ST. CROIX FALLS TROLLEY FIELD GUIDE
Happy Trails: A Quiet 2–3 Mile Walk Through Polk County’s Forests, Meadows and Lakeshores
A self-paced 2–3 mile walking tour through Polk County’s state and county trails with convenient drop-off and pick-up—this guide lays out route options, logistics, and what to expect.
Happy Trails: A Quiet 2–3 Mile Walk Through Polk County’s Forests, Meadows and Lakeshores.
Embark on the Happy Trails Tour, a tranquil, self-paced 2–3 mile walking experience that threads together lush forests, open meadows and calm lakeshores in Polk County. The route is chosen to showcase the area’s variety and seasonal highlights while offering light exercise suitable to most participants, and the operator provides drop-off and pick-up service to keep the outing simple and stress-free.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Gandy Dancer State Trail — a steady 3.1‑mile stretch
One of the suggested sections follows the Gandy Dancer State Trail for roughly 3.1 miles, tracing a well-maintained corridor through wooded and open terrain between 230th Ave and 260th Ave (Cafe Wren).
Stower Seven Lakes State Trail — variable shoreline views
A recommended option runs 2 to 3.25 miles along the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail, starting near 90th Avenue and extending toward Dwight Lane; the selectable distance lets walkers tune the outing to their pace.
Indian Head Flowage Trail plus River Street/Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk
For a shorter outing, combine the 1.2‑mile in‑and‑back Indian Head Flowage Trail with the 0.7‑mile River Street Trail/Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk for a roughly 1.9‑mile total that still samples water, woods and townwalk scenery.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
The Happy Trails Tour unfolds as a relaxed, self‑paced walk along carefully selected portions of state and county trails. Expect winding paths through mixed forest canopy, open meadow stretches and occasional lakeshore views; the experience balances light exercise with long stretches of quiet nature and can be adjusted in length by choosing different trail sections. Drop‑off and pick‑up services simplify logistics so you can focus on the walk itself.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full experience is scheduled as a 3‑hour outing.
Meet at Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant, 264 County Road I, Balsam Lake, WI 54810; drop‑off and pick‑up services are provided to enable self‑paced walking.
This is a self‑paced walk involving light exercise; plan for a 2–3 mile walk and prepare accordingly.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The outing is scheduled for 3 hours.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant, 264 County Road I, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.
Do you provide transportation or pick‑up/drop‑off?
Yes — the operator provides convenient drop‑off and pick‑up services to support the self‑paced walk.
How far will I need to walk?
Selected trail sections range from about 1.9 miles up to roughly 3.1 miles; participants should be able to walk 2–3 miles depending on the chosen section.
Are strollers allowed?
No — strollers are not permitted because trolley space is limited and the aisle must remain open.
Can I choose a shorter or longer route?
Yes — the tour points to multiple trail sections with varying lengths (for example, the Stower Seven Lakes option from 2 to 3.25 miles and shorter combinations near 1.9 miles) so you can adjust distance by selecting different segments.