Central Lakes State Trail
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Minnesota’s Premier Rail Trail — 55-mile paved trail through the lake country of central Minnesota from Fergus Falls to Osakis
Central Lakes State Trail is one of Minnesota’s premier paved rail trails — a 55-mile ribbon running from Fergus Falls to Osakis through the heart of Minnesota’s lake country. The trail passes over 50 lakes and wetlands, through charming small towns, and across rolling glacial moraines formed 10,000 years ago. The Alexandria area (midway point) is the self-proclaimed “Birthplace of America” — home of the controversial Kensington Runestone, which purportedly records a 1362 Norse expedition into the interior of North America.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Fergus Falls to Osakis, Central MN |
| Length | 55 miles (paved) |
| Fee | MN Ski/Trail Pass ($6/day) |
| Lakes | 50+ lakes and wetlands along trail |
| Midway | Alexandria (Kensington Runestone!) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kensington Runestone?
A stone found in 1898 near Alexandria bearing runic inscriptions supposedly from a 1362 Norse expedition. Most scholars consider it a 19th-century forgery, but it remains one of Minnesota’s most famous artifacts — on display at the Runestone Museum in Alexandria.
About Central Lakes Trail
Central Lakes State Trail is a 55-mile paved trail connecting Fergus Falls to Osakis through Minnesota’s lake-dotted heartland — one of the longest continuous paved trails in the state. The trail passes through the glacial terrain that gives Minnesota its “Land of 10,000 Lakes” identity, crossing rolling hills dotted with prairie potholes and kettle lakes.
Things to Do
Biking and inline skating the 55 miles of smooth pavement, birdwatching (the prairie potholes attract waterfowl), connecting to other trail systems, cross-country skiing, and exploring Minnesota lake country towns.
🚴 Visit Central Lakes State Trail
55-mile lake country — 50+ lakes, Norse runestone mystery, and glacial scenery.
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