Recreation

Enjoy this park on foot, any season of the year. In the spring, the park is a wildflower garden where hepatica, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, and the dwarf trout lily bloom. The dwarf trout lily is only found here. Relax by Hidden Falls in the summer. The autumn brings a burst of red, orange, and gold in the maple-basswood forest, one of the last extensive stands of the "Big Woods." When winter comes, hike, snowshoe, or snowmobile the trails through picturesque woods.

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Long ago, Indigenous People harvested wild rice from this lake, whereas today, the shallow waters and marshy edges of Rice Lake attract many waterfowl during migrations. Rice Lake is a major wetland in the area. Visitors enjoy camping under the tall hardwoods, photographing spring wildflowers, picnicking, and birdwatching. For a more secluded camping experience, paddle across the lake and camp in a canoe campsite. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on the trails.

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Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs through Sakatah Lake State Park and stretches 39 miles from Mankato to Faribault. The paved trail offers hikers, bikers, skiers, and snowmobilers beautiful scenery through Minnesota's hardwoods. Sakatah Lake, a natural widening of the Cannon River, lures canoeists to paddle the calm waters and anglers to catch walleye, largemouth and white bass, northern pike, and panfish. Whatever the season, visitors enjoy camping and picnicking.

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The most popular parks for hiking in Dakota County are Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Spring Lake Park Reserve, Thompson County Park, Lake Byllesby Regional Park, Miesville Ravine Park Reserve, Whitetail Woods Regional Park, and Dakota Woods Dog Park.

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The most popular park for hiking is Goodhue County’s Byllesby Park, but there are a few biking trails that you can walk, including the Cannon Valley Trail, Mill Towns State Trail, and Goodhue Pioneer State Trail.

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The most popular parks for hiking in Rice County are Ackman Park Albers Park, Cannon River Wilderness Area, Caron Park, Circle Lake Park, Falls Creek Park, Heron Park Bird Sanctuary, Hirdler Park, Kalina Park, King Mill Park, McCullough Park & Campground, Shager Park, and Velzke Park.

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The most popular parks for walking and hiking are Bradshaw Woods, Lake Washington Regional Park, Ney Nature Center, Rays Lake Park, and Richter Woods.

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The most popular parks for hiking in Waseca County are Blowers Park, Courthouse Park, Eustice Park, Goose Lake Park, Mittelsteadt Park, Okaman Park, Toner’s Lake Park, and Janesville Veteran’s Park.

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The most popular park for hiking in Steele County is Beaver Lake County Park.

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The Cannon Valley Trail is a scenic trail that connects the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch, and Red Wing in southeastern Minnesota. The trail is built on the former Chicago Great Western Railroad line and spans 19.7 miles of beautiful and diverse scenery. It's a popular destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts alike and offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. The trail connects with the city of Cannon Falls trail on the west end, and the city of Red Wing trails on the east end, making it a convenient and accessible option for visitors.

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Upon completion, the Mill Towns State Trail will establish a seamless connection between six cities in southeast Minnesota: Faribault, Dundas, Northfield, Waterford, Randolph, and Cannon Falls. Covering a distance of approximately 25 miles, this trail will serve as a critical link in the developing trail system of the region. It will create a convenient and picturesque pathway between the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail in Faribault and the western end of the Cannon Valley Trail in Cannon Falls, facilitating the exploration of Minnesota's natural scenery.

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The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is a fantastic multiple-use trail that spans 39 miles. It is built on an abandoned railroad grade and offers a smooth, paved surface that is easy to navigate. The trail starts at Lime Valley Road near State Highway 14 and joins the Minnesota River Trail in Mankato. It then follows a signed route on city streets through Waterville, passes through three miles of Sakatah Lake State Park, and finally ends east of Interstate 35 in Faribault. The best thing about this trail is that it is mostly level and wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for people of all ages and abilities.

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The Cannon River is a stunning river that is surrounded by rolling hills, high bluffs, farmland, and woods in its upper reaches. As it flows downstream, it enters a broad gorge below Cannon Falls, presenting a breathtaking landscape that is perfect for sightseeing. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great destination for nature lovers. In recognition of its natural beauty and ecological importance, the Cannon River has been designated as a State Wild and Scenic River. Whether you're looking to relax and take in the scenery or explore the river's many recreational opportunities, the Cannon River is a must-visit destination.

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The Straight River is a beautiful river that winds its way through farmland bordered by trees, stretching approximately 30 miles north from Owatonna to Faribault, where it joins the Cannon River. The river is approximately 30 to 80 feet wide and one to four feet deep, and boasts mild rapids, fast water, and rocky, narrow channels, making it a great destination for experienced canoeists seeking a challenge. However, there are a few areas that can prove to be more difficult, including the rapids at Clinton Falls that require portaging, and another set of smaller rapids near Faribault. It's also important for visitors to be aware of the dams along the river and to know where they are located.

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