Category: Minnesota State

This is a list of Wildlife Management Areas that have accessible features.  These are primarily blinds and viewing platforms, but wheelchairs can access mowed trails, boardwalk, and observation deck at Sand Prairie  and the
Two mile Schultz walking trail is maintained for wheelchairs at Red Lake Wildlife Management Area .  I don’t find much information about these, so call 218-783-6861 to learn more.

State Trails

Douglas State Trail is a 12.5 paved rail/trail which “crosses outstanding rural scenery, traversing some of the richest agricultural land in Minnesota. The trail begins in northwestern Rochester, travels through the small town of Douglas … and terminates in Pine Island.” Map    “trail segment between the towns of Douglas and Pine Island will be closed beginning October 22 to replace two trail bridges. There is no detour without riding on roads. The anticipated completion date is December 5.”
The Matthew Lourey State Trail is an 80 mile multi-use, natural and gravel surfaced trail that links St. Croix State Park with Chengwatana, St. Croix, and Nemadji state forests.  It is mostly level, but none of it is paved.
Willard Munger State Trail is an 86 mile collection of mostly paved trails, many former railroad beds.  Map   There are two segments: Hinckley – Duluth segment and the Alex Laveau Memorial Trail.
Root River State Trail is a paved 42 mile rail/trail between the towns of Fountain and Rushford.  The trail is ” generally level and wheelchair accessible.  However, the eastern segment between Vinegar Ridge and Houston is more challenging than the western segment with a rather steep, half-mile segment that may not be suitable for all users.”  Map  The trail provides views of the  limestone bluffs of the Root River Valley.  Wildlife is abundant.

William O’Brien State Park
William O’Brien State Park is just one hour from Minneapolis-St. Paul.  It “…provides a beautiful setting for quality recreation along the banks of the St. Croix River. Hiking trails offer quiet exploration of the park’s rolling, wooded hills. ”  Here is the Park website.  
Riverside Trail 1.6 miles. “This self-guided, accessible trail winds by the St. Croix River, Lake Alice and majestic 100-year old pine trees.”    Map

Wild River State Park 
Wild River State Park lies along 18 miles of the St. Croix River.
Here is a list of  trails in the Park, some of which are classed as “easy”.
Here is the Park website.  Phone 651-583-2125
There is an accessible 2.6 mile Old Logging Trail (map) which “runs from the Trail Center to Visitor Center, then to picnic area and past the camper cabins to the campground.”

Sibley State Park
Sibley State Park has a wide variety of attractions including swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and 18 miles of “easy to moderate” trails winding through woods and hilltop prairies and savannas.
Here is the Park website.   Phone 320-354-2055   Map
Pond View Trail 2.7 miles

Grand Portage State Park
Grand Portage State Park, on the U.S. – Canada border has the High Falls which drop 120 feet to the Pigeon River. “The falls, the highest in the state, presented a serious obstacle to river travel, so a “carrying place,” or portage, was necessary. American Indians created the ancient nine-mile trail from Lake Superior to bypass the falls. This trail became known as “The Grand Portage.” Today, visitors of all abilities can take a one-half mile trail and boardwalk to the falls overlook area.”
Interpretive displays provide an introduction to the culture and traditions of the Grand Portage Ojibwe people.    Here is the Park website.   Phone 218-475-2360 0.5 mile accessible trail and boardwalk leading to the High Falls Overlook.

“The High Falls Trail is an easy, one mile round-trip hike.”

Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park “… is known for its spectacular waterfalls, river gorge, Lake Superior shoreline, Civilian Conservation Corps log and stone structures, and north woods wildlife.”  “….. Watch for waves, ships, or the moon rise on Lake Superior from an ancient lava flow known as the Picnic Flow.”
Here is the Park website.     Phone 218-595-7100   Map and Guide
one mile accessible trail from the visitor center to the main falls area.

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Big Bog State Recreation Area includes a 500-square-mile peat bog in its northern unit.  “This largely wilderness area is home to moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, gray wolves, fox, bobcat and other mammals. The bog also provides habitat for more than 300 species of birds.”  “From orchids to carnivorous plants to rare birds, visitors will see a mixture of fascinating and rare resources.”
Here is the Park website.    Phone 218-647-8592  Always call ahead to be sure of conditions and whether an “easy” trail is suitable for you.
Big Bog Boardwalk 1 mile one-way

Old Marina Trail 0.3 miles one-way to an observation deck over the Tamarac River. Mostly flat, mowed grass .
Red Lake Beach Trail 0.3-miles one-way. Mostly flat, packed dirt. Goes to an observation deck over Upper Red Lake.
Old Caribou Camp Trail 1-mile loop.  Mostly flat, packed dirt.

Here is a website listing 29 Minnesota Sate Parks which have  wheelchair accessible trails. The site also lists accessible campsites and/or lodging.   The trail descriptions are minimal and if there is more than one in a park, only  the total mileage is given.
If you have Minnesota disability license plates or a rear-view mirror hang tag, or if you have a Federal Access Pass, you can get a reduced rate special annual vehicle permit with proof of disability and proof of vehicle ownership.