Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Town House School – Sandstone Bluffs Trail loop from Interstate Park

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Town House School – Sandstone Bluffs Trail loop from Interstate Park

Easy

2.7

(7)

hikers

Town House School – Sandstone Bluffs Trail loop from Interstate Park

01:14

4.45km

80m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 19, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

97 m

Town House School

Highlight • Historical Site

This building is Minnesota's oldest, existing public school house, built in 1852.

Tip by

159 m

George Washington Schoolhouse (1832)

Highlight • Historical Site

256 m

Railroad Trail and Sandstone Bluffs, St. Croix River Valley

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

For a hike that combines history, nature, and adventure, check out the Railroad Trail near Taylors Falls, MN. This trail follows an old railroad bed that once brought visitors to …

Tip by

1.94 km

The Sandstone Bluffs Trail in Interstate State Park, Minnesota, is a scenic and challenging one-mile loop well-suited for intermediate and advanced hikers. The trail features steep, rugged terrain, with hundreds …

Tip by

3.29 km

Interstate State Park

Nature Reserve

4.45 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.09 km

1.28 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

2.92 km

1.28 km

136 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Friday 3 July

30°C

20°C

24 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Description

If you're looking for a hike that blends historical charm with dramatic natural beauty, the Town House School – Sandstone Bluffs Trail loop from Interstate Park is an excellent choice. This easy 2.8-mile (4.4 km) hiking route packs in 252 feet (77 metres) of climbing over approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes, offering a rewarding experience for those who appreciate diverse scenery and a bit of a workout.

What to expect on Town House School – Sandstone Bluffs Trail loop from Interstate Park

The route takes you through a fascinating blend of landscapes, starting perhaps with the historical Town House School before transitioning to the mostly flat Railroad Trail. The real highlight, however, is the Sandstone Bluffs Trail, where the terrain shifts dramatically. Here, you'll navigate steep packed dirt, switchbacks, and over 300 wooden stairs that ascend the bluffs, offering open views of the St. Croix River valley. Keep an eye out for spring wildflowers and the intermittent Curtain Falls. While the overall loop is rated easy, be prepared for a significant workout on the bluffs; benches are available for rests. This trail is perfect for hikers who enjoy a mix of gentle walking and challenging climbs, all while soaking in dramatic cliffs and ancient bluffs.

Planning your visit

You can access this loop from the campground area of Interstate Park in Minnesota, with a convenient tunnel under Highway 8 connecting to various trail segments. The trail is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion. Fall offers vibrant foliage, while spring brings wildflowers, making both seasons ideal for a visit.

Trail details