Minnesota has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. Here are just a few of them.
These links were found through Internet search. I would love to learn about more accessible natural areas from those of you who have been there. With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.
Federal
State
Local
Private
Miscellaneous
Federal
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
“Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge is located in northwest Minnesota. Packs of wolves, moose, waterfowl, and 300 species of birds make this refuge a wildlife wonderland.” There is a 4 mile self-guided auto drove and a 0.25 mile foot trail that runs along the auto drive. Brochure Phone: 218-449-4115 Website.
From OhRanger.com: there are …”three walking trails: two are universally accessible trails, being 0.5-mile and 0.7-mile, and another is 0.25-miles. There is a wildlife observation blind along the two longer trails. Headquarters Hiking Trail is a half-mile, self-guided, foot trail.” Since the refuge website does not address accessibility, it would be best to call ahead to be sure trails are easy enough for you.Chippewa National Forest
Chippewa National Forest “contains two of Minnesota’s five largest lakes, and eight different types of wetlands each with distinct plant and animal life.” It is located near the boundaries of the coniferous forest to the north, the hardwoods to the south, and the prairie to the west, and is home to 314 species of wildlife, including timberwolves, beaver, eagles and moose.
Phone: 218.335.8600 Here is the Forest website.
The Norway Beach Interpretive Trail is 1.5 mile long. Photos of it look as though it would be easy, but I am not finding much information about it. Call 218.335.8600 to learn more and to be sure it is open. “Access to the beach is first a paved path and then open, level grassy picnic area.”
The Heartland State Trail “is a 47 mile paved multiple use trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake. The trail is located entirely on a level abandoned railroad grade, except for a four mile segment north of Walker which is on sharply rolling terrain. ” From TrailLink: it “…runs past a number of lakes, rivers and streams, many of which are directly accessible from the pathway. ….. towering white pine, spruce fir and hardwood forests offer shade and habitat for various animals, including raccoon, red fox, whitetail deer, beaver and porcupine. The trail also skirts the edge of both Paul Bunyan State Forest and Chippewa National Forest, home to a large population of bald eagles.”Pipestone National Monument
“For countless generations, American Indians have quarried the red pipestone found at this site. These grounds are sacred to many people because the pipestone quarried here is carved into pipes used for prayer. Many believe that the pipe’s smoke carries one’s prayer to the Great Spirit. The traditions of quarrying and pipemaking continue here today.”
Here is the Monument website. Accessibility Phone 507-825-5464 x 214 Map
? The Circle Trail 0.75 mile paved walking trail through tallgrass prairie and woodlands that “…is not ADA-compliant, it may be wheelchair accessible with some assistance.”Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
“Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located in Aitkin County in east central Minnesota, about five miles south of the community of McGregor. It was established in 1935 to preserve valuable habitat for waterfowl. The most important resource on the refuge is Rice Lake itself, a shallow, 3,600 acre wild rice-producing lake”
The refuge has more than seven miles of hiking trails, ranging in length from one-quarter mile to two and a half miles and there is a 14 mile self-guided auto tour route. “An observation deck overlooks 3,600-acre Rice Lake, where more than 70,000 ring-necked ducks and other waterfowl can be seen during the fall migration.” Phone: 218-768-2402 Map Refuge Website
There is a 1/4 mile accessible trail as well as number of short trails described as ranging “from level to gently sloping. Some muddy and wet areas may be encountered.”Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in east central Minnesota is managed to promote the health and well-being of migratory birds and their habitat. There are upland habitats are dynamic, ranging from grasslands to oak savanna to forest, interspersed with a variety of wetland and river habitats ranging from sedge meadow to deep water marsh. “In October, thousands of sandhill cranes converge on the refuge marshes and a visit at dawn or dusk will provide the rare treat of large flocks of birds flying in or out of the refuge. ” Map. Call 1-877-721-4295 or 763-389-3323 for information. Here is their website. Brochure
Two scenic hiking trails, the Blue Hill and the Mahnomen, provide a total of “nearly eight miles of easy walking. ”
The Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive, a 7.3-mile loop road, “provides vehicle access for wildlife viewing in wetlands, oak savanna, prairie openings, and woodlands. The drive is open from late April through October, or as weather dictates.” The map shows a wheelchair accessibility icon next to this road. Better check with the Refuge first.Superior National Forest
Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota bordering on Canada “…is known for its boreal forest ecosystem, numerous clean lakes, and a colorful cultural history. The one million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness lies within the boundaries of the Forest.”
