Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
North America
United States
Minnesota
Dakota County

Randolph

Attractions and Places To See around Randolph - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Randolph include a variety of natural and man-made features. The area is characterized by its rivers and parks, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore sites like dams, river confluence points, and dedicated trails. These locations provide settings for activities such as cycling, paddling, and enjoying natural landscapes.

Best attractions and places to see around Randolph

  • The most popular attractions is Lake Byllesby Dam, a man_made_monument that was built in 1910 at the site of natural falls. The bridge over the Cannon Falls at this location provides views of the water flowing over the dam and downstream of the Cannon River.
  • Another must-see spot is Two Rivers Park Canoe and Kayak Launch, a facilities highlight. This park features shelters, a playground, and a launch site for canoes and kayaks.
  • Visitors also love Two Rivers Park in Cannon Falls, a river highlight. The confluence of the Cannon and the Little Cannon Rivers is located at this park, and the Mill Towns State Trail runs through it.
  • Randolph is known for its man-made monuments, parks, and river-based activities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from historical dams to recreational river access points.
  • The attractions around Randolph are appreciated by the komoot community, with 7 upvotes and 19 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: April 26, 2026

Lake Byllesby Dam

Highlight • Monument

Before this dam was built in 1910, there had been a natural falls at this site known as Big Falls. It was a favorite picnic site for the townspeople in nearby Cannon Falls. The bridge over the Cannon Falls at this location provides a dramatic view of both the water flowing over the dam and downstream of the Cannon River, heading to join the Mississippi River. The Mill Towns State Trail crosses the Cannon River on this bridge. For a complete history of the original Big Falls and the construction of the dam, see this website: exit69history.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/3

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

The confluence of the Cannon and the Little Cannon Rivers is located at this park. The Mill Towns State Trail runs through the park, so it's easy to access by bike. There are picnic tables and plenty of shade.

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Mill Towns State Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Nice section of the trail from Lake Byllesby to Cannon Falls. And some good sections in Northfield, can't wait for them to connect!

Tip by

Save

Park with shelters, a playground, and a launch site for canoes and kayaks.

Tip by

Save

I created this cycling highlight for a watercraft walk-in access for a specific reason: this location is ideal for a bike shuttle when floating the Cannon River from the Lake Byllesby Dam downstream to Cannon Falls.

Here's how it works: First, drive to Cannon Falls and leave a bike parked at Two Rivers Park, komoot.com/highlight/6003638. Next, drive to the Cannon River Walk-in Access, komoot.com/highlight/7993566, where you can park your car and launch your watercraft. Once you've floated down to Cannon Falls, leave your watercraft at Two Rivers Park. You can then bike along the Mill Towns State Trail back to the Cannon River Walk-in Access. After that, load your bike onto your car and drive back to Cannon Falls to retrieve your kayak before heading home.

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Randolph.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Randolph

Road Cycling Routes around Randolph

Cycling around Randolph

Tips from the Community

Renner Anderson
September 13, 2025, Cannon River Walk-in Watercraft Access at Byllesby Dam

I created this cycling highlight for a watercraft walk-in access for a specific reason: this location is ideal for a bike shuttle when floating the Cannon River from the Lake Byllesby Dam downstream to Cannon Falls. Here's how it works: First, drive to Cannon Falls and leave a bike parked at Two Rivers Park, https://www.komoot.com/highlight/6003638. Next, drive to the Cannon River Walk-in Access, https://www.komoot.com/highlight/7993566, where you can park your car and launch your watercraft. Once you've floated down to Cannon Falls, leave your watercraft at Two Rivers Park. You can then bike along the Mill Towns State Trail back to the Cannon River Walk-in Access. After that, load your bike onto your car and drive back to Cannon Falls to retrieve your kayak before heading home.

4

0

This park needs a trail resurfacing, but it's still a nice connection of the Mill City State Trail to the Cannon Valley Trail. Also, don't go down the gravel down hill at the beginning of this trail, head over by the pool and catch the asphalt trail, much safer.

0

0

tcbscott
September 12, 2025, Lake Byllesby Dam

I love to check on the falls here, especially after a ton of rain, even a few days before as all the feeder streams that feed the Cannon raise the water level.

1

0

Great place to check out the crashing water.

1

0

The Lake Byllesby Dam, from the bike/walk path where you can see the dam.

1

0

Nice section of the trail from Lake Byllesby to Cannon Falls. And some good sections in Northfield, can't wait for them to connect!

