Pike Island Loop

The Pike Island Loop, located in Fort Snelling State Park, is a beautiful urban hike that circles a lush island at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers in the heart of the Twin Cities. In fact, Dakota leaders who inhabited this land considered the meeting of the rivers to be the center of the earth. 

Park near the visitor's center and follow the sidewalk east toward the fort. The sidewalk will turn into a path when you pass the fort. Follow the path down the hill and veer right along the trail that leads to the foot bridge over the Minnesota River. Cross the bridge. You are now on Pike Island. 

There are a variety of trail options that weave throughout a canopy of elm, silver maple and cottonwood trees. Whether you hike clockwise or counterclockwise, there are cross trails that can shorten your adventure.

Click here to view a map of the park.