Description: <DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><DIV><DIV><P><SPAN>The Central Lakes State Trail is a 55 mile former railroad route turned paved bike trail that runs through three counties and ten communities. This trail begins in the city of Fergus Falls, and ends in the city of Osakis. Trail users will enjoy the many differing landscape views, ranging from open grassland/prairie, lakes, wetlands, farmland, and forested rolling hills.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>The area is historically significant because the Kensington Rune Stone, dated 1362, was found near a small town southwest of Alexandria. An often misunderstood artifact with over 200 medieval runes chiseled in its surface, the Stone suggests Norsemen adventured in the area 130 years before Christopher Columbus.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>The region is also known for its unique geographic features around Lake Christina, including the Seven Sisters Prairie on the north side of the lake, which is a group of seven, glacially-produced knolls. Lake Christina is an important stop for many species of waterfowl during migration. For more trail information, visit the Central Lakes Trail Association.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>The Central Lakes State Trail connects to the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail in Osakis. The Lake Wobegon Trail is a 46-mile, paved trail that leads into the town of St. Joseph, MN.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>In the summer, the developed trail is popular for hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating. Winter uses offer snowmobiling opportunities.</SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV>