Hiking at Schaar's Bluff • Twin Cities Outdoors

Hastings/Dakota County • No vehicle permit needed

schaars bluff overlooking mississippi river — *Schaar’s Bluff with its fantastic overlooks of the Mississippi River*

The Schaar’s Bluff trail system in Spring Lake Park Reserve offers lovely wooded hiking with beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River.

What’s to Love about Schaar’s Bluff

Spring Lake is a widened area of the river, hence the name of the park reserve. But most people know this eastern end of the reserve as Schaar’s Bluff. There’s a network of a little more than 3 miles of mostly dirt/natural surface trails there for hiking.

These are groomed for cross country skiing in the winter months, with some set aside for winter hiking and snowshoeing.

a robin, turkey and bald eagle — *Lots of birds!*

Mature woods…plenty of wildlife (birds, especially)…many overlooks of the Mississippi River—all combine for a very satisfying hike. I hiked the area circled in blue, below:

schaars bluff trail map with the trail taken in blue — *Mature woods, dirt trails, tons of birds and great views of the Mississippi River*

Because it’s still early spring, none of the trees had leafed out yet. That left clear views into the woods around me and over the river.

While early spring, admittedly, isn’t as beautiful as other times of the year, I’ve come to appreciate spring hiking for that reason. Well, that—and no bugs yet!

The paved trail that connects the east and west ends of the park reserve is just over 3.5 miles one way. It’s a beautiful bike ride for families or an out-and-back 7+ mile run.

I look forward to returning to Schaar’s Bluff during the summer or fall.

spring buds on a bush — *Bright green starting to appear in the woods!*

History of Schaar’s Bluff

I messaged Dakota County Parks through their Facebook page to ask the history behind the name of the bluff since I couldn’t find anything on the website. I received a response quickly:

“The Schaar family sold the land that is now Schaar’s Bluff in Spring Lake Park Reserve to Dakota County. They had a farm on the land. You can still see the silo as you enter the park. When the Gathering Center reopens, stop inside. There is an interpretive panel that has images of the farm, and the family.”

oak leaves on the forest floor at schaars bluff — *A beautiful spring morning for a hike!*

What Else is at Spring Lake Park Reserve?

There’s a beautiful picnic area at Schaar’s Bluff with lots of mature shade trees. Otherwise it’s mostly known for the trails: hiking and biking in three seasons, and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the snowy months.

On the west end (Lower End) of the park reserve is the Archery Trail with targets. The trail has two loops with 14 stations on each loop. It’s open seasonally, and you’ll need your own archery gear and a permit (either daily or seasonal, for ages 18+).

the mississippi river through the trees on the schaar's bluff trail — *Early spring hiking means great views of the river—no leaves blocking the view yet!*

How to Get There

The address for Spring Lake Park Reserve is: 8395 127th Street East, Hastings. Follow the signs to Schaar’s Bluff off Highway 55 on the west side of Hastings.

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Sharon Brodin

Founder & Publisher of Twin Cities Outdoors at Brodin Press LLC

Sharon loves to hike, paddle, camp, snowshoe and cross country ski...and she bikes sometimes, too! Besides maintaining Twin Cities Outdoors and her other blog, Heaven and Nature, Sharon works on client writing and design projects.