🌤 Weather at Glacial Lakes State Trail by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–68 °F | 58–82 °F | 24–72 °F | 3–26 °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 Willmar Wastewater Treatment Plant, 3 mi away, elevation 1,100 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Glacial Lakes State Trail is a Minnesota state trail on a former Burlington Northern Railroad grade, generally level and wheelchair accessible. It is paved for 22 miles from Willmar through Spicer, New London and Hawick to the Kandiyohi/Stearns County line, and for another 7.5 miles from Roscoe to Cold Spring.
Quick Facts
| State | Minnesota |
| Counties | Kandiyohi, Stearns |
| Paved length | 29.5 miles in two sections |
| Surface | Paved, on a level former railroad grade |
Location & Getting There
The western end is in Willmar. From Highway 12, go east to County Road 9, turn north and drive two miles to the parking lot on the west side at the Civic Center. The park’s coordinates are 45.1485, -95.0031.
Between the Kandiyohi/Stearns County line and Roscoe, the trail is relatively undeveloped and some railroad bridges are closed, so plan on the two paved sections as separate rides. The trail connects to Sibley State Park over three miles of paved shoulder along County Road 148, which leads to 3.1 miles of trail in the park.
Trail Uses
In summer, the developed trail is popular for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and in-line skating. Riders can use a ten-mile stretch of parallel grass treadway from Willmar to New London, and grass shoulders from New London to the Kandiyohi/Stearns County line.
Winter uses include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The trail is groomed for snowmobiles within Kandiyohi County and links to the county’s grant-in-aid trail system. In Stearns County, snowmobiles are allowed on signed sections only.
Passes and Permits
You need a Horse Pass if you ride or drive a carriage, and snowmobiles must be registered or carry a snowmobile state trail sticker. The DNR requires no other fees or passes to use the trail.
Parking and Restrooms
Willmar: Civic Center lot on County Road 9, as described above.
Spicer: At the junction of Highway 23 and County Road 10. The lot is west off Highway 23.
East Nest Lake Public Water Access: Two miles north of Spicer on Highway 23, then ½ mile west on the Township Road.
New London: One mile northeast of Main Street on County Road 31, at River View Lane.
Hawick: North side of town, at Highway 23 and County Road 2.
Richmond: Off Highway 23, one block north on Central Avenue South.
The DNR lists restrooms at the parking area north of County Road 26, ¾ mile north of County Road 31 (Clark Trailhead), at the Nest Lake East Public Water Access and at the Hawick Trailhead. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.
Landscape and Wildlife
Glaciers retreating 10,000 years ago shaped this gently rolling country, and the trail crosses the border between Minnesota’s western tallgrass prairie and eastern deciduous forest. Much of the area is cultivated, but remnants of virgin prairie, wetlands and scattered woodlots survive along the railroad right-of-way. Watch for whitetail deer, small mammals, birds, reptiles and butterflies. See the Minnesota DNR page for the trail.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbor is Sibley State Park (a short drive away).
Explore More Minnesota State Parks
Looking for state parks in Minnesota? Discover them in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Glacial Lakes 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 Glacial Lakes 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 Map
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