Brown's Creek segment of the Gateway State Trail
This major trail project entailed the construction of a new segment of state trail stretching from downtown Stillwater to the Gateway State Trail, a six (6) mile segment that traverses Brown's Creek. With project completion, recreationists and commuters have a paved multi-use route from St. Paul to Stillwater. The work created an accessible (ADA) paved trail with less than a 2% grade, designed for year-round non-motorized use from biking and horseback riding to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The trail development was completed in October 2014 and interpretive signs were installed in spring 2015. A grand opening was held in June 2015. Since then, the trail has been heavily used year-round.
Project goals were to create accessible trail use opportunities for users of all abilities, and promote economic growth in the area by attracting new visitors year-round.
Through a partnership with Washington County, the City of Stillwater, and others, six miles of former railroad bed was purchased and developed.