From the cities get on Hwy 169 heading south. Follow it south across the Minnesota River and on through Shakopee. About 6 or 7 miles south of Shakopee on 169, you will see a brown road sign letting you know it's time to exit to the west. The road is 145th St. Cross the railroad tracks, go past the Renaissance entrance and look for the parking lot on the left. It's only a quarter mile from 169, and Maybe 30 miles from downtown Minneapolis.

The trailhead is at the south end of the parking lot next to the informational signs. The signage at the trailhead is a little deceptive. It makes it look like only hikers and XC skiiers are allowed to use the trail. However, once you get in about 30 yards, you see trail signs that have a bike icon on them. Throughout the area trail signage is pretty good, and they frequently have area maps by the side of the trail.

The recreation area is called Louisville Swamp. The trail signs refer to the trail as the Mazomani Trail. I recommend sticking to this trail, riding it clockwise, and avoiding the Little Prarie Loop (as it is essentially unridden and horribly bumpy).

The trail starts out with a half mile two-way section of trail taking you to the Mazomani loop. At the sign that gives you a choice of the long loop (left) or the short loop (right), I would recommend the left loop. However, either way works.

As the trail rolls through the prarie, you'll notice that there are quite a lot of large rocks embedded in the ground. That aspect of the ride reminded me a lot of Lutsen. However, the similarity stops there. The trail is a mixture of XC ski trail with a dirt singletrack down the middle and real singletrack that is only wide enough for one rider.

The scenery is really quite pretty with lots of water, grasses, trees and rocks. I was not expecting anything more than wide XC ski trail, so I was quite impressed with the variety within the trail.

If it's your first time, I would follow the Mazomani signs around the loop. Next time I go back, I'm going to ride it a little different. After crossing the levee and climbing the hill, I will ignore the Mazomani Trail sign that tells you to turn back and to the right and stick to the dirt doubletrack. Following this straight, then following the State Trail trailhead sign you will work back to the parking lot in a loop that skips some of the least packed down field riding.

The Louisville Swamp has a variety of features, but none of them (other than the port-a-potty) are at the trailhead. If you head south from Jab's Farm after about a mile you will see a picnic shelter off to your right. There is also a drinking water pump located immediately east of the picnic shelter. I was a little skeptical that the thing would work, but it did. The water tasted pretty metallic, but would do if you were out and needing a drink.

Also located in recreation area is the State Trail. This is a multi-use trail that is in various states of repair. For the most part, it's wide doubletrack, but occasionally tapers down into an overgrown singletrack. This trail stretches from Shakopee down to Belle Plain. Along the trail are camping spots designated for canoeists on the Minnesota River. I don't see why cyclists would not be able to use them if they packed everything out.

Like I mentioned earlier, I wasn't expecting anything other than a bland ride through a field. I was treated to a 6 mile trail that had lots of variety and varying degrees of difficulty. The trail has a lot of oak trees growing around it, which makes for a fun canopy. The rocks embedded in the ground spice things up, and the water crossings are a blast. I would have to recommend that if you haven't ridden the swamp at least try it. It probably isn't for everyone. I don't see the big air/extreme riders enjoying it much, but it's easy enough that you can bring your friends that aren't really into riding and still enjoy it youself.