National Scenic Trail or Official Route (CLST)
The Central Lakes State Trail is a 55 mile former railroad route turned paved bike trail that runs through 3 counties and 10 communities. This trail begins in the city of Fergus Falls, and ends in the city of Osakis. Trail users will enjoy the many differing landscape views, ranging from open grassland/prairie, lakes, wetlands, farmland, and forested rolling hills.

The area is historically significant because the Kensington Rune Stone, dated 1362, was found near a small town southwest of Alexandria. An often misunderstood artifact with over 200 medieval runes chiseled in its surface, the Stone suggests Norsemen adventured in the area 130 years before Christopher Columbus.

The region is also known for its unique geographic features around Lake Christina, including the Seven Sisters Prairie on the north side of the lake, which is a group of seven, glacially-produced knolls. Lake Christina is an important stop for many species of waterfowl during migration.

In the summer, the developed trail is popular for hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating. Winter uses offer snowmobiling opportunities.
  • Mountain Bike
  • E-Bike
  • Hike
  • Trail Running
  • Snowmobile
  • Snowshoe
  • Nordic Ski
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1CLST - Alexandria \ Nelson
Douglas County
5 miles
2CLST - Ashby Section
Ashby
4 miles
3CLST - Ashby to Evansville
Evansville
7 miles
4CLST - Brandon \ Garfield
Douglas County
6 miles
5CLST - Dalton to Ashby
Otter Tail County
6 miles
6CLST - Evansville / Brandon
Douglas County
5 miles
7CLST - Fergus Falls / Dalton
Otter Tail County
8 miles
8CLST - Fergus Falls Section 1
Fergus Falls
2,595 ft
9CLST - Fergus Falls Trailhead
Fergus Falls
394 ft
10CLST - Garfield \ Alexandria
Douglas County
7 miles
11CLST - Nelson \ Osakis
Douglas County
6 miles
12CLST \ NCT - Fergus Falls Section 2
Fergus Falls
1 mile
Displaying 12

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Total Trails
12
Total Distance
55 miles
Total Descent
-307 ft
Total Climb
495 ft
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Trail Conditions
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      • By WillieJacobsz TRAILFORKS NEMBA
      • #802 - 148 views
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