Carver: Regional Trails, Parks and Starry Skies

In Carver County, paved regional trails meet former railway corridors, river landscapes and lakeside parks. The options range from shorter routes for different activities to trails that are considerably longer and pass through varied landscapes. There are also opportunities for nature watching and seasonal programs. When looking for hotels in Carver, you can start planning your trip around the excursions that interest you most: cycling or hiking, a day in the park, or an evening spent gazing at the starry sky.

Regional Trails of Different Lengths and Landscapes

The County Road 11 Regional Trail is about 2 miles long, paved, and runs between County Road 10 and County Road 61. It is intended for walking and hiking, cycling, running, dog walking, inline skating and roller skiing. For a longer route, the 12.4-mile Dakota Rail Regional Trail runs along a former railway corridor through the northern part of Carver County. The Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail covers about 15 miles between Carver Park Reserve and Hopkins. At about 8.5 miles, the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail is shorter; it runs along the county’s southern border, parallel to the Minnesota River. These different trail lengths and routes give you specific points of reference when choosing excursions based on landscape and distance.

Connections between individual park areas are also part of the trail network: the Highway 5 Regional Trail connects to Carver Park Reserve and, via local trails along Highway 41, to Lake Minnewashta Regional Park. In Carver Park Reserve, paved loop trails wind through the Big Woods and along numerous marshes; one connection is in the central park area. This gives you the option of choosing between a trail within a single park and a regional trail with designated connections.

Lakeside Parks and Seasonal Experiences

The 201-acre Baylor Regional Park lies on Eagle Lake in western Carver County. In spring, the Maple Trail hosts programs and demonstrations on collecting maple sap and making maple syrup. The park is also home to the Eagle Lake Observatory, which offers astronomy classes, public observing events and opportunities to explore the night sky. Public star parties add telescope viewing and astronomy learning activities. Since event dates can change, check the schedule for your planned visit dates.

At Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, about 5 miles of trails pass through wooded areas, prairie habitats and lakeshore landscapes. There is also an 18-acre fenced off-leash area for dogs and their owners, with separate sections for large and small dogs and about 1 mile of trails. Lake Waconia Regional Park covers 164 acres and lies on the southern shore of Lake Waconia. In winter, the sledding hill is usually open from December through March, weather and conditions permitting. The parks therefore differ not only in their landscapes, but also in their seasonal programs and special outdoor offerings.

Nature and Garden Culture at the Arboretum

Carver County is also home to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The Prairie features a 0.5-mile trail along the original Big Woods and a 22-acre prairie. On Guided Garden Tours, you can take a 30-minute stroll through formal gardens; the tours include four to six stops along a fully accessible route. The arboretum also offers live-narrated tram rides on the Three-Mile Drive through collections, display gardens and the Farm at the Arb. Tram tours may be seasonal, and the schedule may change. Check current dates before planning your visit. These offerings let you combine a nature outing with botanical collections, guided garden walks or a tram ride.

Discover more destinations: Chanhassen, Chaska, Waconia, New Germany, Steele County, Houston County, Stearns County, Rice County

For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.