Best attractions and places to see around Pine Springs include a variety of natural and cultural sites. This area features significant trail intersections, serene gardens, and a prominent lake, offering diverse outdoor and recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore multi-use trails, enjoy water sports, or experience cultural landscapes.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
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Saint Paul–Changsha China Friendship Garden is a beautiful scape with it's Chinese-style pavilions, koi pond, and lush plantings provide a calm, meditative backdrop. A perfect spot to pause, stretch, and take in the carefully designed landscape before continuing your journey.
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The Brown's Creek State Trail and Gateway State Trail meet here at Duluth Junction. There is a large parking area along with restrooms at this trailhead, making it a great spot to start your ride.
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Lake Phalen drains into the Mississippi River via Phalen Creek, and it is the centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. The lake is popular with all sorts of water sports enthusiasts and one of the highlights is the annual Dragon Boat Festival which takes place each July.
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Lake Phalen drains into the Mississippi River via Phalen Creek and it is the centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. The lake is popular with all sorts of water sports enthusiasts and one of the highlights is the annual Dragon Boat Festival which take place each July.
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The Gateway State Trail is a paved 18-mile multi-use trail from the city of St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park.
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At Duluth Junction, two trails converge: the Gateway State Trail, a paved ribbon of green that links St. Paul with Pine Point Regional Park, and the Brown’s Creek State Trail, a scenic jaunt to Stillwater and the St. Croix River. Hike through diverse terrain, from city parks and marshes to forested hills and historic spans . Duluth Junction has parking, restrooms and local trail connections.
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The primary natural attraction is Lake Phalen, which is the centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. It's popular for water sports and hosts an annual Dragon Boat Festival. The area also features various trails that wind through natural settings.
Yes, you can visit the Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden. This garden offers a calm, meditative experience with Chinese-style pavilions, a koi pond, and lush plantings.
The area is excellent for cycling and hiking. You can explore multi-use trails like the Gateway State Trail and the Brown's Creek State Trail. Lake Phalen is also popular for various water sports.
You'll find a variety of hiking trails, including easy and moderate options. Some popular routes include the Eagle Point Trail, Oakdale Nature Preserve Loop, and Lake Elmo Paved Trail. For more details on these and other routes, check out the hiking guide for Pine Springs.
Many attractions are family-friendly. Lake Phalen and its surrounding park are great for families, as are the various trails like the Gateway State Trail. The Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden also provides a peaceful setting for all ages.
For easier hikes, consider the Oakdale Nature Preserve Loop, Lake Elmo Paved Trail, Katherine Abbott Park Loop, and Beaver Lake County Park loop. You can find more information on these and other accessible routes in the easy hikes guide for Pine Springs.
These two state trails converge at Duluth Junction – Brown's Creek State Trail & Gateway State Trail Intersection. This junction offers a large parking area and restrooms, making it a convenient starting point for exploring both trails.
Visitors appreciate the diverse outdoor and recreational opportunities, from water sports on Lake Phalen to cycling and hiking on the extensive trail network. The tranquil setting of the Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden is also a highlight for many.
Yes, at Duluth Junction, where the Brown's Creek State Trail and Gateway State Trail meet, you'll find a large parking area and restrooms, providing convenience for trail users.
Yes, there are options for gravel biking. A notable route is the Gateway State Trail – Gateway State Trail loop from Pine Springs. For more details, refer to the gravel biking guide for Pine Springs.
The Gateway State Trail is a paved, 18-mile multi-use trail that connects the city of St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park, offering a scenic route for cycling and walking.


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