The Pike Island Loop Trail is a 3.9-mile loop in Fort Snelling State Park. The Pike Island Loop Trail also doubles as the state park’s Hiking Club Trail (see last paragraph for information about the club). This hike loops around Pike Island providing views of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Dogs are allowed on the trail when on a leash.

Parking for this hike is available near the visitor center. To reach the Pike Island Loop Trail, head northeast on the paved Minnehaha Trail for a short distance, then take the first right. Shortly you will see the bridge to Pike Island. Once you cross the bridge to Pike Island, you can loop around the island in either direction. To the right you will first follow the Minnesota River and to the left the Mississippi River. The trail runs near both rivers in a hardwood forest. The trail is very wide and level on hard packed dirt and gravel. It will easily accommodate strollers. Half way through the loop is the confluence of the two rivers. There is a good chance you will encounter wildlife during your hike. Deer are known to frequent the island. Look for waterfowl and other birds including herons, egrets, and bald eagles. Beaver activity can also be seen.

Fort Snelling State Park is a popular park due to its close proximity to Minneapolis and Saint Paul. This hike is a nice way to see nature even though you are close to two large cities.

The Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club program encourages hikers to hike a designated Hiking Club Trail at most state parks. A Hiking Club password is found on all of these hikes. You can earn patches, free camping, and even a plaque (if you hike all of the Hiking Club trails) for participating in the club. A Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most state parks for $14.95 (as of 2021). More information about the program can be found here.

A map of the state park can be found here.