This beautiful trail is 5.9 miles long and connects the Gateway State Trail in the city of Grant to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Stillwater. Situated on a former railroad grade, the trail is generally level and accessible to users of all abilities. The trail connects to local park and trail systems.
Purchase and development of this trail was made possible by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Legacy Amendment, Washington County, the City of Stillwater, and the Gateway-Brown's Creek Trail Association.
- Landscape
About two miles of the Brown's Creek State Trail are immediately adjacent to Brown's Creek, a designated trout stream with a dense broadleaf forest canopy. One mile of the trail corridor parallels the St. Croix River, with spectacular views of the National Scenic Riverway. This is Minnesota's only river in the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers system.
The trail also passes by an audio listening station, historical markers and buildings and through local parks, golf courses, and a community with historical significance.
- Trail uses
The trail is primarily for pedestrian use and nonmotorized riding. Other trail uses like horseback riding, snowshoeing, and environmental education or interpretation may be accommodated on specific segments of the trail. Horseback riding is allowed between the Gateway State Trail and Lofton Avenue, just west of the Manning Avenue bridge.
All users must yield to horses. Stop and dismount if requested.
Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)- Trail events
Events calendar
Scroll table right to see more »02/08/25 Volksmarch - NorthStar Trail Travellers Brown's Creek State Trail at Lofton Ave 05/31/25 Wildflower Walk Stillwater Trailhead - Permits
- You will need a Horse Pass if you will be horseback riding or carriage driving.
- No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.
- Parking
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!
Parking will be available at the following trail accesses:
- Laurel Street East in downtown Stillwater, at the eastern end of the trail.
- In Brown's Creek Nature Preserve, just south of the intersection of McKusick Road and Neal Avenue, halfway along the trail.
- In Grant, near Lake Masterman on State Highway 96, under the Gateway State Trail bridge.
- Restrooms
- 1/4 mile south of the eastern end of the trail in downtown Stillwater, at the pedestrian walkway managed by the city.
- Seasonal portable bathroom in Brown's Creek Nature Preserve on Neal Avenue, halfway along the trail.
- Seasonal portable bathroom about 1/4 mile northeast of the western end of the trail, at the intersection of the Gateway State Trail and State Highway 96.
- Winter
In the winter, the eastern portion of the trail between Laurel Street and Manning Avenue in Stillwater is plowed. The western portion between Manning Avenue in Stillwater and Duluth Junction in Grant is not maintained and can be used by bikers, hikers, snowshoers, and skiers.
Hiking
Biking
In-line skating
Horseback