In 2024, Dakota County finished a 2.4-mile trail gap in the Mississippi River Greenway. It connected Pine Bend Bluffs to Spring Lake Park Reserve. The project was completed with help from federal grant dollars. Now, greenway visitors can travel from St. Paul to Hastings completely on shared-use trail.
Using the same grant as the trail gap and other state and federal grants, Dakota County is adding new greenway improvements to the now 28-mile trail. Communities that it travels through are South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount, Nininger Township and Hastings.
Project overview
The project components include:
- Tree planting
- Rest and seating areas
- Scenic Overlooks
- Interpretation
- Updated wayfinding
- Interpretive exhibits
- Electric vehicle and e-bike charging stations at trailheads
Tentative project timeline
- Summer 2025: Public engagement
- Spring-winter 2025: Feedback from city partners
- March 2026: Design completion
- Spring 2026-spring 2027: Construction
For assistance or more information
Stay up to date throughout the process by visiting this webpage. You can also contact the county's project manager if you have questions:
Michael Honer, Greenways Project Manager
Dakota County Parks
michael.honer@co.dakota.mn.us
952-891-7404