OverView
One of the newest Minnesota state bicycle trails is the Brown’s Creek trail from downtown Stillwater to the Gateway State Trail. At just 12 miles round trip it’s an easy ride for even families with kids, and gets heavy use on nice summer weekends. Originally part of the old Northern Pacific line until 1982. After that the line was used by the Minnesota Zephyr heritage railroad until 2008. At that point the owner, after two years of losses, decided to retire, and the track was sold to the Minnesota DNR. The Brown’s Creek State Trail officially opened in 2012
While presented as a single narrative, the following phototor is a combination of several trips taken in the fall. Cameras are my Sony A6000 with (mainly) a Sony F1.8 50mm lens, the Sony “kit lens”, and my “BikeCam” handlebar mounted GoPro Hero 8. The riding helmet I’m wearing is the “Windjammer” hard shell from the late 1980.
Trail Begining
After a six block long city-owned connecting trail from Downtown Stillwater and the Loop Trail, the official beginning of the Brown’s Creek State Trail is here at the parking lot of Laurel Street. There is now a fee to park here, meaning this formerly well used parking lot is mostly empty. Here’s a photo of the first of three red-roofed information kiosks.
The Stillwater Depot looks old, but is actually a relatively recent construction, originally meant as a base of the Zephyr dinner train. It’s now a performing arts center
Miles 0-3
For the first couple of miles, the trail follows closely follow Highway 95.
Along Highway 95 is a welcome sign
At the Highway 95 bridge, the trail takes a sharp turn inland and away from the highway noise.
Looking back on the other side of the bridge some large rocks function as an inpromptu rest stop and photo posing location.
As the trail heads into the woods, eventually a steep droppoff appears to the side, with Brown’s Creek Below
Near the two mile mark is a concrete overpass for Stonebridge Trail, and shortly after that a rest area. Down below is Brown’s Creek, and in the distance is the old stone bridge, now on private property but built in 1863 as part of the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road.
At Neal Avenue the trail goes by the Oak Glen Golf Course
Coldwater Stop
Just after Neil Avenue and right at about the halfway point is the “Coldwater Stop”. Here there’s a parking lot fo those that choose to start the ride here, a repair station, water fountains, portable toilets, numerous benches, and a playground. It’s a chance to park your bikes and take of your riding helmets and stretch out a bit.
Miles 3-6
The next landmark is a bridge over Manning Avenue.
Shortly before Mile 5, there is a parking lot for a defunct golf course.
Shortly after Mile 5, there is a rest stop to the side, overlooking Highway 96 and a pond
Trails End.
At Duluth Junction, the Brown’s Creek State Trail meets the Gateway Trail. Although not accessible by car with parking, this includes an information kiosk, bike repair station, bike racks, and picnic tables.
A few blocks to the right on the Gateway Trail is the Highway 96 trailhead, where parking and restrooms are available.
