DUNBAR, MN — A new 1-mile segment of the Mill Towns State Trail is now open, giving residents and visitors expanded access to walking, skiing, snowshoeing and other non-motorized recreation just south of Dundas.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently completed the segment, which connects the city’s existing trail network to areas south of town. With the addition, the Mill Towns State Trail now spans roughly 4 miles.
“Mill Towns State Trail users have the opportunity to experience a mix of urban and rural landscapes as they explore the rich beauty of southern Minnesota,” said Craig Beckman, DNR Parks and Trails district supervisor.
The paved trail is open to non-motorized use. Snowmobiles and horseback riding are not permitted.
Users can access the new segment at several locations, including Mill Park in Dundas at the trailhead parking area near the corner of Hester and Railway streets, as well as a gravel parking area located just south of town off County Road 8.
Funding for the project came from a combination of federal transportation grants, state general obligation bonds and the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund.
Additional expansion of the Mill Towns State Trail is planned. The DNR expects to complete work later this year on another segment connecting Northfield to the Waterford Historic Bridge during the 2026 construction season. Once finished, the trail’s total length will increase to approximately 10 miles.
Future segments connecting Faribault to Dundas and the Waterford Historic Bridge to Lake Byllesby Regional Park are still needed to complete the full trail.
When fully built, the Mill Towns State Trail would extend about 30 miles and link with the Sakatah State Trail in Faribault and the Cannon Valley Trail in Cannon Falls, creating an estimated 85 to 90 miles of continuous trail between Mankato and Red Wing.
