Four segments of the Minnesota River State Trail have been completed, which bring the total length to more than 14 miles. The trail connects users from the communities of Ortonville, Appleton, Milan, and Montevideo to the Minnesota River valley. The Minnesota River winds its way southeast for 320 miles from Big Stone Lake on the Minnesota–South Dakota Border to merge with the Mississippi River in St. Paul at Fort Snelling. Water from a 17,000 square-mile watershed drains to the Minnesota River and includes land from three different states.
Landscape
- The Minnesota River Valley is home to a landscape that includes prairies, grasslands, farmland, wooded areas, wetlands, scenic overlooks and small bluffs. The diverse landscape was created by retreating glaciers over 10,000 years ago.
Migratory birds frequent the region during spring and fall. Birdwatchers can look for waterfowl like mallards, blue-winged teal and Canada geese. Other common bird species are eastern bluebird, western meadowlark, red-tailed hawks, bald eagle, wild turkey, ring-necked pheasant and owl. White-tailed deer, red and gray foxes, other small mammals, amphibians and turtles frequent the trail area.
- Trail uses
Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)- Permits
- Snowmobiles must be registered or have a snowmobile state trail sticker.
- No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.
- Parking
- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!
- In Ortonville at the trailhead on County Road 30 or at Lakeside Park on Lakeside Park Lane.
- In Appleton along city streets
- In Milan at the trailhead on Lac qui Parle Ave/MN Highway 40, at MN Highway 7 at Lions Park or at the fishing pier at Milan beach.
- In Montevideo at the trailhead on Ashmore Avenue, at Larson Park off Lincoln Avenue, at Windom Park, and at Wegdahl County Park.
- Restrooms
- In Ortonville at Lakeside Park, at the western end of the trail in Milan and in the cities of each trail segment.
- Winter
- Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking are permitted winter uses. Trails are not groomed or packed.
Hiking
Biking
In-line skating