Big Rivers Regional Trail is a paved 4.5-mile (7.2 km) rail trail that overlooks the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers along the northern edge of Dakota County, Minnesota , United States. It runs between the cities of Eagan and Lilydale .
4-727: The trail also links to the 72-mile (116 km) Mississippi National River and Recreation Area , hundreds of miles of trails throughout the greater Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, and historic landmarks including Fort Snelling , Pike Island and the city of Mendota , one of Minnesota's oldest settlements. The Big Rivers Trailhead provides access to a nearly flat paved trail built on an abandoned railroad bed. Minnesota State Highway 55 in Mendota Heights , I-494 in Eagan, and I-35E in Mendota Heights are additional access points to
8-618: The Lexington Bridge and climbs out of the valley. It crosses MN 13 two more times, under its bridges over Lilydale Road and I-35E respectively. It turns north, paralleling the interstate. It crosses the Lexington Bridge, descends one last time, and terminates at Shepard Road . 44°52′02″N 93°10′26″W / 44.86722°N 93.17389°W / 44.86722; -93.17389 Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Too Many Requests If you report this error to
12-610: The Mendota Bridge , which carries state highways 55 and 62 . It crosses MN 13 under a tunnel and enters the old village of Mendota, a small hamlet that overlooks the Minnesota-Mississippi River confluence. The trail leaves Mendota and crosses MN 13 again, this time at-grade. The trail descends into the valley and parallels the Canadian Pacific railway line. It passes three scenic overlooks. It passes under I-35E and
16-541: The Big Rivers Regional Trail. The trail is 5.54 miles (8.92 km) long. The trail begins atop an overpass that parallels I-494. It descends and heads north, paralleling Minnesota State Highway 13 . The trail crosses the Sibley Memorial Highway and intersects a 0.47-mile (0.76 km) spur connecting to a local trail. The trail leaves modern MN 13 but parallels the old alignment. It passes under
#4995