Dakota Rail Regional Trail

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SNOWMOBILING IS NOT PERMITTED ON THE DAKOTA RAIL REGIONAL TRAIL

The Dakota Rail Regional is open from Hidden Xing Road in Mayer east to the Hennepin County line.  In Hennepin County the trail continues another 13 miles, through St. Bonifacius, along Lake Minnetonka and ends in Wayzata, this portion of trail is operated by Three Rivers Park District.

Trail Development Updates

Parking-

When using the Dakota Rail Regional Trail please remember to park at an identified trail head facility.  Trailhead parking is located in Mayer and St. Bonifacius. 

Trail information -

The Dakota Rail Regional Trail is a 44 mile former railroad corridor in the counties of Hennepin, Carver, and McLeod. A portion of the trail in Hennepin County at the City of Wayzata to the City of St. Bonifacius was constructed in 2009.

In Carver County, the Dakota Rail Regional Trail is 12 miles in length extending from the east Carver/Hennepin county line near Lake Waconia to the Carver/McLeod county line near the City of New Germany.

Phase 1 construction of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail in Carver County took place in 2010, constructing 7 miles of paved trail from the Hennepin County Line east to hidden Xing Rd in Mayer. 

In 2012 the next 5.5 miles of trail is planned to be constructed from Hidden Xing Road in Mayer, west to the Carver/McLeod County line, just west of New Germany. 

Approved uses for the trail include walking/hiking, biking, jogging, Dog walking (on 6' leash) and inline skating.  

Resident Letter of Support

    Above is a photo of someone out on an early trip down the trail. 

Dakota Rail Regional Trail Master Plan (22 MB)

For additional information or if you have questions please contact the Carver County Parks Department at 952-466-5250.