Dakota County is constructing a new, 3.6-mile segment of the Minnesota River Greenway within Fort Snelling State Park in Eagan. This project will connect the Cedar-Nicols Trailhead and the Lone Oak Trailhead. It will provide a continuous greenway from Interstate 35W in Burnsville to Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul.
The finished greenway segment will consist of a 9.5-foot paved trail with several boardwalks crossing streams and wetlands. A 1/3-mile bridge will provide a crossing over railroad tracks near the Lone Oak Trailhead. Greenway amenities will include:
- Rest areas and seating
- Wayfinding signage
- Other features consistent with Dakota County Greenway standards
Project timeline
January–May 2025: Tree clearing and boardwalk construction
February–November 2025: Trail construction
April–November 2026: Bridge construction
Construction updates
Construction of the trail and boardwalks resumed in winter 2024. Bridge construction will begin in spring 2025. Please check the
Fort Snelling State Park website for any park closures related to construction activity.
The Big Rivers Regional Trail will be closed at times in February and March 2025 for tree-clearing activities between the Lone Oak Trailhead and Highview Avenue. Please check the trail conditions page for up-to-date information.
Questions?
Joe Morneau, Project Manager
Dakota County
joe.morneau@co.dakota.mn.us
952-891-7986
Paul Kyle, Construction Manager
WSB, Inc.
pkyle@wsbeng.com
612-360-1310
Tony Wotzka, Greenways Administrator
Dakota County Parks
tony.wotzka@co.dakota.mn.us
952-891-7966