Description
The Glacial Lakes State Trail is located on a former Burlington Northern Railroad grade, and is generally level and wheelchair accessible. The trail is paved with asphalt for 22 miles between Willmar, Spicer, New London, Hawick, and the Kandiyohi/Stearns County line. An additional 5 miles from Richmond to Roscoe in Stearns County is also paved. The segment from Willmar to New London has 10 miles of parallel, grass treadway for horseback riding, while the New London to the Kandiyohi/Stearns County line segment has grass shoulders to accommodate this activity.
The gently rolling topography of central Minnesota was created by glaciers retreating 10,000 years ago. The trail cuts across the border between Minnesota's western tallgrass prairie and eastern deciduous forest. Though much of the area has been cultivated, remnants of virgin prairie, wetlands, and scattered woodlots can still be found along the railroad right-of-way. Whitetail deer, numerous small mammals, birds, reptiles, and butterflies can be seen along the trail.
The many lakes make this area a popular tourist destination. The towns along the trail provide access points, rest stops, and other services to trail users.