Hiking and Trail Running in Waconia MN

Lake Waconia is a 100-acre lake in the Carver regional park. While the park’s 169 acres are being developed, no hiking trails are currently available. In 2020, a 48-page digital Hiking and Trail Running Guide will be published, providing information about hikes and runs in the area. In the meantime, you can visit the Carver Park Reserve website to learn more about the parks and trails available. Click here for additional info.

Orchard Park

Located near Lake Waconia, Orchard Park is a great community to call home. There are many activities for the entire family to enjoy. A New Home Consultant is on site to guide you through the building process. The Leo home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a main-level living area. This is a new development in Waconia. Take the time to learn more about this community.

The Orchard Park community is 30 minutes southwest of the Twin Cities metro area. Enjoy access to nearby beaches and nature areas, or drive a few minutes to reach the lake. There are also fitness facilities in the Waconia City Safari Island Community Center, including a gym and lap pool. If you’re looking for a convenient grocery store, Orchard Park is just a few minutes away.

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve

Located in northeast Scott County, the Murphy-Hanrehan is a beautiful park with extensive, lush forest and glacial ridges. Trails here are challenging cross-country ski terrain and popular mountain biking trails. The area is largely untouched by development, making it an excellent place to spot woodland songbirds. It was designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society.

The nearby Quarry Park and Nature Preserve offers beautiful views of the city in the winter. Snowshoers should stay off the skiing trails, but are welcome to snowshoe on the multi-use paths. While there are no rentals at the Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, the nearly six miles of trails are well groomed and safe for snowshoers. During the winter, this park is a challenging place for cross-country skiers, but not for the average hiker. The trails are well groomed and offer beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Check this out!

Carver Park Reserve

If you are a winter sports fan, consider hiking through the 36 miles of groomed trails at Carver Park Reserve in Waconia. The park also features a 1,700-foot floating boardwalk, perfect for winter hiking. If you are looking for a place to practice your snowshoe skills, the park’s Lowry Nature Center offers rentals. There are also five miles of natural-surface trails in the area.

There is a resurfacing project underway at Carver Park Reserve, which will close some trails for the summer. Weekday trails will be closed from July 18 through September 7 for this work. Weekend trails will be open, but you will need to follow construction signs. The dates of the trail closures may change slightly depending on weather. If the resurfacing project is in progress when you visit, be sure to take an alternate route.

Lake Waconia Regional Park

If you’re planning to take a hike or bike ride through the lakes and trails in the Carver Park Reserve, plan to keep these dates in mind: July 18 through September 7. During this time, all hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails will be closed on weekdays. Weekends, however, will remain open to the public. To avoid the inconvenience of trail closures, check the park’s website for construction updates, and follow the signs and directional information posted at the site. The schedule below is subject to change due to weather delays, so check back frequently.

Carver County Parks manage several regional parks in Minnesota, including Lake Waconia. These parks are also part of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail, and Southwest Regional Park. Those who live near Lake Waconia are sure to enjoy its nature trails and swimming beaches. Other recreational options include picnics, hiking, and boating. If you’re not into the outdoors, there are also summer camps for kids aged seven to 15. Read the following article.

 

Driving directions from Wash Masters to Carver Park Reserve 

Driving directions from Carver Park Reserve to Minnetonka Beach