Shooting Star Trail
The Shooting Star Trail is a cooperative project between Prairie Visions, Mower County, Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The Trail is an asphalt trail laid mostly on top of abandoned railway and is part of the vast state system of designated pathways for trails following abandoned railway right of way. The eastern entrance is in LeRoy, MN, which is on MN Hwy 56 just west of its junction with US 63 right above the Iowa Minnesota state line.
The eastern trail entrance is just north of the high school in LeRoy, off Mower County Hwy 14. The trail runs through Lake Louise State Park, and continues further west on Minnesota Highway 56 through Taopi, Adams, Rose Creek, and ending in Austin.
Prairie Visions volunteers continue working tirelessly to keep the trail attractive and add amenities such as rest benches, covered shelters, signs, and brochures. The volunteers keep the lines of communication open with Minnesota State Agencies to enhance the public's experience when using the Shooting Star Trail.
Historic Norwegian Hill Shelter
The Trail is an asphalt trail laid mostly on top of abandoned railway and is part of the vast state system of designated pathways for trails following abandoned railway right of way. The eastern entrance is in LeRoy, MN, which is on MN Hwy 56 just west of its junction with US 63 right above the Iowa Minnesota state line.
The eastern trail entrance is just north of the high school in LeRoy, off Mower County Hwy 14. The trail runs through Lake Louise State Park, and continues further west on Minnesota Highway 56 through Taopi, Adams, Rose Creek, and ending in Austin.
Prairie Visions volunteers continue working tirelessly to keep the trail attractive and add amenities such as rest benches, covered shelters, signs, and brochures. The volunteers keep the lines of communication open with Minnesota State Agencies to enhance the public's experience when using the Shooting Star Trail.
Historic Norwegian Hill Shelter
The slight rise on the gently rolling prairie located about two and one-half miles west of Adams near the road that goes south to Johnsburg, was known as Norwegian Hill, so called because mostly Norwegian farmers lived in that area. During one severe blizzard in the early 1930’s a freight train was stuck in the snow for a day or two until the Norwegian farmers rallied to the situation and shoveled the train free to move on. From then on it was called Norwegian Hill in order to honor the farmers for rescuing the train. The shelter was funded by Gerald Meier in memory of his wife, Marjie, and designed and built by Ken Hartwig.
Things to See and Do Along the Trail
View the presentation on wildflowers by Ken Hartwig. The majority of the photos were taken along the Shooting Star Trail.
- Town Celebrations are held in the summer - LeRoy Summerfest, Adams Dairy Days, Rose Creek Fun Days, and Freedom Fest in Austin. The Mower County Fair is a yearly event held in Austin.
- LeRoy - Lake Louise State Park, Sweets Hotel, Restaurant and Lounge, Travel Lanes Bowling Alley and Supper Club, LeRoy Public Library, LeRoy Community Pool
- Adams - Bubbles' Cafe, Adams Area History Center, Town and Country Swimming Pool. Cedar River Golf Course, City Park
- Rose Creek - City Park, The Creek Bar and Grill
- Austin, the county seat of Mower County, has a number of scenic, historical and recreational sites, such as the SPAM museum, Hormel Nature Center, and the Mower County Historical Society. Visit the Discover Austin website for more details.
View the presentation on wildflowers by Ken Hartwig. The majority of the photos were taken along the Shooting Star Trail.
Reminders
- In the spring and early summer, many wildflowers bloom close to the ground, so plan on getting out and looking closely.
- When you're "on the prairie" animals abound, so keep alert for deer, raccoon and other animals on the road.
- Remember to bring mosquito spray and wear long pants with socks tucked up over your pant legs to protect yourself from ticks if you take a walk.
- Bring along a camera to photograph the flowers, but please don't pick or dig them.