DNR Secures Legacy Funding to Complete Brown's Creek Trail in Stillwater

Brown's Creek State Trail is Closed

While under construction, DNR reminds pedestrians, bicyclists and other trail users to steer clear of the Brown’s Creek State Trail until bridge and trail construction is complete.
The trail is currently closed for construction.
“Now that spring weather has finally arrived in Minnesota, people are tuning up their bikes, lacing up their shoes and spending more time outdoors on state trails,” Courtland Nelson, director of the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division, said. “However, because safety is our top priority, we urge trail users in the Stillwater area to please stay off of the Brown’s Creek State Trail while it’s being built.” Trail development started last fall when railroad tracks and ties from the former Minnesota Zephyr rail line were removed.
Construction will continue throughout the spring and summer as two bridges on the eastern half of the trail are redeveloped. One of the bridges, located on the north side of Oak Glen Golf Course, will be rebuilt and will transport trail users across Brown’s Creek, a designated trout stream.
The other bridge, which crosses Highway 95, north of downtown Stillwater, will be repaired and rehabilitated to accommodate trail use.
In addition to bridge work this spring and summer, DNR contractors will grade the trail between downtown Stillwater and Neal Avenue at Brown’s Creek Park and Nature Preserve. Once the bridge work and grading is complete, the eastern half of the trail will be paved.
The timeline for paving this segment has not been finalized.
Full development of the Brown’s Creek State Trail will include a trail bridge over Manning Avenue on the western half of the trail.
Due to safety concerns for potential trail users, the Brown’s Creek State Trail will not be developed west of Neal Avenue until that bridge is completed.
“When complete, the Brown’s Creek State Trail will offer a scenic link between the Gateway State Trail, the St. Croix River and downtown Stillwater,” Nelson said. “But while the trail is being built, we need local residents and visitors to stay off the corridor.”When specific construction schedules and additional updates about the Brown’s Creek State Trail are available, information will be posted on the Brown’s Creek State Trail Web page at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/browns_creek.