Rail trail · Wisconsin
Stower Seven Lakes State Trail
A 12-mile crushed-stone rail-trail looping through the lake-dotted Polk County landscape near Centuria in northwestern Wisconsin, skimming the shores of several small lakes and offering one of the prettier shorter rides in the Saint Croix region.
Length
12 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Loop
Endpoints
Loop from Centuria
Season
Best May through October; fall color along the lakeshores peaks in mid-October
Plan your ride or walk
The Stower Seven Lakes State Trail is a 12-mile loop in Polk County, northwestern Wisconsin, threading the namesake series of small lakes near the town of Centuria on a former railroad corridor. It is one of the shorter Wisconsin state trails, but the loop format means there is no need for a shuttle, and the lakeside segments offer glimpses of water and waterfowl throughout. The crushed-stone surface is flat and easy, making it a comfortable outing for families and casual riders who want a taste of the Saint Croix region's lake country without committing to a longer linear trail. Named after Jim Stower, a local trail advocate, the trail connects to Polk County's broader recreational trail network. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older.
Getting there
The main trailhead is in Centuria on WI-35, about 60 miles northeast of the Twin Cities and a short drive from Balsam Lake, the Polk County seat. The loop is easily completed in a half day, making it a natural add-on to a visit to the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Stower Seven Lakes State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail?
The Stower Seven Lakes State Trail is a 12-mile loop starting and ending in Centuria, Wisconsin. The loop format means no shuttle is needed, and you can start and finish at the same trailhead.
How many lakes does the trail actually pass?
The trail passes close to seven small lakes in the Polk County lake belt, which give it its name. The lakes are visible from the trail in several sections, and waterfowl and shorebirds are common.
Is the Stower Seven Lakes Trail good for families?
Yes. The 12-mile loop on flat, smooth crushed stone is a manageable outing for families with children, and the loop format is beginner-friendly. Most people complete it in one to three hours depending on pace.
Do you need a pass for the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail?
Cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass. Walkers and runners are free. The daily pass covers other Wisconsin state trails purchased the same day.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.