🏆🏆🏆 Prairie Wildflower Trail — Rail trail through the tallgrass prairie of southeastern Minnesota, named for the shooting star wildflower
Shooting Star State Trail runs through the tallgrass prairie landscape of southeastern Minnesota, named for the beautiful shooting star wildflower (Dodecatheon) that blooms in the prairie remnants along the route each May. The trail connects to LeRoy and Austin, passing through farm country that was once vast tallgrass prairie supporting bison herds. Less than 1% of Minnesota’s original 18 million acres of tallgrass prairie survives today.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | SE Minnesota (LeRoy to Austin) |
| Trail | Multi-use rail trail |
| Fee | MN Ski/Trail Pass required |
| Wildflower | Shooting star blooms May |
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the shooting stars bloom?
Shooting star wildflowers bloom in May along the trail. They’re delicate pink-purple flowers with swept-back petals — a native prairie gem. The trail’s name makes May the ideal month to visit.
How much tallgrass prairie is left?
Less than 1% of the original tallgrass prairie survives — making it one of the most endangered ecosystems on Earth. Minnesota once had 18 million acres of prairie — today about 150,000 acres remain. The rich prairie soil was too productive to resist farming. Small remnants along railroad corridors and pioneer cemeteries preserve the last fragments.
More parks nearby: Lake Louise State Park is a short drive away, while Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
🌸 Visit Shooting Star Trail
Prairie wildflowers — May’s shooting stars along the vanishing tallgrass.
About Shooting Star Trail
Shooting Star State Trail runs 36 miles from LeRoy to Austin through southern Minnesota’s agricultural landscape — connecting to the Blazing Star Trail. The trail is named for the shooting star wildflower that blooms in the remaining prairie remnants along the route. The corridor passes through some of the most productive agricultural land in the world.
Things to Do
Biking the 36-mile trail, birdwatching for grassland species, viewing prairie wildflowers (shooting stars bloom in June), cross-country skiing in winter, and visiting Austin’s SPAM Museum at the trail’s end.
Insider Tips
Prairie trail: Shooting Star Trail runs through the tallgrass prairie landscape of Mower County — named for the shooting star wildflower (Dodecatheon) that blooms in May. Pro tip: The trail connects to the extensive Blaze Bicycle Trail network in Austin. Prairie remnants: Less than 1% of Minnesota’s original tallgrass prairie survives — small remnants along the trail corridor preserve this once-vast ecosystem.
Best Time to Visit
May: Shooting star wildflower bloom. Summer: Prairie wildflowers and cycling. Fall: Golden prairie grasses. Winter: Snowmobiling.
Wildlife & Nature
Shooting Star Trail — a 40-mile trail from LeRoy to Austin — passes through southern Minnesota farmland and prairie. Named for the shooting star wildflower. Ring-necked pheasants flush from the grass. White-tailed deer cross at dawn. Sandhill cranes call from the wetlands. Meadowlarks sing from fence posts.
Nearby Attractions
Austin — northern terminus — has the SPAM Museum. LeRoy — southern terminus. Lake Louise SP — near LeRoy. Albert Lea — 20 miles west.
Park Location
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