River Bend Trail System “5 Miles and Beyond”

By: Katy Anderegg, Naturalist/Program Coordinator

Walking, biking, running; enjoyable activities for people who love to be outside. River Bend Nature Center trail system has grown and gone through expansions and name changes over the past forty years. It all began with a group of dedicated people who had a desire to set aside land for everyone to come out, relax, and get away from the busyness of the city.

So what’s in a name? What makes our trail names meaningful? Most of our trail names were chosen because of a significant tree that stood out or an animal that was frequently seen along the route leading to Maple, Oak, Raccoon, and Owl trail. Trout Lily, named for the flower that is endemic (a species found only here and nowhere else in the world) to Rice and Goodhue County, was at one point Wood Duck. Others, such as Teepee Tonka and Arrowhead have a historical meaning to them. These names come from when the Dakota tribe, the Wahpekute, lived on the land after the US-Dakota War of 1862. The land belonged to Alexander Faribault and he allowed the Wahpekute that were not involved in the war to live on his farm. They lived in cabins and often used these trails along the straight river.

At the time of the dedication of River Bend Nature Center, in September 1980 most of these trail names were different. Maple was called Northridge, Owl was Woodland, Oak was Ginger Ridge trail, and parts of Raccoon were called Limestone. A short five months later the board members revised the names to what they are today. The addition of Prairie Loop, Walnut (known as Hardwood Forest in ‘96) and most of the south side trails, named for birds, were added during the 90’s. Cherry, sumac, and the rest of walnut trail starting at the entrance of the nature center were added in the early 2000’s. River Bend now has a total of 10 miles of trails available for recreational use. The next time you’re out to River Bend and walk our trails, what stands out to you? Come up with your own trail name just for fun or share a memory you have! @ River Bend Nature Center