Blazing Star State Trail
🌸 Named for the Wildflower That Sets the Prairie on Fire — A Paved Trail Through Southern Minnesota’s Last Native Grasslands — Blazing Star State Trail in Freeborn County, Minnesota, paved multi-use trail from Albert Lea through Myre-Big Island State Park toward Hayward, named for the native Liatris (blazing star) wildflower, cycling, walking, birding, connects prairie wetlands and oak savanna, will eventually link to Shooting Star State Trail in Austin — Albert Lea, MN
In late summer on the southern Minnesota prairie, a wildflower ignites. Liatris — the blazing star — sends up purple spikes that set the remaining grasslands on fire with color. The Tlingit used it for medicine. Settlers nearly plowed it under. It survives in the prairie remnants along this trail.
The Blazing Star State Trail runs from Albert Lea through Myre-Big Island State Park — one of the last places in southern Minnesota where oak savanna, wetlands, and native prairie still exist together. Paved, flat, family-friendly, and named for a flower that refuses to give up the grassland.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Cycling | Paved, flat multi-use trail suitable for all skill levels. Currently ~6–8 miles of completed off-road segments. Connects Albert Lea with Myre-Big Island State Park and extends toward Hayward. Future connection to Shooting Star State Trail in Austin |
| Walking & Jogging | ADA-accessible paved surface. Popular with walkers, joggers, and families. The flat terrain of the southern Minnesota prairie means no steep climbs |
| Birding | The trail passes through wetlands and oak savanna — prime habitat for waterfowl, warblers, and raptors. Spring and fall migration bring waves of birds through the Albert Lea flyway. Great blue herons, bald eagles, and sandhill cranes |
| Wildflowers | Native prairie wildflowers along the trail corridor, especially in the Myre-Big Island sections. The blazing star (Liatris) blooms July–September — purple spikes rising from the grassland. Big bluestem, Indian grass, and coneflowers join the display |
| Winter Sports | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking on the trail when snow covers the prairie. Ungroomed — bring your own tracks |
Myre-Big Island State Park
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Big Island | A 116-acre “island” of oak savanna and big woods in the middle of Albert Lea Lake. Connected to the mainland by a narrow strip. One of the best remaining examples of oak savanna in Minnesota |
| Prairie Remnants | The park protects some of the last native tallgrass prairie in southern Minnesota. Less than 1% of Minnesota’s original prairie survives — these fragments are living museums of a vanished landscape |
| Wetlands | Albert Lea Lake and surrounding marshes provide critical habitat for migrating waterfowl. The trail passes through this wetland complex — the intersection of prairie, water, and forest |
| The Connection | The Blazing Star State Trail runs directly through the park, connecting the town of Albert Lea with the natural areas. The trail IS the connection between community and wilderness |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | 🌸 Blazing star in bloom. Prairie wildflowers at peak. Best cycling weather. Long days on the trail. The grassland alive with color and insects |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 🍂 Bird migration. Tallgrass turning gold. Oak savanna in autumn color. Cool cycling weather. Prairie harvest light |
| Spring (Apr–May) | First wildflowers. Wetlands full. Bird migration waves. Trail thawing. Nesting season at Albert Lea Lake |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Quiet. Prairie under snow. Bald eagles at the lake. Cold — this is Minnesota winter |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the full trail finished?
Not yet — approximately 6–8 miles of off-road paved trail are currently completed. The long-term vision connects Albert Lea with Austin (about 20 miles), linking the Blazing Star with the Shooting Star State Trail. Check the Minnesota DNR website for current trail status and construction updates.
What is a blazing star?
Liatris — a native prairie wildflower that sends up tall purple spikes in late summer. It’s one of the most dramatic wildflowers of the tallgrass prairie, blooming from the top down (unusual for flowers). Pollinators — especially monarch butterflies — depend on it.
🌸 Named for a Flower That Refuses to Give Up the Grassland
Less than 1% of Minnesota’s tallgrass prairie survives. The blazing star still blooms in the remnants. A paved trail connects town to prairie to oak savanna — and a flower sets the grassland on fire every July.
Park Location
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