Carver County, MN
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Regional Trails
Dakota Rail Regional Trail Map
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail in Carver County is a 12.4 mile Destination Regional Trail that crosses the northern portion of the county in a former railroad corridor. It passes just to the north of scenic Lake Waconia and Coney Island of the West. The trail master plan identifies the trail corridor as extending from the McLeod/Carver County line at the west to the Carver/Hennepin County line at the east. However, there are additional connected segments in McLeod County in the City of Lester Prairie at the western terminus and in Hennepin County in the City of Wayzata at its eastern terminus. In total, the trail is approximately 29 miles in length.
- Approved Uses
- This trail is designated as a multi-use corridor. Approved uses for the trail include walking/hiking, biking, running, dog walking (on 6' leash), inline skating, and roller skiing. Please share the trail with all users respectfully.
- Trail Access & Parking
- The trail can be accessed from intersecting public streets
- City of New Germany - County Rd 30 and County Rd 33 (east side) - Carver County
- City of Mayer - Hwy 25 and County Rd 30 (west side) - Carver County
- City of St. Bonifacius - Kennedy Memorial Dr. and Bell St - Hennepin County
- Points of Interest
- Crane Creek
- Crow River
- Goose Lake
- Lake Waconia
- City of New Germany
- City of Mayer
- Connections
- Lester Prairie
- City of Waconia via County Roads 10 and 155 & 92
- Lake Waconia Regional Park via County Roads 155 and 92
- Lake Minnetonka
- City of St. Bonifacius
- City of Wayzata
- Features
- Scenic views of Lake Waconia, Coney Island of the West, and rural countryside
- Abundant shaded areas
- Winter Trail Conditions
- The Carver County Parks Department does not maintain the trail corridor during the winter months of December - March.
- Additional Information
- Cross traffic DOES NOT STOP at trail/roadway intersections
- Trail users must obey all signage by stopping at each trail/road intersection
- Trail bollards have been installed at four locations along the corridor to enhance user awareness of these intersections
- Motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, are NOT allowed on the trail
Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail Map
The Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail in Carver County is an approximately 8.5 mile Destination Regional Trail. Much of the trail is located within a former railroad corridor and is parallel to the Minnesota River along the southern border of the county. The trail master plan identifies the trail extending from the western limits in the City of Carver extending through the City of Chaska to the county line at the Chanhassen/ Eden Prairie border. However, the trail extends further into Hennepin County and reaching the City of Hopkins. In total, the MN River Buffs RT is approximately 18 miles long from the City of Carver to the City of Hopkins.
- Approved Uses
- This trail is designated as a multi-use corridor. Approved uses for the trail include walking/hiking, biking, running, dog walking (on 6' leash), inline skating, and roller skiing. Please share the trail with all users respectfully.
- Trail Access & Parking
- Depot Park (downtown) - City of Carver
- Athletic Park & Ball Field (west side of town) - Chaska
- Chaska Levy Trailhead adjacent to Old Audubon Street & Engler Blvd (east side of town) - Chaska
- Points of Interest
- Historic Downtown Carver
- Historic Downtown Chaska
- Seminary Fen Scientific and Natural Area (Chanhassen)
- Riverside Park (Carver)
- Depot Park (Carver)
- Athletic Park (Chaska)
- Connections
- Features
- Scenic views of the MN River and River Valley
- Abundant shaded areas
- Winter Trail Conditions
- The Cities of Carver, Chaska, and Chanhassen provide snow plowing on their respective trail segments December to March
- Additional Information
- Motorized vehicles, including snow mobiles, are NOT permitted on the trail
The Southwest Regional Trail (SWRT) Connection is a developing 13 mile trail corridor between the cities of Chaska and Victoria. The trail, when completed, will connect the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail (Southwest Light Rail Transit Corridor) to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail (Northwest Light Rail Transit Corridor) creating a looping trail network between the three trails. Implementation of this regional trail will occur over time as new development occurs, and with the construction of new roads or as reconstruction of roadways takes place. Currently there are approximately 7 miles of trail that wind through developed portions of the City of Chaska and Victoria. Additional information about this trail can be found in the Southwest Regional Trail Connection Master Plan document.
General Trail Information:
- Winter Trail Conditions: Carver County Parks Department does not maintain the trail corridor during the winter months (December - March).
- This trail is designated as a multi-use corridor. Approved uses for the trail include walking/hiking, biking, running, dog walking (on 6' leash) inline skating, and roller skiing. Please share the trail with all users respectfully.
- Cross traffic DOES NOT STOP at trail/roadway intersections. Trail users must obey all signage, stopping at each trail/road intersection. Trail patrol officers will cite offenders.
- Motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, are not permitted on trail.
Trail Access & Parking:
- The best access to the trail is via the trailhead in Victoria. Adjacent to the City Hall, Victoria Library, and Charlson Thun Community Bandstand. City parking can be found in this area.
- The Southwest Regional Trail connection in Victoria connects to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail.
Master Plan: Southwest Regional Trail Connection Master Plan
The Trunk Hwy 5 Regional Trail in Carver County is an east-west linking trail operated cooperatively with the City of Chanhassen, U of M Landscape Arboretum, City of Victoria, and Carver County. The trail master plan identifies the trail corridor as extending from the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail in Victoria and extending to the eastern County line at the Chanhassen and Eden Prairie boundary at Dell Road, which is approximately 10 miles. The trail is paved and detached from the roadway paralleling a section of Rolling Acres Road, Hwy 5, includes portions of the U of M landscape Arboretum, and W 78th Street (Frontage Road).
- Approved Uses
- This trail is designated as a multi-use corridor. Approved uses for the trail include walking/hiking, biking, running, dog walking (on 6' leash), inline skating, and roller skiing. Please share the trail with all users respectfully.
- Trail Access & Parking
- The trail can be accessed from intersecting public streets
- Parking is available at Lake Ann Park off Hwy 5 in Chanhassen
- Points of Interest
- U of M Landscape Arboretum
- Lifetime Corporate Headquarters and Fitness Center
- Bluff Creek Elementary School & Chanhassen Recreation Center
- Lake Ann Park
- Downtown Chanhassen
- Connections
- Carver Park Reserve
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail
- U of M Landscape Arboretum
- Lake Minnewashta Regional Park (via local trails along Hwy 41)
- Chanhassen local trail network
- Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail (Eden Prairie)
- Features
- Large wooden bridge across wetland at U of M Landscape Arboretum
- Underpass (tunnel) at TH 41
- Underpass (tunnel) at Bluff Creek Elementary from 78th Street
- Winter Trail Conditions
-
The City of Chanhassen and the U of M Landscape Arboretum provide snow plowing on their respective trail segments December to March
-
- Additional Information
- Motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, are NOT allowed on the trail