The Friends of the Casey Jones Trail invite community members, trail enthusiasts, and supporters of outdoor recreation to attend their Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 11, at 5:30 p.m. at Hiawatha Pageant Park in Pipestone.
The evening will include a meal, updates on trail development efforts, and an opportunity to learn more about the vision and future of the Casey Jones State Trail. The event is open to the public, and anyone interested in trails, outdoor recreation, community development, or regional tourism is encouraged to attend.
The Casey Jones State Trail holds a special place in Minnesota history as the state’s first legislatively authorized trail, designated in 1967. Although Minnesota has developed more than 600 miles of paved state trails, less than 20 miles of the Casey Jones State Trail have been completed in Southwest Minnesota.
The Friends of the Casey Jones Trail was established in 1993 and became an official nonprofit organization in 2002. Since then, the group has worked to promote and support the development of the trail corridor, which is envisioned to connect communities across Southwest Minnesota through recreation, tourism, and economic development.
“The Casey Jones Trail is more than a recreational amenity,” said representatives of the Friends group. “It is a community- building project that helps connect people, promotes healthy lifestyles, preserves local history, and supports local businesses.”
The trail’s long-term vision is to physically, socially, and economically connect communities throughout the region while providing affordable outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The trail also serves as a tourism asset that can help strengthen local economies and enhance quality of life throughout Southwest Minnesota.
Those attending the annual meeting will have the opportunity to learn about recent accomplishments, current projects, and future priorities for the trail system, as well as ways to become involved in supporting the organization’s mission.
For more information about the Friends of the Casey Jones Trail, visit www.caseyjonestrail. org.
Event Details What: Friends of the Casey Jones Trail Annual Meeting When: Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Hiawatha Pageant Park, Pipestone, Minnesota Cost: Free to attend; meal provided Information:
www.caseyjonestrail.org
