The Central Lakes State Trail is a 55 mile former railroad route turned paved bike trail that runs through three counties and ten communities. This 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 grassland/prairie, lakes, wetlands, farmland, and forested rolling hills.
- Landscape
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 trail information, visit the Central Lakes Trail Association.
The Central Lakes State Trail connects to the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail. in Osakis. The Lake Wobegon Trail is a 46-mile, paved trail that leads into the town of St. Joseph, MN.
- Virtual tours
- Trail uses
In the summer, the developed trail is popular for hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating. Winter uses offer snowmobiling opportunities.
Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)- Trail events
Events calendar
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- 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!
Parking is available at the following trail accesses:
- In Fergus Falls at the Central Lakes State Trail Trailhead, Hwy 210.
- 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).
- Restrooms
Restroom facilities may be available in each of the communities along the trail.
- Winter
The trail is groomed for winter snowmobile use by the Otter Country Trails Association and Douglas Area Trails Association. Be aware of local speed limit restrictions. There are no stud restrictions on the Central Lakes State Trail, however, metal studs on tracks are prohibited on the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail from the city of Osakis to St. Joseph.
Hiking
Biking
In-line skating
Snowmobiling