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The Willard Munger State Trail is a collection of multiple use trails between Hinckley and Duluth. It consists of interconnecting trails offering hiking, bicycling, in-line skating and snowmobiling. It highlights the picturesque scenery and rich history of East Central Minnesota. The trail follows the route of the railroad that saved many lives in the historic Hinckley and Cloquet fires in the nineteenth century |
Slide show of photos taken on the Willard Munger State Trail. This slideshow requires the latest version of
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Trail Notes |
Trail segment closedA .75 mile segment of the Alex Laveau Trail between Carlton and Wrenshall will be closed until further notice. A large hole has formed over a culvert and is continuing to expand every week. The section of trail is immediately north of the City of Wrenshall and extends northward to the refinery. Please obey the closure signs and look back to this site for future updates. Construction on the trailThe Willard Munger State Trail will be under construction from May 1 through mid-August, to make final repairs and upgrades to the trail section that extends from Grand Avenue to just west of Becks Road. The trail will be closed while construction is underway for public safety. Please obey signs and plan your trip around the construction zone. Refer back to this site for future updates as the construction season unfolds. (Updated Apr. 24, 2017) |
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There are three different trail segments in the Willard Munger State Trail: Hinckley - Duluth segment, Alex Laveau Memorial Trail and the Matthew Lourey State Trail (formerly known as the Boundary segment). This trail allows users to ride from Gary-New Duluth 16 miles through Wrenshall into Carlton. 6 miles of off-road paved trail from Carlton to Highway 23 are open. The remaining miles are a combination of bike routes on paved highway shoulders.
The 70 mile Hinckley - Duluth segment of the Willard Munger State Trail is completely paved, and extends between the cities of Hinckley, Willow River, Moose Lake, Barnum, Carlton, and Duluth. The trail passes near Banning State Park, through Finlayson, Willow River and General C.C. Andrews State Forest, and through the spectacular scenery of Jay Cooke State Park. The northeast portion of the trail provides scenic views of the St. Louis River and the twin ports of Duluth and Superior.
Common mammals noticed along the trail include whitetail deer, raccoon, red fox, porcupine, beaver, and muskrat. The observant trail user may also spot coyote, timber wolf, weasel, mink, bobcat or black bear.
You will need a horse pass if you will be horseback riding, and for snowmobiling, a snowmobile must be registered or have a snowmobile state trail sticker. No other fees or passes are required to use the trail, although parking in the state parks does require a daily or annual pass.
Trail Uses |
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Trail segments |
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The Willard Munger State Trail consists of different trail segments: Hinckley - Duluth segment and the Alex Laveau Memorial Trail. Hinckley - Duluth segment This 70 mile segment of the Willard Munger State Trail is completely paved. The trail passes near Banning State Park and Moose Lake State Park. It passes through the towns of Finlayson, Willow River, Moose Lake, General C.C. Andrews State Forest and through the spectacular scenery of Jay Cooke State Park. The northeast portion of the trail provides scenic views of the St. Louis River and the twin ports of Duluth and Superior. Alex Laveau Memorial Trail The Alex Laveau Memorial Trail honors the memory of a former county commissioner and dairy farmer who was a strong advocate of the idea of reusing abandoned railways as public trails. This trail allows users to ride from Gary-New Duluth 16 miles through Wrenshall into Carlton. Six miles of off-road paved trail from Carlton to Highway 23 are open. The remaining miles are a combination of bike routes on paved highway shoulders and city streets. Matthew Lourey State Trail (formerly known as the Boundary segment) The Matthew Lourey State Trail honors the memory of a U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer from Minnesota who lost his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is an 80 mile natural surface trail used primarily for snowmobiling, horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. This trail passes through remote forests linking St. Croix State Park with the Chengwatana, St. Croix and Nemadji State Forests. Some areas may be impassable in summer. |
ParkingDo not leave valuables in your vehicle! Parking is available for the following trail segments: |
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RestroomsRestroom facilities are provided along the trail at these points: |
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In the areaNearby DNR recreational areas include: State TrailState ParksState Forests
State Water TrailPublic Water Accesses
Scientific and Natural AreasFire and weather informationOther nearby recreational opportunities National Forest |
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The following links will take you off the DNR website. Magney-Snively Park, City of Duluth Parks and Recreation North Country National Scenic Trail North Country Trail Association Spirit Mountain Recreation Area Superior Hiking Trail Association  |
Trail etiquetteAll users must yield to horses. Stop and dismount if requested. |
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Hiking
Biking
In-line skating
Mountain biking
Horseback
Snowmobiling
Accessible Outdoors
