View source for Central Lakes State Trail

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox hiking trail
| name = Central Lakes State Trail
| photo = File:CL Trail MN.jpg
| caption = The trail passing through [[Alexandria, Minnesota|Alexandria]] by the statue of Big Ole the Viking, near the [[Kensington Runestone]] Museum
| location = [[Central Minnesota]], USA
| designation = [[List of Minnesota state parks#State trails|Minnesota state trail]]
| length_mi=55
| trailheads = [[Fergus Falls, Minnesota|Fergus Falls]]<br />[[Osakis, Minnesota|Osakis]]
| use = Biking, hiking, in-line skating, snowmobiling
| elev_change =
| highest = 
| lowest = 
| grade = Nearly level
| difficulty = Easy
| season = Year-round
| sights = [[Christina Lake (Minnesota)|Christina Lake]], [[Alexandria, Minnesota|Alexandria]], [[Lake Osakis]]
| hazards = Road crossings, severe weather
| surface = Asphalt
| website = [http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/central_lakes/index.html Central Lakes State Trail]
}}

The '''Central Lakes State Trail''' is a paved recreational [[rail trail]] in central [[Minnesota]], USA, running along a former [[Burlington Northern Railroad]] line. The trail is marked with mileposts every mile, corresponding with the mile markers of the former railroad line. Snowmobile use is allowed on the trail in winter, conditions permitting.

==Description of the trail==
The {{convert|55|mi|adj=on}} trail begins in [[Osakis, Minnesota|Osakis]] at the western end of the [[Lake Wobegon Trails|Lake Wobegon Trail]] and runs parallel to [[Interstate 94 in Minnesota|Interstate 94]] before ending in [[Fergus Falls, Minnesota|Fergus Falls]]. This trail passes through the towns of [[Nelson, Minnesota|Nelson]], [[Alexandria, Minnesota|Alexandria]], [[Garfield, Minnesota|Garfield]], [[Brandon, Minnesota|Brandon]], [[Evansville, Minnesota|Evanston]], Melby, [[Ashby, Minnesota|Ashby]], and [[Dalton, Minnesota|Dalton]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Lakes Trail Map | url = http://www.centrallakestrail.com/trail-map.html | publisher = Central Lakes Trail | accessdate = 2008-07-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Central Lakes State Trail | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/central_lakes/index.html | publisher = Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | accessdate = 2008-07-27 }}</ref>  The Central Lakes and Lake Wobegon trails combine for a continuous {{convert|117|mi|adj=on}} trail.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/central_lakes/index.html Central Lakes State Trail]
* [http://www.centrallakestrail.com Central Lakes Trail Association]
[[File:Central Lakes Trail bridge - Ashby, Minnesota.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Central Lakes Trail utilizes an old rail bridge at Ashby]]

[[Category:Burlington Northern Railroad]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Douglas County, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Grant County, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Minnesota state trails]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Otter Tail County, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Rail trails in Minnesota]]