1

0

tcbscott
October 23, 2024, Lake Byllesby Dam

I love seeing where the water levels at on the dam how big the rapids are etc

2

0

This trail is currently under development and so far only 6 of the planned 25 miles are complete. When the trail is fully open it will serve as a connector between the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail and Cannon Valley Trail.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best attractions for families with kids around Randolph?

Randolph offers several family-friendly attractions. Lake Byllesby Dam is a great spot to view the Cannon River and the dam itself. Two Rivers Park Canoe and Kayak Launch features a playground and shelters, perfect for a day out. The Mill Towns State Trail, which runs through Two Rivers Park, is also suitable for family cycling. For a unique experience, the Minnesota Soaring Club at Stanton Airfield welcomes visitors to watch sailplane operations.

Are there any historical sites or man-made monuments to visit near Randolph?

Yes, the most prominent historical man-made monument is the Lake Byllesby Dam. Built in 1910, it stands at the site of what was once known as Big Falls. The bridge over the Cannon River at this location offers dramatic views and is part of the Mill Towns State Trail.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Randolph?

The area around Randolph is excellent for outdoor activities, especially those centered around its rivers and trails. You can enjoy cycling on the Mill Towns State Trail, which runs along the Cannon River. Paddling is popular, with a dedicated launch site at Two Rivers Park Canoe and Kayak Launch. There are also various road cycling and touring bicycle routes available, such as the Cannon Valley Trail or loops around Lake Byllesby. For more details on cycling routes, you can explore the Road Cycling Routes around Randolph and Cycling around Randolph guides.

Where can I go cycling or walking on trails near Randolph?

The Mill Towns State Trail is a key option for both cycling and walking. It connects Lake Byllesby to Cannon Falls and runs along the Cannon River. This trail also passes through Two Rivers Park in Cannon Falls, offering scenic views and picnic spots. For more extensive cycling options, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Randolph and Cycling around Randolph guides.

What natural features can I see around Randolph?

The primary natural features revolve around the Cannon River and its confluence with the Little Cannon River, which can be observed at Two Rivers Park in Cannon Falls. The area also features Lake Byllesby, formed by the dam, offering picturesque river views and rapids downstream.

Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots in the Randolph area?

Yes, the bridge over the Cannon Falls at Lake Byllesby Dam provides a dramatic viewpoint of the water flowing over the dam and the Cannon River downstream. Two Rivers Park in Cannon Falls also offers scenic views of the river confluence.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Randolph?

Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic views of the Cannon River, especially from the Lake Byllesby Dam, where they can observe the water levels and rapids. The accessibility of the Mill Towns State Trail for cycling and walking, and the family-friendly facilities like playgrounds and picnic tables at Two Rivers Park, are also highly appreciated.

Can I go paddling or kayaking near Randolph?

Absolutely! Two Rivers Park Canoe and Kayak Launch in Cannon Falls is specifically designed for this, offering a convenient launch site for canoes and kayaks on the Cannon River.

Is there a place to watch unique activities like gliders or sailplanes?

Yes, the Minnesota Soaring Club at Stanton Airfield is an active sailplane flying club. Visitors are welcome to come and watch their operations, which typically run all day on weekends and selected weekdays from May through October. You can learn about soaring or even inquire about a demo flight.

Are there any easy cycling routes suitable for beginners around Randolph?

Yes, the Mill Towns State Trail offers sections that are refreshing and relatively easy, especially the part heading from downtown Cannon Falls to Lake Byllesby. For more easy cycling options, you can check the Cycling around Randolph guide, which lists routes like the 'Lake Byllesby Dam – Lake Byllesby loop from Cannon Falls' as easy.

Where can I find facilities like restrooms or picnic areas near the attractions?

Two Rivers Park Canoe and Kayak Launch and Two Rivers Park in Cannon Falls both offer shelters and picnic tables. These parks are conveniently located along the Cannon River and the Mill Towns State Trail, making them ideal spots for a break.

Most popular routes around Randolph

Road Cycling Routes around Randolph

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

Mendota HeightsLilydaleMendotaMississippi National River And Recreation AreaWest St. PaulEaganSunfish LakeSouth St. PaulInver Grove HeightsBurnsvilleRosemountApple ValleyLakevilleCoatesMiesvilleHastingsFarmingtonVermillionNew TrierHampton

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Cannon Falls

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy