🏆🏆🏆🏆 Singing Hills Trail — 39-mile paved trail through the “singing hills” of south-central Minnesota from Mankato to Faribault
Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs 39 paved miles from Mankato to Faribault through the rolling glacial terrain of south-central Minnesota. The name “Sakatah” comes from the Dakota word for “singing hills” — the wind creates an eerie singing sound as it crosses the steep drumlin hills along the trail. The route passes Sakatah Lake and through a transition zone between prairie and Big Woods forest. The autumn colors along the wooded sections are spectacular.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Mankato to Faribault, MN |
| Length | 39 miles (paved) |
| Fee | MN Ski/Trail Pass ($6/day) |
| Name | “Sakatah” = Dakota for “singing hills” |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the hills “singing”?
The steep drumlin hills (glacial formations) channel the wind in ways that create a distinctive whistling or singing sound. The Dakota people named the area for this phenomenon thousands of years ago.
What is a moraine?
Moraines are ridges of rock and soil deposited by glaciers — like dirt pushed by a bulldozer blade. Minnesota has hundreds of moraines from the last Ice Age, creating the rolling “hills” that contrast with the flat prairie. The Sakatah Singing Hills moraines mark the edge of a glacial advance — the transition between hilly terrain and flat lake plains.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Sakatah Lake State Park is a short drive away, and Carley State Park is a short drive away.
🎶 Visit Sakatah Singing Hills Trail
“Singing Hills” — 39 miles through wind-singing drumlins from Mankato to Faribault.
About Sakatah Singing Hills
Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs 39 miles from Mankato to Faribault through the rolling hills of south-central Minnesota. “Sakatah” is a Dakota word meaning “singing hills” — the wind moving through the grasses creates a singing sound. The trail passes through restored prairie, hardwood forest, and along several lakes.
Things to Do
Biking and hiking the 39-mile paved trail, birdwatching along the lakes, listening for the “singing hills” wind, cross-country skiing in winter, and exploring the prairie-forest transition landscape.
Insider Tips
Prairie-to-forest transition: Sakatah Singing Hills Trail runs 39 miles from Mankato to Faribault — crossing the ecological transition zone between prairie and Big Woods. Pro tip: “Sakatah” comes from the Dakota word meaning “singing hills” — the wind across the moraines makes the prairie grasses sing. Mankato: The trail’s western end connects to the city where 38 Dakota men were executed in 1862.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Peak cycling through lake country. Fall: Prairie grasses and hardwood foliage. Spring: Wildflowers along the trail. Winter: Cross-country skiing.
Wildlife & Nature
Sakatah Singing Hills Trail — a 39-mile trail from Mankato to Faribault — passes through the rolling glacial terrain of south-central Minnesota. The trail’s name comes from a Dakota word meaning “singing hills”. White-tailed deer cross the trail. Bald eagles soar above. Painted turtles bask on logs.
Nearby Attractions
Mankato — western terminus — has the university and river valley. Faribault — eastern terminus. Sakatah Lake SP — along the trail. Waterville — midpoint.
