Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Gandy Dancer State Trail

• Northern Segment
• Southern Segment

This 98-mile, interstate trail crosses into Minnesota and then back again into Wisconsin on its way from St. Croix Falls to its connection with the Saunders State Trail just south of Superior.

In Wisconsin the trail is maintained and managed by Polk, Burnett, and Douglas counties. The Minnesota DNR manages the section of the Gandy Dancer trail in Minnesota.

One of a number of lakes the Gandy Dancer State Trail passes.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber

Built on a former railroad corridor, the trail is named for the work crews who laid the railroad tracks. The crews used tools made by the Gandy Tool Company of Chicago. The crews were known to work by keeping their voices and the movement of their feet and tools in harmony. This manner of work led the crews to become known as "Gandy Dancers."

The Gandy Dancer State Trail is divided into a northern segment and a southern segment. Trail uses for the two segments are also divided. Most of the year the southern segment allows only non-motorized recreation on the trail, while the northern segment offers motorized recreation year-round.

Gandy Dancer State Trail Map [PDF 1.6MB]

Southern Segment

This segment of the Gandy Dancer trail begins in St. Croix Falls, near Interstate State Park. This segment travels for 47 miles in Wisconsin through the communities of Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic, Siren and Webster, ending in the town of Danbury at the Minnesota border.

The southern segment is surfaced with crushed limestone. A small section of the trail near the Polk County Information Center is paved with asphalt. The trail tread is suitable for walking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Snowmobiles are allowed on this segment from December to March provided there is at least six inches of snow covering the trail. All-terrain vehicles are not permitted on the southern segment at any time.

Governor Knowles State Forest and Crex Meadows Wildlife Area are near the trail.

Camping is available at Governor Knowles State Forest and Interstate State Park, as well as at several private campgrounds along the trail. The western end of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is also at Interstate State Park.

A historic depot and carved wooden bears welcome users to Frederic.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber

Historical points of interest along the southern segment include Forts Folle Avoine and a restored railroad depot and museum in Frederic.

Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park [exit DNR] is 2.5 miles west of the trail just off of County Highway U, about halfway between Danbury and Webster. The park is a reconstruction of a fur trading post and sits on the banks of the Yellow River at the same site of the original fort.

The southern segment of the Gandy Dancer trail ends just outside Danbury. Here a 520-foot trestle crosses the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway [exit DNR] into Minnesota.

Accommodations, Activities, Dining, Events, and More

Saint Croix Falls [exit DNR]
Polk County [exit DNR], including Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic, and Siren
Burnett County [exit DNR], including Siren, Webster, and Danbury

Northern Segment

This segment begins on the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River. The trail runs for 32 miles in Minnesota and then crosses back into Douglas County [exit DNR] for 19 miles.

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) use is permitted year-round on this segment of the trail. ATVs must display valid registration in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Visitors from Minnesota will need a non-resident ATV trail pass to ride the Wisconsin portion in Douglas County.

All-terrain vehicles are permitted on the northern segment of the Gandy Dancer State Trail.
DNR Photo

Walking, mountain biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling are also permitted on the northern segment. Bicyclists and cross-country skiers do not need trail passes on this segment.

Sections of the trail in Douglas County are typically closed down each Spring due to the soft trail base.

In Minnesota, the trail is maintained and operated by the Minnesota DNR. ATVs and other off-road vehicles are allowed in Minnesota. For more information and a map of the Minnesota section, visit the Gandy Dancer Trail in Minnesota [exit DNR].

Pattison State Park and the Wild Rivers State Trail are near the north end of the trail. Camping is available at Pattison State Park.

Superior and Douglas County [exit DNR]—Accommodations, activities, dining, events, and more

How to Get There

The southern segment of the Gandy Dancer trail follows the route of State Highway 35. There are parking, trail access points, accommodations and services in St. Croix Falls, Centuria, Milltown, Frederic, Siren, Webster and Danbury. Additional parking and restrooms are also available at several places along the southern portion of the trail. The Polk County Information Center is at the junction of highways US 8, State 87, and State 35 and the trail.

The northern segment of the trail in Wisconsin has parking and trail access in Superior.

Master Plan

Gandy Dancer State Trail Master Plan

More Information

A state trail pass is required on some sections of the trail. You can buy annual and daily passes from designated vendors along the trail, and at the Polk County and Burnett County tourism centers.

Northwest Wisconsin [exit DNR]
Snow Report [exit DNR]
Gandy Dancer Trail - Burnett County [exit DNR]
Gandy Dancer Trail - Polk County [exit DNR]

For more information, ask:

Douglas County Forestry Dept.
P.O. Box 211,
Solon Springs WI 54873
(715) 378-2219

Burnett County Parks Department
7410 County Road K #106
Siren, WI 54872
(715) 349-2157

Polk County Parks & Recreation Department
100 Polk Plaza #10
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
(715) 485-9294