Central Lakes State Trail

Central Lakes Trail Location

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hiking Hiking
Biking Biking
In-line Skating In-line skating
Snowmobiling Snowmobiling
Wheelchair access Wheelchair access
(electric wheelchairs allowed)

The Central Lakes State Trail is a 55 mile, paved trail that runs through 3 counties and 10 communities. The trail begins in the city of Fergus Falls, and ends in the city of Osakis. Trail users will enjoy the many differing landscape views, ranging from open prairie in the west to many lakes scattered throughout the area to the forested, rolling hills in the east.

The area is historically significant because the Kensington Rune Stone, dated 1362, was found near a small town southwest of Alexandria. An often misunderstood artifact with over 200 medieval runes chiseled in its surface, the Stone suggests Norsemen adventured in the area 130 years before Christopher Columbus.

The region is also known for its unique geographic features around Lake Christina, including the Seven Sisters Prairie on the north side of the lake, which is a group of seven, glacially-produced knolls. Lake Christina is an important stop for many species of waterfowl during migration. For more information on the Central Lakes Trail, visit the Central Lakes Trail Association website.

The Central Lakes State Trail connects to the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail. This link leads to an external site. in Osakis. The Lake Wobegon Trail is a 58 mile, bituminous trail that leads into the town of St. Joseph, MN.

Parking

  • In Fergus Falls in DeLagoon City Park.
  • In the cities of Dalton, Ashby, Evansville, Brandon, Garfield.
  • In Alexandria at Big Ole Park.
  • In Nelson.
  • In Osakis by the downtown trailhead (Osakis Information Center).

Do not leave valuables in your car.

Nearby DNR recreational areas
Lake Carlos State Park