The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is a paved, 39 mile multiple-use trail which has been developed on an abandoned railroad grade. The trail begins at Lime Valley Road near State Highway 14, joins the Minnesota River Trail in Mankato, follows a signed route on city streets through Waterville, passes through three miles of Sakatah Lake State Park, and ends east of Interstate 35 in Faribault. It is generally level and wheelchair accessible. Horses can use a parallel treadway from Lime Valley Road to the County Road 12 bridge.
- Landscape
The trail lies in the transition zone between what was once the "Big Woods" and the vast prairies. Remnants of these plant communities can still be found scattered throughout what is now cultivated land.
Sakatah Lake State Park is along the trail, and provides a separate bicycling campground, picnic grounds, boat access, and additional hiking trails. There are several other lakes and public parks within an easy ride of the trail.
- Trail uses
The trail has been developed for bicycling, in-line skating, horseback riding, hiking, and snowmobiling.
Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)- Trail events
Events calendar
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- Permits
- You will need a Horse Pass if you will be horseback riding or carriage driving.
- Snowmobiles must be registered or have a snowmobile state trail sticker.
- You will need a vehicle permit to park in a state park.
- 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:
- Mankato: North on County Road 57 (Riverfront Drive) to Lime Valley Road; 1/4 mile north.
- Mankato: North on State Highway 22.
- Eagle Lake: West on State Highway 14 to County Road 86; one mile north.
- Madison Lake: State Highway 60 to Main Street, three blocks north on Main Street.
- Elysian: Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail Wayside Rest Area.
- Waterville: State Highway 60 to State Highway 13; 1/4 mile north on 13.
- Morristown: State Highway 60 to County Road 16; west on State Highway 60 1/4 mile.
- Shager County Park: On State Highway 60.
- Faribault: State Highway 60 and County Road 21; north on County Road 21 1/2 mile.
- Restrooms
Restroom facilities are provided along the trail at the points below.
- Elysian: Year-round wheelchair accessible wayside rest building with running water.
- Faribault: Year-round wheelchair accessible wayside rest building with running water.
- Sakatah Lake State Park: Seasonal bathrooms with running water. (Not available in winter.)
- Wheelchair accessible portable toilets are available Mid-May to Labor Day at the Highway 22, Madison Lake, Morristown, and Shager Park parking Lots. (Not available in winter.)
- Winter
The entire 39 mile trail is open to hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in the winter.
Hiking
Biking
In-line skating
Horseback
Snowmobiling