Mississippi River Regional Trail: Islands of Peace Loop

Yes, this loop is considered easy and is highly suitable for beginners, families with young children, and individuals with accessibility needs. The park was designed with pioneering accessibility in mind, featuring primarily paved, hard-surfaced trails. There is a terraced, switchbacked slope leading to Chase Island, which is also designed to be wheelchair accessible.

The terrain on the Islands of Peace Loop is generally flat and consists mostly of paved, hard-surfaced trails. You'll also find some dirt trails that offer shortcuts and closer access to the river's edge. The path is well-maintained and provides a smooth experience for hikers.

Hikers on this loop will enjoy continuous scenic views of the Mississippi River. The trail passes through a mature forest dominated by maple-basswood trees, with impressive cottonwood trees along the riverbanks. There's also a gravel "beach" area offering a serene spot to observe the river and the surrounding landscape, including the Highway 694 bridge.

A key point of interest is the accessible pedestrian bridge that connects the shoreline to Chase Island. The park itself, Islands of Peace County Park, is notable for its pioneering role in accessibility within the Twin Cities area. You'll also find a tranquil gravel "beach" area along the river.

Of the three islands—Chase, Durnham, and Gil Hodges—only Chase Island is directly accessible to hikers via a wide walking bridge from the shoreline. Durnham and Gil Hodges Islands can only be reached by water.

Parking is available at the trailhead for the Islands of Peace Loop. For specific directions and parking lot locations, it's recommended to check the official Anoka County Parks website at anokacountymn.gov before your visit.

Generally, there are no specific permits required for hiking the Islands of Peace Loop itself. However, as it's part of the Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park system, it's always a good idea to check the Anoka County Parks website at anokacountymn.gov for any potential vehicle permits or updated entrance fee information for the park.

Yes, the Islands of Peace Loop is dog-friendly. Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help maintain the park's natural beauty.

The Islands of Peace Loop offers a pleasant hiking experience throughout much of the year. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is also enjoyable, especially with the riverside views. Winter hiking is possible, but trail conditions may vary with snow and ice, so check local reports before heading out.

Yes, the Islands of Peace Loop is an integral part of the broader Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park and the extensive Mississippi River Regional Trail system. This route specifically covers sections of the Mississippi River Regional Trail, Mississippi River Trail (Minnesota-Alternate), and United States Bicycle Route 45A, offering connections to various other parks and attractions along the Mississippi River.

The park is unique for its pioneering commitment to accessibility, being one of the first wheelchair-accessible parks in the Twin Cities area. Its founder, Edward T. Wilmes, articulated an ethos of "peace as a way of life," which contributes to the tranquil and serene atmosphere you'll experience while hiking here.