Dakota County adopted a Parks System Plan that established a vision of a 200-mile greenway system. This system would connect residents to parks by improving connectivity, providing year round recreation, serving a diverse community, and protecting and enhancing natural resources and open space.
The Minnesota River Greenway extends for 17 miles across five cities and is divided into four segments. The four segments are:
Segment 1 – Lilydale Regional Park to I-494 (5 miles)
Segment 2 – I-494 to Cedar Avenue/ Trunk Highway (TH) 77 (4 miles)
Segment 3 – Cedar Avenue/ TH 77 to Interstate I-35W (3.5 miles)
Segment 4 – I-35W to Scott County (4 miles)
To learn more, go to the
Minnesota River Greenway page.
Public comment - Environmental Assessment Worksheet
Dakota County is planning to build a 3.7-mile section of the Minnesota River Greenway in Fort Snelling State Park, and the public can review environmental impacts of the project.
The county will partner with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on the new greenway section from the trailhead near Cedar Avenue in Burnsville to the trailhead at Lone Oak Road in Eagan. The proposed trail is primarily located in Eagan within an unimproved area of Fort Snelling, south of the Minnesota River.
An Environmental Assessment Worksheet, which describes the project and its impacts, was issued for public review and comment. Through review of the assessment, including public and agency comments, Dakota County issued a negative declaration, finding that the project will not result in significant environmental impacts and an environmental impact statement is not required.
Minnesota River Greenway Environmental Assessment Worksheet
Environmental Assessment Worksheet – Findings of Fact and Conclusion
Work on Segment 2
Dakota County completed a feasibility study on Segment 2. The study determined an alignment for the greenway and estimated construction costs.
The county applied for and was awarded federal funding for the construction of the first phase of Minnesota River Greenway – Segment 2. The first phase begins at its connection with Big Rivers Regional Trail (BRRT) at Interstate 494 and Highway 13 to the extension of County Road 26 (Lone Oak Road) in Eagan.
The county has contracted with LHB, Inc. for design services for the first phase of Minnesota River Greenway – Segment 2. The proposed project will include the following:
- Construction of 1.2 miles of 10-foot-wide paved multi-use trail along the west side of Highway 13
- Construction of a ‘neighborhood gateway’ along the west side of Highway 13 at County Road 26 which includes a parking lot, access to the first phase of Minnesota River Greenway – Segment 2 and seasonal restroom facilities
- Provides for future connection to the next phase of Minnesota River Greenway – Segment 2 from County Road 26 to Cedar Avenue/Highway 77
For assistance or more information
You can also contact the county's project manager if you have questions:
Joe Morneau, Project Manager
952-891-7986
joe.morneau@co.dakota.mn.us