Dakota: River Landscapes, Parks and History

Vermillion Falls show how closely nature and history can be connected in Dakota: visitors can see the 35-foot waterfall in Vermillion Falls Park. In the 19th century, the falls powered a grist mill. Historic buildings at other sites also tell the story of the region’s development, while river valleys, lakes and trails offer a variety of reasons to visit.

River Landscapes and Park Trails

Lebanon Hills Regional Park is the largest park in the Dakota County park system. Lake Byllesby Regional Park is on the Lake Byllesby Reservoir in the scenic Cannon River Valley; the reservoir is the largest lake in southern Dakota County. At Miesville Ravine Park Reserve, a large nature preserve and miles of trails meet the landscape of the Cannon River Valley. Those looking for views of the Mississippi can find river overlooks at Spring Lake Park Reserve.

Several trails offer different ways to experience the river landscape. The Mississippi River Greenway stretches 28 miles along the Mississippi from St. Paul to Hastings, offering scenic river views. It is intended for non-motorized uses such as walking, biking and inline skating, and connects with local parks, trails and other destinations in the communities. The Big Rivers Regional Trail runs along the northern edge of Dakota County from Eagan to Lilydale. Its paved trail offers views of the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. At the trailhead, access leads to a nearly level, paved path on a former railroad corridor.

Shorter greenways with specified lengths can also be distinguished by their destinations: The Vermillion River Greenway is 2.1 miles long, runs along the south side of the Vermillion River in Hastings and connects visitors to Vermillion Falls Park. Its trailheads are in C.P. Adams Park and Vermillion Falls Park. The 2.37-mile Lake Marion Greenway connects Sunset Pond Park with Kelleher Park in Burnsville. The Minnesota River Greenway also runs through Burnsville, along the south side of the Minnesota River. Thompson County Park has wooded trails that connect to the River to River Greenway; the park also offers a large picnic area overlooking Thompson Lake.

Activities Throughout the Seasons

Dakota County’s park and greenway system includes more than 50 miles of summer and winter hiking trails. Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers opportunities for active sports and quiet recreation year-round. During the summer season, visitors can swim and relax at Lake Byllesby Beach. The park entrance is via Harry Avenue; check project notices before you go.

At Spring Lake Park Reserve, visitors can watch the bison herd in Bison Prairie. The Archery Trail has two loops, each with 14 stations. At Whitetail Woods Regional Park, Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area is a naturalistic outdoor play space for children. Classic cross-country ski equipment can be rented at Lebanon Hills Visitor Center during the winter season. Seasonal offerings vary by location and time of year, so plan according to which of these activities matter most for your trip.

Historic Sites and Their Stories

Sibley Historic Site includes four of Minnesota’s oldest buildings, among them the homes of Henry Hastings Sibley and Jean-Baptiste Faribault. The buildings document the American Fur Company’s control of the region’s Dakota fur trade between 1825 and 1853. The site offers seasonal tours; check the dates if you’re planning a visit.

Another example of architecture is LeDuc Estate in Hastings, built in the mid-1860s. It is considered an example of Andrew Jackson Downing’s design work. Together with the history of Sibley Historic Site, it offers a different perspective on the region than its trails and river landscapes. Mississippi National River and Recreation Area encompasses a 72-mile section of the Mississippi corridor through the Twin Cities metropolitan area; the corridor extends across several counties, including Dakota County.

When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what your trip will focus on: will it revolve mainly around river trails, parks and seasonal activities, or around historic sites and architecture? Use the destinations that interest you most as a guide when searching for a hotel that suits your stay in Dakota.

Discover more destinations: Rosemount, Burnsville, Eagan, Hastings, Lakeville, Apple Valley, Inver Grove Heights, Explore Pennington County separately

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