Are you looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy your summer? Consider taking a walk or hike through several nearby nature trails in and around Thief River Falls, Minnesota. While there are some nature paths that are a farther distance than others, you are sure to find one you will enjoy either by yourself or with family and friends.
At Rydell Honda of Grand Forks, we often relax after a long week of work at one of the trails listed below. From hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding in the warmer months to snowmobiling or cross-country skiing in the winter, Minnesota has some amazing nature trails for you to explore.
Agassiz Recreational Trail
The Agassiz Recreational Trail is a 52-mile nature trail that runs parallel to Highway 32 and 102. About 50 minutes from Thief River Falls, this uninterrupted path connects the towns of Ulen, Twin Valley, Gary, Fertile, and Crookston. If you walk the entire path, you will cross the South Branch Wild Rice River, Coon Creek, Sand Hill River, Wild Rice River, and Mashaug Creek. For further exploration, you can traverse through the adjacent state parks, such as the Syre State Wildlife Management Area or the Vangsness State Wildlife Management Area.
This naturally surfaced trail is perfect for hiking, but it can also be used for bicycling, horseback riding, and ATV riding. During the winter season, bring along your skis and snow machine for some cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.
River Walk
Hike, bike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe over the scenic River Walk nature trail. This historic walk runs alongside the Thief River and Red Lake River. It was built by the City of Thief River Falls, Northland Community & Technical College, and Pennington County, along with a partnership with the Zehlians of the General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC).
The River Walk begins at Centennial Park and ends at Oakland Park, winding through a system of grassy lanes known as the Northland Trails. Along the River Walk trail, you will notice pictographs that show you historical pictures of the rivers. This paved path takes you through nine parks and three forest trails. At the end of the trail is an optional loop that leads you through the Greenwood Trails Recreation Area, a 48-acre wooded trail system that is known as one of the best-kept secrets of Thief River Falls.
Lake Bronson State Park
Located 55 miles from Thief River Falls, Lake Bronson State Park offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and several nature trails for walking or hiking. While walking through these rustic and gravel-packed trails, you may spot deer, black bears, sharp-tailed grouse, sandhill cranes, and wild elk from local herds.
In the summer, take advantage of one of the many walking, bicycling, or horseback riding trails. A self-guided 1.5-mile trail runs right alongside Lake Bronson. For longer hikes, try the 14-mile path that winds around the lake. This trail was created using hard-packed gravel, so be sure to bring along your infant or toddler in their stroller for a casual walk or a healthy jog. There is also a 2-mile paved bike path, a 5-mile mountain biking trail, and an 8-mile horseback riding path.
During the winter months, bring along your snow machine for a ride through the 3-mile snowmobile trail. This groomed trail also connects to other snowmobile routes, making it easy for you to keep riding all day long.
Turtle River State Park Loop
The Turtle River State Park Loop is a large walking trail that winds around the Turtle River State Park. While Turtle River State Park is quite a distance west of Thief River Falls, this long loop offers amazing views of the local flora and fauna and several trails to explore within the loop itself. These shorter trails include heavily wooded paths or open prairie expanses that wind right along the Turtle River. While strolling through the loop, you’ll come across three bridges that cross over this waterway. Be sure to grab some photos of the beautiful river and its incredible wildlife.
As mentioned above, there are several shorter trails that meander off the state park loop. This allows you to explore various areas of the state park every time you visit. Each of the trails is well-maintained and most are very doable for people of all exercise capabilities. Maps are available to help keep you going in the right direction, but if you don’t have a map, no worries. All trails are marked with visible and clear signage.
If you enjoy the peaceful scenery of wooded paths, take the Moose Head Trail, River View Trail, Fisher Loop, or Timber Loop. For a more open experience through the prairie, try the Eco Loop or the Coneflower Loop. Along with the forests and prairies, you may also come across waterfalls and a variety of birds and wildlife. You may also bring your dog along for the walk as long as they are fastened to a leash.
Bottineau Trail
Bottineau Trail is an asphalt-paved rail-trail that runs through Red Lake Falls and is only a short 20-minute drive from Thief River Falls. During the warmer months you can walk, hike, jog, or bicycle, and in the winter you can snowmobile or cross-country ski. This trail is named after Pierre Bottineau, a frontiersman from Minnesota who died in the community in 1895.
The southern half of Bottineau Trail runs alongside a few residential neighborhoods of Red Lake Falls, offering easy access to various downtown shops and restaurants. The northern half of the route offers a more scenic hike through dense forest and vegetation. This path crosses over both Red Lake and Clearwater River via two restored train bridges. If you end or begin your hike at the nearby Riverside Park, you can enjoy a picnic or restroom break before you get started or upon your return.
Which one of these nature trails are you going to visit first? Will you be going alone or bringing family or friends with you? Whatever you choose, you’ll experience a peaceful, relaxing time while also getting in some healthy exercise. If there’s a trail we left out that you visit often, let us know. We’ll be more than happy to add it to our list.
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