The Blazing Star State Trail is paved and runs from Albert Lea Lake in Albert Lea to Myre-Big Island State Park, a distance of approximately six miles. The trail currently connects to Albert Lea's city trail system. When completed, the Blazing Star State Trail will be approximately 20 miles long and will run from Albert Lea and Austin, connecting to Austin's city trail system as well the Shooting Star State Trail.
- Landscape
Trail users will enjoy views of rural landscapes along the entire trail. Myre-Big Island State Park affords the opportunity to experience a diversity of natural environments including wetlands, oak savanna, big woods and prairie. The park is considered one of the many good birding spots in southern Minnesota, especially during spring and fall migration.
- Trail uses
Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)- Trail events
Events calendar
Scroll table right to see more »There are currently no event listings.
- Permits
- You will need a vehicle permit to park in a state park.
- No fees or passes are required to use the trail.
- Parking
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!
- In Albert Lea, at the Frank Hall Park or East Front Street trailheads.
- In Myre-Big Island State Park at the Visitor Center, Big Island and White Fox Campground.
- West of Hayward at the trailhead on Township Road 290.
- In Hayward at the city trailhead on West Street.
- Restrooms
- At Frank Hall Park in Albert Lea
- At the White Fox Campground in Myre-Big Island State Park
- Winter
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking are permitted winter uses. Trails are not groomed or packed. There is no snowmobiling on the trail.
Hiking
Biking
In-line skating