Rice Creek West Regional Trail

Many portions of the trail travel immediately along Rice Creek, within the steep valleys of the floodplain. Since the trail corridor is only minutes from downtown Minneapolis/St. Paul, adjacent lands are developed residential and commercial. Some of the most interesting terrain and natural communities are located between Highway 47 and Central Avenue. Because the trail connects with the Mississippi River, many birds travel the creek on their seasonal migrations. During the spring and fall trail users may see eagles, herons, egrets, as well as loons, cormorants and pelicans.

What’s At Rice Creek
Many improvements have been made along the corridor recently. In 2000, safety along the trail was improved when an underpass along the trail at T.H. 65 was installed. Several portions of the trail were repaved during this time, as well. In 2000/2001 the picnic area at Locke County Park was completely redeveloped and new sections of trail were laid in 2006.

Trails
A ribbon of paved trail travels through this linear park, stretching from the Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts (Manomin County Park) to the Ramsey County border. From there, the trail continues to Long Lake Regional Park. The four mile trail corridor in Anoka County travels through upland forest and lowland natural areas. There are a few steep slopes along the corridor, which require safe and alert trail use.

Trail Connections
The Rice Creek West Regional Trail connects to the Mississippi River Regional Trail near East River Road. The Mississippi River Trail Corridor links with Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park (north five miles) and Riverfront Regional Park (south four miles). To the south, the trail continues to the Minneapolis Parkway System.