Photo courtesy of Friends of Casey Jones Trail Nearly 40 bicyclists, including a group from Sioux Falls, were on hand for the opening Sunday of the final paved segment of the Casey Jones Trail.

WOODSTOCK — The Friends of the Casey Jones Trail held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday to mark the official opening of the final paved segment in the 12-mile stretch of the Casey Jones Trail, extending from Woodstock to Pipestone.

The ceremony at the trail’s new paved section, was attended by nearly 40 enthusiastic cyclists, including several from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The event drew the attention from Pipestone County Commissioner Dallas Roskamp and State Rep. Joe Schomacker.

Roskamp highlighted the need for additional funding to support further development of the trail. Schomacker echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of legislative bonding to sustain progress.

“The Casey Jones Trail is more than a recreational asset; it’s a catalyst for regional connectivity and economic growth,” said Schomacker. “By linking our communities and attracting visitors, the trail fosters both family activities and economic benefits for our local businesses.”

The Friends of the Casey Jones Trail have been instrumental in advocating for the trail’s expansion and maintenance. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the trail is named after the famed railroad engineer Casey Jones, who sacrificed his life to mitigate a train crash in Mississippi. The trail was the state’s first abandoned railroad grade acquisition.

Currently, the Casey Jones State Trail comprises three distinct sections: a 12-mile paved stretch from Pipestone to Woodstock, a 1.5-mile natural surface segment leading into Lake Wilson, and a 6-mile paved loop connecting End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum in Currie to Lake Shetek State Park. The vision for the trail includes a continuous route stretching from Split Rock Creek State Park to Walnut Grove.