Running south from Highway 19, passing east of the Kahlow farm site and through the west side of the Ney homestead and down the steep hill to East Henderson, this historic road is believed to have been a part of the Red River Oxcart Trails system. It was probably first used as a walking path by the Native Americans who camped atop the hill each autumn. It continued to be used by traders and early explorers. The following passage from The Red River Trails – Oxcart Routes Between St. Paul and the Selkirk Settlement 1820-1870 may describe this road: “…One trail headed across the prairie toward the bluff where it plunged into the Big Woods. The other continued along the river bottom for a way, then ascended a steep, 200-foot hill known as “Grand Cote.” Though the grade was very difficult for a cart, the traveler was rewarded on the top of the hill by one of the grandest scenes in all Minnesota or the North West.”

In addition to being an oxcart trail it was on the stagecoach run and for many years following, it was used as a county road, then was later turned over to Tyrone township. Early automobiles needed a full tank of gas to climb the steep grade. The Ney family in later years maintained it in a condition passable for farm machinery. The northern part of the Oxcart Trail closest to Hwy. 19 is still in use today as Nature Center Lane. The southern part including the steep hill south of the Ney homestead is a walking path that leads to the East Henderson village site and the Minnesota River.