bike trail guide SHORT & SWEET

Minnesota has several short trails

connecting state parks with neighboring
communities, circling lakes or the
beginnings of long trails in the future. Here
are a few you may enjoy.
Blazing Star Trail 6.5 miles
Albert Lea to Myre-Big Island State Park
Blazing Star Bike Trail connects the
City of Albert Lea with Myre-Big Island
State Park and will eventually continue
west for 20 miles, connecting with the
city of Austin and the Shooting Star
Bike Trail. The trail is groomed for fat tire
biking in the winter.
Blue Mound Trail 6 miles
Luverne to Blue Mounds State Park
Blue Mounds Trail is a multi-purpose
bike and pedestrian trail from Luverne
to the Lower Dam in Blue Mounds State
Park, across rolling prairies, woodlands
and striking rock formations. Future
connection to planned 6-mile Luverne
Loop city trail.
Casey Jones Trail 12 miles in sections
Pipestone & Currie
The trail consists of three main
sections, not yet connected to one
another: Thirteen miles between the
city of the Pipestone and the Pipestone/
Murray County line. Five miles of that

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section are paved, from a trailhead in the

city of Pipestone, County Highway 16.
There is a naturally-surfaced trail parallel
to the paved section for horse, mountain
bike and snowmobile use.
A naturally-surfaced segment runs
from two-and-a-half miles west of Lake
Wilson into the city of Lake Wilson. A
six-mile paved loop runs between Lake
Shetek State Park and the city of Currie.
Eventually, the Casey Jones Trail will
span 120 miles between Luverne and
Redwood Falls.
Douglas Trail 12.7 miles
Pine Island to Rochester
The Douglas Trail offers a pleasant
ride from Pine Island to Rochester, via the
town of Douglas, through beautiful rural
scenery.
Its the perfect out-and-back
ride and it connects with Rochesters
extensive city trail network. Cyclists can
begin their ride at Pine Island trailhead,
which has restrooms, water and plenty
of room for parking and picnicking.
Additional restrooms, parking and picnic
facilities are available in Douglas. In the
winter, the Douglas Trail is groomed for
non-motorized multi-use, including fat
biking.

Cuyuna Lakes Trail winds its way seven

miles through the Cuyuna Country
Recreation Area near Crosby along
crystal clear lakes and the Cuyuna
Mountain Bike Trail System. Barb Gieske
photo.

Fair Ridge Bike Trail 5 miles

Fairfax to Fort Ridgely State Park
The Fair Ridge Bike Trail connects
the City of Fairfax with Fort Ridgely
State Park. You can begin your ride at
the Fairfax Railroad Depot Museum on
the south side of town and bike south
toward the state park and the Minnesota
River.

Glendalough Trail 12 mile loop

Battle Lake to Glendalough State Park
The 3-mile trail starts at the Battle
Lake Community Center.
From Glendaloughs park entrance,
the trail connects with a 5.5-mile loop
trail around Annie Battle and Molly Stark
Lakes inside the park. Ride back to Battle
Lake to complete the 12-mile loop.

Lake Okabena Trail 7.5 miles

Worthington
Connects the campground in Olson
Park on Sunset Bay of Lake Okabena with
Worthington city trails for a total mileage
of 7.5.

St. James Bike Trail 4 miles

St. James
Located in the south central part of
the state, the St. James Bike Trail provides
a nice four-mile paved bike ride through
the countryside on the southwest side of
St. James.

Minnesota
SLEEPY EYE

2 NEW Shelters for Picnicking at

Steinberg & Water Park
Visit www.blueearthchamber.com for
Details on WALK/BIKE Trails
GIANT PARK Located Near Highways
169-16 & I-90
Park - Trail - Seasonal Tourist Info Center,
55 Jolly Green Giant Statue
~ Located Near FREE Camping
~ Lodging
~ Variety of Eats
~ FUN-FOOD-FESTIVALS
~ Unique Gifts, Antiques & Lattes

chamber@bevcomm.net
507.526.2916

There is always something to do in Sleepy Eye.

1400 5th Place NW

Rochester, MN

Check out the 3.12 mile trail

around Sleepy Eye Lake.
Bike Trail Family Aquatic Center
Golf Course Ball Fields
Eight Parks Veterans Park

www.bicyclesportsinc.com

(507) 281-5007

42 Summer 2015

1505Summer.indd 42

Buttered Corn Days

August 21 & 22, 2015

Join us for

Visitors Information

800-290-0588

www.sleepyeyechamber.com

Minnesota Trails

5/5/15 1:46 PM