Some of Cedar Creek’s most diverse and beautiful habitats have been opened for public access. The newly-constructed Fish Lake Nature Trails begin in the middle of rare oak savanna habitat, where you can spot the uncommon red-headed woodpecker or perhaps a flicker. From the trail head, you may take a canoe out onto the lake or head down one of the hiking trails.
From the canoe launch, travel along the banks of Fish Lake and float through a sea of white and yellow water lilies. Paddle in the middle of the lake and you may see a loon foraging in the vegetation, or paddle by the marsh and look for trumpet swans and white egrets.
You may also choose to walk on one of our hiking trails. The East Shore Trail is an interpretive trail hugging the east shore of Fish Lake (3/4 miles). The longer South Bank Trail is a primitive hiking trail that extends from the south shore of Fish Lake through the marshes to the west (3+ miles). The trails afford beautiful views of the lake, and you may spot Great Blue Herons or Bald Eagles flying overhead. Sandhill Cranes live in the wetlands to the south and white-tailed deer browse through the surrounding forests. Along the trail grow beautiful wild flowers such as Prairie Spiderwort, Hairy Puccoon, or Wild Bergamot. Butterflies and dragonflies flit past in abundance.
During the winter, you can cross-country ski along the Savanna Loop Ski Trail, a 2+ mile loop that takes you past several burn units.
Facilities are limited to a parking area, a few picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles, and porta-potties.
Park only in designated areas.
Deposit all trash in available receptacles.
No fires allowed and no smoking on trails.
Stay on designated trails.
No motorized vehicles, including ATV’s, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles.
No dogs.
Horses on designated horse trail only.
No firearms, hunting, or collecting.
No alcohol or loud obnoxious behavior.
No motorboats on lake (canoes allowed).
No bicycles.
Day use only (6 AM-10 PM).
*Please note: This trail is an interpretive/nature trail. Please treat the trail as such, respecting the research and wildlife in the area.
From Highway 65, turn east at Cooper’s Corner onto 237th Avenue. Take this road until it ends at a T-junction, where you will see a sign for Cedar Creek. Take a right onto Gopher Drive, a left onto 229th Avenue, and a left onto Durant Street. Go up Durant Street until you see an area for parking (in front of a kiosk and portable restrooms). Signs will point you towards the trail head.
Special thanks extended to the City of East Bethel, Friends of Cedar Creek, and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for providing funding for this project.
