Go Explore -Pike Island

A favorite hike of ours is close to home and easily accessible by car or bike for us, PIKE ISLAND (Dakota name Wita Tanka). This is a hiking trail within FORT SNELLING STATE PARK. From the entrance of the park, follow the road to the Visitors Center. Once you park you will see trail maps on sign posts.

 

“Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers”

You know you are in the right place when you see a little foot bridge bringing you to the Island. No cars or bikes are allowed on these trails. The island is about 3 miles around with many paths that criss-cross through the interior shortening the trails to 1 and 2 miles.

This is a great place to learn a bit more about the history of our state and its people. Long before Zebulon Pike (the namesake of the Island) purchased and imprisoned the Dakota here in 1862, it was a sacred site of the Mdewakanton Dakota.

“The Dakota called this area

Bdote Minisota”

I encourage everyone to learn more about the significance of this site. You can find out more here on the MN Hisorical Website. Tons of great outdoor play to be had. Can you see the natural water line on the trees from past floods? The trails can be small or wide, like the paths under the power lines. Look closely among the trees for deer. They might even cross right in front of you!It can be muddy so bring your hiking boots.

 

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