Hike the Pike Island Loop

Unorganized Territory of Fort Snelling, Minnesota

4.2/5

based on 6 reviews

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Details

Distance

3.88 miles

Elevation Gain

66 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Dan Mirocha

One of the Twin Cities' best urban hikes follows a 4-mile loop past the confluence of Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.

The Pike Island Loop, located in Fort Snelling State Park, is a beautiful urban hike that circles a lush island at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers in the heart of the Twin Cities. In fact, Dakota leaders who inhabited this land considered the meeting of the rivers to be the center of the earth.

Park near the visitor's center and follow the sidewalk east toward the fort. The sidewalk will turn into a path when you pass the fort. Follow the path down the hill and veer right along the trail that leads to the foot bridge over the Minnesota River. Cross the bridge. You are now on Pike Island.

There are a variety of trail options that weave throughout a canopy of elm, silver maple and cottonwood trees. Whether you hike clockwise or counterclockwise, there are cross trails that can shorten your adventure.

Click here to view a map of the park.

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Features

Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Forest

Picnic Area

River

Romantic

Scenic

Wildlife

Hike the Pike Island Loop Reviews

Wade Alan

Hike the Pike Island Loop

03/28/23

Hiked here in all seasons...can see deer and eagles or tons of boats at times...popular for skiers and dogwalkers.. good trails and Crosby Farm across the river is even better

4.0

HBCUs Outside

Hike the Pike Island Loop

11/23/17

This hike is great! The view when you get to the Confluence of the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River mixing may not be extremely exciting, but I think its cool to see two vary different colors of the river mixing.

5.0

Zach Kramer

Hike the Pike Island Loop

05/13/17

This island is a nice retreat away from the city

5.0

Shannon Meehan

Hike the Pike Island Loop

02/23/17

Went on a nice sunny day after a week of above 40s. There was definitely no thaw and unless you have spikes and poles I would consider a different trail. Wonderful views of the river though and will be trying again in a couple weeks

3.0

Eric Hagen

Hike the Pike Island Loop

06/21/16

Great walk in the fall

4.0

Adam Alver

Hike the Pike Island Loop

04/17/16

Good, but the trail is not well maintained, and it's not bike friendly/accessible. That said, I put up a hammock and stayed here for a couple hours. Beautiful location

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike the Pike Island Loop

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Hike the Pike Island Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Explore Frozen Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls

Hike the Winchell Trail

Exploring the Minnesota Valley NWR

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