In This Issue
The segment connects trail between Myre-Big Island State Park and Hayward
 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed a 1-mile extension of the Blazing Star State Trail east of Myre-Big Island State Park.
The segment, which is now open to the public, increases the total trail length to 8.1 miles. Prior to this extension, the trail started at the northwest corner of Albert Lea Lake within Albert Lea city limits and ran southeast into and through Myre-Big Island State Park. The new segment picks up at the eastern edge of the park, where a 100-foot bridge crosses Albert Lea Lake, and continues east to the city of Hayward.
“This new segment helps the DNR continue its work toward providing outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities to all Minnesotans,” said DNR Parks and Trails District Supervisor Craig Beckman. “We hope the continued development of the state’s trail system helps inspire people to pass along the love for the outdoors to current and future generations.”
The new, 10-foot-wide paved trail segment is open for walking, running, biking, rollerblading and more. The trail’s location allows users to stroll through the heart of the state park, including convenient access to spots for picnicking, bird and wildlife watching, fishing, and paddleboarding.
The trail can be accessed at multiple points, including parking locations: in Albert Lea at the Frank Hall Park or East Front Street trailheads; in the state park at the visitor center; Big Island and White Fox Campground; west of Hayward on Township Road 290; and in Hayward on the city trailhead on West Street.
Funding for the new trail came from federal transportation grants, state general obligation bonds and the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund.
The trail is set for further improvement, as the segment running through the eastern half of the state park is slated for rehabilitation work, expected to begin in fall 2026.
For more information on the Blazing Star State Trail and to get a trail map, visit the DNR website (mndnr.gov/blazingstar).
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 Visitors can learn about the landscapes and ecosystems of Sibley State Park and the continuing impact of climate change through newly installed and now open interactive exhibits at the park's visitor center.
The new offerings are family friendly and educational, featuring wood crafted art pieces, storybook graphics and interactive tools. They include: a glacier exhibit with an accompanying dance; a wheel users can turn, signifying time and climate with audible markers; a wooden salamander representing the park’s habitat; and storybook cutouts featuring the park’s plants and animals.
Local area experts were included on the project team to make sure the best data and information was used to develop the exhibit content.
“These new exhibits focus on Sibley’s specific landscape features and the ecosystems they support,” DNR Parks and Trails Exhibits Specialist Megan Johnsen said. “For example, we featured the blue-spotted salamander, which lives in habitats created by glacial geology.”
The Sibley visitor center is open year-round. Entry to the park with a vehicle requires a Minnesota state parks vehicle permit (mndnr.gov/permits), which can be purchased online or at any staffed and open Minnesota state park ranger station. Participating public libraries (mndnr.gov/librarypass) throughout Minnesota also offer free seven-day park passes; check your local library for more information.
Visitor center hours are dependent on staff availability, but the center is generally open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Guests can call 320-347-7810 to check before visiting. Stay up to date on happenings at Sibley and other state parks at the DNR’s state parks page (mndnr.gov/parks).
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