Pike Island Loop Hiking Guide
Pike Island sits exactly where the Minnesota River meets the Mississippi, a flat, wooded island at the heart of Fort Snelling State Park, right next to MSP airport. The loop around it is almost perfectly level, shaded by cottonwoods and silver maples, and ends at the point of the island where two major rivers become one. It is the busiest trail in the Twin Cities for good reason.
Permit: Minnesota state park vehicle permit required: $7 one-day or $35 year-round
The Loop
The loop is about 3.8 miles with only around 75 feet of gain, on mostly hard-packed gravel that the DNR rates easy to moderate. From the visitor centre area, a bridge crosses onto the island and the trail circles it, with one side along the Mississippi and the other along the Minnesota. The confluence at the eastern tip is the natural turnaround and rest stop. Bikes are not allowed on Pike Island.
Floods
Pike Island is floodplain, and it floods. In June 2024 high water closed the entire park for about two months, and parts of the island stayed closed afterwards. As of late September 2026 the DNR listed Pike Island as open, but the natural-surface Sibley Trail on the east side of the Minnesota River was closed indefinitely. Check the park's alerts after heavy spring rain or snowmelt, when closures are most likely.
Wildlife and History
The floodplain forest is good wildlife habitat, and the quiet early hours are the best time to see it. The confluence, known to the Dakota as Bdote, is a place of deep significance to the Dakota people, and historic Fort Snelling stands on the bluff above. The Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center, closed on Mondays from May through October, has exhibits on the area's history.
Winter
In winter the Pike Island loop is groomed for cross-country skiing, and hikers and snowshoers should stay off the groomed tracks. The DNR keeps about three miles of other hiking trail open in winter. Dogs are not allowed on cross-country ski trails in winter. For a winter walk, ask at the visitor centre which trails are designated for hiking.
Practicalities
A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required to enter: $7 for a day or $35 for a year-round permit. The park is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails outside of groomed ski trails in winter. The park connects to the Grand Rounds and the Big Rivers Regional Trail. Mosquitoes can be intense in the floodplain in early summer.
Hiking tips for Pike Island Loop
- Buy a Minnesota state park vehicle permit — $7 a day or $35 for the year — before you park.
- Check DNR alerts after heavy rain or snowmelt; Pike Island floods and closes.
- Stay off the groomed loop in winter, when it is reserved for cross-country skiing.
- Bring bug spray in early summer; the floodplain forest breeds mosquitoes.
- Leave the bike at the visitor centre — bikes are not allowed on Pike Island.
Nearby trails to explore
- Minnehaha Falls Loop
- Lebanon Hills Loop
- Hyland and Bush Lakes Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Pike Island is the flat, easy loop every Twin Cities hiker knows. Use TrailMates to find Minneapolis and St. Paul hikers for a confluence walk. Download the TrailMates app to connect.