Heartland State Trail

Biking the Trail

The first multi-use trail in Northwest Minnesota opened June 19, 2021. This segment of the Heartland State Trail travels east from the Detroit Lakes underpass at U.S. Highway 10 for 5 miles to the overpass bridge east of Acorn Lake before Frazee. The trail weaves north off the highway right-of-way through a canopy of hardwood and pine trees with fragrant wetlands along the way. Look for the active Osprey nest on the adjacent Hwy 10 electric tower from spring to late summer, artesian well, and in late spring, the Showy Lady’s Slipper.

Early morning riser? Take your pooch out for a walk along the trail or slip on your jogging shoes for a solo run. The trail is accessible for electric motorized scooters and wheelchairs. In the winter months, skate skiers and snowmobilers may use the trail.

Detroit Lakes City Park offers parking to access the trail through routes in the city to the beginning of the Heartland State Trail at Roosevelt Avenue and Frazee Street. Another option for parking is at the Scenic Overlook near the Holiday Inn. After your ride, satisfy those hunger pangs at any of the many restaurants in the city.

In September 2021 a bridge spanning County Hwy 10 at the western entrance to Frazee was completed. Design work is underway to extend the trail east from the bridge to Frazee. This segment of the Heartland State Trail will eventually span from the trail in Park Rapids to Moorhead and into Fargo, ND.