August 25, 2008: South St. Paul Riverfront Trail (South St. Paul)

Join the hiking group for a hike along a "rails-to-trails" trail along the Mississippi River in South St. Paul. Once, South St. Paul was home to the largest stockyards in the world. Alpheus B. Stickney, a prominent railroad businessman, in 1886, organized the St. Paul Union Stockyards. The stockyards eventually attracted four major meatpacking plants, including Swift and Company in 1897, and Armour and Company in 1919. Meatpacking and related businesses became the heart of South St. Paul’s economy. World War II brought peak years to the industry, when the plants had government contracts to supply military needs. In the late 1960's and 1970's, the market decentralized and the sprawling plants became obsolete. Swift’s number one meatpacking plant in the nation closed its doors in 1969, while Armour remained open until 1979. These closings initially had a devastating effect on South St. Paul’s economy.

If driving: From I-94 towards the east end of downtown St. Paul, take the Highway 52 (old Highway 3)/Lafayette Freeway exit south and cross the Mississippi River to the south side of the Mississippi River. Take the Concord Street/Highway 56 exit and proceed south on Concord Street/Highway 56 to the north end of South St. Paul. The trailhead is located about 100 yards south of the intersection with Butler Avenue, on the west side (right) of Concord Street, underneath the pedestrian bridge spanning Concord Avenue and the adjoining rail yard.

If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 11. The closest bus service point appears to be the corner of Butler and Concord. Applicable Metro Transit Map

The group will recovene at a nearby restaurant (Perkins, South Robert Street at Emerson, West St. Paul, MN) for dessert or dinner afterwards.

Map to hike start point: Concord Street N At Butler Avenue
South St. Paul, MN 55075

Kaposia Indian Village Information

Information on the geology of the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities

South St. Paul Riverfront Trail map/information

Detailed South St. Paul Riverfront Trail information

Detailed Kaposia Village information

Former South Saint Paul Rapid Transit Elevated Railway Company right-of-way information

Pig's Eye Island Heron Rookery Scientific and Natural Area information

Pig's Eye Channel/Pig's Eye Lake information

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This webpage was last updated on August 25, 2008.