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Starting and ending at Sportmans Park on the northeastern side of Clear Lake, the Clear Lake Bike Trail Loop offers a scenic and enjoyable way to explore this 652-acre lake on the eastern edge of Waseca, MN. Popular for fishing, swimming, and sailing, Clear Lake is a vibrant hub for outdoor activity. The 5-mile paved asphalt trail provides a smooth and accessible path suitable for biking, walking, running, and even inline skating, making it a versatile recreational option for users of all ages and abilities.

Beginning at Sportmans Park, which features parking, a boat launch, picnic tables, and benches, the trail follows the shoreline southwest along Clear Lake Drive. This stretch passes lakeside homes before arriving at Maplewood Park, which also offers parking, a popular boat launch, and access to unpaved nature trails through the wooded lakeshore. From there, the trail continues into Memorial Park, home to athletic fields, a playground, and additional parking, making it another great starting point or rest stop.

The trail briefly follows Crane Creek Road, offering consistent views of the water before reaching the southwest corner of the lake. It then heads north and east through open fields and quiet residential areas. Near 8th Avenue NE, the paved, off-road portion ends about a block from Clear Lake Park, which also has parking and lake access. A well-marked bike route with dedicated bike lanes guides users along city streets to complete the loop and return to Sportmans Park.

With multiple access points and amenities at Sportmans Park, Maplewood Park, Memorial Park, and Clear Lake Park, the Clear Lake Bike Trail Loop is a convenient and welcoming option for both residents and visitors looking to enjoy a safe, scenic loop around one of Waseca’s most beautiful natural features.

Courthouse Park in Waseca, MN offers a quiet and scenic setting for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature at a relaxed pace. The park features a 2.3-mile loop trail that winds through peaceful woodlands and open spaces, making it ideal for walking, running, birding, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. With a well-marked and generally easy route, the trail takes about 45 minutes to complete and provides a pleasant experience for visitors of all ages and skill levels.

Open year-round, Courthouse Park showcases the beauty of each season, from snow-covered trails perfect for snowshoeing in winter to colorful foliage in the fall. It's a great place to enjoy solitude in nature, as the trail is typically uncrowded, allowing for a more personal and reflective outdoor experience. Wildlife sightings are common, especially for birdwatchers, and the park's quiet charm makes it a favorite for those seeking a peaceful escape.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, making it a great destination for both people and their pets. Whether you're out for a brisk run, a peaceful horseback ride, or a winter adventure on skis or snowshoes, Courthouse Park offers a serene and beautiful environment just minutes from downtown Waseca.

The Doodlebug Trail in Waseca, MN offers more than just a scenic route; it’s a path through local history. This 1.6-mile paved trail, located on the west side of Waseca, was once part of a rail line used by the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway (M&StL). The trail gets its name from the “Doodlebug” train, a self-propelled passenger railcar that once traveled between Waseca and the Twin Cities. In 2018, the Waseca Park Board officially renamed the trail the “Doodlebug Trail” to honor its historical significance and connection to the city’s rich railroad heritage.

The southern end of the trail begins near the center of town, not far from the still-active railroad tracks that this former rail corridor once branched off from. Heading north, the trail passes through a scenic, forested field and crosses three local roads on its way to Northwest Park. A short spur trail leads east into the park, offering convenient access to a playground, picnic area, and open green space. Continuing north, the trail winds through Waseca Nature Park, a peaceful area of natural prairie and wetlands, offering a quiet spot to observe wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.

From there, the trail follows the former rail corridor before curving east alongside sports fields used by Waseca's middle and high schools—making it a safe and convenient route for students walking or biking to school. The trail then transitions into a sidepath that runs along 19th Avenue and N State Street, before crossing to the north side of 22nd Avenue NW. From there, it leads toward the entrance of Northeast Park and the Waseca Water Park, offering additional recreational opportunities. The trail continues north along the edge of the park, crosses the road once more, and heads east toward a nearby residential neighborhood, ending at a quiet cul-de-sac.

