Coney Island of the West, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is open to visitors!

Facilities on this 34-acre island include picnic grounds constructed on the west end, also known as Amblard’s Point.  The area is named after a French wine salesman of the Waconia area who constructed several seasonal villas on the island around 1911. This area of the island has an aggregate trail that facilitates access to a number of picnic tables, grills, a dock to facilitate access, and a seasonal biffy. The picnic grounds feature many mature trees which provide ample shade for a comfortable picnic experience. Visitors will notice there are a number of cement block foundations and a fieldstone seawall at the shoreline that are a part of the historic ruins which remain on the island.

Visitors can take a 1/2 mile hike on an aggregate trail to the east end of the island to Ziglin’s group and day use area. The Ziglin’s operated a resort on the island from 1889 to the late 1930’s. The trail features elevated views of the lake and picnic grounds, is heavily wooded, and passes by other historic ruins on the island.

The east side the island has a spacious green space which represents the lawn area where the U of M Football Team held spring training and team building from 1903 to 1905.  The area can be used for picnicking and games and is adjacent to a sandy beach area for watercraft landing.

• Access to the island is via personal watercraft.
• Camping is not permitted on the island.
• To learn more about Historic Coney Island, click here to view a presentation by a consulting archaeologist at the State Historic Preservation Conference.

Additional Supporting Documents:

• Coney Island Master Plan Concept Designs (pdf)
• Charitable Pledge and Donation - Norm & Ann Hoffman Foundation (pdf)

If you have questions or feedback regarding this project you may contact Carver County Parks at (952) 466-5250