-mile loop tour of the region that can be walked, biked or driven and featuring cultural and natural sites.
State: WI Length: 7.60 miles Surface: Gravel
The Wildwood Trail follows a former railroad right-of-way once owned by the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway Company. The trail runs between Woodville and Spring Valley and is open to snowmobilers in winter. Through Woodville the trail is broken into two segments: one runs between E. Boundary Road and River Street; the other picks up again at Main Street near Solum Drive. The gap is easily bridged along Stene Drive and County Road BB. South of Woodville the trail passes among a mostly rural setting through a nicely wooded corridor.
State: MN Length: 18.30 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Gateway State Trail is an 18.3-mile-long pathway that is part of the Willard Munger State Trail system. The paved trail runs between the city of St. Paul, through urban and suburban landscapes, then across the countryside to Pine Point County Park. It offers a superb mix of parks, lakes, wetlands and Midwestern northern prairie lands. Most uses are permitted along the trail, including snowmobiling in winter. Equestrians will find nearly 10 miles of adjacent gravel trail between I-694 and Pine Point Park for their use. The paved section of trail through here is groomed in winter for cross-county skiers. Permits are required for horseback riding, carriage driving and cross-country skiing. The Gateway State Trail occupies the former Soo Line Railway right-of-way and provides access to other trails in Phalen-Keller Regional Park. There are plans to create a link, called Browns Creek Segment, from the Lake Masterman area east to Stillwater along the old Zephyer Line.