Discover the beauty of Minnesota on the Casey Jones State Trail! Uncover hidden gems and scenic spots with our helpful trail guide.

Minnesota Trail Guide: Exploring The Casey Jones State Trail (Pipestone, MN)

🌲 Discover the beauty of Minnesota on the Casey Jones State Trail! Uncover hidden gems and scenic spots with our helpful trail guide. 🌼 #Minnesota #TrailGuide #HeartlandStateTrail

PIPESTONE, MN – The Casey Jones State Trail, named after the legendary railroad engineer, is a unique and historic trail system in Minnesota. As the first rails-to-trails conversion in the state, authorized in 1967, this trail offers a glimpse into the region’s rich railroad heritage while providing a scenic and enjoyable experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

🌄 Three Distinct Sections

Currently, the Casey Jones State Trail consists of three main sections, each offering its own unique character and charm:

1. Pipestone to Woodstock

This section features eight paved miles and two gravel miles, followed by two miles of natural surface trail. The out-and-back ride from the Pipestone trailhead offers a close-up look at farm fields and wind turbines, making for a perfect afternoon outing.

2. West of Lake Wilson

A 1.5-mile natural surface trail segment can be found west of Lake Wilson, providing a more rugged and adventurous experience for hikers and mountain bikers.

3. Lake Shetek State Park to Currie

The 5.5-mile paved loop, known as the Currie Loop, connects Lake Shetek State Park and the town of Currie. While there is no designated trailhead, parking is available at Forman Acres County Park just outside the state park or at the End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum.

Discover the beauty of Minnesota on the Casey Jones State Trail! Uncover hidden gems and scenic spots with our helpful trail guide.

🌿 Exploring the Currie Loop

To experience the Currie Loop, you can park at the picnic area inside Lake Shetek State Park and access the trail at the park office. Traveling counter-clockwise from there, you’ll pass the Lake Shetek State Monument and ride between the stunning Smith and Shetek Lakes.

At the southern tip of Lake Shetek, you’ll witness the emergence of the Des Moines River from a dam. After another mile, the trail takes a sharp left turn at End-O-Line Railroad Park and guides you back to the state park.

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🚴‍♂️ Future Expansion Plans

While the Casey Jones State Trail currently consists of three disconnected sections, there are ambitious plans to expand the trail to span over 100 miles, connecting Luverne, Pipestone, and Redwood Falls. This future expansion will create a continuous corridor, allowing cyclists and hikers to explore an even greater portion of southwestern Minnesota’s beautiful landscapes and charming communities.

🦜 The Indian Lake Trail in Pipestone

In addition to the main sections of the Casey Jones State Trail, the city of Pipestone boasts the Indian Lake Trail, which will eventually form a 4-mile loop on the northern end of town. Currently, a 2.6-mile segment travels north from the city campground, then heads west to round the northern edge of the wildlife refuge adjacent to Pipestone National Monument.

This section offers stunning views of restored prairie and the picturesque Indian Lake, with pull-off spots to take in the scenery. Future phases will extend the trail through Hiawatha Pageant Park, completing the loop at the campground, and a later phase will add a leg extending south into downtown Pipestone.

🌲 The Casey Jones State Trail

The Casey Jones State Trail showcases Minnesota’s dedication to preserving its railroad legacy while creating inclusive opportunities for outdoor recreation. With its diverse landscapes, historic significance, and future expansion plans, this trail system offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors and locals alike.

No matter if you’re a cyclist, hiker, history enthusiast, or just looking for a picturesque getaway, the Casey Jones State Trail offers an unforgettable adventure across the scenic landscapes of southwestern Minnesota.

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🗣 Have you ever explored the Casey Jones State Trail? What is your favorite Minnesota trail? Let others know! We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️

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