October 2, 2014: 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.

Directions: 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.
Update due to construction: From eastbound 94, exit at the 7th Street exit and turn left (east on 7th.) Get into the right lane on E. 7th and go about 1/3 mile to the stoplight at the intersection of E. 7th St. and Lafayette Rd. Turn right onto the hwy 52 bridge and exit at Concord St. The bridge is open to traffic, but the exit ramp from 94 is closed.

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

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This webpage was last updated on October 1, 2014.