Find the top rated walking trails in Willmar, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We started at the west end of this trail where it connects to the Central Lakes Trail and rode east about 6 miles. Trail has recently been repaved, so it was SMOOTH!!! Wish we had not done the last 10 miles of bumpy Central Lakes as we were tired and it was middle of the day and quite warm. There is little shade at the west end of the trail and no water available, so bring plenty. The trail was recently repaved - the dirt has not been built up on the sides, so be careful you don't run off the edge - it will be a BUMP! Wish we had the energy to go farther!
I rode from Albany to West Union. I wish there were long trails like this where I live. Very well maintained and smooth. I hope to take the north leg to the covered bridge also.
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I covered the Thompson Lake to Oddfellows Park in Hutch at the end of July on a bike. There is plenty of parking and shade at Cosmos County Park and a bathroom with running water. The trail starts as Cadillac gravel through trees and then pops out to a gravel parking lot next to grain bins and a business. At the 4 way stop, it’s an easy crossing of highway 7 and a Casey’s to load up on snacks and water. It isn’t well marked to pick the trail back up, make a left at Gemini Ave and you find the sign for the trail. This is where the fun begins in my opinion. It starts gravel, but turns to grass. At the time I rode, the grass had not been mowed, but was 100% rideable. Your mileage may vary depending on bike and fitness level. The grass section is about 8 miles and incredibly beautiful to be riding through sloughs and catching a glimpse of what this prairie once was. The trail turns back to gravel after Cedar Mills, then eventually pavement near Hutch. An easy access gas station with bathrooms and water refill and snacks is next to Oddfellows Park. Though the parks in this section have restrooms as well.
Continuing on the trail, you arrive in a campground that accommodates both RVs and tents next to the Crow Wing River. Plenty of shade, a beautiful view of the river, and each spot has a fire ring and a picnic table. You will get traffic noise, but the location and amenities are worth it. The city of Hutchinson has done an impressive job incorporating this trail as a city resource. I saw lots of walkers, runners, and young kids on bikes using the trail to navigate the area.
Continuing on to Silver Lake, the trail surface is paved, but gets a little more rough. There are areas where some of the cracks are large enough to grab a narrow tire, so mind the gap. The scenery on this September ride was beautiful. I made the side trip to the Crow Wing Winery, just to check out the gravel trail. This is also a worthy stop for yummy food and a glass of wine, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The trail to Silver Lake remains about the same with lots of sumac and trees to shade the trail.
I absolutely think this would make a wonderful and pretty easy bikepacking trip.
The trail is a really nice trail to ride, nice scenery when you ride. However, once you get past Cedar Mills heading West towards Cosmos. That's when it changes grass is thick and makes hard to ride.
Great surface, beautiful farmland. Didn’t make it to the covered bridge.
The east end of the trail is in the suburban Twin Cities and provides connection into Twin Cities trail network. As you move west you get into more rural areas around Hutchinson. If going through Winsted will need to use road for a bit. The far western portion of the trial around Cedar Mills switches from a crushed limestone to other aggregate so be prepared if going that far west.
In Orono / Long Lake you can connect to Baker Park and Lake Independence Trail (Maple Plain and Loretto area) then further north on path along Co. Rd. 19 to Old Hanover Bridge by River Inn, and to St. Michael along path beside Co. Rd. 146.
There is also a connector trail to Delano up Co Rd 30 but the surface can be poorly maintained. Once in Delano you can connect into Lake Rebecca Park and Rockford.
This is my first crushed rock trail and used my gravel bike, keeping tires low (~30psi) for better traction. Riding on crushed rock is noisy compared to pavement with lots more vibration transmitted through the frame which tired my arms out. Only looser gravel in a very few spots. The landscape is mostly agricultural with the usual intermittent swamps, ponds and lakes typical of Minnesota. A few trees throw shade over the path but it is mostly open.
Started in the middle at Greenwald (ample parking) proceeding northwest toward Meire Grove but the trail ended after 5 miles so I returned. Lightly travelled local roads will take you into town. Next it was SW to Elrosa. Trail had a bit more loose gravel with a couple of gopher holes but still fine. Both Greenwald and Elrosa (more ample parking) have benches to take a break but there are no services (bathrooms or water) on the trail so only gets 4 stars.
This was a GREAT trail. As of 7/29/22 it now has a new gravely surface and is almost unusable for bicycles. Why did this happen?
By far, the most beautiful. Very wooded, lots of wildflowers and views of lakes. The trail, however is very bumpy and in need of repair. The cracks are deep and jarring and difficult on my back, neck and teeth¿. The views were outstanding, though.
Nice Trail. Flat, through farmland. Bumpy towards New London. Follows Hwy 23, so can be a bit noisy. Nice trail!
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