Louisville Swamp Loop via Mazomani Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate loop trail to Louisville Swamp in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The trail is lightly trafficked. The scenery is a mixture of prairie, oak savanna, river bottom forest, marsh, open water and rocky bluff lines. For most of the hike the entire scene is natural with only one grain elevator visible on the skyline. A local attraction is the historic 1880 Jab's farmstead consisting of a farm home and two barns all built from native limestone (location 44.734266, -93.619734). However the trail leading to the farmstead is often flooded where it crosses Sand Creek. In season archery hunting for deer and upland game is allowed.

Getting Started

To get to the trail head take 145th Street west off US Highway 169 for about one-half mile to the trail head. There is ample parking at the trail head (44.739592, -93.597753). Parking is free and there are no required permits to hike.

Taking Children

This trail is suitable for children. Care should be taken near open water and there is always the possibility of exposure to poison ivy.