Mahnomen Trail

The trailhead for the Mahnomen Trail offers a paved parking lot with space for about 10-12 cars. You'll also find a clean pit toilet and a map board with brochures and trail guides there.

No, there are no fees or permits required to visit the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge or to hike the Mahnomen Trail.

Yes, the trail is considered very easy and suitable for most visitors, including beginners and families. It's generally flat, wide, and well-marked, making for a pleasant experience.

The trail offers diverse scenery, including woodland, prairie openings, oak savanna, and wetlands, skirting Rice and Round Lakes. You'll see an ongoing oak savanna restoration and can experience seasonal beauty from summer blossoms to golden fall grasses. The terrain is moderately level and wide, often mowed.

The trail is excellent for birding, especially during spring and fall migrations, with opportunities to observe various waterfowl and shorebirds. You might also spot deer, squirrels, and ruffed grouse. An observation tower overlooks Rice Lake, a significant water habitat.

While beautiful year-round, early spring or late fall are highly recommended to avoid 'winged biting things.' Summer offers abundant prairie blossoms, and fall brings golden grasses and brick-red oak leaves. Winter transforms it into a scenic wonderland.

Yes, the trail is suitable for dog walking, but all dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to protect the wildlife and natural habitat.

Yes, 'Mahnomen' is an Ojibwe word for wild rice, which grew plentifully in nearby Rice Lake. One section of the first loop features over 30 Indian burial mounds, some dating back to 5000 B.C., located directly beside the trail. You'll also find a floating boardwalk over a wetland and an observation tower overlooking Rice Lake.

Yes, the trail features three interconnected loops, allowing hikers to choose their desired walking distance and explore different sections of the refuge. The main loop is approximately 3 miles long.

Beyond hiking, the trail is suitable for dog walking (leashed), running, photography, and wildlife watching. In winter, it is groomed for classic cross-country skiing when snow levels permit, and snowshoeing is also popular. Biking is not permitted.

The Mahnomen Trail is located entirely within the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, which is dedicated to preserving diverse habitats like wetlands, prairies, and oak savannas. This provides the unique opportunity to observe a wide array of wildlife and experience ongoing conservation efforts, such as oak savanna restoration.