Glacial Lakes Trail

• 2707 Arena Drive, Willmar, MN 56201 | Get Directions
• Phone: (320) 235-3552
• Toll Free: 800-845-8747
• Fax: (320) 231-1948
  
• info@willmarlakesarea.com

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The Glacial Lakes Trail is located on a former Burlington Northern Railrood grade, and is generally level and wheelchair accessible. The trail is paved with asphalt for over 22 miles between Willmar, Spicer, New London, Hawick, and the Kandiyohi/Sterns County line. The segment from Willmar to New London has a parallel, grass treadway for horseback riding, while the segment from New London to the Kandiyohi/Sterns county line has a grass shoulder to accommodate horseback riding. The gently rolling topography of West Central Minnesota was created by glaciers retreating 10,000 years ago. The scenery is beautiful as you will see lakes, wetlands, virgin prairie, and many different species of wildlife along the route. The many lakes make this area a popular tourist destination. The towns along the trail provide access points, rest stops, and others services for trail users. Primary summer use of the developed trail includes hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and inline skating. Within the winter months, the trail is groomed for snowmobile use, however, studded tracks are prohibited on the asphalt surface. The Glacial Lakes Trail connects to Sibley State Park via 3 miles of paved shoulder along County Road 148. The trail also connects to many miles of groomed snowmobile trails in Kandiyohi County. Parking is located at several locations along the trail. Willmar: Take U.S. Hwy 12 to County Rd 9. Turn north go 2 miles to parking lot at the Trailhead near the Civic Center.
Spicer: At the junction of State Hwy. 23 and County Rd 10, there is a parking lot just west of Hwy 23.
East Nest Lake Public Water Access: 2 miles north of Spicer on Hwy 23 and 1/2 mile west on the Township Rd.
New London: Take Hwy 23 to State Hwy 9 north to public water access lot on east.
Hawick: North side of town, at the intersection of Hwy 23 and County Rd 2.