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Kost Dam County Park, Chisago County
4.4 ★★★★☆ 119 Google reviews · Running trail in North Branch, Minnesota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Kost Dam County Park, Chisago County'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.
Relaxed country park featuring a lake for fishing and a river, plus picnic tables and a dam.
What runners say about Kost Dam County Park, Chisago County
“Was very clean the two times I've been there this fall.”
“They have beautiful views of the Sunrise River, a pavilion, picnic tables, BBQs, a playground, and plenty of fishing access.”
“Was a quiet place to stroll and view a small, but swollen flow over the dam.”
Went for paddle boarding. I prefer no wake, very quiet water trails. Stayed above the dam, didn't want to get stuck in shallow water farther down from the dam. The lake was beautiful, not covered in weeds but there are patches. The waterway was deep enough for a board with a fin.
I have fished both above and below the dam. Below is much more fun. Many of us tree-huggers are all about taking out dams. I think this needs to stay. Almost 30 miles of wetlands rely on this dam to support waterfowl and other animals. I would like to see better fish ladders. There are no trout in the Sunrise River.
Love this place, been coming here since I was young and a little on the rustic side, but a great place to have a little gathering or just hanging with the kids. There are hiking trails, fishing, the dam is cool, usually some wildlife, tables for eating, a little park and also has rustic bathrooms.
Nice quiet little park tucked away on a gravel road with almost no traffic. There are a few picnic tables and grills to make use of and restrooms although they are basically glorified outhouses, there is no running water. I found it a nice place to relax an hour or two.
Trail conditions & character
“They have beautiful views of the Sunrise River, a pavilion, picnic tables, BBQs, a playground, and plenty of fishing access.”
“There are a few picnic tables and grills to make use of and restrooms although they are basically glorified outhouses, there is no running water.”
“Was a quiet place to stroll and view a small, but swollen flow over the dam.”
“There's a wheelchair accessable pagoda.”
Plan your run at Kost Dam County Park, Chisago County
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitechisagocountymn.gov
- Phone(651) 674-2345
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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