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, and snowmobiling. 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.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Trail ConditionsThe Minnesota Valley State Trail is OPEN. The trails in the Lawrence Unit are open.Conditions are wet and/or snow covered. Horses are not allowed on the State Trail yet. Conditions could change rapidly with the river forcasted to rise above the action stage on Sunday May 5, which could mean portions of the trail will be underwater. All Campgrounds are closed.The Equestrian Campground will be open, weather permitting, in mid-May. The Quarry Campground and the Pioneer Group Camp will not be opening in 2013. The Passport Stamp is located in the Trail Center Picnic Shelter. |
Park NotesVirtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the recreation area! U.S.-Dakota War of 1862:2012 marked 150 years since the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area was an important location during this time. Find out how to learn more. 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
The SRA is open from 8:00 AM to !0:00 PM 365 days a year.
Contact
19825 Park Boulevard
Jordan, MN 55352
tel: 651-259-5774
email: minnesotavalley.sra@state.mn.us
Getting There
Lawrence Unit: Equestrian campground, 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.