Shooting Star Trail

Connecting is what the Shooting Star Bike Trail is all about. The trail connects several of our county’s communities, it connects us to the natural beauty of the prairie and farmland we are blessed with and it offers opportunity for us to
connect with friends and family as we bike, skate, run or walk the trails.


In 1994, twenty six miles were designated along Highway 56 as one of Minnesota's first scenic byways and was named the Shoot Star Wildflower and Historic Route. This achievement opened the door for the current twenty some miles of paved trail system now connecting Lake Louise State Park near LeRoy to the Rose Peddler in Rose Creek. Though the trail currently ends in Rose Creek, the dream and vision does not!

Friends of the Shooting Star Trail meet quarterly and they are continually looking for volunteers and resources to extend
the trail to Austin and beyond. Becky Harwig and so many others are the citizens who commit time and energy to coordinating efforts and building collaborations that can make this expansion not just a vision but a reality.

Active living in Austin has increased as the city bike trail system have expanded over the past few years, making outdoor movement more safe and easier to access. Laura Helle, sub-committee chair for the Idea Selection Committee for Vision 2020 stated the idea submissions that related to bike trails and bike safety were very popular, making “Expanded Bike/Walk Trail System” one of the Vision 2020 top ten for the city.

The commitment shown from the communities along the Shooting Star Trail and in Austin are forging new opportunities for healthy living and economic growth. Shooting Star has been built based on resources and strengths available with attention to preservation of the natural prairie lands. They’ve created something valuable through collaborations and citizen inspiration...this is what Mower Refreshed and its partners like the Shooting Star Bike Trail are all about.

A new generation is being sought to continue “trailblazing” the vision. Saturday, July 14th is Prairie Vision’s 14th Annual Shooting Star Bike Ride. This a great opportunity to ride, volunteer at the rest stops provided for participants or just come out to enjoy the event. To register or sign up to volunteer contact: Becky at 507-434-0500 or Rydjor Bike in Austin at 507-433-7571.

Take time to explore the trail this summer, experience the tall grass prairie, farms and small towns as you discover the native wildflowers on our county’s bike trail…The Shooting Star. You’ll be Mower Refreshed!


www.shootingstartrail.org
www.prairievisions.org
www.vision2020austin.com

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