Central Lakes State Trail

Snapshot virtual tour

Welcome to the Central Lakes State Trail virtual tour! Enjoy the small towns, city parks, and lakes that border this trail. We hope the tour prompts you to visit the state trail in person sometime soon.

Central Lakes State Trail main page

Photo of bicyclists riding on the Central Lakes State Trail near the Fergus Falls to Dalton section of the trail.

 

Fergus Falls

This is the start of the Central Lakes State Trail in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The paved, nearly level trail runs 55 miles from Fergus Falls to Osakis. Pass through this tunnel to begin your journey. You will discover trail sections that feature prairie plants that hearken back to times of old. The Fergus Falls to Dalton section of the trail showcases a beautiful mix of woods, lakes, wetlands, and prairie remnants.

Captioned video: Fergus Falls to Dalton
(1 minute 31 seconds)

Photo of a park in the City of Dalton, with a pretty scene showing red leafed maples.

 

Dalton

Ten miles southeast of Fergus Falls, the trail runs past a park in the City of Dalton. Stop here to rest and enjoy picnic tables, a playground, and a restroom.

Captioned video: Dalton to Ashby
(1 minute 04 seconds)

Photo of the section of trail passing through Ashby, Minnesota.

 

Ashby

While riding this section of trail through Ashby, Minnesota, you will see how much of the city was built around the railroad tracks. You may pass several grain elevators and other buildings that, in years past, sprang to life when the train arrived. The Central Lakes State Trail is built on the former railroad line.

Captioned video: Ashby to Melby
(1 minute 13 seconds)

Photo of a bicyclists traveling along as trail passes Lake Christina, just to the north of Melby, Minnesota.

 

Melby

The trail passes Lake Christina just to the north of Melby, Minnesota. This shallow lake provides lovely scenery and is an important stopping point for migrating waterfowl. You will also experience great vistas of Pelican Lake to the west of Melby.

Captioned video: Melby to Evansville
(1 minute 03 seconds)

Photo of the the trail segment through Evansville, Minnesota.

 

Evansville

You may choose to begin your ride or walk in Evansville, Minnesota. Here, you’ll find a small shelter that is perfect for a family picnic or a quick break. Travel six miles to the southeast and reach Brandon, or five miles to the northwest and reach Melby.

Captioned video: Evansville to Brandon
(1 minute 12 seconds)

Photo of farmland near the city of Brandon.

 

Brandon

The trail north of Brandon, Minnesota, features vistas of area farmland. South of Brandon, you will encounter lovely wooded glades. Stop here and enjoy this picnic shelter featuring the actual railroad sign from Brandon’s old depot.

Captioned video: Brandon to Garfield
(1 minute 32 seconds)

Photo of a group of bikers relaxing along a the rail in the city of Garfield.

 

Garfield

The City of Garfield is a great place to begin your trip. Head south towards Alexandria or north to Brandon and enjoy a mixture of woods and grasslands.

Captioned video: Garfield to Alexandria
(1 minute 15 seconds)

Photo of a glimpse of lake shore in the city of Alexandria.

 

Alexandria

A wonderful trail to ride, walk, run, or skate and a 28 foot tall Viking to boot! Visit this section of trail and come away with a picture of this larger than life statue of Big Ole the Viking. This trailhead in Alexandria is a hub of activity within the community.

Captioned video: Alexandria to Nelson
(1 minute 14 seconds)

Photo of the the city of Nelson, as a biker travels through the town on the state trail.

 

Nelson

Located five miles southeast of Alexandria and six miles northwest of Osakis, Nelson is a nice place to take a break. Portions of the trail in this area are elevated many feet above the grasslands and wetlands that surround it.

Captioned video: Nelson to Osakis
(1 minute 13 seconds)

Photo of a bicyclist on the trail near Osakis, where the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail, which connects to the Central Lakes State Trail, on the east edge of town, and continues 46 miles to St. Joseph, Minnesota.

 

Osakis

Lake Osakis is just down the street from the Central Lakes State Trail. Wouldn’t a dip in the lake feel nice on a warm day? The Lake Wobegon Regional Trail, which connects to the Central Lakes State Trail, begins on the east edge of town and continues 46 miles to St. Joseph, Minnesota.

Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment

This program is made possible by funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

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