Nicollet County: River, Trails, and History

Located along the lower Minnesota River, Traverse des Sioux is where the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux was signed in 1851 between the U.S. government and the Dakota. Nicollet County also offers trails through a variety of landscapes, a scenic overlook, and historic buildings. The places have different focuses—from riverbanks and wetlands to architecture and a historic trading post. As you plan your trip, you can consider which nature or history topics interest you most.

River, Wetlands, and Trails

Swan Lake remains a hotspot for birdlife. Nearby are shallow wetlands and marshes in the Swan Lake State Wildlife Management Area. Water levels and bird populations vary by season, so the landscape can look different throughout the year.

7 Mile Creek Park has multi-use trails and a boat launch with access to the Minnesota River. Riverside Park in Saint Peter offers nearly 2,000 feet of shoreline along the Minnesota River and its associated backwaters. Its trails stretch for several miles and are suitable for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. While 7 Mile Creek Park combines trails and river access, Riverside Park is especially notable for its long shoreline and range of trail activities.

At McGill Park Nature Area, walking trails wind through an urban forest. The former railway line also shapes the park: it follows the old Chicago and Northwestern Railway route, and a trail on Church Street lies on the original railbed. Minnemishinona Falls is a scenic overlook on Judson Bottom Road. The overlook is open from sunrise to sunset; as access conditions can change, please check before your visit.

The Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College

The arboretum brings together conifer forest, tallgrass prairie, deciduous forest, formal gardens, and hardy trees from around the world. You can walk, bike, or run on more than 2.5 miles of trails. This lets you tailor your visit to different activities, while the variety of plant communities shapes the character of the grounds.

The arboretum is open year-round during daylight hours. Admission to the outdoor grounds is free, and donations are welcome. The Melva Lind Interpretive Center houses several exhibits. Visitors planning a trip will find both trails through a variety of landscapes and exhibits at a designated location—two distinct aspects of the arboretum.

Historic Sites and Local Insights

Two dates are important to the history of the E. St. Julien Cox House: Eugene St. Julien Cox and his wife, Mariah (Mayhew) Cox, built it in 1871; it reopened to the public as a historic house museum in 1971. The house is considered an outstanding example of a Carpenter Gothic–Italianate cottage. The dates mark different points in its history: its construction and its later reopening as a museum.

The Harkin Store is an authentic general store from the 1870s. Visitors can take a self-guided tour outside the store and its attached residence. The store building is currently closed, but the grounds remain open daily. Check access information before you travel so you can plan your visit accordingly.

The Nicollet County Fair dates back to 1871. Its offerings include agricultural, horticultural, and historical competitive exhibits, as well as a variety of community entertainment. There are also numerous food stands, including a popular 4-H food stand that serves breakfast. The fair combines exhibits and entertainment with a specific taste of the local food scene.

Discover more destinations: St Peter, Hubbard County, Steele County, Houston County, Aitkin County, Benton County, Waseca County, Kanabec County.

For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.