The Doodlebug Trail serves as a key connector to the 2.2-mile-long Loon Lake Trail System, providing a smooth and accessible path for walking, running, biking, and other non-motorized activities. While enjoying the trail, visitors can reflect on Waseca’s deep-rooted ties to the rail industry, which played a crucial role in the town’s growth and development throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Parking for the Doodlebug Trail is available at several convenient locations along the route, including the Sacred Heart Parish Center on 2nd Avenue NW, Northwest Park, Waseca High School, and Northeast Park. Whether you're exploring the trail for exercise, leisure, or a bit of local history, the Doodlebug Trail and Loon Lake Trail System offer a unique blend of heritage and recreation right in the heart of Waseca.

The Maplewood Park Trails in Waseca, MN offer a scenic and peaceful escape into nature, perfect for walkers, runners, and hikers of all experience levels. Set within the rolling landscapes just outside the city, the park features well-maintained trails that wind through mature woodlands, open meadows, and gentle hills, creating a diverse and inviting environment for outdoor exploration. Whether you're out for a relaxing walk or a more vigorous workout, the natural surroundings provide a calming, picturesque backdrop year-round.

With each season bringing a new layer of beauty, from the vibrant greens of summer to the fiery colors of fall, Maplewood Park Trails offer something unique every time you visit. The terrain varies enough to keep things interesting without being too challenging, making it an accessible destination for individuals and families alike. Wildlife sightings, bird calls, and rustling leaves add to the sensory experience, encouraging mindfulness and connection with the outdoors.

Make Maplewood Park Trails your go-to spot for fresh air, fitness, and nature appreciation. Just a short drive from downtown Waseca, this hidden gem invites you to slow down, explore, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the natural world.

While Northeast Park is well known for its Water Park and community playgrounds, it also offers a pleasant, nature-focused trail system tucked into its more tranquil corners. The park includes a relaxing walking trail that gently circles a peaceful pond, creating an ideal setting for casual walks, quiet reflection, or listening to local wildlife. The trail is paved and accessible, making it easy to navigate and suitable for visitors of all ages. The paths are modest and designed to enhance the scenic landscape rather than host vigorous hikes. This makes them perfect for short strolls, family outings, or connecting between recreational zones within the park.

Okaman Park, located in Janesville Township, Minnesota, is a scenic 11-acre park situated along the eastern shore of Lake Elysian. While small in size, the park features a charming trail system that winds through native vegetation and along the lake’s edge, offering beautiful views and a peaceful walking experience. The main trail follows the shoreline, making it perfect for a short, relaxing hike with opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and quiet reflection. In addition to the walking trail, Okaman Park includes access to designated horse and snowmobile trails, allowing for year-round recreation for a variety of trail users.

As Waseca County’s most recently developed park, Okaman Park blends natural beauty with low-impact amenities. A small boat launch offers access to Lake Elysian for paddling or fishing, while a covered picnic shelter near the trail provides a restful spot to enjoy a meal or take in the view. Whether you're exploring on foot, horseback, or snowmobile, the trail system at Okaman Park offers a quiet and scenic experience in a beautiful lakeside setting.

Ray Eustice Park Trails in Waldorf, Minnesota offer a peaceful and scenic walking experience along the banks of the Little Cobb River. Set within the quiet charm of Ray Eustice Park, these short natural trails invite visitors to slow down and enjoy the calming sounds of the river, the shade of mature trees, and the surrounding greenery. Ideal for a casual stroll or a quiet nature walk, the trails provide a perfect way to unwind and connect with the outdoors.

The park also features a small playground and picnic shelter, making it a great destination for families or anyone looking to spend a laid-back day outside. Whether you're walking along the river, enjoying a picnic, or simply taking in the tranquil setting, Ray Eustice Park Trails offer a relaxing and accessible escape into nature in the heart of Waldorf.

Snowmobile Trails 12, 17, and 215 offer a scenic and well-connected riding experience through Waseca County. Trail 12 runs between Janesville and Waseca, passing through a mix of farmland and gently rolling countryside. From there, Trail 17 extends both north and south of Waseca, connecting with Trail 215 just south of town and continuing down to New Richland then West through Waldorf. These trails provide easy access to local communities, making them ideal for day rides with stops in Janesville, Waseca, New Richland, and Waldorf. The entire system is part of Minnesota’s Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trail network and is maintained by local clubs. Trails are typically open from December 1 to March 31, weather permitting, and offer groomed routes suitable for riders of all experience levels. Trailheads and access points are available in each town, providing convenient entry to this beautiful stretch of southern Minnesota snowmobile country.