Rice Creek West Regional Trail Corridor

what is a Long-Range Plan?

A long-range plan is a document for the County to guide development, redevelopment, and provide a vision for each regional park and trail. Long-range plans are dynamic and respond to changes in demographics, outdoor recreational trends, and factors that may impact the use of a regional park or trail. The nature of a dynamic document helps to ensure parks and trails are equitable and meeting the needs of the community.

Why You?

Engaging the public in this process is vital for ensuring that the Rice Creek West Regional Trail will be relevant for park users (present and future), partners from community-based and governmental organizations, and the general public. After all, parks and trails exist for public use and the way they are developed has an impact on the quality of life for everyone.

Why Now?

Due to the shifting demographics in the County, the City of Fridley’s recent Park Improvement Plan, and a 10 year old long-range plan amendment, the Rice Creek West Regional Trail long-range plan is in the process of being revised. Locke Park, which is owned by the City of Fridley and leased by Anoka County, has been a partnership that has allowed the park to serve as the trailhead facility since the original long-range plan was developed in 1980 for the Rice Creek West Regional Trail. The last long-range plan amendment, completed in 2012, incorporated Manomin Park into the regional trail to serve as the western most point and provide access to the confluence of the Rice Creek and Mississippi River. 

The Rice Creek begins at Clear Lake in Washington County and flows southwest through Ramsey and Anoka County to the Mississippi River. The four-mile long Rice Creek West Regional Trail corridor follows the creek through 200 acres in Anoka County. Locke Park, the Fridley Civic Campus, Community Park, Locke Lake Park and Manomin Park are a few parks and facilities it connects to in the County. The trail also links to the Mississippi River, the Mississippi River Trail, Ramsey County’s Rice Creek West Regional Trail and many neighborhoods along its route.

The Trail

While the paved trail is over four miles long, due to the topography of the creek, there are several steep slopes that are not accessible. A portion of the master planning process will look at the feasibility of making the trail accessible to all. 

The trail also connects to the Mississippi River Trail which traverses through Anoka County along the Mississippi River from Minneapolis to Elk River. The Mississippi River Trail links to the Anoka County Riverfront/Islands of Peace Regional Park, Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, and Mississippi West Regional Park.

Manomin Park is part of the National Parks Service Mississippi National River Recreation Area and the Mississippi River Critical Corridor.

Locke Park

• Trailhead (A portion of this park is leased from the City of Fridley)

• 1 Small and 1 Medium Picnic Pavilion

• 2 Playgrounds

• Restroom Building

• 1-1/2 Acre Dog Park

• Hiking Trails

• Practice Archery Stand

Manomin Park

• Trailhead

• Historic 1847 Banfill Tavern

• Picnic Pavilion

• Restroom Building

• Shore Fishing

• Hiking Trails

• Canoe/Kayak Launch