In Southern Minnesota, the Blazing Star Trail Head dedication and celebration, in Hayward, MN, will take place this Sunday, July 17, near Albert Lea. After the ceremony the contractors will start construction on the last two miles of the extension. This will be starting in Hayward, MN and going west, near Albert Lea Lake.
The Hayward/Blazing Star Trail Head Celebration
The dedication and fun begins next Sunday, at 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Hayward City Park, located about four miles east of Albert Lea. Throughout the afternoon kids from four to ninety will enjoy the events planned. These include games, bike/walk events, lemonade and root beer floats, and prizes.
Blazing Star to the Mississippi
A bridge over Albert Lea Lake is still necessary to connect the trail from Hayward, west to Albert Lea. Also, at this time there is no specific date to extend the trail from Hayward to Austin. However, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resouces (DNR) is scheduling meetings to discuss possible options. Eventually the trail is planned to cross the Albert Lea Lake adjacent to a Canadian Pacific Railroad bridge, then go through Hayward and extend to Austin.
According to DNR reports, the trail will eventually connect Albert Lea to Austin and the Shooting Star. Once the trail reaches Austin, it would be about 20 miles long. With long term goals set, someday bicyclists will have the ability to ride from Albert Lea, east to the Mississippi River.
About Albert Lea
Known as the “Land Between the Lakes,” Albert Lea is nestled between Albert Lea Lake and Fountain Lake. Geographically located at the crossroads of Interstate I-90 and Interstate 35W, in southern Minnesota, this charming community is about 90 miles south of the Twin Cities. Today you will find a relaxing setting to bike with family and friends while enjoying some of southern Minnesota’s hospitality. For more information contact the Albert Lea Tourism Center.
More Places To Ride
Find many more bike friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.
