Grey Cloud Dunes SNA - Nature preserve in Cottage Grove - 113th St S, USA

Beautiful place with a unique ecosystem; the sand dunes provide habitat for species of birds, insects, reptiles, and plants that aren't found in a lot of other places locally. To be honest, the first time I went, I was blown away to learn we had such a habitat so close to the cities. Paths are more like deer trails - very narrow, sandy, close enough to vegetation to make tick prevention a necessity. Gravel parking lots on site.

Wonderful and quiet slice of land that allows you to get away from civilization just for a bit. Enjoy some easy to moderate trails that take you through some plains. Be aware that trails hiking up the steep hills are made a little more difficult due to the sandy nature of the dunes but are still relatively moderate in nature.

What a lovely walk! Random purple flower patches. Flower trees. Extremely active wildlife. Saw an Eagle circling overhead. There were fish jumping in the clear lakes. Flows between Sandy dunes and forest. Perfect spring walk.

The Grey Cloud Dunes have been on my bucket list for many years. I’m happy to add it to my list of experiences. I’ll definitely come back to view them in different seasons. Our trip was at the end of August, past heavy tick season. We did not see a single tick. I first parked at the north parking lot. We attempted the small walking trail, but it eventually was too overgrown, the grasses irritated my children, especially with painful burrs sticking to them. Not willing to give up, I drove around to the south entrance. We easily found the rustic trail and it was much more enjoyable. I recommend this entrance for anyone interested. We followed the trail to the top of the hill and enjoyed the scenic views. There were so many beautiful wild flowers and grasses. My children commented on preferring other parks to this one due to burrs and sand. The sandy trails are much like walking on a beach, sand gets in your shoes and is not enjoyable to walk on if you prefer hard packed ground. I personally didn’t mind, but it’s worth note for those with sensory disorders or difficulty walking on uneven terrain. This seems to be a nice hidden gem not too far from the cities, and is worth the trip for a unique hike. The only other people we encountered was a nice young couple in the parking lot. There are no dogs allowed, which we prefer due to severe allergies.

A little confusing to get to and there are no groomed trails, only some foot paths made by fellow hikers. That said, it is a beautiful place! Definitely amazing for photography and access to the railroad tracks, which is cool!

Beautiful natural prairie. Narrow footpath only. Excellent place to explore and discover plants and wildlife. Walk all the way down to the river and watch for eagles. Be mindful of the train tracks.

I have lived in St Paul Park for years and thought this was just a dog park. I hiked the whole thing circling around the eastside, loved it. The path coming out of the North parking lot went south and up and under the railroad tracks before winding down to the Mississippi river. fallowing the river until a sign says the end of the state park, then turned and crossed the railroad tracks, climbed a hill and made my way back to the car. hiking the whole thing was 70 minutes.

Nice place to walk. It's about a 2 mile walk from one side to the other.