Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The northern segment of the Gandy Dancer State Trail begins on the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River. The trail runs for 31 miles in Minnesota and then crosses back into Wisconsin for 15 miles where it connects with the Saunders State Trail just south of Superior. Built on a former railroad corridor, the trail is named for the work crews who laid the railroad tracks. The crews used tools made by the Gandy Tool Company of Chicago and were known to work by keeping their voices, feet and tools in harmony, leading them to be called "Gandy Dancers."
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Gandy Dancer State Trail (Northern)?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in September–October; biking in May–June and September–October; ATV / UTV / off-road in June–October; and horseback riding in June and September–October.
What can you do at Gandy Dancer State Trail (Northern) in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking and ATV / UTV / off-road. Summer (June–August): hiking, biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and horseback riding. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and horseback riding.
Do you need a state park sticker at Gandy Dancer State Trail (Northern)?
No. Gandy Dancer State Trail (Northern) doesn't require a vehicle sticker or a state trail pass.
What state parks and trails are near Gandy Dancer State Trail (Northern)?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Pattison State Park (3 mi), Saunders State Trail (5 mi) and Amnicon Falls State Park (16 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is not required on the trail.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 715-378-2219
Nearby
- Pattison State Park (3 mi)
- Saunders State Trail (5 mi)
- Amnicon Falls State Park (16 mi)
- Brule River State Forest (28 mi)
- Totogatic Wild River (32 mi)
Closures and alerts for Gandy Dancer State Trail (Northern): updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.