Martin's Meadow Preserve Loop

This hike is a mile-long lollipop loop through Martin’s Meadow Preserve in the city of Andover, Minnesota. Parking can be found at the end of the cul-de-sac on the east end of Navajo Street NW. This hike runs through prairie and hardwood habitats and brings the hiker to the Rum River. Birdwatchers may encounter a wide variety of birds from songbirds to larger birds like sandhill cranes, bald eagles, turkeys and pileated woodpeckers. 

There is an informational sign about Martin’s Meadow Preserve at the trailhead, but there is no trail map. The trail starts with a trek down a hill. At the bottom of the hill the trail heads north (to the left) through an open prairie and then heads into a hardwood forest. Shortly after entering the forest there is a fork in the trail, take a left here; this begins the loop. Follow the trail for about 0.2-miles through forest and prairie until you see a short spur trail to the Rum River. There is a picnic table here. After enjoying the Rum River head back to the main trail. 

After a short while the trail will come to an intersection; take a left here unless you want to shorten the hike. The trail will go around a hill. On the backside of the hill the main trail seems to end, but take the narrow trail up the steep hill and take in the view. From the top of the hill head south and stay to the right as you pass two intersections. When you come to a T take a right; then bear left at the next intersection. Soon the loop will be complete, take a left and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

One can vary the length of their hike through the 38-acre Martin’s Meadow Preserve. Refer to this map of the hiking trails a Martin’s Meadow Preserve.