Gandy Dancer Trail

The Gander Dance Trail (properly “Gandy Dancer State Trail”) is a historic rail corridor turned multi-use route that stretches nearly 100 miles across Wisconsin and into eastern Minnesota. The Minnesota section passes through the Nemadji and St. Croix State Forests, offering a gentle, scenic drive through classic Northwoods terrain for licensed 4x4s and other vehicles on designated segments.

This is a great destination for MN4WDA members who enjoy scenic forest roads, light trail exploration, and connecting with regional OHV systems rather than hardcore rock crawling.

• Location: Eastern Minnesota, connecting into Wisconsin; primarily through Nemadji State Forest and St. Croix State Forest 
• Total trail system: ~98 miles of rail-trail across MN & WI (not all drivable by motor vehicles) 
• Typical difficulty: Easy – mostly flat, straight former railroad grade with some washboard, puddles, and soft sections depending on weather 
• Vehicles allowed (MN motorized section):
• Street-legal high-clearance 4x4s
• ATVs / OHMs / ORVs where signed open
• Snowmobiles in season
• Managed by: Minnesota DNR and local partners; Wisconsin portions are managed by county and WI DNR 
• Best for: Sightseeing, mild off-pavement exploring, connecting to other regional trails, family-friendly rides

MN4WDA is not the land manager for this trail; we use it in cooperation with the Minnesota DNR and local partners and encourage everyone to follow their rules and guidance.

The trail follows a former railroad corridor. “Gandy dancers” was the nickname for rail workers who laid and maintained track in rhythmic, coordinated crews, using tools made by the Gandy Manufacturing Company. Their synchronized movements looked like dancing—hence the name. 

Today, that corridor has been transformed into a multi-use path for cyclists, hikers, snowmobilers, and, on designated sections in Minnesota, motorized off-road travel.

On the Minnesota section of the Gander Dance / Gandy Dancer Trail you can expect:

• Mixed hardwood and conifer forest canopy with seasonal wildflowers and ferns along the edges 
• Views into wetlands, creeks, and low bogs, including access toward Black Lake Bog State Natural Area from the corridor 
• A mostly straight, gentle grade typical of a rail bed—easy on vehicles and passengers

The surface is generally dirt or gravel, with conditions that shift by season:

• Dry weather: hard-packed, sometimes dusty; occasional washboard sections 
• Wet periods: puddles, soft shoulders, and muddy spots in low areas
• Winter: shared use with snowmobiles where open; check seasonal rules

Overall, this is an easy-going forest road experience, ideal for trail riders, overlanders, and soft-roaders looking to get into the woods without tackling extreme obstacles.

Based on recent reports and mapping data, the Gander Dance / Gandy Dancer is generally rated easy for high-clearance 4x4s. 

Recommended vehicle setup:

• High-clearance 4×4 or AWD with good all-terrain tires
• Full-size rigs are typically fine due to the wide, straight corridor
• Recovery points front and rear for safety
• Basic recovery kit (strap, shackles, shovel), especially in wet seasons

This is not a rock-crawling destination—think forest cruising and light exploration, not technical lines and body damage.

• The trail spans a large region with many road and forest access points; consult:
• Minnesota DNR OHV resources and A-Z trail listing for the latest maps and regulations 
• GPS-based mapping tools that specifically list “Gandy Dancer Trail” for current conditions, recent rider reports, and waypoints 

What to Bring

• Paper or offline maps in addition to your GPS
• Extra fuel and water – services can be spaced out in the forest sections
• Basic first aid kit
• Weather-appropriate clothing (conditions can change quickly in the Northwoods)

As MN4WDA members and guests, we want to be the reason trails like this stay open and get better:

• Tread Lightly: Avoid wheelspin, don’t widen puddles, and go through—never around—mud holes when it’s clearly within the designated corridor.
• Share the trail: Yield to non-motorized users and be especially courteous around cyclists and hikers on shared segments.
• Pack it in, pack it out: Leave the corridor cleaner than you found it.
• Report downed trees, washouts, or signage issues to land managers when possible.

MN4WDA connects four-wheel-drive enthusiasts with legal, responsible places to wheel across Minnesota, including routes like the Gander Dance / Gandy Dancer corridor. 

Through our community, you can:

• Find group rides that explore this and other Northwoods routes
• Learn about current regulations, access changes, and best practices
• Get involved in trail stewardship projects that support land managers and local communities

Whether you’re:

• A new trail rider looking for an approachable first forest road,
• An overlander linking multiple regions into a longer route, or
• A family seeking a mellow day exploring the woods,

…the Gander Dance / Gandy Dancer State Trail offers a relaxed, scenic way to get your 4×4 off the pavement and into Minnesota’s wild side.

Connect with MN4WDA to find upcoming rides, learn more about this trail, and help keep access open for the next generation of wheelers.