Where: Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, Cottage Grove, MN
Was it worth it? I give it a 6/10
Highlight: For kids: being in the train tunnel (when a train goes over)
For me: the whole place is QUIET! We are usually the only ones there
Suggested time here: 1-2 hours
When we visited: It’s one of our regular walking areas so we go often
This Spot Will Surprise You
This little SNA consists of 237 acres of prairie, dunes and river views. It’s tucked away across the street from a new housing development and it honestly looks like almost nothing from the road. We lived in the area for many years before we even thought to check it out but now it’s one of our regular hiking spots.
Parking
There are two small gravel parking lots to choose from depending on which part of Cottage Grove you’re coming from.
Parking lot (southeast): 7501 110th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, GPS: 44.790083, -92.955202
Parking lot (northwest): 10299 Hadley Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016,
GPS: 44.800846, -92.964508
No Marked Trails
Although you won’t find any marked or maintained trails here, you will see quite a few worn paths from previous hikers. Our usual route is to start at the northwest parking lot, start at the SNA sign, head down the hill, go through the railroad tunnel and keep going until we’re walking alongside the Mississippi River and then turn back (about 3 miles total). If you prefer a loop, you can make a big loop that cuts up left through the dune area before you get to the river and then take a left at the top of the bluff and continue back to the parking lot.
If you start at the south lot you can head down the dune toward the train tracks, go through the trees and on the “trail” for a mile and then go through the train tunnel, back up the dunes and then take a right at the utility road for about a mile to get back to the south lot.
My vague directions are kind of laughable but it’s hard to get lost here! It’s not that big and it’s fairly wide open in most spots.
Choose Your Season Wisely
Beware of Summer!
I’ve been here in every season but I will caution you against coming here in the summer. From about May-September this place is CRAWLING with ticks! The tall grasses are the perfect home for the little blood sucking creatures and it can get BAD! The worst story I heard was that someone’s dog had 127 ticks after one outing here, BARF! We tried to take a family hike here one day (not knowing it was the land of ticks) and within 30 seconds my youngest son had a tick on his leg. Let this be your warning!
Nearby Kayaking
If you do find yourself here in the summer, you’re better off exploring the river via kayak! Check out my post all about the kayak rental at Grey Cloud Island HERE.
Spring, Fall and Winter are the Best Times
Spring can be iffy just because of the mud but as long as you have a good pair of waterproof hiking boots you’ll be fine!
Fall and winter are our fave times to visit! Another word of caution though, in early/late winter, when the ponds aren’t totally frozen over just be cautious of where you walk. There is a large pond by the train tunnel and all around it it’s kind of swampy and full of reeds/grass. Last winter I broke through the snow covered ice but luckily it was only thigh deep water. It was HILARIOUS but I’m just happy it wasn’t a deep spot. I don’t have a photo of my sopping wet leg but I wish I did!
If you’ve got snowshoes, this SNA is an excellent spot for snowshoeing!
Mississippi River Views
There is a section of the SNA that runs along the river. It’s definitely worth meandering your way here because chances are you will have the views to yourself.
Train Tracks
There are a few spots where you’ll have to go over or under the train tracks. Please note this is an ACTIVE railroad track! You may luck out and see a train go by and if you do, my kids’ fave spot to be is in the tunnel underneath the tracks!
Perfect Backdrop for a Creepy Woods Photoshoot
This place was perfect for a Halloween photoshoot with my kids! Of course the one time that we are creeping around in costumes we came saw other people here!
Choose the Right Season and You’ll Love it Here
Would I venture here from far away places? Nope, but if you’re local or going to be in the area then it’s definitely worth a visit in the right season! Avoid summers like the plague (unless you love getting ticks) but definitely swing by in the cooler months!
If you’re looking for a little more excitement in a Cottage Grove hike, head to the nearby Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. See my post about it HERE.
Have you been to the Grey Cloud Dunes SNA? Please comment below!
Happy Exploring!
More Info
- Dogs are NOT allowed here
- There are NO facilities (restrooms, water, etc…)
- Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing is allowed
- No bikes/motorized vehicles
- There are no designated trails or a trail map
