In an exciting development for both outdoor enthusiasts and the local community, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) is spearheading the expansion of the Mill Towns State Bike Trail. The idea for the trail began to take shape in the 1990s when advocates for the trail recognized the potential of converting the abandoned railroad corridor into a recreational trail for visitors and residents. This trail, set to become a key component of Minnesota’s extensive trail network, is poised to offer not only recreational opportunities but also historical insights into the region’s past.
As plans for the Mill Towns State Bike Trail take shape, visitors to the Arboretum may observe service flags or utility markings, indicative of the trail’s development. Planners are seeking a permanent easement over college land to construct and maintain the trail, with the easement held by the Minnesota DNR. Importantly, development and management costs rest with the state.
Trail Route and Impacts to the Arboretum:
The trail’s path through the Upper and Lower Arboretum areas has been planned to minimize disruption while maximizing accessibility. In the Upper Arboretum, the majority of the trail will run adjacent to Spring Creek Road, separated from the road by a curb. The trail will utilize both the road shoulder and additional college land as necessary. The crossing of Highway 19 will feature a tunnel, deemed the most cost effective and land efficient. In the Lower Arboretum, the trail’s route is planned to use the Highway 19 -Department of Transportation right-of-way, and then continue parallel to Canada Avenue within the Arboretum boundary to provide a better user experience away from the gravel road. Additionally, there are plans to incorporate a parking area at northern most corner of the Arboretum.
Below are images depicting the proposed preliminary trail alignment by the City of Northfield and MN DNR. The image on the left displays the trail’s alignment in the Upper Arb, while the image on the right illustrates the trail’s alignment in the Lower Arb.
About the Bike Trail:
The Mill Towns State Trail is a multi-segment project spanning Faribault, Dundas, Northfield, Waterford, Randolph, and Cannon Falls. With three currently unconnected segments totaling six miles in length, the trail is designed for a variety of recreational activities, including biking, running, walking and nature appreciation. Upon completion, it will link multiple cities and serve as a vital connection between existing long-distance trails.
Named for the historic flour mills that once dotted the Cannon River, the trail offers a window into Minnesota’s milling heritage, showcasing sites like the Archibald Mill ruins and the Lake Byllesby Dam. A proposed new segment in Northfield will further enrich the trail, connecting Riverside Park with the historic Waterford Bridge.
Below is a map illustrating the trail system in southeastern Minnesota. It effectively showcases how the entire length of the proposed Mill Towns Bike Trail will link up with the Singing Hills Trail, Cannon River Trail, and the broader trail network in southeastern Minnesota.
Benefits to the Community:
The development of the Mill Towns State Bike Trail brings numerous benefits to both Carleton College and the greater Northfield community. For Carleton College, it provides a valuable recreational resource for students and employees and offers better access to portions of the Lower Arboretum for educational projects. Additionally, the trail ensures safe passage across Highway 19. For the Northfield community, the trail offers significant advantages as well. There are plans to establish loop options for trail users in each of the communities along the trail, enhancing recreational opportunities and encouraging physical activity. Furthermore, the trail provides access to public spaces, historic mill sites, and the cultural and natural features along the route, thereby promoting tourism and economic development within Northfield and its surrounding areas.
For more information about the Mill Towns State Bike Trail, including its history and route details, we encourage you to visit the Minnesota DNR or the City of Northfield’s webpages dedicated to the project.
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