Scott: Nature, Trails and History

In northeastern Scott County, Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve showcases a glacier-shaped landscape of ridges, rolling terrain and extensive forests. The northeastern part of the park has challenging, groomed trails for advanced skiing and skating; conditions can change seasonally. The Minnesota River forms the county's northern boundary. The broader Minnesota River Valley includes floodplain marshes, wet meadows, swamps and lakes sustained by the river and spring-fed streams.

Nature Trails and Varied Landscapes

The Minnesota Valley State Trail is a multi-use trail for hiking, biking, horseback riding, mountain biking and snowmobiling. Seasonal conditions or closures can affect access. In the Wilke Unit, the trail passes through a restored oak savanna with native wildflowers, bur oaks, woodpeckers and prairie skinks. The northern Mazomani Trail offers a different view: from a lookout above Louisville Swamp, you can watch circling hawks and yellow warblers. Its trailhead is at 3801 W 145th St in Shakopee. The southern section passes through the woods by the historic Ehmiller home site and leads to the historic Jabs Farm site.

For dedicated hiking, Doyle-Kennefick Regional Park near Prior Lake has 3.4 miles of trails reserved exclusively for hikers. They wind through restored prairie, wetlands and oak woods, as well as along high-quality waterlily marshes. The trails have gravel or natural surfaces; leashed dogs are welcome. The habitats are home to turtles, beavers and various bird species, although sightings are not guaranteed. By comparison, a 3.5-mile paved trail loops around Cleary Lake in Cleary Lake Regional Park. It connects to the Big Woods Regional Trail, which links Cleary Lake and Spring Lake Regional Parks.

The other park trails also vary in length and character. Spring Lake Regional Park covers 374 acres of diverse natural habitats. Its three-mile paved trail runs north to south through woods and future savanna prairie, connecting the park to County Road 12. The park has an accessible canoe and kayak launch. Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park has a one-mile paved trail suitable for biking. Nearby, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers more than 45 miles of trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; trailheads are just minutes from Shakopee and Jordan.

Winter, Water and Events

For cross-country skiing, Cleary Lake Regional Park has six miles of trails through rolling hills and deciduous forests, designed for all skill levels. By contrast, the challenging groomed trails at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve are intended for advanced skiers and skaters. This comparison can help you choose between a route for different skill levels and an advanced-level challenge.

By the water, SandVenture Aquatic Park combines a sandy beach with a chlorinated, sand-bottom pool. It also has a 300-foot water slide. Cleary Lake Park has several campsites for outdoor visitors; check availability for your preferred dates before booking. Canterbury Park in Shakopee hosts live horse racing. The Racebook also shows simulcast races from racetracks around the world. If you are traveling for a race, check the event schedule in advance.

Culture and History

Hoċokata Ṫi houses the public exhibit “Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake” on Mdewakanton Dakota history. It covers 3,805 square feet; exhibit content may be updated. A free shuttle is offered from Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Little Six Casino and Dakotah Meadows RV Park. Check departure details with your chosen pickup location.

The Heritage Room at Savage Public Library displays a sulky, a Dan Patch wagon and items from International Stock Food Farm. Scott County History Museum and Research Center features changing exhibits on county history; its research library supports family history research. Museum tours are available on request. The Stans Museum is on the grounds of the Scott County Historical Society; the politician Maurice Stans's childhood home is also located there.

The region's history also includes Scott County's former ox-cart routes, which today correspond to sections of Highways 13, 169 and 101. When choosing a hotel in Scott, you can start by considering which destinations you want to shape your stay: nature trails, winter sports, exhibits or events.

Discover more destinations: Shakopee, New Prague, Belle Plaine, Savage, Prior Lake, Aitkin County, Kandiyohi County, Blue Earth County.

For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.