HomeMinnesotaRochester › Izaak Walton Wetlands

Izaak Walton Wetlands

4.6 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · Running trail in Rochester, Minnesota · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Izaak Walton Wetlands' 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.

Natural surfaceLoopScenicTrailhead parking

Beautiful park featuring a loop trail around a pond and a host of wildlife, including birds.

What runners say about Izaak Walton Wetlands

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (63 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“Incredibly well kept trails as far as the eyes can see as well as opportunities to explore off trail near the rivers if that's your thing.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Beautiful place, we went with our group of homeschooling students and has a great time exploring the different wild flowers and playing in the mud.”

Beautiful hidden gem. I was only able to walk for 20 minutes but I'm definitely going back again and walk the full trail sometime soon.

★★★★★ — Hagilan , Jul 2022

A great workout for the over-60 set if you combine the main walk with the river walk. If you have bad knees, you can shuffle up and down the steeper parts of the river trail. I wish the bridges could have ramps instead of the steps.

★★★★★ — Cheryl , Mar 2024

Very nice area with well kept trails. I loved the tree labels with interesting information. I've lived in Rochester for 60 years and am sad it took me that long to explore this gem the first time. I'll return soon and often.

★★★★★ — Eric , Mar 2023

Beautiful little spot for a nice walk. Might get muddy if there has been recent rain but it is a fantastic little walk on dry and sunny days

★★★★★ — Alex , Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 63 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“Beautiful place, we went with our group of homeschooling students and has a great time exploring the different wild flowers and playing in the mud.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 4 mentions

“Might get muddy if there has been recent rain but it is a fantastic little walk on dry and sunny days”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“The only problem is parking, there is not enough space, so be careful when you park next to the road.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“Its a full loop around the pond start and finish in the same spot close to your car.”

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Plan your run at Izaak Walton Wetlands

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners

Where to find Izaak Walton Wetlands

4400-5198 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Get directions

Running trails near Rochester

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Zumbro South Park

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Cascade Lake Park

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This recreational area offers a lakeside trail with spots for fishing, plus an open play field.

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Cascade Lake Loop trail

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Fox Trails Park

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Indian Heights Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 126 reviews

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1.5 miScenic

Urban hillside park with scenic trails, overlooks and native flora.

4.4 miles away

Douglas Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 98 reviews

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PavedShadedScenic

Paved, 12.5-mi. multi-use trail on an abandoned railbed through forests, pastures & fields.

4.4 miles away

All running trails in Rochester, MN →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.