DOUGLAS AREA trails association
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innesota has more than 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails that criss-cross its forests, prairie, hills and
lakes. These trails, which are often maintained through a partnership between local clubs, trail users and the state, make Minnesota a popular snowmobiling destination. Here in Douglas County, it’s just as wonderful for snowmobilers. There is breathtaking scenery – from open flatlands to heavily wooded, hilly terrain – on 368 miles of Douglas Area Trails Association (DATA) snowmobile trails. These trails wind throughout the county, connecting every community in the area and providing connections to trails in surrounding counties as well.
DATA TRAILS
Years ago, there were few places in Douglas County to snowmobile safely. Lakes and ditches were about the only option available until DATA was formed in 1974. The association built the first trail that year (15 miles) with help from private landowners, business people and residents, and by 1975, it had a total of 80 miles. The system grew by leaps and bounds, expanding to 270 miles by 1978. The organization was started by a small group of snowmobile enthusiasts who wanted to promote safe snowmobiling in Douglas County. More than 500 landowners have given permission for trails to cross their property. Without their cooperation, there wouldn’t be a trail system. For more information, visit the DATA website at www.douglasareatrails. com. A free map and additional trail information are available at the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 206 Broadway. See the DATA trail map on Pages 16-17. 18 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
The DATA trails also include part of the Central Lakes Trail, the abandoned Burlington-Northern railway that has been transformed into a paved four-season recreational trail. The 55-mile Central Lakes Trail connects the communities of Evansville, Brandon, Garfield, Alexandria, Nelson and Osakis. The Central Lakes Trail also connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail, which extends from Osakis to St. Joseph near St. Cloud. Together, the two trail systems are about 120 miles long and extend from Fergus Falls to St. Joseph. DATA is a non-profit corporation sponsored by Douglas County to build and maintain recreational trails. Trails are groomed twice per week when needed.
