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Pike Island Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy Easy
 3.9 (19)
  1. Areas
  2. MN
  3. …Minneapolis - St. Paul
  4. …Minneapolis
  5. Fort Snelling State Park
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“The Pike Island Loop is a relaxed, family-friendly hike around one of Minnesota’s most significant islands. ”

Kristen Arendt
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3.9

Miles

6.3

KM

Loop

781' 238 m

High

695' 212 m

Low

289' 88 m

Up

289' 88 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views

Family Friendly A great loop that starts from a historic fort and travels along the banks of two impressive rivers.

The park is open from 8 am to 10 pm.

Overview

This loop of Pike Island gives hikers the chance to explore the Mississippi and Minnesota River Valleys and the point where the two rivers converge.

Description

Starting at the Historic Fort Snelling, you'll descend in the Mississippi and Minnesota River valleys and see the point where these two great rivers converge. You'll the see impact that these rivers have had on the landscape and on Minnesota history. Pike Island is home to a variety of bird species including bald eagles and great blue herons. Make sure you remember the binoculars!

Flora & Fauna

Beavers, river otters, herons, egrets, and bald eagles.

Contacts

Land Manager: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Fort Snelling State Park

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 19 votes

#1

in Fort Snelling State Park

#2684

Overall
  3.9 from 19 votes
5 Star
26%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
21%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Fort Snelling State Park

#15

in Minnesota

#2,684

Overall
14 Views Last Month
6,053 Since Nov 18, 2016
Easy Easy
77%
15%
8%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

View of the Pike Island path
Aug 7, 2017 near Mendota…, MN
The Mississippi and Minnesota River confluence is quite a sight.
Mar 17, 2017 near Mendota…, MN
Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, New Year's Day, 2023.
Jan 2, 2024 near Mendota…, MN
On the Pike Island loop trail in winter.
Jan 2, 2024 near Mendota…, MN
View of the turret.
Jun 24, 2015 near Mendota…, MN
Minnesota River at Wita Tanka (Pike Island), Fort Snelling State Park, Minnesota.
Jul 19, 2019 near Mendota…, MN

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 47 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 1, 2024
BK Hope
First Day hike
Jun 11, 2020
Peter Freeberg
Long day Lucas forgot the lunch
May 17, 2020
Jason Molesky
Great family hike around the island. Easy trail. — 2h 00m
Aug 27, 2018
Maura Kelly
3.8mi
Jul 29, 2018
Valerie Ramberg
Island had just been under water so the trail was muddy in a few spots. 3.9mi — 1h 40m
Jul 26, 2018
Natasha Zajicek
May 26, 2018
Ben Stacer
Sep 30, 2017
Kris Johnson

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