Casey Jones State Trail follows the old Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis &038; Omaha Railroad corridor through the rolling prairie of southwestern Minnesota, stretching roughly 7.5 miles between Pipestone and Lake Wilson. Named for the legendary railroad engineer, this paved rail-trail offers a flat, accessible route through some of the state’s most open and unspoiled agricultural landscape.

The trail is a natural fit for cycling, walking, jogging, and inline skating during warmer months, with the smooth asphalt surface making it welcoming for families and casual riders. In winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing take over. Birders will appreciate the grassland habitat along the corridor — watch for meadowlarks, red-tailed hawks, and the occasional pheasant flushing from the tall grass just off the path.

Starting in Pipestone puts you minutes from Pipestone National Monument, where exposed Sioux quartzite cliffs and the historic pipestone quarries add a meaningful cultural stop to your trip. Lake Wilson at the trail’s eastern end offers a quiet spot to rest and refuel.

There are no campgrounds directly on the trail, but Split Rock Creek State Park is a short drive south of Pipestone and provides both tent and RV sites along a scenic reservoir.

The best window to visit is late May through September, when the prairie wildflowers are blooming and daylight stretches well past dinner. Early mornings are especially rewarding — cool air, low-angle light, and the trail mostly to yourself.

Explore Nearby

• Superior National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Chippewa National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Minnesota Scenic Byways — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• The Arches Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Minnesota