🌤 Weather at Gateway State Trail by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23–68 °F | 58–82 °F | 26–72 °F | 8–28 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at St Paul, 4 mi away, elevation 900 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Twin Cities Urban Trail — Popular 18-mile paved trail from St. Paul to Stillwater through suburban woodlands
Gateway State Trail is one of the most popular urban trails in Minnesota — an 18-mile paved path running from St. Paul northeast to Pine Point Park near Stillwater. The trail passes through suburban woodlands, wetlands, and small communities, providing a car-free commuting and recreation corridor for the Twin Cities metro area. Near its eastern terminus, the trail connects to the historic river town of Stillwater on the St. Croix River — one of Minnesota’s most charming downtowns.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Paul to Stillwater, MN |
| Length | 18 miles (paved) |
| Fee | Free (no pass required) |
| Connects | Stillwater & St. Croix River |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bike to Stillwater?
The trail ends at Pine Point Park, about 3 miles from downtown Stillwater. Local roads and connections bring you to Stillwater’s shops, restaurants, and the scenic St. Croix River lift bridge.
How extensive is the Twin Cities trail network?
The Twin Cities metropolitan area has 200+ miles of paved off-road trails — one of the most extensive urban trail networks in the US. Trails connect to state trails, regional parks, and the Mississippi River corridor. Minneapolis and St. Paul consistently rank among the most bikeable cities in America.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Fort Snelling State Park (a short drive away) or St. Croix Islands State Recreation Area (a short drive away).
🚴 Visit Gateway State Trail
Twin Cities escape — 18-mile paved trail toward historic Stillwater.
About Gateway Trail
Gateway State Trail runs 18 miles from St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park — providing a critical commuter and recreation corridor in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The paved trail was one of the first rail-trails in Minnesota and remains one of the most heavily used trails in the state, connecting urban neighborhoods to suburban parks and rural landscapes.
Things to Do
Biking, inline skating, and walking the paved trail, commuting by bike, birdwatching in the wetlands, cross-country skiing in winter, and connecting to the Twin Cities regional trail network.
Insider Tips
Twin Cities trailhead: Gateway State Trail runs 18 miles from St. Paul into the rural countryside — one of the original paved rail-trails in Minnesota. Pro tip: The trail connects to the extensive Twin Cities metro trail network — you can ride from downtown St. Paul to Pine Point Park entirely on paved trails. Winter option: The trail is plowed in winter — one of the few year-round paved trails in Minnesota.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round: One of few year-round paved trails. Summer: Peak cycling. Fall: Foliage along the trail. Winter: Plowed for walking and fat-tire biking.
Wildlife & Nature
Gateway Trail — an 18-mile paved trail from St. Paul to Pine Point Park — is one of the most popular urban trails in Minnesota. The trail passes through suburban neighborhoods, wetlands, and forest. White-tailed deer and red foxes inhabit the corridor. Bald eagles fish nearby lakes. Great blue herons wade the wetlands.
Nearby Attractions
St. Paul — western terminus. Stillwater — 5 miles north — has the historic river town. Pine Point Park — eastern terminus. Brown’s Creek Trail — connects.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Gateway State Trail
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash six feet or shorter (or portable enclosure) required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in beach areas — pets are prohibited on swim beaches statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in state park lodging, camper cabins, yurts and tipis — no pet-friendly cabin program.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Emotional support/therapy animals do not qualify as service animals and are prohibited from park buildings.
Are dogs allowed at Gateway State Trail?
Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us. More: Minnesota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Gateway State Trail
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Minneapolis-Saint Paul
from $79
from $110
from $195