Here is a Hiking Brochure for the Forest. Accessibility is not mentioned, although there are some short interpretive trails which might be easy, at least. There are quite a few easy trails listed for the Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Districts in this East Zone Hiking brochure.
Here is the Forest website. Phone: 218-626-4300
Vermilion Falls is about 27 miles northeast of Orr. The trail is 0.25 miles round trip. “The trail and the observation deck overlooking the falls are accessible.”
The 1000′ White Pine Trail sounds as if it might be wheelchair accessible, but the Forest Service only says it is “wide and graveled”. It goes through “majestic” white pines.
The North Dark River Trail goes along the east bank of the Dark river through a pine plantation as is described as “generally flat.” ironrange.org describes it as “usable and accessible by people of all ages.”
There are 3 handicapped accessible trails in Grand Portage State Park which is within the Forest.Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs is “…218,054 acres, including 84,000 acres of water, many miles of undeveloped shoreline and hundreds of islands. The park’s 55-mile northern boundary is the international border between the United States and Canada…” “This area, where the southern boreal forest meets and mixes with the northern hardwood forest, is widely known for its wildlife viewing opportunities.” You might hear wolves or see bald eagles, loons, moose, and otters.
Phone 218-283-6600. Here is the Park website. Accessibility Trails and Overlooks Map Voyageurs National Park Association
Oberholtzer Trail Map goes from the “Rainy Lake Visitor Center to two overlooks to see the diversity of forest and wetland types in the park. This trail is wheelchair accessible for the first 1/4 mile.”
Kabetogama Lake Overlook is a 0.2 mile walk to a view of Kabetogama Lake.
State
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.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.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.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.- 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.” 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 milesState 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.
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.”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
Local
City of Fridley
Springbrook Nature Center has “127 acres of native prairies, oak and aspen forests, oak savannah, and extensive wetlands.” There is a “½ mile of boardwalk over wetlands, [and] a paved handicap accessible trail”. Call 763-572-3588 for information. Here is Springbrook’s website. Dakota County
Lebanon Hills Regional Park, near Eagen, is almost 2,000 acres, and offers miles of trails and many lakes for year-round outdoor sports, recreation and environmental education. Thank you to Cathy Jurewicz for writing about the park and its ADA trail and even including a link to the map! She says it is very pretty in all seasons.
Phone 651-554-6530. Here is the Park website. Map of summer trails
McDonough Lake Loop 0.8 mile loop trail around McDonough Lake includes a board walk over the edge of the lake.
Private
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
The 425 acre Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center is at at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers near Hastings. The nature center has two campuses: Minnesota Campus Trail Map Wisconsin Campus Trail Map Admission is free. Here is their website . Phone 651-437-4359 Here is a page of trail descriptions. They sound easy and Explore Minnesota describes the center as “accessible to the disabled.”
Savannah trail 1 mile paved “through several habitats including a grassland, a deciduous forest, an oak savanna, and an apple orchard. Visit the Ravine Lookout & the River Overlook.”
North Loop trail 1 mile paved circles an old plantation.Big Bluestem Trail 1.25 miles “easy stroll” that circles a restored prairie.
Miscellaneous
Fatbirder is a comprehensive website with information about birding just about anywhere. Sue Levy, the contributor of the Minnesota information gives useful information on accessibility of birding sites and trails.
Nature For The Blind has a directory of Braille trails for almost every state in the US and for many other countries.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in Minnesota.
The organization Wheels-On-Trails is an outdoor program in the Duluth area that “tries to involve people with all types of disabilities in outdoor trails and camping activities for all ages.” Here is their Facebook page. Thank you Cyndy Kliksiek.