Last updated June 2023
A stone’s throw from Rochester, just 15 miles north on Highway 52, Pine Island is a small town with plenty of activities for anyone who loves the outdoors! Grab the kiddos and your favorite wheels, then head to Pine Island for a charming change of scenery this summer and fall.
The Douglas Trail
Perfect for walking, jogging, and biking; this paved 12.5-mile trail was developed along an abandoned railroad track. The trail crosses outstanding scenery, giving a glimpse of some of Minnesota’s productive agricultural land. You can also keep your eyes peeled for the vintage Whistle Crossing signs. The trail begins in northwestern Rochester, travels through the small town of Douglas (for which it is named), and ends in Pine Island. At Pine Island Trailhead Park, you will find a nice playground, picnic shelter, and bathrooms for public use. You’ll also find a self-serve bike repair station at the edge of the parking lot. On weekends in summer, Tribute Soda Fountain sets up its ice cream truck at Trailhead Park to help trail users cool off with a sweet treat.
Borrow A Bike
Located right across the parking lot from City Park, in the old Butter Factory building, you will find “Borrow A Bike”. Here you can, of course, borrow a bike! In fact, your whole family can borrow bikes. They have a wide variety of mountain, road, youth, tandem, and reclined bikes available for loan. They are open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, May through October. Borrowing bikes is always FREE!
Pack your fishing poles and check out the Nature Preserve on 8th St SE. There is a short nature trail around the pond as well as a fishing dock (please note: swimming is not permitted in the pond).
Pine Island Free Summer Concert Series
The Free Summer Concert Series is sponsored by the Pine Area People for the Arts (PAPA). Held weekly during the summer, the concerts are held at the Creamery (101 E Center St) or Bandshell Park (S Main St) on Sunday evenings, 7 – 8 pm.
My family and I call Pine Island home and have found that this town has a lot to offer, especially during the summer months. In addition to the activities mentioned above, Pine Island offers canoe/kayak launch sites, bowling, golfing, a zero-depth entry public pool, a weekly farmers market, and more. We also encourage you to visit us in January when we host Winter Fest!
I invite you to come and explore!
