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Belwin Conservancy: Stagecoach Prairie
4.8 ★★★★★ 77 Google reviews · Running trail in Afton, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Belwin Conservancy: Stagecoach Prairie's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Belwin Conservancy: Stagecoach Prairie
“Absolutely gorgeous, peaceful and almost like a cornmaze where you first walk in through the clear cut path through the native restored prairie.”
“Note that there's a second, small, barely-marked parking area off of 11th, just south a bit on Stagecoach Trail, if you prefer to start your hike (and park your car) in the shade.”
“Absolutely gorgeous, peaceful and almost like a cornmaze where you first walk in through the clear cut path through the native restored prairie.”
Great grassy prairie flatland kinda style loop. No challenging inclines of any kind. It can be a quick stroll or as long of a walk as you want it to be trails ranging from 1-4 miles.
My absolute favorite local trail system. This place literally restores my soul. The grassland prairie is superb and I love that it still has hints of wooded areas. It’s not often busy, and is great hiking at all times of the year. My dog also loves the hiking- so many good smells.
When we first pulled up, we almost left. It looked rather small... we stayed and started a walk, and took every left turn... it was a beautiful mix of Forrest and meadow trails and some steeper hills, some we found a bit challenging (which is good).
Belwin Conservancy’s Stagecoach Trail is truly a hidden gem. It’s one of those rare places where you can completely unplug, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with nature and with yourself.
Trail conditions & character
“Absolutely gorgeous, peaceful and almost like a cornmaze where you first walk in through the clear cut path through the native restored prairie.”
“Note that there's a second, small, barely-marked parking area off of 11th, just south a bit on Stagecoach Trail, if you prefer to start your hike (and park your car) in the shade.”
“My dog also loves the hiking- so many good smells.”
“Note that there's a second, small, barely-marked parking area off of 11th, just south a bit on Stagecoach Trail, if you prefer to start your hike (and park your car) in the shade.”
“Absolutely gorgeous, peaceful and almost like a cornmaze where you first walk in through the clear cut path through the native restored prairie.”
“There was also a portable restroom available to the public.”
“For miles you can walk on nice grass paths, meander up and down hills, through trees and admire the beautiful fall colors abound.”
“With all the trails it's like a choose your own adventure, easy to track 6 miles (and maybe more!”
Plan your run at Belwin Conservancy: Stagecoach Prairie
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance10 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitebelwin.org
- Phone(651) 436-5189
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
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