Three Rivers Park District

Three Rivers Park District is a special park district serving the suburban areas of the Twin Cities, including Hennepin, Carver, Dakota, Scott, and Ramsey counties. Established in 1957, the district's mission is "To promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources-based park system."

The district encompasses over 27,000 acres of parks and trails, offering a diverse range of recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore 20 parks and 10 regional trails, with plans for additional trails underway.

Each year, nearly seven million people enjoy the district's facilities.

Parks and Facilities

Three Rivers Park District operates a variety of parks, each offering unique amenities:

• Baker Park Reserve: Located in Medina, this 3,313-acre park features the Baker Outdoor Learning Center, a nine-hole golf course, and 8 miles of paved biking and hiking trails.
• Carver Park Reserve: Near Victoria, this 3,719-acre park includes the Lowry Nature Center, 9 miles of paved biking and hiking trails, and 22 miles of unpaved hiking trails.
• Elm Creek Park Reserve: The largest park reserve at 5,315 acres, offering 19 miles of paved biking and hiking trails, 21 miles of horse trails, and a 13-mile mountain bike trail.
• Hyland Lake Park Reserve: Located in Bloomington, this 1,000-acre park features the Hyland Hills Ski Area, a creative play area, and 9 miles of paved biking and hiking trails.
• Mississippi Gateway Regional Park: Formerly Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, it offers a pedestrian and bicycle walkway across the dam, connecting to the Elm Creek Regional Trail.

Trails

The district maintains an extensive network of regional trails:

• Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail: Extends from downtown Minneapolis to Hopkins, connecting to the Luce Line Regional Trail and North Cedar Lake Regional Trail.
• Dakota Rail Regional Trail: A 13.5-mile trail following the former Dakota Rail Corridor along the north side of Lake Minnetonka, running from Wayzata to St. Bonifacius.
• Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail: Running from Hopkins to Chanhassen, this limestone trail is part of the Southwest LRT Trail.

Programs and Events

Three Rivers Park District offers a variety of programs and events for all ages, including outdoor recreation and education that promotes environmental stewardship.

They also host signature events celebrating the changing seasons in Minnesota, welcoming everyone to experience the parks, trails, and facilities.

Volunteer Opportunities

The district encourages community involvement through volunteer programs. Resources and training materials are available for current or new volunteers, including a volunteer handbook and required trainings.

Recent Developments

In March 2025, Three Rivers Park District began managing regional park facilities in Bloomington, including Bush Lake Park, Normandale Lake Park, and sections of the Nine Mile Creek and Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trails.

This partnership aims to increase efficiency and reduce costs to the public.

Locations

• Minneapolis, MN, USA
• Saint Paul, MN, USA