Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
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Just minutes from the Twin Cities, this state recreation area preserves part of the Minnesota River Valley. The multi-use Minnesota Valley Trail parallels the Minnesota River. The section of trail from Shakopee to Chaska is paved and a natural surface trail runs from Chaska to Belle Plaine. The area is ideal for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling and camping in one of the many rustic campsites. The landscapes are just as diverse as the trail system and include wetlands, floodplain forest and blufftop oak savanna. Wildlife observation and birdwatching are popular activities year-round.
Minnesota River Valley Area study results.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Trail Conditions and Open CampgroundsThe Minnesota Valley State Trail is OPEN from Shakopee to Chaska. The rest of the Minnesota Valley State Trail is closed due to wet conditions. The hiking trails in the Lawrence Unit are open. The Quarry Campground and Equestrian Campground are both open, first-come first-served. No reservations are needed or being taken for these campgrounds. The Pioneer Group Camp is also open - call the park to reserve the group camp, or to get the most current campground and trail conditions. The Passport Stamp is located in the Trail Center Picnic Shelter. |
Park Notes
In the News:Looking to Bridge a Trail Gap: The Minnesota Valley State Trail (StarTribune.com) Gift Cards:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Firewood Restrictions Information:Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists. Birders:Bird Checklist |
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Hours
For seasonal information, call 952-492-6400. This is a recorded message.
Contact
19825 Park Boulevard
Jordan, MN 55352
tel: 952-492-6400
email: minnesotavalley.sra@state.mn.us
Getting There
Lawrence Unit: Campgrounds, State Trail Access, Picnic Shelter/Warming House, Strait House, hiking and Cross Country Ski Trails. Take HWY 169 to Jordan, at the traffic light turn North onto County Road 9, turn left onto Township Road 57.
Thompson Ferry Boat Launch and State Trail Access: Take HWY 169 to Jordan, turn North onto County Road 9. Thompson Ferry Boat Launch and parking area is on the East side of the road just before the bridge. Parking for horse trailers and other vehicles is on the west side of the road just before the bridge.
Louisville Swamp USFWS parking area and State Trail Access: The main Louisville Swamp trail head is located about 4.5 miles south of Shakopee. Exit Highway 169 onto 145th Street West. Follow the road past the main entrance to the Renaissance Festival and over the next set of railroad tracks. The Louisville parking lot is located on the left.
Gifford Lake and State Trail Access: Take HWY 169 to HWY 41, turn North toward Chaska. Gifford Lake access is on the West side of HWY 41.
Paved Bike Trail Access and Parking Areas: Trail Site #2: Take HWY 169 to HWY 41, turn North toward Chaska. Trail Site #2 access is on the West side of HWY 41.
Memorial Park: Located in Shakopee at 1801 East CR 101.
Huber Park: Located in Shakopee at 1st Avenue and Fillmore.