40 Years on the Cannon Valley Trail

The Cannon Valley Trail turns 40 this year. In this episode, we look at how a stretch of the old Chicago Great Western rail line along the Cannon River became one of southeastern Minnesota's favorite outdoor destinations. Neighbors who once worried about trail users crossing their land now list "next to the Cannon Valley Trail" as a selling point when they sell their homes. We also cover why this is one of the few Minnesota trails where pets aren't allowed, not even in a carrier, and why that might change. And we stop at Welch Station, where volunteer musicians have played for passing riders on summer Saturdays for more than 30 years.

Guests:

Scott Roepke has been the trail manager since 1999. In the trail's 40-year history, there have been only two trail managers, and he is one of them.

Brenda Owens has coordinated Voices of the Valley, the trail's summer music and programming series at Welch Station, since 2020. She has lived above the trail in the Cannon Valley for more than 30 years.

Ryan Cooper lives in Cannon Falls and uses the trail several times a week to run, walk, bike, and photograph the wildlife he sees along the way.

In this episode

• From rail to trail: The railroad abandoned the line in 1983. Local citizens worked with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota to move the corridor to local governments, and the trail was dedicated in 1986.
• Winning over the neighbors: Early on, adjacent landowners worried about litter and trespassing. Over time the trail went from a concern to an amenity that adds to property values.
• How a joint powers trail is different: Cannon Falls, Red Wing, and Goodhue County run the trail together, not the state. That means it's funded with local tax dollars, it charges a Wheel Pass fee, and it is strictly people-powered.
• The pet policy: The trail is being repaved and widened from 8 to 10 feet over the next several years. Once that work is finished, the Joint Powers Board plans to review the no-pets rule.
• Economic impact: More than 100,000 visitors a year spend money in Cannon Falls, Welch, and Red Wing on bike rentals, dinner, coffee, and gas. Wheel Pass revenue is also spent locally on trail upkeep.
• Maintenance: Ryan reports a downed tree in the morning, and it's usually cleared by the next day.
• Voices of the Valley: The series began around 1992. It features live music, naturalist demonstrations, and food samples from local businesses at Welch Station, which you can also reach by car.
• A spot not to miss: Ryan's pick is the Anderson rest area. It has a short wooded trail and a creek where he sees newborn fawns every spring. This year he watched a family of woodchucks grow up there.
• Year-round use: In winter, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing.
• Coming soon: The trail is working with the Minnesota Historical Society on a written history, expected as soon as next spring.

Plan your visit

• Route: The trail runs between Cannon Falls and Red Wing, mostly along the Cannon River, with Welch Station about halfway.
• Wheel Pass: A daily or seasonal pass is required from April through October. [Current pricing and purchase link]
• No pets: Pets aren't allowed anywhere on the trail, including in carriers.
• Voices of the Valley: Most Saturdays, June through September, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Welch Station, which is accessible from Highway 61. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic. The 2026 season has ended, so plan for next summer.
• Go further: In Cannon Falls, you can connect to the Mill Towns State Trail near the fairgrounds and ride toward Lake Byllesby. In Red Wing, a few city streets link you to the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail.
• Before you go: Check the trail website for construction closures over the next few years.

Links

• Cannon Valley Trail
• Cannon Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
• Red Wing Visitors & Convention Bureau
• Mill Towns State Trail
• Goodhue Pioneer State Trail
• Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Credits: 
Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson 
Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty
Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake